JP2019171153A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably circulating game balls in the game machine.SOLUTION: A game ball shooting mechanism 34 for shooting game balls B1 toward a game area is provided at a left side upper part of a front face of a support base body 31. A ball feeding device 86 for feeding the game balls B1 to the game ball shooting mechanism 34 is provided at the left side upper part of the support base body 31 on the rear side of the support base body 31. A game ball shooting mechanism 234 for lifting capable of shooting the game balls is provided at the left side lower part of the front face of the support base body 31 as a configuration for circulating the game balls shot from the game ball shooting mechanism 34 and flowing down the game area. A lifting passage 221 for guiding the game balls B1 shot from the game ball shooting mechanism 234 for lifting is formed from the central lower part of the support base body 31 to the left side upper part through a right side of a game board 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As a type of gaming machine, a gaming machine in which a game is played using a gaming medium is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-90850 A

  Here, in a gaming machine such as the above-described example, a configuration capable of specifying whether or not the game medium appropriately passes through a guide passage for guiding the game medium to a predetermined position is required. There is still room for improvement in this regard.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of specifying whether or not a game medium appropriately passes through a guide passage. It is.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a discharge means for discharging a game medium,
Supply means for supplying game media to the discharge means;
Transfer means for transferring game media to the supply means;
With
The transfer means includes
Derivation means for guiding the game medium downstream in the transfer direction by the transfer means;
A guide passage for guiding the game medium derived by the deriving means toward the supply means;
With
This game machine
First detection means capable of detecting a game medium passing through a predetermined detection range in the guide passage;
Second detection means capable of detecting a game medium passing through a detection range existing on the supply means side with respect to the predetermined detection range in the guide passage;
Means for making a predetermined notification based on the fact that the first detection means detects the game medium again without the second detection means detecting the game medium after the first detection means detects the game medium;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to specify whether or not the game medium is appropriately passing through the guide passage.

It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of the state where the front door was removed. It is a front view of a game board. (A), (b) It is sectional drawing of storage space. (A) It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of a ball feeding apparatus, (b) It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the ball feeding apparatus for lifting. (A), (b) It is a graph which shows the relationship between the amount of rotation operations of an operation handle, and the launch intensity of a game ball launching mechanism. (A) It is a top view of a dish formation part, (b) It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a dish formation part. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine in the state where the payout control device, the launch control device, the second power supply device and each relay board are removed. (A), (b) It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the allowable position and blocking position of a shutter mechanism. It is sectional drawing of a conveyance path. It is sectional drawing of the grinding | polishing belt which comprises a grinding | polishing apparatus. It is sectional drawing of a grinding | polishing apparatus. It is a rear view of a main body base. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success / failure lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the management process for ball | bowl supply performed with management side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the game ball management process performed in payout side MPU. (A)-(c) It is a front view of an operation unit. It is a flowchart which shows the management process of the game ball | bowl use performed by payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the return management process performed in payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the game ball | bowl launch process performed with a launch control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the game ball lifting process performed with a launch control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the grinding | polishing control process performed with a discharge control apparatus. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of the state where the front door was removed for showing the position of the upstream sensor and the downstream sensor in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game ball circulation process performed with a launch control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the lifting process performed with a launch control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the upstream state grasping | ascertainment process performed with a discharge control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the downstream state grasping | ascertainment process performed with a discharge control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the management process of the number of stored balls performed with a launch control apparatus. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of the state where the front door was removed for showing the shape of the feeding passage in a 3rd embodiment. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of the state where the front door and game ball launching mechanism in a 4th embodiment were removed.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11. When the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall, the outer frame 11 is fixed to the so-called island facility of the game hall with nails or the like.

  The gaming machine main body 12 includes a main body base 21 and a front door 22 disposed in front of the main body base 21. The main body base 21 of the gaming machine main body 12 is rotatably supported by the outer frame 11 with one of the left and right side portions serving as a support side. Further, the front door 22 is rotatably supported by the main body base 21 and can be rotated forward with the same side as the side on which the main body base 21 is supported with respect to the outer frame 11 as a support side. Has been.

  The gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device (not shown) at its rotating tip, and has a function of locking the gaming machine main body 12 to the outer frame 11 so that it cannot be opened. The door 22 is locked to the main body base 21 so that it cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation on the cylinder lock 23 provided exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 using an unlocking key.

  Specifically, the locking device and the cylinder lock 23 are provided on the main body base 21. The surface of the cylinder lock 23 in which the key hole is formed is exposed to the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 through the exposure recess 24 formed in the front door 22. The front door 22 is provided with a front hook hook portion (not shown) protruding rearward. When the front door 22 is closed, the front hook hook portion is received by the front hook receiving portion of the locking device. As a result, the front door 22 is locked to the main body base 21. Then, by inserting an unlocking key into the cylinder lock 23 and rotating it in a predetermined direction, the front side hook receiving portion is displaced in the unlocking direction, and the engagement state between the front side hook receiving portion and the front side hook receiving portion is released. Is done. Thereby, the locked state of the front door 22 with respect to the main body base 21 is cancelled | released.

  On the other hand, the locking device is provided with a rear hook hook portion (not shown) protruding rearward, and when the main body base 21 is closed, the rear hook hook portion is a rear hook receiving portion of the outer frame 11. The main body base 21 is locked to the outer frame 11 by being received by the part. Then, by inserting an unlocking key into the cylinder lock 23 and rotating it in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the rear hook hook portion is displaced in the unlocking direction, and the rear hook hook portion and the rear hook receiver The engagement state with the part is released. Thereby, the locked state of the main body base 21 with respect to the outer frame 11 is cancelled | released.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing the pachinko machine 10 with the front door 22 removed. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body base 21 includes a support base body 31 formed of a synthetic resin. The support base body 31 has a horizontal dimension that is substantially the same as the horizontal dimension of the outer frame 11, and the vertical dimension of the support base body 31 from the upper surface of the lower frame part 11 a to the upper frame part 11 b (FIG. 1). (See) The height to the upper edge is substantially the same. Therefore, in a state where the main body base 21 is closed to the outer frame 11, the back surface of the main body base 21 is forward on the upper frame portion 11 b (see FIG. 1) and the left and right side frame portions 11 c and 11 d (see FIG. 1). Will overlap.

  The support base body 31 is formed with an exposure hole 32 penetrating in the front-rear direction. A game board 33 is mounted on the support base body 31 from the back side so as to be exposed to the front surface side of the support base body 31 through the exposure hole 32. Here, the structure of the game board 33 is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the game board 33.

  The game board 33 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction. In each opening, as shown in FIG. 4, a general winning port 41, a variable winning device 42, an upper operating port (first starting ball entering portion) 43, a lower operating port (second starting ball entering portion) 44, and a through hole. A gate 45, a variable display unit 46, a special map display unit 47, a special map hold display unit 47a, a general map display unit 48, a general map hold display unit 48a, first to third prize ball notification units 56 to 58, etc. are provided. It has been. In addition, four general winning ports 41 are provided, and one other each is provided.

  The detection sensors 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 42a, 43a, 44a, one-to-one correspondence to each general winning port 41, variable winning device 42, upper operating port 43, lower operating port 44, and each through gate 45, 45a is provided. These detection sensors 41a to 45a are all disposed on the back side of the game board 33, and the detection results are output to a main controller 61 described later. As the detection sensors 41a to 45a, electromagnetic induction type proximity sensors that detect changes in the magnetic field are used, but any sensor can be used as long as it can individually detect the winning of the game ball B1, For example, an optical sensor may be used.

  When the occurrence of a ball entering the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, and the lower operating port 44 is detected, a predetermined number of game balls B1 are given to the player as winning balls. Specifically, with respect to the number of winning balls, three winning balls are generated when a ball enters the upper working port 43 and when a ball enters the lower working port 44. Ten winning balls are generated when the player enters the winning ball, and fifteen winning balls are generated when the player enters the variable winning device 42. However, the number of prize balls is arbitrary. For example, the number of prize balls in the lower operation port 43 is different from the number of prize balls in the lower operation port 44, for example, the number of prize balls in both the operation holes 43, 44 is different. May be. Further, the variable winning device 42 is not limited to a configuration in which the number of winning balls is larger than the number of other winning balls, and may be configured to be smaller than the number of winning balls in the general winning slot 41, for example.

  In addition, an out port 49a is provided at the bottom of the game board 33, and the game ball B1 that has not entered the various winning ports etc. is discharged from the game area through the out port 49a. The game board 33 is provided with a large number of nails 49b (some of which are not shown) for dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game ball B1 as appropriate, and various members such as a windmill are provided. ing.

  Here, the term “entering ball” means that the game ball B1 passes through a predetermined opening, and not only is a mode in which the game ball is discharged from the game area after passing through the opening, but also from the game area after passing through the opening. A mode in which the product is not discharged is also included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball B1 from entering the out port 49a, to the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, the lower operating port 44 or the through gate 45. Entering the game ball B1 is also expressed as winning.

  The variable winning device 42 includes a large winning opening 42b that leads to the back side of the game board 33, and an open / close door 42c that opens and closes the large winning opening 42b. The open / close door 42c is connected to a variable winning drive unit 42d provided integrally as the variable winning device 42, and is driven by the variable winning drive unit 42d to be arranged in either a closed state or an open state. Specifically, the game ball B1 is normally in a closed state in which a prize cannot be won, and the game ball B1 is switched to an open state in which a prize can be won when winning the transition to the opening / closing execution mode in the internal lottery. Yes. Further, the variable winning device 42 is provided with a big winning opening detection sensor 42a so that the detecting portion exists at a position where the game ball B1 won through the big winning opening 42b always passes. The game balls B1 that have won the variable winning device 42 are individually detected by the special winning opening detection sensor 42a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the upper operating port 43 and the lower operating port 44 are unitized as an operating port device and installed on the game board 33. Both the upper working port 43 and the lower working port 44 are opened upward. Further, both the operation ports 43 and 44 are arranged in the vertical direction so that the upper operation port 43 is on the upper side. The lower working port 44 is provided with a pair of left and right electric accessories 44b.

  The electric combination 44b is connected to an electric combination drive unit 44c mounted on the back side of the game board 33, and is driven by the electric combination drive unit 44c to be placed in either a closed state or an open state. . In the closed state of the electric accessory 44b, the game ball B1 cannot win the lower operation port 44, and when the electric accessory 44b is in the open state, it is possible to win the lower operation port 44.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a state where the winning of the game ball B1 to the lower operation port 44 is likely to occur, and a state where winning is less likely to occur than a state where winning is not impossible but the above winning is likely to occur. It is good also as a structure by which the electric accessory 44b is switched. Further, the electric accessory 44b may be omitted, and the switching between the state where the winning is likely to occur and the state where the winning is less likely to occur is performed by the displacement of the lower operation port 44 itself.

  The special figure display unit 47, the special figure hold display unit 47a, the universal figure display unit 48, the universal figure hold display unit 48a, and the first to third prize ball notification units 56 to 58 are aggregated in a predetermined range as a display unit. Is provided. The area where the display unit is installed is an area inside the game area, and is an area where the inflow of the game ball B1 is restricted so that the game ball B1 does not flow down from the front of the display unit. And on the front surface of the display unit, a special figure display unit 47, a special figure holding display unit 47a, a general drawing display unit 48, a general drawing holding display unit 48a, and first to third prize ball notification units 56 to 58 are provided. It has been. Thereby, although the various display units 47, 47a, 48, 48a and the first to third prize ball notification units 56 to 58 are provided in the game area, the game ball B1 is prevented from flowing down in front of the display area. The visibility from the front of the pachinko machine 10 is ensured.

  Part or all of the special figure display unit 47, the special figure hold display unit 47a, the universal figure display unit 48, the universal figure hold display unit 48a, and the first to third prize ball notification units 56 to 58 are provided as separate units. May be. For example, the various display units 47, 47a, 48, and 48a and the first to third prize ball notification units 56 to 58 may be provided as separate units, and the first prize ball notification unit 56 and the second prize ball notification unit. A part or all of 57 and the third prize ball notification unit 58 may be provided as separate units. In addition, at least a part of the various display units 47, 47a, 48, 48a and the first to third prize ball notification units 56 to 58 is an area inside the game area where the game ball B1 can flow forward. May be provided. Moreover, you may provide at least one part of various display parts 47, 47a, 48, 48a and the 1st-3rd prize ball alerting | reporting parts 56-58 in the area | region which exists outside with respect to a game area.

  In the special figure display unit 47, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44 as a trigger, and the winning of the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44 as a result of stopping the variation display. The result of the internal lottery performed based on the above is clearly displayed. That is, in the present pachinko machine 10, the winning to the upper working port 43 and the winning to the lower working port 44 are not distinguished in the internal lottery, and the winning is performed based on the winning to the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44. The result of the internal lottery is displayed in the special figure display section 47 which is a common display area. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper operating port 43 or the lower operating port 44 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, a special stop result is displayed on the special figure display unit 47. Is displayed and the variable display is stopped, and then the mode is changed to the opening / closing execution mode. In addition, since the special figure display unit 47 displays different results for each type of lottery result, the manager of the game hall can easily check the lottery result visually by checking the special figure display unit 47. be able to. A maximum of four game balls B1 winning in the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44 are reserved, and the number of reservations is displayed by lighting the special figure reservation display section 47a.

  The special figure display unit 47 is constituted by a segment display in which a plurality of segment light emitting units are arranged in a predetermined manner, but is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. A liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device , Or other types of display devices such as CRT or dot matrix display. In addition, as a pattern variably displayed on the special figure display unit 47, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, or A configuration in which a plurality of colors are switched and displayed is conceivable. Moreover, it is good also as a structure fulfill | performed by the display in the one part area | region of the symbol display apparatus 46a mentioned later.

  In the usual figure display section 48, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the through gate 45 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 45 is clearly shown as a result of stopping the variation display. Is done. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the through gate 45 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the open state of the electric role, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the general map display unit 48 and a change display is displayed. After it is stopped, it shifts to the electric utility release state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 44b provided in the lower operation port 44 is opened in a predetermined manner. The number of times that the game ball B1 has passed through the through gate 45 is reserved up to a maximum of four times, and the reserved number is displayed by turning on the general-purpose hold display portion 48a. In addition, it is good also as a structure fulfill | performed by the display in the one part area | region of the symbol display apparatus 46a mentioned later.

  The first to third prize ball notification units 56 to 58 are game balls to the ball entry part corresponding to the application of the game balls B1, such as the general prize opening 41, the variable prize winning device 42, the upper operation opening 43, the lower operation opening 44, and the like. It is a display part for alert | reporting that the entrance of B1 generate | occur | produced. In this pachinko machine 10, as already described, there are three types of prize balls, ie, three, ten, and fifteen. Three 58 are also provided. Then, the first prize ball notifying unit 56 is notified that the game ball B1 has entered the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44 to generate three prize balls, and the second prize ball notifying unit 57. Then, it is notified that the game ball B1 has entered the general winning opening 41 and 10 prize balls have been generated, and the third prize ball notification unit 58 receives the game ball B1 into the variable winning device 42. Is generated and 15 prize balls are generated.

  The variable display unit 46 is provided with a symbol display device 46a for variably displaying a symbol which is a kind of a pattern, and a center frame 46b is disposed so as to surround the symbol display device 46a. Since the center frame 46b is provided so as to protrude forward, the game ball B1 cannot pass through the front surface of the symbol display device 46a located below the center frame 46b. The game ball B1 flows down either the left game area or the right game area of the center frame 46b. The symbol display device 46a is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device 63 described later. The symbol display device 46a is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be another display device having a display surface such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT, and is a dot matrix display. It may be a vessel.

  In the symbol display device 46a, the variation display of the symbol is started based on winning in the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44. That is, when the variable display is performed in the special figure display unit 47, the variable display is performed in the symbol display device 46a accordingly.

  In detail about the contents of the variable display, three symbol rows of an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage are set as a plurality of display areas on the display surface of the symbol display device 46a. Each symbol row is configured by arranging a main symbol and a sub symbol in a predetermined order. Specifically, nine types of main symbols with any number from “1” to “9” are arranged in descending order of the numbers in the upper symbol row, and a sub symbol is 1 between each main symbol. It is arranged one by one. In the lower symbol row, nine types of main symbols with any number from “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. ing.

  That is, the upper symbol row and the lower symbol row are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and then between the main symbol “9” and the main symbol “1”. “4” main symbols are additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each of the main symbols. In other words, only the middle symbol row Z2 is composed of 20 symbols by arranging 10 main symbols. On the display surface, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. In addition, five effective lines are set on the display surface.

  When a game-playing effect is performed on the display surface based on a winning at the upper operating port 43 or the lower operating port 44, a variable display is displayed so that the symbols in each symbol row are scrolled in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Be started. Then, the display is switched from the variable display to the standby display in the order of the upper symbol row → the lower symbol row → the middle symbol row, and finally the effect for the game round is ended in a state where a predetermined symbol is statically displayed in each symbol row. .

  In addition, when the effect for the game round ends, if it is a game round corresponding to the occurrence of the most advantageous jackpot result, which will be described later, a combination of symbols in which the same odd number is attached to any active line is formed. In the game times corresponding to the occurrence of a low probability winning result to be described later, a combination of symbols in which the same even number is attached to any one of the active lines is formed. In addition, in the game times corresponding to the occurrence of a low winning and winning big hit result which will be described later, a combination of predetermined symbols (for example, “3. 4.1 ") is formed.

  In addition, based on the winning in one of the operation ports 43, 44, the variation display is started in the special symbol display unit 47 and the symbol display device 46a, until a predetermined stop result is displayed and the variation display is stopped. Corresponds to one game time.

  Further, the variation display mode of the symbol in the symbol display device 46a is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary. The number of symbol columns, the direction of symbol variation display in the symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be appropriately changed. Further, the pattern that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 46a is not limited to the above-described pattern. For example, only a number may be variably displayed as the pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a game ball launching mechanism 34 is provided at the upper left side of the game board 33 on the front surface of the support base body 31, and the game ball B1 launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 is in the game area. It is configured to flow down from the top to the bottom.

  A lower cover body 35 is provided on the lower end side of the support base body 31. The lower cover body 35 is provided so as to extend from the lower end portion of the support base body 31 over a predetermined range in the height direction, and the support base body 31 is supported by the lower cover body 35 in the range in the height direction. The front of is covered from the front. The range in the height direction in which the lower cover body 35 is provided includes a part of the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234. In this range, the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 includes the lower cover body 35. And the support base body 31 are present in a space between the front and rear. The lower cover body 35 exists on the support base body 31 side regardless of whether the front door 22 is opened. That is, the lower cover body 35 constitutes the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

  A launch operation device 36 is provided at the right end of the lower cover body 35 so as to protrude forward of the pachinko machine 10. The firing operation device 36 includes an operation base 36a provided to protrude forward, and an operation handle 36b provided to be rotatably supported by the operation base 36a. The operation handle 36b is rotated. Thereby, the launch intensity of the game ball B1 from the game ball launching mechanism 34 is adjusted. The launch operation device 36 includes a touch sensor 36c for detecting that the operation handle 36b is touched by the player, a variable resistor 36d for detecting the amount of rotation of the operation handle 36b, A stop switch 36e is provided which is operated to stop the launch of the game ball B1 even when the operation handle 36b is being operated by the player. In the situation where the operation handle 36b is disposed at the initial position, the stop switch 36e is automatically turned on by the operation handle 36b.

  When the game ball B1 is launched based on the launch operation by the player, both conditions that the touch sensor 36c detects that the operation handle 36b is touched and that the stop switch 36e is not turned on. Is established, the game ball B1 is fired at a firing intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation operation detected through the variable resistor 36d.

  On the center side of the lower cover body 35, the speaker device 37 that outputs sound effects according to the game situation is covered from the front, and the sound output from the speaker device 37 can be transmitted to the front of the pachinko machine 10. A speaker cover 38 is provided. The speaker device 37 is provided on the support base body 31 (see FIG. 14).

  The front door 22 is provided so as to cover the entire area above the lower cover body 35 on the front surface of the support base body 31. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 22 is formed with a window portion 51 so that almost the entire game area can be viewed from the front. The window part 51 has a substantially elliptical shape, and the window panel 52 is fitted therein. Although the window panel 52 is formed colorless and transparent by glass, it is not limited to this and may be formed colorless and transparent by a synthetic resin. Incidentally, the display surface of the symbol display device 46a, the special figure display unit 47, and the like are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the window panel 52.

  Various light emitting portions 53 and 54 are provided around the window portion 51. An abnormality notification light emitting unit 53 is provided above the window 51 as part of the various light emitting units 53 and 54. Also, a pair of left and right effect light emitting sections 54 are provided on the left and right sides of the abnormality notification light emitting section 53.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a dish forming portion 55 is provided below the window portion 51 of the front door 22 so as to bulge to the near side. The dish forming portion 55 is formed so that a large number of game balls B1 can be stored. The configuration of the dish forming portion 55 will be described in detail later.

  As described above, the front door 22 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body base 21. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the front door 22 is opened on the support base body 31 of the main body base 21. An open detection switch 39 is provided for detecting whether or not it is closed (or whether it is closed). The opening detection switch 39 has a pin that can be projected and retracted from the front surface of the support base body 31. When the front door 22 is closed in the main body base 21, the pin is pushed to detect the closing of the front door 22. When the door 22 is opened, the pin returns to the protruding position, and the opening of the front door 22 is detected.

  Incidentally, the opening detection switch 39 outputs an HI level opening detection signal to a main control device 61 described later when the front door 22 is in an open state, and the LOW level to the main control device 61 when the front door 22 is in a closed state. However, the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed.

<Configuration for circulating game balls>
As shown in FIG. 3, a storage space 211 for storing the game ball B <b> 1 is formed in the upper left portion of the support base body 31. A game ball launching mechanism 34 for launching the game ball B1 toward the game area is disposed on the left upper side of the support base body 31 and below the storage space 211. The game ball B1 stored in the storage space 211 is supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 34 via the ball feeder 86.

  5A and 5B are sectional views of the storage space 211 and the ball feeding device 86. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, a storage space forming member 209 exists on the back side of the front door 22, and a storage space 211 is formed as a space surrounded by the storage space forming member 209. The storage space 211 is formed through the support base body 31. A storage sensor 217 is provided on the upper left side of the storage space 211. When the game ball B1 continues to flow into the storage space 211 and a predetermined amount is accumulated, the game ball B1 is detected by the storage sensor 217. When the game ball B1 is detected by the storage sensor 217, the storage sensor 217 changes from the OFF state to the ON state. As a result, a signal input from the storage sensor 217 to a launch control device 65 described later changes from “0” to “1”. In response to the change in the signal, a signal that triggers the suspension of the lifting is transmitted from the launch control device 65 to the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 described later. Then, the lifting by the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is stopped. That is, when a sufficient amount of game balls B1 are accumulated in the storage space 211, the inflow of the game balls B1 into the storage space 211 is stopped.

  When the game ball B1 in the storage space 211 decreases, the storage sensor 217 changes from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, the signal input from the storage sensor 217 to the firing control device 65 changes from “1” to “0”. In response to the change in the signal, a signal that triggers the start of the lift is transmitted from the launch control device 65 to the game ball launch mechanism 234 for lift. Then, the lifting of the game ball B1 by the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is started. That is, when the game balls in the storage space 211 decrease, the inflow of the game balls B1 into the storage space 211 is started.

  A ball feeding device 86 for supplying the game ball B1 to the game ball launching mechanism 34 is disposed on the back side of the support base body 31 and below the storage space forming member 209. In the storage space 211, a passage for supplying the game ball B1 in the storage space 211 to the ball feeding device 86 is formed. The bottom of the storage space 211 is inclined downward toward the exit leading to the ball feeding device 86. For this reason, the game ball B1 rolls toward the exit leading to the ball feeder 86 due to its own weight.

  As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5B, a launch ball supply passage 216 for supplying the game ball B1 from the ball feeder 86 to the game ball launch mechanism 34 is formed. The firing ball supply passage 216 is formed to penetrate from the back side of the main body base 21 toward the front side. The game ball B1 is supplied from the ball feeder 86 to the game ball launch mechanism 34 via the launch ball supply passage 216. The time required to supply the game ball B1 from the ball feeder 86 to the game ball launching mechanism 34 is less than 0.6 sec. The game ball B1 supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 34 is held in a space between the front door 22 and the support base body 31, and is launched by the game ball launching mechanism 34 into the game area.

  The ball feeding device 86 is disposed on the back side of the upper left portion of the support base body 31. The upper part of the ball feeding device 86 is connected to the storage space 211 via a passage, and the lower part of the ball feeding device 86 is connected to the game ball launching mechanism 34 via the passage. Here, the ball feeder 86 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the ball feeding device 86. The ball feeding device 86 receives the ball feeding passage 213 continuing from the introduction port 212 of the storage space 211 and the game balls B1 guided by the ball feeding passage 213 from below and supplies them one by one onto the launching support 281. The supply member 214 between the supply member 214 for receiving the game ball B1 from the ball feeding passage 213 and the supply position for supplying the received game ball B1 to the launching support 281. A ball feed drive unit 215 for rotation is provided. The ball feed drive unit 215 is a drive unit that places the supply member 214 in the receiving position by using magnetic attraction and releases the suction to place the supply member 214 in the supply position. For example, a rotary motor may be used.

  Next, the game ball launching mechanism 34 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the game ball launching mechanism 34 launches the launch support 281 that supports the launch game ball B1 and the game ball B1 supplied to the launch support 281 toward the game area. A solenoid 82, which is an electric actuator, and a holding member 83 for holding one game ball B1 supplied on the launching support 281 at a position where it can be launched by the solenoid 82 are provided. The launching support 281 is located on the upper left side of the game area defined on the game board 33, and is disposed on the right side of the solenoid 82. The distance from the right end of the launch support 281 to the game area is less than the diameter of the game ball B1, and the game ball B1 that has passed through the launch support 281 immediately enters the game area. The holding member 83 is an end of the launch support 81 on the solenoid 82 side, and is disposed at a position facing the launch support 281 with a distance slightly shorter than the diameter of the game ball B1. The holding member 83 holds one game ball B <b> 1 supplied on the launch support 81 at the end of the launch support 281 on the solenoid 82 side. As a result, it is possible to efficiently apply a force from the solenoid 82 to the game ball B1 for launching. The support base body 31 is provided with a launch ball detection sensor 84 for detecting the game ball B1 held by the holding member 83 on the launch support body 281.

  The shot ball detection sensor 84 is an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and outputs and holds a HI level signal as a shot ball detection signal in a situation where the game ball B1 is held by the holding member 83. In a situation where the game ball B1 is not held by the member 83, a LOW level signal is output as a shot ball detection signal. Therefore, it is possible to specify that the game ball B1 has been supplied onto the launch support 281 and that the supplied game ball B1 has been launched by the launch ball detection sensor 84.

  The length of the launching support 281 is twice the diameter of the game ball B1. In addition, the launch support 281 is inclined toward the upper right of the main body base 21. For this reason, the game ball B1 is launched not diagonally right but diagonally upward to the right. The minimum firing strength of the solenoid 82 exists on the launching support 281 and is strong enough for the game ball B1 held by the holding member 83 to move a distance greater than the length of the launching support 281. is there. For this reason, when the game ball B <b> 1 is fired from the solenoid 82, the fired game ball B <b> 1 does not remain on the launch support 281 even if the launch strength is the smallest. Therefore, the launched game ball B1 does not flow backward on the launching support body 281 that is inclined.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B show the relationship between the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b and the launch intensity by the game ball launching mechanism 34. FIG. FIG. 7B shows the relationship between the rotational operation amount of the operation handle 36b and the launch intensity of the game ball B1 for the conventional pachinko machine 10 that launches the game ball B1 from the lower right. The launch intensity of the game ball B1 increases in proportion to the amount of rotation operation of the operation handle 36b. In this case, the whereabouts of the launched game ball B1 are roughly classified into three. When the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b is less than or equal to the lower limit operation amount (in the case of the region D), the game ball B1 cannot jump out from the tip of the guide rail for guiding the game ball B1 to the game region. Then, it becomes a return ball in the guide rail and flows backward through the guide rail.

  When the operation amount of the operation handle 36b is larger than the lower limit operation amount and not more than the left and right branch operation amount (in the case of the region E), the game ball B1 jumps out from the tip of the guide rail, and the left side of the game board 33 Down the area. When the amount of rotation of the operation handle 36b is larger than the amount of left / right branch operation (in the case of region F), the game ball B1 jumps out from the tip of the guide rail and flows down the region on the right side of the game region.

  FIG. 7A shows the relationship between the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b and the launch intensity of the game ball B1 for the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment that launches the game ball B1 from the upper left. The behavior of the game ball B1 is roughly classified into three. When the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b is less than or equal to the lower limit operation amount (in the case of the region A), the ball feed driving unit 215 is not driven and the game ball B1 is not supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 34. For this reason, the game ball B1 is not launched.

  When the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b becomes equal to or greater than the lower limit operation amount, the ball feed driving unit 215 of the ball feed device 86 is driven and the game ball B1 is supplied. When the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b is larger than the lower limit operation amount and less than or equal to the left / right branch operation amount (in the case of the region B), the game ball B1 passes through the launch support 281 and the center frame 46b. Flow down the game area on the left side. When the amount of rotation of the operation handle 36b is larger than the amount of left / right branch operation (in the case of the region C), the game ball B1 passes through the launch support 281 and is on the right side of the center frame 46b. Down the area.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment that launches the game ball B1 from the upper left of the game area requires an operation amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount for launching the game ball B1. The firing intensity can be adjusted according to the operation amount, and the left region and the right region of the center frame 46b can be aimed separately. In this regard, the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment adjusts the firing strength of the game ball B1 to be launched into the game area with the same operational feeling as the conventional pachinko machine 10 that launches the game ball B1 from the lower right of the game area. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game board 33 is provided with a large number of nails 49b and various members such as a windmill. The game ball B1, which is launched by the game ball launch mechanism 34 and released to the game area, flows down the game area while changing the course by the nail 49b or the windmill.

  A game ball B1 launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 with a weak to medium strength is a nail 49b installed near the launch location of the game ball B1 or a nail 49b installed in the upper center of the game board 33. Collide with and change the course to the left. In this case, the game ball B <b> 1 flows down the left side of the game board 33 and may win a through gate 45 provided on the left side of the game board 33 or win a general prize opening 41. Further, the game ball B1 collides with a nail 49b installed near the launching place and changes the course to the left side, and then the course is changed again by the downstream nail 49b and the windmill, and the upper operation is provided at the lower center of the game area. There is also a possibility of winning a prize in the mouth 43, the lower operation opening 44 or the variable prize winning device 42.

  The game ball B1 launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 with medium to strong strength passes through the upper center of the game board 33 and flows down the right side area of the game board 33. Thus, by adjusting the strength with which the game ball B1 is fired from the game ball launching mechanism 34, even in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment in which the game ball launching mechanism 34 is provided at the upper left, the player can play a game Any of the left region, the central lower region, and the right region of the board 33 can be aimed.

<Configuration of dish forming unit>
Below the game area, a ball tray 71 for collecting and storing the game ball B1 released from the game ball launching mechanism 34 to the game area is formed in the dish forming portion 55. Hereinafter, the ball tray 71 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 in addition to FIG. FIG. 8A is a plan view of the dish forming portion 55, and FIG. 8B is a longitudinal sectional view of the dish forming portion 55. In FIG. 8A, the dish cover 75 provided in the dish forming portion 55 is omitted.

  A dish forming portion 55 is formed below the game area so as to protrude forward of the pachinko machine 10. The dish forming portion 55 is formed to extend in the lateral direction. The dish forming portion 55 is formed of a colored and opaque synthetic resin, and the left end portion of the dish forming portion 55 is located on the left end side of the front door 22 from the center in the horizontal direction. The right end portion is located on the right end portion side of the front door 22 with respect to the lateral center.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the dish forming part 55 is formed with a ball dish part 71 extending in the horizontal direction. The ball tray 71 is formed so as to partition a space having a predetermined depth dimension, and is formed so as to open the partitioned space upward.

  On the right end side of the ball tray portion 71, a lead-out port 72 for leading the game ball B <b> 1 existing on the back side of the front door 22 to the ball tray portion 71 is formed. In addition, an introduction port 73 for guiding the game ball B1 existing in the ball tray portion 71 to the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is formed. The bottom surface of the ball tray portion 71 is formed to be inclined downward from the outlet port 72 side to the inlet port 73 side, and the game ball B1 existing in the ball tray portion 71 is directed toward the inlet port 73 by its own weight. It will flow down.

  The ball tray portion 71 is formed so that the outlet 72 side is wider than the inlet 73 side, that is, the dimension in the front-rear direction is larger. Specifically, a plurality (for example, six) are provided on the outlet 72 side. The game balls B1 are formed so as to be aligned in the width direction. Thereby, the ball tray portion 71 can store a large number of game balls B1, and specifically, the ball tray portion 71 is formed to store at least 150 game balls B1.

  On the other hand, the predetermined range from the introduction port 73 toward the upstream side is formed as an alignment region 74 in which the game balls B1 can be aligned in a row in the horizontal direction. In this case, the position of the rear side wall portion of the alignment region 74 is the same position in the front-rear direction as the position of the rear side wall portion in the upstream region from the alignment region 74. Incidentally, the area in front of the outlet 72 in the ball tray 71 is the widest area. Between the wide area and the alignment area 74, the front wall portion of the ball tray 71 becomes the alignment area 74. It is formed so as to be inclined toward the rear side as it goes.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the dish forming unit 55 is provided with a dish cover 75 so as to cover the ball dish part 71 from above. The dish cover 75 is formed in a plate shape, and is provided at the upper end portion of the ball dish part 71 so as to cover the ball dish part 71 from above. However, the tray cover 75 and the bottom surface of the ball tray portion 71 are separated from each other by a plurality of game balls B1 in the vertical direction, and a large number of game balls are placed on the ball tray portion 71 even when the plate cover 75 is attached. B1, specifically, at least 150 game balls B1 can be stored. Further, the dish cover 75 is formed of a colored and opaque synthetic resin so that the game ball B1 stored in the ball dish part 71 cannot be visually observed from the outside.

  The game ball B1 circulates in the pachinko machine 10. That is, while the player operates the operation handle 36b, the game ball B1 that has flowed down the game board 33 flows into the ball tray portion 71. Further, when the game ball B1 is being lifted by the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234, the game ball B1 flows out from the ball tray portion 71. Therefore, when the tray cover 75 is colorless and transparent, there is a possibility that the game ball B1 moving in the ball tray portion 71 will be noticed by the player. On the other hand, the player's attention can be gathered on the game board 33 by making the dish cover 75 colored and opaque.

  The dish cover 75 has a region that covers the ball dish part 71 from above, and a cover main body part 75 a provided so that the upper surface and the lower surface are horizontal or substantially horizontal, and a flange that exists on the back side of the dish forming part 55. The part 75b is integrally formed. The cover main body portion 75 a is formed to match the shape of the ball tray portion 71 and is formed to be slightly larger than the outer edge shape of the ball tray portion 71. The cover main body portion 75a extends from a portion forming the back wall 71a of the ball tray portion 71 in the plate forming portion 55 to a portion forming the side wall 71b and the front wall 71c.

  Specifically, the back wall 71a is formed with an insertion hole 76 that penetrates in the front-rear direction and can be inserted through the cover main body 75a. The cover main body portion 75 a is inserted above the ball tray portion 71 by being inserted into the insertion hole portion 76 from the back side of the tray forming portion 55. A fitting recess 77 is formed in the side wall 71b and the front wall 71c at the same height as the insertion hole 76 so as to be recessed inward. In the cover main body 75 a, the entire peripheral edge of the region existing in front of the insertion hole 76 enters the fitting recess 77. As a result, the upper surface opening of the ball tray part 71 is entirely covered with the dish cover 75, and a boundary surface in the direction intersecting the vertical direction is generated at the boundary between the ball dish part 71 and the dish cover 75. ing. Further, in a state where the peripheral edge portion of the cover main body portion 75 a enters the fitting concave portion 77, the flange portion 75 b of the dish cover 75 contacts the back surface portion of the dish forming portion 55 from the rear as shown in FIG. You will be in touch.

  In the configuration in which the peripheral edge portion of the cover main body portion 75a enters the fitting recess 77, the dish forming portion 55 and the dish cover 75 are fixed by using screws 78a as fixtures in the region where the penetration occurs. . As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality (for example, 20) of the fixing points 78 are intermittently provided along the region where the intrusion occurs. Further, in the configuration in which the flange portion 75b of the plate cover 75 is in contact with the back surface portion of the plate forming portion 55, the plate forming portion 55 and the plate cover 75 use a screw 79 as a fixture in the contact region. Is fixed. The screwing is performed from behind the dish forming portion 55.

  Due to the above configuration, since the ball tray portion 71 is covered with the plate cover 75 and the separation of the plate cover 75 is prevented, the ball tray portion 71 is stored in the state where the plate cover 75 is provided. It is impossible to touch the game ball B1 that has been made and to throw the game ball B1 into the ball tray portion 71. In addition, at the boundary between the dish forming portion 55 and the dish cover 75, there is a boundary surface in a direction intersecting the vertical direction due to the vertical overlap between the two. This makes it impossible to touch the game ball B1 through the boundary between the two.

  On the other hand, the fixing release operation is performed on the fixing portion 78 of the cover main body 75a, and the front door 22 is opened with respect to the main body base 21 to perform the fixing releasing operation on the fixing portion of the flange portion 75b from the back side of the dish forming portion 55. By performing the above, the dish cover 75 can be removed. As a result, when a ball clogging or the like occurs in the ball tray portion 71, it is possible to perform maintenance such as eliminating the ball clogging. Further, in order to remove the dish cover 75, not only the fixing release operation but also the opening operation of the front door 22 is required, so that it is possible to make it difficult to perform an act of removing the dish cover 75 illegally.

  In addition, you may make it the said fixing | fixed part 78 not expose outside by providing another cover member so that the fixing | fixed part 78 of the dish formation part 55 and the cover main-body part 75a may be covered. The dish cover 75 and the dish forming unit 55 may be fixed only on the back side of the dish forming unit 55.

<Recovery of game balls released to the game board>
FIG. 9 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10 and shows a state in which the payout control device 64, the launch control device 65, the second power supply device 67, and the relay boards 68 and 69 are removed.

  The game ball B1, which is launched by the game ball launching mechanism 34 and enters the game area, flows down the game area while changing the course by the nail 49b or the windmill. Then, the game ball B1 that has entered the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, the lower operating port 44 or the out port 49a is guided to the back side of the game board 33.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a collective path forming body 91 is disposed on the back surface of the game board 33, and the collective path is defined by using the collective path forming body 91 and the back surface of the game board 33. Thus, the game board 33 is led to a predetermined area at the lower end portion. The game ball B1 guided to the predetermined area is collected in a game ball collection space 101 formed on the back surface of the support base body 31 and below the game board 33.

  The game ball collection space 101 is formed by mounting the game ball collection space forming body 102 on the back surface of the support base body 31 from the rear. As shown in FIG. 9, the game ball collection space 101 is provided extending in the horizontal direction. In this case, the game ball collection space 101 exists from the vicinity of the center in the lateral direction of the support base 31 to the outlet 72 side of the ball tray 71, and the end on the outlet 72 side is the outlet 72. It faces from the back to the whole. The game ball B1 that has flowed into the collective passage rolls on the bottom surface of the game ball collection space 101 and reaches a communication port 104 formed so as to penetrate the support base 31 in the front-rear direction.

  The communication port 104 is formed so as to communicate the outlet 72 of the ball tray 71 shown in FIG. 8 and the game ball collection space 101 shown in FIG. 9, and its front region is located on the front surface of the support base body 31. It is formed to project forward from the surrounding surface. A shutter mechanism 105 is provided in the front opening protruding forward.

  FIG. 10 is a sectional view around the shutter mechanism 105. The shutter mechanism 105 can be converted into a blocking position for blocking the passage of the game ball B1 at the front opening and an allowable position for allowing the game ball B1 to flow and allowing the game ball B1 to flow into the outlet 72. The provided shutter member 106 is provided. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view around the shutter mechanism 105 when the shutter member 106 is in the allowable position. FIG. 10B is a sectional view around the shutter mechanism 105 when the shutter member 106 is in the blocking position. The shutter member 106 is rotatably supported by a shutter support portion 107 with the lower end portion as a rotation axis. In a state where the front door 22 is closed, the game ball B <b> 1 can pass through the shutter mechanism 105 and flow into the ball tray portion 71 by arranging the shutter member 106 at the allowable position. On the other hand, in a state where the front door 22 is opened, the game ball B1 cannot pass through the shutter mechanism 105 because the shutter member 106 is disposed at the blocking position. Thereby, even if the front door 22 is opened in a state where the game ball B1 exists in the game ball collection space 101, it is possible to prevent the game balls in the game ball collection space 101 from flowing out.

  Incidentally, the shutter mechanism 105 does not exist at the outlet 72 of the ball tray 71, and the state where the outlet 72 is opened rearward is maintained even when the front door 22 is open. The On the other hand, the outlet 72 is inclined downward toward the storage space bulging forward of the pachinko machine 10 in the ball tray 71 and the bottom surface of the storage space is also connected to the inlet 73 of the ball tray 71. Since it is inclined downward, the game ball B1 stored in the ball tray 71 does not flow out when the front door 22 is opened.

  In a situation where the shutter member 106 is disposed at the allowable position, the game ball B1 that has reached the communication port 104 flows into the outlet 72. Since the outlet 72 is inclined downward toward the ball tray 71 as described above, the game ball B1 that has reached the outlet 72 is finally returned to the ball tray 71. Thus, the game ball B <b> 1 launched into the game area by the game ball launching mechanism 34 is guided to the ball tray unit 71 through the game ball collection space 101.

<Gaming ball launch mechanism for lifting>
As shown in FIG. 3, a lower cover body 35 is provided on the lower end side of the support base body 31. The lower cover body 35 is provided so as to extend from the lower end portion of the support base body 31 over a predetermined range in the height direction, and the support base body 31 is supported by the lower cover body 35 in the range in the height direction. The front of is covered from the front. The range in the height direction in which the lower cover body 35 is provided includes a part of the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234. In this range, the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 includes the lower cover body 35. And the support base body 31 are present in a space between the front and rear. The lower cover body 35 exists on the support base body 31 side regardless of whether the front door 22 is opened. That is, the lower cover body 35 constitutes the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

  The game balls B1 stored in the ball tray 71 are aligned in the alignment region 74 as described above, and then guided to the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 side through the introduction port 73. The configuration on the derivation destination side will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is provided on the front surface of the support base body 31 in the main body base 21. Specifically, it is provided in the lower left part of the front surface of the support base body 31. The lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 lifts the lifting launch rail 266 extending toward the lifting passage 221 formed in the game board 33 and the game ball B1 supplied on the lifting launch rail 266. At a position where the lifting solenoid 282 that is an electric actuator that is fired toward the passage 221 and one game ball B1 supplied on the lifting firing rail 266 can be launched by the lifting solenoid 282. A holding member 283 for lifting for holding.

  The lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is provided on the lower left side of the support base body 31. The lifting firing rail 266 is disposed to be inclined from the lower left portion of the support base body 31 toward the upper right portion. As with the lifting launch rail 266, the lifting solenoid 282 moves from the lower left side of the support base 31 to the upper right side so that the game ball B1 can be fired along the inclination angle of the lifting launch rail 266. It is inclined toward the end and disposed at the downstream end of the lifting launch rail 266. Thereby, the game ball B <b> 1 launched by the lifting solenoid 282 moves on the support base body 31 along the inclination of the lifting launch rail 266.

  The lifting holding member 283 is the downstream end of the lifting firing rail 266 and is disposed at a position facing the lifting firing rail 266 at a distance slightly shorter than the diameter of the game ball B1. . The lifting holding member 283 holds one game ball B <b> 1 supplied on the lifting firing rail 266 at the downstream end of the lifting firing rail 266. As a result, it is possible to efficiently apply a force from the lifting solenoid 282 to the game ball B1 for launching.

  The support base body 31 is provided with a lifting ball detecting sensor 284 for detecting the game ball B1 held by the lifting holding member 283 on the lifting rail 266. The lifting ball detection sensor 284 includes an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. When one game ball B1 is not held by the holding member 83, the lifting ball detection signal is used as a lifting ball detection signal. A LOW level signal is output. Therefore, it is possible to specify that the game ball B1 has been supplied onto the lift launch rail 266 and that the supplied game ball B1 has been fired by the lifting ball detection sensor 284. .

  The relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. Further, the lifting launch ball detection sensor 284 is not limited to an optical sensor, and may be a sensor of another detection method.

  On the lifting rail 266, the game balls B1 stored in the ball tray portion 71 are supplied one by one by the lifting ball feeder 286. FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the lifting ball feeder 286. The lifting ball feeding device 286 receives one lifting ball feeding passage 271 continuing from the introduction port 73 of the ball tray 71 and the gaming ball B1 guided by the lifting ball feeding passage 271 from below. Lifting supply member 272 for feeding onto the lifting firing rail 266 one by one, a receiving position allowing the reception of the game ball B1 from the lifting ball feed passage 271 and the received game ball B1 And a lifting ball feed drive section 273 for rotating the lifting feed member 272 between the feed positions for feeding to the firing rail 266. The lifting ball feeding drive unit 273 is a driving unit that arranges the feeding supply member 272 at the supply position using magnetic attraction, but is not limited thereto, and for example, a rotary motor is used. May be used.

  When a condition for lifting one game ball B1 is established, one game ball B1 is supplied onto the lifting launch rail 266 by the lifting ball feeder 286. The supplied game ball B1 is detected by a lifting launch ball detection sensor 284. Thereafter, the lifting solenoid 282 is driven and controlled, and one game ball B1 held on the lifting firing rail 266 is launched toward the lifting passage 221 at the tip of the lifting launch rail 266. Is done. The firing intensity from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is constant and is sufficiently strong to reach the storage space 211 ahead of the lifting passage 221.

<Configuration of lifting passage>
As shown in FIG. 3, the entrance of the lifting passage 221 is disposed on the extension line of the lifting firing rail 266. The lifting passage 221 is an upper left portion of the game board 33 and extends toward a storage space 211 provided above the game ball launching mechanism 34. The game area is partitioned into a substantially elliptical shape by a partition member 33a (see FIG. 4) on the game board 33, and the feeding passage 221 is provided as a curved passage on the right side of the right half of the partition member 33a. . In other words, the lifting passage 221 is a passage that connects the lifting launch rail 266 located at the lower left portion of the support base body 31 and the storage space 211 located at the upper left portion of the support base body 31 through the right outside of the game area. is there. The upstream side of the lifting passage 221 is formed along a partition member 33a that partitions the game area. Here, the upstream side in the lifting passage 221 means the gaming ball launching mechanism 234 side for lifting, and the downstream side in the lifting passage 221 means the storage space 211 side.

  An inner rail 221a in the upstream portion is provided along the partition member 33a that partitions the game area, and an outer rail 221b is arranged outside at a distance larger than the diameter of the inner rail 221a and the game ball B1. Is provided. A lifting passage 221 is constituted by the inner rail 221a and the outer rail 221b. By providing the lifting passage 221 in the vicinity of the partition member 33a that partitions the gaming area, the lifting passage 221 is disposed closer to the center of the gaming board 33 to ensure a large area of the gaming area on the gaming board 33. be able to. A return ball collection hole 291 for collecting the game ball B1 that becomes a return ball and flows backward through the lift passage 221 is provided on the upstream side of the lift passage 221. Further, the downstream side of the lifting passage 221 is a steep passage toward the upper right side of the support base body 31, and the lifting passage 221 is located at the highest position on the right side of the upper center of the support base body 31. 221e. When the game ball B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 reaches the top region 221e, the possibility that the game ball B1 flows back through the lifting passage 221 as a return ball is greatly reduced. Downstream of the top area 221e is a slow down-gradient deceleration area 221d that guides the decelerated gaming ball B1 to the outlet of the lifting passage 221.

  The support base body 31 is formed with a groove opened forward by the inner rail 221a and the outer rail 221b. As shown in FIG. 11, a passage forming member 221g that matches the shape of the groove formed by the inner rail 221a and the outer rail 221b is attached to the back surface of the front door 22, and the front door 22 is closed. By this, it becomes a passage surrounded by walls on all sides. By opening the front door 22, a groove formed by the inner rail 221a and the outer rail 221b appears. Since the groove is open toward the front, maintenance is easy when a ball clogging occurs.

  The configuration of the return ball collection hole 291 will be described with reference to FIG. The game ball B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 basically proceeds to the upper right along the lifting launch rail 266 and travels toward the storage space 211 through the lifting passage 221. And then lifted. However, due to the dirt of the game ball B1 and the dirt of the lift passage 221 and the like, the game ball B1 launched from the lift game ball launch mechanism 234 lacks momentum and flows back through the lift passage 221. There is a possibility of a return ball. When a return ball is generated, the game ball B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 collides with the return ball that flows backward in the lifting passage 221 in the middle of the lifting passage 221, etc. There is a risk of hindering the transportation of On the other hand, a return ball recovery hole 291 is provided between the tip of the lifting launch rail 266 and the entrance of the lifting passage 221, and the return ball generated in the lifting passage 221 is recovered and the ball is recovered. By returning to the dish portion 71, it is possible to continue to lift the game ball B1 even after the return ball is generated.

  Specifically, a gap three times the diameter of the game ball B1 is provided as a return ball collection hole 291 between the tip of the lifting launch rail 266 and the entrance of the lifting passage 221. The speed at which the game ball B1 jumps out from the tip of the lifting launch rail 266 is sufficient to jump over the return ball collection hole 291.

  On the other hand, the speed of the game ball B1 that becomes a return ball and flows backward along the lift passage 221 by its own weight is slower than the speed of the game ball B1 that is launched from the lift game ball launch mechanism 234, and the return ball collection hole Insufficient speed to jump over 291. As shown in FIG. 3, a downwardly inclined return ball collection passage 291 a that guides the return ball to the communication port 104 is formed inside a return ball collection cover 291 b that protrudes forward. The game ball B1 that has fallen into the return ball collection hole 291 is guided to a passage communicating with the communication port 104. The game ball B1 collected in the return ball collection hole 291 descends by its own weight on the bottom surface of the return ball collection passage 291a and reaches the communication port 104. The game ball B1 that has reached the communication port 104 is led to the ball tray 71 on condition that the front door 22 is closed.

  The top region 221e is provided slightly to the right of the center upper portion of the support base body 31 for the purpose of increasing the effect of decelerating the game ball B1. The deceleration region 221d is provided so as to be gently inclined in the downward direction from the right side of the center upper portion of the support base body 31 toward the upper left portion. In the deceleration region 221d, a shock absorbing material 221f (see FIG. 3) such as urethane is attached to the inner wall of the outer rail 221b to absorb the impact. In the deceleration region 221d, the distance between the buffer material 221f attached to the inner wall of the outer rail 221b and the inner rail 221a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball B1. The deceleration region 221d is formed so as to be gradually reduced in diameter by the buffer material 221f. For this reason, the game ball B1 exceeding the top region 221e is easily taken into the deceleration region 221d. When the speed of the game ball B1 is high, the game ball B1 is decelerated by contacting with the cushioning material 221f.

  The game ball B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 moves in the lifting passage 221 with speed, decelerates in the top region 221e, and then flows into the deceleration region 221d. In the deceleration region 221d, the buffer material 221f is configured to gradually increase the thickness. When the speed of the game ball B1 that has flowed into the deceleration region 221d is high, the game ball B1 contacts the buffer material 221f on the passage wall and decelerates. Since the cushioning material 221f is made of a material that absorbs shock, the game ball B1 that has come into contact with the cushioning material 221f bounces back and flows back through the lifting passage 221, and does not become a return ball.

<Configuration of polishing apparatus>
As shown in FIG. 3, a polishing device 111 for removing dirt on the game ball B <b> 1 is disposed on the upper left side of the main body base 21 and above the right side of the game ball launching mechanism 34. The dirt on the game ball B1 is removed by polishing the game ball B1 in the polishing device 111. A polishing belt 311 is disposed at the downstream end of the inner rail 221 a that forms the lifting passage 221. The game ball B1 that has passed through the deceleration region 221d is decelerated. Further, even when the game ball B1 is not sufficiently decelerated and collides with the polishing device 111 disposed downstream of the deceleration region 221d and rebounds, the game ball B1 is inclined downward toward the polishing device. The pumping passage 221 does not flow backward unless it passes through the deceleration region 221d equipped with the cushioning material 221f.

  The polishing device 111 exists between the lifting passage 221 and the storage space 211, and plays a role of polishing the transferred game ball B 1 and moving it to the storage space 211. The polishing belt 311 has an annular shape, and two rotating bodies 312 are provided inside the polishing belt 311 so as to contact the polishing belt 311. The polishing belt 311 is made of a material having a high coefficient of friction such as foaming rubber, and rotates in the same direction as the two rotating bodies 312 in accordance with the rotation of the two rotating bodies 312 inscribed. The rotating body 312 is connected to the polishing drive unit 113 (see FIG. 15), and rotates when the polishing drive unit 113 is in a driving state. The two rotating bodies 312 and the polishing belt 311 rotate in a direction in which the game ball B1 released from the end of the lifting passage 221 is away from the end of the lifting passage 221.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a number of polishing grooves 313 are formed on the surface of the polishing belt 311. The width of the polishing groove 313 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball B1, and the depth is the same as the radius of the game ball B1. The polishing groove 313 is cut in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the polishing belt 311. Therefore, the storage space for storing the game ball B1 from the end on the downstream side of the lift passage 221 with the game ball B1 released from the lift passage 221 and mounted on the polishing belt 311 as the polishing belt 311 rotates. Move to 211.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a polishing member 314 is fixed to the upper part on the downstream side of the polishing belt 311 and on the ceiling of the polishing apparatus 111. The distance from the lower end of the polishing member 314 to the upper end of the polishing belt 311 is large on the upstream side and small on the downstream side. Specifically, the distance from the lower end of the polishing member 314 to the upper end of the polishing belt 311 is slightly larger than the radius of the game ball B1 on the upstream side and slightly smaller than the radius of the game ball B1 on the downstream side. For this reason, the game ball B1 conveyed from the upstream to the downstream by the polishing belt 311 gradually comes into strong contact with the polishing member 314 and the polishing belt 311 and undergoes elastic deformation. At this time, the game ball B1 obtains a propulsive force that advances downstream by the polishing partition 313a provided so as to be orthogonal to the polishing groove 313. Since the polishing belt 311 moves from the upstream to the downstream at a constant speed, the game ball B1 rotates in the polishing groove 313 while making strong contact with the polishing member 314 and the polishing belt 311 and moves downstream together with the polishing belt 311. To do. Thus, by rotating while making strong contact with the polishing member 314 and the polishing belt 311, the contact surface is rubbed and the game ball B1 is polished.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a storage space 211 for storing the game ball B <b> 1 is formed in the upper left part of the main body base 21 and downstream of the polishing device 111. A storage sensor 217 for detecting the game ball B1 is provided on the upper left side of the storage space 211. When the storage space 211 is filled with the game ball B1, the storage sensor 217 detects the game ball B1 in the storage space 211, and the lifting and polishing of the game ball B1 are temporarily stopped. Thereby, it can be avoided that the ball is clogged in the circulation path of the game ball B1.

  Next, the configuration of the back side of the main body base 21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a rear view of the main body base 21.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a main control device 61 having a function of controlling the main game, a sound light emission control device 62 that performs sound output control and light emission control based on a command from the main control device 61, and sound light emission control Based on a command from the device 62, a display control device 63 that performs display control of the symbol display device 46a, a payout control device 64 that performs control related to lending of the game ball B1 and giving of game value, and launch control of the game ball B1. A launch control device 65, and a first power supply device 66 and a second power supply device 67 that supply power to the various control devices 61 to 65 are provided. Among these, the main control device 61, the sound emission control device 62, the display control device 63, and the first power supply device 66 are mounted on the back surface of the game board 33, and the game board 33 is removed from the support base body 31. When removed, these devices 61 to 63 and 66 follow the game board 33 side.

  On the other hand, the payout control device 64, the launch control device 65, and the second power supply device 67 are mounted on the back surface of the support base body 31, and even if the game board 33 is removed from the support base body 31, these devices 64, 65 and 67 remain on the support base body 31 side. In this case, the launch control device 65 and the payout control device 64 are mounted one after the other. Specifically, the launch control device 65 is mounted on the back surface of the support base body 31, and the payout control device 64 thereafter It is installed in the direction. Accordingly, the payout control device 64 is located on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to other control devices such as the main control device 61 and the launch control device 65.

  Here, the various control devices 61 to 65 and the power supply devices 66 and 67 are configured such that corresponding substrates are accommodated in a substrate box. The main control device 61 and the payout control device 64 will be described in detail. The main control device 61 includes a main control board (not shown), and the main control board is accommodated in the board box 61a. The payout control device 64 includes a payout control board (not shown), and the payout control board is accommodated in the board box 64a. These substrate boxes 61a and 64a are formed to be transparent so that the corresponding substrates can be visually confirmed from the outside of the substrate boxes 61a and 64a.

  It is preferable that the substrate boxes 61a and 64a are provided with a trace means for leaving a trace of opening or a trace structure for leaving a trace of opening. As the trace means, a plurality of case bodies constituting the board boxes 61a and 64a are joined in a non-separable manner, and a construction of a joint portion (caulking portion) that requires destruction of a predetermined part at the time of separation, or an adhesive layer is adhered at the time of peeling A configuration is conceivable in which a seal seal that leaves a trace of being peeled off by remaining on the object is pasted so as to straddle the boundaries between the plurality of case bodies. Moreover, as a trace structure, the structure which apply | coats an adhesive agent to the boundary between the some case bodies which comprise the board | substrate boxes 61a and 64a can be considered.

  On the back side of the support base body 31, a payout-side relay board 68 for relaying the electrical connection between the payout control device 64 and a management unit 131 described later is provided. Further, on the back side of the support base body 31, a relay board 69 on the power source side is provided which relays the commercial power supply of the game hall and the first power supply device 66 and relays the commercial power supply and the second power supply device 67. It has been. The relay board 69 on the power supply side is provided with a power switch 69a that can be turned on and off. When the power switch 69a is turned on, the supply of power from the commercial power supply to the first power supply device 66 and the supply of power from the commercial power supply to the second power supply device 67 are started simultaneously, and the power switch 69a is turned off. As a result, the supply of power from the commercial power supply to the first power supply device 66 and the supply of power from the commercial power supply to the second power supply device 67 are simultaneously stopped.

<Configuration for Lending Game Ball B1 and Giving Storage Medium M>
Next, a configuration relating to the rental of the game ball B1 and the provision of the storage medium M will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 8A.

  In this pachinko machine 10, the actual game ball B1 is not lent out in response to the player's insertion of cash, but information on the number of game balls B1 that can be used for the inserted cash is stored internally. The game ball B1 can be used within the range of the stored number. Also, when a winning corresponding to the grant of the game ball B1 occurs, the actual game ball B1 is not awarded, but information on the number of the game balls B1 corresponding to the prize is stored internally, The stored number of game balls B1 can be used. Further, when it is desired that the stored information on the number of game balls B1 is given as the actual game value, the storage medium M in which the stored information on the number of game balls B1 is stored is a game. Provided to the person.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a management unit 131 is provided on the side of the outer frame 11 as an apparatus for performing the above-described cash insertion, storage medium M insertion, and storage medium M provision. . On the front side of the management unit 131, there are a cash insertion port 132 into which banknotes are inserted as cash, a medium insertion port 133 into which the storage medium M is inserted, and a medium discharge port 134 through which the storage medium M is discharged. It is provided in this order. In the management unit 131, a process for identifying a bill inserted from the cash slot 132, a process for outputting the information to the pachinko machine 10, a process for identifying the storage medium M loaded from the medium slot 133, and the information for the pachinko machine Processing to output to the machine 10, processing to write the information to the storage medium M in response to the instruction to write the information of the number of game balls B1 from the pachinko machine 10, discharge the storage medium M having the information written from the medium outlet 134 Execute the process to perform.

  When cash is inserted into the management unit 131, an operation for instructing to convert the cash information into information on the number of usable game balls B1, and information on unused cash and available game balls An operation for instructing to discharge the information of the number B1 as the storage medium M is performed on the operation unit 141 provided in the pachinko machine 10. The operation unit 141 is provided in the dish forming portion 55 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8A. Specifically, as already described, the ball tray portion 71 formed in the dish forming portion 55 has a smaller width dimension in the alignment region 74, and accordingly, the ball tray portion 71 is sectioned in the dish forming portion 55. The upper and lower dimensions of the upper surface of the region to be performed are large in front of the alignment region 74. An operation unit 141 is provided in a region where the dimension in the front-rear direction is increased.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the operation unit 141 is provided with a ball supply button 142 and a full return button 143 as various operation buttons 142 and 143. Further, as the various display units 147 and 148, a frequency display unit 147 and a remaining number display unit 148 are provided.

  The frequency display unit 147 displays information on cash that has been inserted and unused. For example, “100” is displayed when 10,000 yen is unused, and “10” is displayed when 10,000 yen is unused. In the remaining number display portion 148, information on the number of usable game balls B1 is displayed. For example, “10000” is displayed when the number of available game balls B1 is 10,000, and “1000” is displayed when the number is 1,000.

  The ball supply button 142 is operated to convert the frequency information into the number of usable game balls B1. In this case, the frequency information that can be converted for one operation of the ball supply button 142 is limited to a predetermined frequency (that is, a predetermined amount of cash), and specifically, a game in which the frequency information for 500 yen can be used. The number of spheres B1 is converted into information (for example, 125 pieces).

  The all return button 143 is operated to discharge the frequency information stored in the pachinko machine 10 and the information on the number of usable game balls B1 as the storage medium M.

<Electric configuration of pachinko machine 10>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

  The main control device 61 includes a main control board 151 that manages the main control of the game, and a first power failure monitoring board 155 that monitors the supply status of power from the first power supply device 66.

  An MPU 152 is mounted on the main control board 151. The MPU 152 includes a ROM 153 and an RWM 154.

  The ROM 153 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory that does not require external power supply for storage and retention, such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The ROM 153 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 152 and fixed value data. The RWM 154 is configured to use a memory (that is, a volatile storage unit) that requires an external power supply for storage and holding, such as SRAM and DRAM, for both reading and writing. The time required for reading is faster than that of the ROM 153 when compared with the data capacity. The RWM 154 temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 153. In addition to the above elements, the MPU 152 or the main control board 151 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

  The MPU 152 is provided with an input port and an output port. A first power failure monitoring board 155 provided in the main controller 61 is connected to the input side of the MPU 152.

  The first power failure monitoring board 155 relays between the main control board 151 and the first power supply device 66 and further monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the first power supply device 66. When the monitored voltage becomes less than 5 volts, a power failure signal is transmitted to the MPU 152 on the assumption that a power failure has occurred in the first power supply device 66.

  The first power supply device 66 is connected to a commercial power supply of the game hall, and supplies operating power to the electrical equipment mounted on the game board 33 in the pachinko machine 10. Specifically, the first power supply device 66 is connected to the main control device 61, the sound emission control device 62, the display control device 63, and the various drive units 42 d and 44 c and the various display units 47 and 48 mounted on the game board 33. Supply operating power.

  Even when the supply of operating power from the commercial power supply to the first power supply device 66 is stopped, the first power supply device 66 has backup power to the RWM 154 so that the RWM 154 can store and store data. A power supply unit for power interruption (not shown) is provided. The power supply unit for power interruption is a rechargeable type such as a capacitor, and charging is performed when operating power is supplied from the commercial power supply to the first power supply device 66. Data is stored and retained in the RWM 154 for a predetermined period (for example, 1 day or 2 days) even during a power outage due to backup power from the power supply unit for power interruption.

  In addition to the electrical equipment mounted on the game board 33, electrical equipment such as various light emitting units 53 and 54 and the operation unit 141 provided on the front door 22 are targets to which the first power supply device 66 supplies operating power. It is good also as the structure contained.

  In addition to the above, various sensors such as various winning detection sensors 41a to 45a and the open detection switch 39 are connected to the input side of the MPU 152. The various winning detection sensors 41a to 45a are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the winning-corresponding balls such as the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, the lower operating port 44 and the through gate 45. A detection sensor is included, and the MPU 152 makes a winning determination for each winning part. Further, the MPU 152 executes various lotteries based on winning in the upper working port 43 and various lotteries based on winning in the lower working port 44.

  A sound emission control device 62 is connected to the output side of the MPU 152. Various commands such as a change command, a type command, and an opening command are output to the sound emission control device 62. The sound emission control device 62 controls driving of the various light emitting units 53 and 54 and the speaker device 37 based on the command received from the main control device 61 and transmits the command to the display control device 63. The display control device 63 analyzes various commands received from the sound emission control device 62 or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received various commands to control the display of images on the display surface of the symbol display device 46a.

  In addition to the above, on the output side of the MPU 152, a variable winning drive unit 42d that opens and closes the open / close door 42c of the variable winning device 42, and an electric combination drive unit that opens and closes the electric combination 44b of the lower operating port 44. 44c, special figure display part 47, special figure hold display part 47a, general figure display part 48, general figure hold display part 48a, and first to third prize ball notification parts 56 to 58 are connected. The main control board 151 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 152 performs drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

  That is, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 152 performs drive control of the variable winning drive unit 42d so that the large winning opening 42b of the variable winning device 42 is opened and closed. Further, when the support winning of the electric accessory 44b is won, drive control of the electric accessory driving unit 44c is executed in the MPU 152 so that the electric accessory 44b is opened and closed. In each game round, the display control of the special figure display unit 47 is executed in the MPU 152. In addition, when the game ball B1 enters the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44 in a situation where the game turn cannot be started, and when the game turn is newly started, the number of hold information on the special figure side is displayed. In order to increase or decrease the display control of the special figure hold display section 47a. In addition, when the lottery result indicating whether or not the electric accessory 44b is to be opened is clearly indicated, the display control of the general-purpose display unit 48 is executed in the MPU 152. In addition, when the game ball B1 enters the through gate 45 in a situation where it is impossible to start the variable display on the general map display unit 48, and when the variable display on the general map display unit 48 is newly started, Display control of the general-purpose hold display section 48a is executed to increase or decrease the display of the number of hold information on the side. In addition, when the game ball B1 enters any one of the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, and the lower operating port 44, the first to the first to indicate that a winning ball is generated. Display control of a corresponding notification unit among the third prize ball notification units 56 to 58 is executed.

  A payout control device 64 is connected to both the input side and the output side of the MPU 152. The payout control device 64 includes a payout control board 161 that controls the use and grant of the game ball B <b> 1 and a second power failure monitoring board 165 that monitors the supply status of power from the second power supply device 67.

  An MPU 162 is mounted on the payout control board 161. The MPU 162 includes a ROM 163 and an RWM 164. The ROM 163 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory (that is, a non-volatile storage unit) that does not require external power supply for storing and holding, such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The ROM 163 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 162 and fixed value data. The RWM 164 is configured to use a memory (that is, a volatile storage unit) that requires an external power supply for storage and holding, such as SRAM and DRAM, for both reading and writing. The time required for reading is faster than that of the ROM 163 when compared with the data capacity. The RWM 164 temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 163. In addition to the above elements, the MPU 162 or the payout control board 161 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

  In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the MPU 152, ROM 153, and RWM 154 of the main control board 151 from the MPU 162, ROM 163, and RWM 164 of the payout control board 161, the former is referred to as the main MPU 152, the main ROM 153, and the main side. The RWM 154 is referred to, and the latter is referred to as a payout MPU 162, a payout ROM 163, and a payout RWM 164.

  The payout MPU 162 is provided with an input port and an output port. A second power failure monitoring board 165 provided in the payout control device 64 is connected to the input side of the payout side MPU 162.

  The second power failure monitoring board 165 relays between the payout control board 161 and the second power supply device 67, and further monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the second power supply device 67. Then, when the monitoring voltage becomes less than 5 volts, a power failure signal is transmitted to the payout MPU 162 on the assumption that a power failure has occurred in the second power supply device 67.

  The second power supply device 67 is connected to a commercial power source of the game hall, and supplies operating power to electric devices mounted on the pachinko machine 10 other than the game board 33. Specifically, the second power supply device 67 includes a payout control device 64, a launch control device 65, a game ball launch mechanism 34, a ball feed device 86, a lift game ball launch mechanism 234, a lift ball feed device 286, Operating power is supplied to the launch operation device 36, the launch ball detection sensor 84, the lifting launch ball detection sensor 284, the polishing drive unit 113, the storage sensor 217, the various light emitting units 53 and 54, the speaker device 37, and the operation unit 141. . Further, the second power supply device 67 also supplies operating power to the management unit 131 provided on the side of the pachinko machine 10.

  The second power supply 67 can store and hold data in the payout-side RWM 164 and the RWM 174 of the management unit 131 even when supply of operating power from the commercial power supply to the second power supply 67 is stopped. For this purpose, a power supply unit for power interruption (not shown) for supplying backup power to the RWMs 164 and 174 is provided. The power supply unit for power interruption is a rechargeable type such as a capacitor, and charging is performed when operating power is supplied from the commercial power supply to the second power supply device 67. Data is stored and held in the RWMs 164 and 174 for a predetermined period (for example, 1 day or 2 days) even during a power outage due to backup power from the power supply unit for power interruption.

  If the first power supply device 66 includes the electric device provided on the front door 22 in addition to the electric device mounted on the game board 33 as a target to which the first power supply device 66 supplies operating power as described above, The various light emitting units 53 and 54 and the operation unit 141 are excluded from the targets to which the power supply device 67 supplies operating power.

  In addition to the above, a launch ball detection sensor 84 and a lifting launch ball detection sensor 284 are connected to the input side of the payout side MPU 162. The payout-side MPU 162 grasps the presence / absence of a launch ball based on the detection result of the launch ball detection sensor 84, and grasps the presence / absence of the game ball B1 to be lifted based on the detection result of the lifting launch ball detection sensor 284.

  A polishing drive unit 113 provided in the polishing apparatus 111 is connected to the output side of the payout side MPU 162. When the polishing drive unit 113 is in a driving state, the polishing apparatus 111 performs a ball polishing operation.

  In addition to the main control device 61, a launch control device 65, an operation unit 141, and a management unit 131 are connected to both the input side and the output side of the payout side MPU 162.

  A game ball launch mechanism 34, a ball feeder 86, a launch operation device 36, and a launch ball detection sensor 84 are connected to the launch controller 65. In the situation where the touch sensor 36c detects that the operation handle 36b of the firing operation device 36 is touched and the stop switch 36e is not turned on, the launch control device 65 is directed toward the payout MPU 162. Continues transmission of level condition satisfaction signal.

  In the situation where the transmission of the signal is continued, when the game can be launched, the sending-out MPU 162 continues to send the HI-level launch permission signal. In this case, the launch control device 65 performs drive control in the order of the ball feeder 86 → the game ball launch mechanism 34, and launches one game ball B1 from the storage space 211 provided in the upper left part of the main body base 21. The supplied game ball B1 is fired toward the game area while being supplied onto the support 281 for use. The firing intensity at this time is determined in accordance with a signal transmitted from the variable resistor 36d of the firing operation device 36. In addition, when the transmission of the HI level launch permission signal is continued, the launch cycle of the game ball B1 is set to be a predetermined cycle, specifically, one game ball B1 in 0.6 sec. Is set to fire.

  Also connected to the launch control device 65 are a lifting game ball launching mechanism 234, a lifting ball feed device 286, a lifting launch ball detection sensor 284, and a storage sensor 217. When the storage sensor 217 provided in the storage space 211 is OFF, the release of the game ball B1 by the lifting game ball discharge mechanism 234 is permitted. This is because the number of game balls B1 in the storage space 211 does not reach a predetermined amount and there is a space for receiving the game balls B1. The launch control device 65 executes drive control in the order of the lifting ball feeding device 286 → the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234, and the game ball launching mechanism for lifting one game ball B1 from the ball tray portion 71. The supplied game ball B <b> 1 is fired toward the lifting passage 221. At this time, the firing strength is set to a strength sufficient for one game ball B1 to reach the polishing apparatus 111.

  As already described, the operation unit 141 includes a frequency display unit 147, a remaining number display unit 148, and various operation buttons 142 and 143. A signal indicating whether or not the various operation buttons 142 and 143 are operated is transmitted to the payout MPU 162. Further, display control of the frequency display unit 147 and the remaining number display unit 148 is executed based on a signal transmitted from the payout side MPU 162.

  The management unit 131 includes a management control board 171 that performs control for recognizing input cash, control for recognizing the input storage medium M, and control for discharging the storage medium M.

  An MPU 172 is mounted on the management control board 171. The MPU 172 includes a ROM 173 and an RWM 174. The ROM 173 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory that does not require external power supply for storing and holding, such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The ROM 173 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 172 and fixed value data. The RWM 174 is configured to use a memory (that is, a volatile storage means) that requires external power supply for storage and retention, such as SRAM and DRAM, for both reading and writing. The time required for reading is faster than that of the ROM 173 when compared with the data capacities. The RWM 174 temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 173. In addition to the above elements, the MPU 172 or the management control board 171 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

  In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the MPU 172, ROM 173, and RWM 174 of the management control board 171 from those of the main control device 61 and the payout control device 64, the management side MPU 172, the management side ROM 173, and the management side RWM 174 To tell.

  The management side MPU 172 is provided with an input port and an output port. A banknote circuit 175 is connected to the input side of the management side MPU 172. The cash inserted into the cash slot 132 is identified by the banknote circuit 175, and the identification result is transmitted to the management side MPU 172.

  Various drive units 176a to 176c are provided on the output side of the management side MPU 172. When cash is inserted into the cash slot 132, the driving unit 176a corresponding to the cash slot 132 is driven and controlled, and the cash is taken into the management unit 131. When the storage medium M is inserted into the medium insertion port 133, the drive unit 176b corresponding to the medium insertion port 133 is driven and controlled, and the storage medium M is taken into the management unit 131. When the storage medium M is discharged, the drive unit 176c corresponding to the medium discharge port 134 is driven and controlled, whereby the storage medium M is discharged from the management unit 131.

  In addition to the payout control device 64, a medium circuit 177 is connected to both the input side and the output side of the management side MPU 172. The storage medium M inserted into the medium insertion port 133 is read from the stored information by the medium circuit 177 and the read result is transmitted to the management side MPU 172. When an instruction to eject the storage medium M is given, the medium circuit 177 performs a process of writing information to the storage medium M based on a signal transmitted from the management side MPU 172.

<Electrical configuration for performing various lotteries>
Next, an electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the main MPU 152 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main MPU 152 uses lots of counter information during the game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, special display display unit 47 display setting, symbol display device 46a symbol display setting, general symbol display unit 48 display setting, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery in which the jackpot is generated, the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type, and the symbol display device 46a are changed. The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach generation lottery, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the display duration in the special figure display unit 47 and the symbol display device 46a are determined. The fluctuation type counter CS is used. Furthermore, the electric accessory release counter C4 used for the lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 44b of the lower operation port 44 is in the electric utility open state is used. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the lottery counter area 154a of the main RWM 154.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals. Information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the holding storage area 154b when a winning to the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44 occurs.

  The holding storage area 154b includes a holding area RE and an execution area AE. The holding area RE includes a first holding area RE1, a second holding area RE2, a third holding area RE3, and a fourth holding area RE4, and matches the winning history to the upper operating port 43 or the lower operating port 44. The numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in one of the holding areas RE1 to RE4 as holding information.

  In this case, in the first reservation area RE1 to the fourth reservation area RE4, when a winning to the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44 is continuously generated a plurality of times, the first reservation area RE1 → the second reservation area. Each numerical information is stored in time series in the order of RE2 → third reserved area RE3 → fourth reserved area RE4. By providing the four holding areas RE1 to RE4 as described above, up to four winning histories of the game balls B1 to the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44 are stored and stored.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first holding area RE1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display of the special figure display section 47. At the start of one game round Is determined based on various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

  Each of the counters will be described in detail.

  The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that one by one is added in order within a range of 0 to 599, for example, and after reaching the maximum value, returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the holding storage area 154b at the timing when the game ball B1 wins the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44.

  The value of the random number for winning the big hit is stored as a success / failure table in the success / failure table storage area of the main ROM 153. As the success / failure table, a success / failure table for the low probability mode and a success / failure table for the high probability mode are set. In other words, in the pachinko machine 10, the low probability mode and the high probability mode are set as the lottery modes in the winning lottery means.

  In the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the low probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of random numbers that win the jackpot is two. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of random numbers that will win the jackpot is 20. If the winning probability in the high probability mode is higher than that in the low probability mode, the number of random numbers to be won is arbitrary.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured so that 1 is added in order within a range of 0 to 29, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The big hit type counter C2 is periodically updated, and stored in the holding storage area 154b at the timing when the game ball B1 wins the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44.

  In the pachinko machine 10, a plurality of jackpot results are set. The plurality of jackpot results are (1) a mode of opening / closing control of the variable winning device 42 in the opening / closing execution mode, (2) a lottery mode in the winning lottery means after completion of the opening / closing execution mode, and (3) lower after completion of the opening / closing execution mode. A plurality of jackpot results are set by providing a difference in the three conditions of the support mode in the electric accessory 44b of the operating port 44.

  As an aspect of the opening / closing control of the variable prize winning device 42 in the opening / closing execution mode, it is possible to increase the frequency of occurrence of winning in the variable prize winning device 42 between the start and end of the opening / closing execution mode relatively high. A frequency winning mode and a low frequency winning mode are set. Specifically, in any of the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode, the game is executed with a predetermined number of round games as an upper limit.

  Here, in the round game, a predetermined upper limit duration time elapses and a predetermined upper limit number of game balls B1 wins the big winning opening 42b until either condition is satisfied. It is a game that continues. In addition, the number of round games in the opening / closing execution mode triggered by the jackpot result is the same for a fixed number of rounds regardless of the type of jackpot result triggered by the transition. Specifically, the upper limit number of round games is set to 15 rounds regardless of which jackpot result is obtained.

  Further, in this pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of opening modes of the variable winning device 42 are set with different opening durations from when the big winning opening 42b is opened until it is closed. Specifically, a long-time mode set to 29 sec, which is a long open duration, and a short-time mode set to 0.8 sec, which is a short duration shorter than the above long time, are set. Has been.

  In the present pachinko machine 10, in a situation where the launch operation device 36 is operated by the player, the game ball launching mechanism 34 is driven and controlled so that one game ball B1 is launched toward the game area every 0.6 sec. Is done. In the round game, the upper limit number of end conditions is set to nine. Then, in the long time mode among the above open modes, the open duration time longer than the product of the launch period of the game ball B1 and the upper limit number of one round game is set. On the other hand, in the short time mode, the time is shorter than the product of the launch period of the game ball B1 and the upper limit number of one round game, and more specifically, the release is about the same as or slightly longer than the launch period of the game ball B1. The duration is set. Accordingly, when the variable winning device 42 is opened once in a long-time manner, it is expected that the maximum number of winnings in one round game will be generated at the large winning opening 42b. When the variable winning device 42 is opened once in this mode, it is expected that no winning is made to the big winning opening 42b or even if a winning is generated.

  In the high-frequency winning mode, the large winning opening 42b is opened once in each round game in a long-time manner. On the other hand, in the low frequency winning mode, the large winning opening 42b is opened once in each round game in a short time mode.

  The number of times of opening / closing the large winning opening 42b in the high frequency winning mode and the low frequency winning mode, the number of round games, the opening duration for one open, and the upper limit number in one round game are those in the high frequency winning mode. However, the value is not limited to the above value as long as the occurrence frequency of winning to the variable winning device 42 is higher than the low-frequency winning mode until the opening / closing execution mode is started and ended. It is.

  As a support mode for the electric work 44b of the lower working port 44, when compared in a situation where the game ball B1 is continuously launched in the game area in the same manner, the electric work 44b of the lower working port 44 is a unit. The high frequency support mode and the low frequency support mode are set so that the frequency of the open state per time is relatively high.

  Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the power combination open state in the electric combination release lottery using the electric combination release counter C4 is the same (for example, both 4/5) However, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric utility item 44b is in the open state is set more frequently than in the low frequency support mode. The time is set longer. In this case, in the high-frequency support mode, when the electrified open state is won and the open state of the electric accessory 44b occurs a plurality of times, the closed state from the end of one open state until the next open state is started The time is set shorter than one opening time. Furthermore, in the high frequency support mode, a shorter time is secured as a minimum secured time after the next electric character opening lottery is performed after the electric character object opening lottery is performed than in the low frequency support mode. Is set to be selected.

  As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize to the lower operation port 44 is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize to the upper operating port 43 is higher than the lower operating port 44, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower operating port 44 is connected to the lower operating port 44. The probability of winning a prize increases. When a winning is made to the lower operating port 44, a predetermined number of game balls B1 are paid out. Therefore, in the high frequency support mode, the player plays a game while not reducing the number of possessed balls so much. It can be carried out.

  The configuration for increasing the frequency at which the high frequency support mode is set to the power release state per unit time as compared with the low frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described configuration, for example, the electric component release lottery It is good also as a structure which makes high the probability that it will be elected in the electric character open state in. In addition, a secured time (for example, in the general map display unit 48 based on a winning to the through gate 45) secured after the next electrification opening lottery is performed after the first electrification opening lottery is performed. In a configuration in which a plurality of types of variable display time) are prepared, the high frequency support mode is set so that a short securing time is easily selected or the average secure time is shorter than the low frequency support mode. It may be. Further, the number of times of opening is increased, the opening time is lengthened, and the secured time that is secured when the next electric winning combination opening lottery is performed after the first electric winning combination releasing lottery is shortened (that is, Apply one of the conditions or any combination of conditions to shorten the average time of the reserved time and increase the winning probability. Thus, the advantage of the high frequency support mode over the low frequency support mode may be increased.

  The game result distribution destination for the big hit type counter C2 is stored in the distribution table storage area of the main ROM 153 as a distribution table. And as such a distribution destination, a low probability big hit result, a low winning high probability big hit result, and the most advantageous big hit result are set.

  The low probability big hit result is a big hit result in which the open / close execution mode becomes the high-frequency winning mode, and after the open / close execution mode ends, the win / fail lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. However, the high-frequency support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) after the shift.

  The low-winning high-probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the winning lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. is there. These high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode continue until the lottery result in the success / failure lottery results in a jackpot result and shifts to the jackpot state by that.

  The most advantageous jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the high-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the winning / raising lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. These high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode continue until the lottery result in the success / failure lottery results in a jackpot result and shifts to the jackpot state by that.

  Note that the normal game state in relation to each of the above-described game states refers to a state in which the success / failure lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the low frequency support mode, not the open / close execution mode. Moreover, it is good also as a structure in which the low prize-winning high probability hit result is not set as a game result.

  In the distribution table, among the values of the big hit type counter C2 of “0 to 29”, “0 to 9” corresponds to the low probability big hit result, and “10 to 14” corresponds to the low winning high probability big hit result. “15 to 29” corresponds to the most favorable jackpot result.

  As a kind of high-accuracy big hit result, the open / close execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and after the open / close execution mode ends, the winning lottery mode becomes the high probability mode, and the support mode is maintained in the previous mode. An implicit low winning high probability jackpot result (a game result corresponding to an implicit high probability or a result of a latent probability changing state) may be included. In this case, the jackpot result can be further diversified.

  Furthermore, as a kind of losing result in the winning / losing lottery, there may be included a special losing result that shifts to the opening / closing execution mode of the low-frequency winning mode and that does not shift to the winning / losing lottery mode and the support mode after the completion. . In the configuration in which both the above-mentioned non-explicit low winning high probability winning result and the special outlier result are set, the opening / closing execution mode shifts to the low frequency winning mode, and the support mode is changed to the previous mode. It is common to be maintained in the mode, but the transition mode of the winning / failing lottery mode is different, so that, for example, in the normal gaming state, one of the unclear low winning high probability winning result or the special outage result When it occurs, it is possible to make the player predict which result it actually corresponds to.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated and stored in the holding storage area 154b at the timing when the game ball B1 wins the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44.

  Here, in the pachinko machine 10, reach display is set as a kind of display effect in the symbol display device 46a. The reach display is provided with a symbol display device 46a capable of performing variable display of symbols, and in the game times in which the opening / closing execution mode of the variable winning device 42 is the high-frequency winning mode, the stop display result after the variable display is specially displayed. In the resulting gaming machine, the player is assumed to be in a variable display state that is likely to become the special display result before the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display of the symbol on the symbol display device 46a is started. The display state for this purpose.

  In the reach display, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode is obtained by stopping and displaying the symbols for some of the symbol sequences displayed on the display surface of the symbol display device 46a. A display state is displayed in which combinations of reach symbols that may be established are displayed, and in that state, symbols in the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner. In addition, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variation display of symbols is performed in the remaining symbol columns, and a reach effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image in the background image. In addition, there are those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display surface after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols.

  The reach display is executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in the game times that shift to the opening / closing execution mode that becomes the high-frequency winning mode. In game times that do not enter the open / close execution mode, the reach random number counter C3 acquired at a predetermined timing with reference to the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the main ROM 153 corresponds to the occurrence of reach display. It is executed when That is, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is used to determine whether or not to execute reach display. However, in determining the type of reach display, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is not used.

  The variation type counter CS is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The variation type counter CS is used when the main MPU 152 determines the variation display time in the special symbol display unit 47 and the symbol variation display time in the symbol display device 46a. The variation type counter CS is updated by timer interruption processing, and the value of the variation type counter CS is acquired when the variation display is determined in the special symbol display unit 47 and when the variation pattern is determined by the symbol display device 46a. The When determining the variable display time, a variable display time table stored in advance in the variable display time table storage area of the main ROM 153 is referred to.

  Here, when it is determined to generate a reach display based on the numerical information acquired from the reach random number counter C3, or because it is a game time to shift to an opening / closing execution mode that is a high-frequency winning mode. When it is determined to generate a display, the type of reach display is determined using numerical information acquired from the variation type counter CS. Each reach display differs in the type of character appearing in the reach display, the period during which the reach display is executed, and the like.

  The electric accessory release counter C4 is, for example, configured to increment one by one within a range of 0 to 250 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The electric accessory release counter C4 is periodically updated and stored in the electric accessory reservation area 154c provided in the main RWM 154 at the timing when the game ball B1 wins the through gate 45. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the electric accessory 44b is controlled to be in an open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4.

<Game Ball Management Processing>
Next, the game ball management process will be described. Prior to the description of the game ball management process, the ball supply management process executed by the management MPU 172 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S101, it is determined based on a signal from the banknote circuit 175 whether or not a banknote has been inserted into the cash slot 132 of the management unit 131. When a bill is inserted, a bill discrimination process is executed in step S102. In the banknote circuit 175, the size of the inserted banknote can be identified. When a 10,000 yen bill is inserted, a corresponding banknote insertion signal is output and a 5,000 yen bill is inserted. Outputs a bill insertion signal corresponding to it, outputs a bill insertion signal corresponding to the insertion of a 2000 yen bill, and outputs a corresponding bill insertion signal when a 1000 yen bill is inserted. Is output. In the determination process in step S102, it is determined which type of bill insertion signal is received from the bill circuit 175.

  In subsequent step S103, the frequency information corresponding to the determination result in step S102 is grasped by referring to a frequency reference table stored in advance in the management ROM 173. Specifically, if it is a 10,000 yen bill, the frequency information is “100”, and if it is a 5000 yen bill, the frequency information is “50”, and it is 2,000 yen. When it is a bill, it is grasped that the frequency information is “20”, and when it is a 1,000 yen bill, it is grasped that the frequency information is “10”.

  Thereafter, in step S104, output setting of frequency information corresponding to the result grasped in step S103 is executed. Specifically, a ball supply command including the frequency information grasped in step S103 is output to the payout MPU 162.

  When a negative determination is made in step S101 or after the processing of step S104 is executed, the storage medium M is inserted into the medium insertion port 133 of the management unit 131 based on the signal from the medium circuit 177 in step S105. It is determined whether or not. The storage medium M is configured so that the frequency information and the remaining sphere information can be stored individually and can be stored simultaneously. The remaining ball information is information indicating the number of game balls B1 that can be used by the player. The medium circuit 177 is configured to be able to individually read the frequency information and the remaining sphere information stored in the storage medium M and recognize each of them.

  When the storage medium M is loaded, it is determined in step S106 whether or not the frequency information is written in the storage medium M based on the signal from the medium circuit 177. If the frequency information is written, the frequency information is read in step S107, and the output setting of the read frequency information is executed in step S108. Specifically, the ball supply command including the frequency information read in step S107 is output to the payout MPU 162.

  If a negative determination is made in step S106 or after the process of step S108 is executed, it is determined in step S109 whether or not the remaining sphere information is written in the storage medium M based on the signal from the medium circuit 177. judge. If the remaining sphere information is written, the remaining sphere information is read in step S110, and the output setting of the read remaining sphere information is executed in step S111. Specifically, the ball supply command including the remaining ball information read in step S110 is output to the payout side MPU 162. When a negative determination is made in step S109 or after execution of the process of step S111, the management process for supplying the main ball is terminated.

  Even when both the frequency information and the remaining sphere information are stored in the input storage medium M, the sphere supply command corresponding to the frequency information and the sphere supply command corresponding to the remaining sphere information are individually provided. Sent to.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a game ball management process executed by the payout side MPU 162. In the following description, display contents of the frequency display unit 147 and the remaining number display unit 148 of the operation unit 141 will be described with reference to FIG. 19A to 19C are front views of the operation unit 141. FIG.

  In step S <b> 201, it is determined whether or not a ball supply command is received from the management side MPU 172. The ball supply commands transmitted from the management side MPU 172 are sequentially stored in the ring buffer of the payout side RWM 164, and the ball supply commands stored in the ring buffer are sequentially read each time the game ball management process is activated. Therefore, in step S201, it is determined whether or not an unprocessed ball supply command is stored in the ring buffer.

  If a ball supply command has been received, it is determined in step S202 whether or not frequency information is included in the ball supply command. If the frequency information is included, in step S203, the frequency information included in the ball supply command received this time is added to the frequency information storage area 164a provided in the payout side RWM 164. 164a is updated. In subsequent step S204, the display of the frequency display unit 147 is updated so that the frequency information in the frequency information storage area 164a after the update in step S203 is displayed on the frequency display unit 147 of the operation unit 141. For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, “50” is displayed on the frequency display unit 147 in a situation where “0” is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S202, it means that the current ball supply command includes remaining ball information instead of frequency information. In this case, in step S205, the storage area 164b is updated so that the remaining sphere information storage area 164b provided in the payout side RWM 164 is added with the remaining sphere information included in the currently supplied sphere supply command. In subsequent step S206, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining ball information in the remaining ball information storage area 164b after the update in step S205 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148 of the operation unit 141. For example, as shown in FIG. 19B, “5375” is displayed on the remaining number display portion 148 in a situation where “0” is displayed on the frequency display portion 147. For example, when the storage medium M in which both the frequency information and the remaining sphere information are written is inserted into the medium insertion port 133 of the management unit 131, as shown in FIG. “25” is displayed at the same time, and “7243” is displayed at the remaining number display portion 148.

  If a negative determination is made in step S201, if the process in step S204 is executed, or if the process in step S206 is executed, the process proceeds to the ball supply process in steps S207 to S211.

  In the ball supply process, first, in step S207, it is determined whether or not the ball supply button 142 of the operation unit 141 is operated. If the ball supply button 142 is operated, the storage update process for subtraction of the frequency information is executed in step S208. Specifically, the storage area 164a is updated so that a predetermined number of pieces of frequency information (specifically “5”) is subtracted from the frequency information stored in the frequency information storage area 164a. In subsequent step S209, the display of the frequency display unit 147 is updated so that the frequency information in the frequency information storage area 164a after the update in step S208 is displayed on the frequency display unit 147.

  In the subsequent step S210, storage update processing for adding the remaining sphere information is executed. Specifically, the remaining sphere information stored in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b is added with the corresponding number of remaining sphere information (specifically “125”) corresponding to the predetermined number of frequency information. Thus, the storage area 164b is updated. In the following step S211, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b after the update in step S210 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  If a negative determination is made in step S207, or if the process in step S211 is executed, the process proceeds to a prize ball handling process in steps S212 to S215.

  In the prize ball handling process, first, in step S212, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command is received from the main MPU 152. The process for setting the prize ball command is included in the timer interrupt process executed by the main MPU 152 at a specific cycle, specifically, at a cycle of 4 msec. The prize ball command is transmitted to the payout side MPU 162 when the prize ball counter value of the main side RWM 154 is 1 or more. The prize ball counter is provided on the main side RWM 154. The three prize ball counter is a counter for specifying in the main MPU 152 the number of times to output the three prize ball commands instructing the execution of the three prize balls, and the ten prize ball counter is 10 This is a counter for specifying in the main MPU 152 the number of times to output ten prize ball commands instructing the execution of the prize balls. The 15 prize ball counter is a counter for specifying in the main MPU 152 the number of times to output 15 prize ball commands instructing execution of 15 prize balls. The prize ball commands transmitted from the main MPU 152 are sequentially stored in the ring buffer of the payout RWM 164, and the prize ball commands stored in the ring buffer are sequentially read each time the game ball management process is activated. Therefore, in step S212, it is determined whether or not an unprocessed prize ball command is stored in the ring buffer.

  If a prize ball command has been received, a process for grasping the number of prize balls is executed in step S213. In the grasping process, information on the number of prize balls included in the prize ball command received this time is grasped. In the pachinko machine 10, the prize ball command transmitted from the main MPU 152 is one of the three prize ball commands, the ten prize ball commands, and the fifteen prize ball commands. The number of balls is either 3, 10, or 15.

  In the subsequent step S214, a storage update process for adding the remaining sphere information is executed. Specifically, the storage area 164b is updated so that the remaining ball information corresponding to the number of prize balls is added to the remaining ball information stored in the remaining ball information storage area 164b. In the subsequent step S215, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b after the update in step S214 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  If a negative determination is made in step S212 or if the process of step S215 is executed, the process proceeds to step S216, where a management process for using game balls is executed, and in step S217, the frequency information and remaining ball information are output. After executing the process, the present game ball management process is terminated. The management process of game ball use in step S216 will be described later. In step S217, the frequency information stored in the frequency information storage area 164a of the payout RWM 164 and the remaining ball information stored in the remaining ball information storage area 164b of the payout RWM 164 are stored in the main MPU 152 as a ball management command. Output.

<Management process of game ball use>
Next, game ball use management processing executed in the payout side MPU 162 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the management process for using the game ball is executed in step S216 of the game ball management process (FIG. 18).

  In step S301, the HI level shot ball detection corresponding to the detection of the game ball B1 from the shot ball detection sensor 84 for detecting one game ball B1 held on the launch support 281. It is determined whether a signal is received. If the firing ball detection sensor 84 is not ON, the value of the launch detection counter provided in the payout side RWM 164 is cleared to “0” in step S302. The firing detection counter is a counter for measuring in the payout side MPU 162 a period during which the firing ball detection sensor 84 is continuously ON.

  If the firing ball detection sensor 84 is ON, 1 is added to the value of the firing detection counter in step S303. In a succeeding step S304, it is determined whether or not the value of the firing detection counter is “2”. When the value of the firing detection counter is “2”, the ball use process in steps S305 and S306 is executed.

  Specifically, in step S305, a storage update process for subtracting the remaining sphere information is executed. Specifically, the storage area 164b is updated so that 1 is subtracted from the remaining sphere information stored in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b. In the subsequent step S306, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b after the update in step S305 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  When the process of step S302 is executed, when a negative determination is made at step S304, or when the process of step S306 is executed, the management process for using the game ball is ended as it is.

<Return management processing>
Next, the return management process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the condition satisfaction signal is at the HI level. When the condition satisfaction signal is not at the HI level, that is, when the player is not operating the firing operation device 36, processing for providing the storage medium M after step S402 is executed. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the process for providing the storage medium M is executed on condition that the firing operation device 36 is not operated. As a result, it is prohibited to perform the process for providing the storage medium M in a situation where the remaining ball information subtraction process associated with the launch operation is being performed, and the remaining ball information can be handled accurately. .

  In step S402, it is determined whether or not all return buttons 143 of the operation unit 141 are operated. If all return buttons 143 are not operated, the return management process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the all return button 143 is operated in step S402, it is determined in step S403 whether or not the open / close execution mode is in effect. The payout MPU 162 receives an opening command from the main MPU 152 at the start of the opening / closing execution mode, and further receives an ending command from the main MPU 152 at the end of the opening / closing execution mode, and therefore grasps whether or not it is in the opening / closing execution mode. It is possible. When an affirmative determination is made in step S403, that is, when the opening / closing execution mode is being performed, the return management process is terminated as it is. This makes it possible to invalidate the operation of all return buttons 143 during the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the configuration in which the game ball B1 cannot be replenished to the ball tray unit 71 from the outside and the remaining ball information is 1 or more and the game ball B1 is allowed to be launched, the full return button 143 is operated. It is impossible to fire the game ball B1 at least between the time until the storage medium M is discharged and the time when the storage medium M or bill is inserted and a new set of remaining ball information is performed. . If such an event occurs due to an erroneous operation of the all return button 143 during the opening / closing execution mode, the round game cannot be suitably digested. On the other hand, it is difficult to think that the all return button 143 is intentionally operated during the opening / closing execution mode. On the other hand, the inconvenience as described above is prevented by invalidating the operation of the all return button 143 during the opening / closing execution mode.

  If a negative determination is made in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404, and it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the prize ball waiting flag provided in the payout side RWM 164. The payout side MPU 162 can receive a standby start command indicating the contents when any value of each prize ball counter provided in the main side RWM 154 becomes 1 or more, and each prize ball counter When all the values are “0”, a standby end command indicating the contents can be received. The winning ball waiting flag is set to “1” when a waiting start command is received, and a process for adding to the remaining ball information for the winning ball command received simultaneously with the waiting end command is received. “0” is cleared when the process is completed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S404, that is, if the award ball processing has not been completed, the present return management processing is terminated as it is. This makes it possible to invalidate the operation of the all return button 143 in a situation where the processing of the prize ball is not completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the remaining ball information from becoming “1” or more based on the winning ball immediately after the storage medium M is ejected based on the operation of the all return button 143.

  If a negative determination is made in step S404, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the frequency information is read from the frequency information storage area 164a of the payout side RWM 164, and in step S406, the remaining ball information is read from the remaining ball information storage area 164b of the payout side RWM 164.

  In a succeeding step S407, it is determined whether or not the frequency information read in the step S405 is 1 or more. If the frequency information is 1 or more, in step S408, a return command including the read frequency information is set as an output target to the management side MPU 172. The return command is output to the management side MPU 172 after the return management process is completed. Thereafter, in step S409, frequency information initialization processing is executed. Specifically, the frequency information storage area 164a is cleared to “0”, and the frequency display unit 147 is controlled to display “0” on the frequency display unit 147 of the operation unit 141.

  If a negative determination is made in step S407, or if the process of step S409 is executed, it is determined in step S410 whether or not the remaining sphere information read in step S406 is 1 or more. If the remaining sphere information is “0”, the return management process is terminated as it is. If the remaining sphere information is 1 or more, in step S411, a return command including the read remaining sphere information is set as an output target to the management side MPU 172. In this case, if the return command has already been set as the output target in step S408, the read remaining ball information is included in the return command in a state distinguished from the frequency information. As described above, the return command is output toward the management side MPU 172 after the return management process is completed. Thereafter, in step S412, initialization processing of remaining sphere information is executed. Specifically, the remaining sphere information storage area 164b is cleared to “0” and the remaining number display unit 148 is controlled to display “0” on the remaining number display unit 148 of the operation unit 141. Thereafter, the return management process is terminated.

<Game ball launch processing>
In the launch control device 65, a game ball launch process, a game ball lifting process, and a polishing control process are performed. First, the game ball launch process performed by the launch control device 65 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the firing wait flag. Here, the launch waiting flag is a flag indicating a state in which the game ball B1 is supplied from the ball feeder 86 to the game ball launching mechanism 34 and is waiting for the launch timing, and in step S512 of the present game ball launch process. “1” is set. If “1” is not set in the firing wait flag in step S501, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the firing ball detection sensor 84 is in the ON state. When the shot ball detection sensor 84 is in the OFF state in step S502, it is determined in step S503 whether or not “1” is set in the ball feeding flag. Here, the ball feeding flag is a flag indicating that the game ball B1 is being supplied from the ball feeding device 86 to the game ball launching mechanism 34, and “1” is set in step S510 in the present game ball launching process. "Is a flag that is set. If “1” is set in the ball feeding flag in step S503, the present game ball launching process is terminated as it is.

  If “1” is not set in the ball feeding flag in step S503, it is determined in step S504 whether or not the touch sensor 36c is ON. If the touch sensor 36c is OFF and the player is not touching the operation handle 36b, the game ball launching process is terminated as it is. If the touch sensor 36c is ON in step S504, it means that the player is touching the operation handle 36b. Therefore, in step S505, it is determined whether or not the stop switch 36e is ON. If the stop switch 36e is ON, the game ball B1 cannot be fired, so the game ball launch process is terminated as it is. If the stop switch 36e is OFF in step S505, it is determined in step S506 whether the remaining sphere is 1 or more. If the remaining ball is 0, there is no game ball B1 to be fired, so the present game ball launch process is terminated as it is. If the number of remaining spheres is 1 or more in step S506, an operation amount reading process is executed in step S507. Specifically, the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b is grasped. In step S508, it is determined whether or not the rotational operation amount grasped in step S507 is equal to or greater than the lower limit operation amount. If a rotation operation amount equal to or greater than the lower limit operation amount is not confirmed in step S508, the present game ball firing process is terminated as it is.

  If a rotation operation amount equal to or greater than the lower limit operation amount is recognized in step S508, a ball feeding process is performed in step S509. In the ball feeding process, a signal is transmitted to the ball feeding device 86 so that one game ball B1 is supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 34. In step S510, “1” is set in the ball feeding flag, and the game ball launching process is terminated.

  If the firing ball detection sensor 84 is in the ON state in step S502, the ball feeding flag is cleared to “0” in step S511, and “1” is set to the firing waiting flag in step S512. If “1” is set in the firing wait flag in step S501 or if “1” is set in the firing wait flag in step S512, is it the firing timing of the game ball B1 in step S513? Determine whether or not. In the present embodiment, the game ball B1 is launched at a period of 0.6 sec. If the game ball B1 has not been fired for 0.6 seconds or more since the previous launch, the game ball launch process is terminated.

  In step S513, when 0.6 seconds or more have elapsed since the game ball B1 was fired last time, in step S514, the launch intensity for launching the game ball B1 is set. The firing strength is set based on the rotational operation amount of the operation handle 36b obtained in the operation amount reading process performed in step S507 of the present game ball firing process. More specifically, a variable resistance value corresponding to the obtained operation amount is calculated by subtracting the lower limit operation amount from the rotation operation amount obtained in the operation amount reading process. Then, the launch intensity corresponding to the variable resistance value is set as the launch intensity of the current game ball B1. In the subsequent step S515, a launch process for driving the solenoid 82 to launch the game ball B1 is executed. Thereby, one game ball B1 is launched toward the game board 33 with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the operation handle 36b. In step S516, the firing wait flag is cleared to “0” and the game ball launching process is terminated.

<Game ball lifting processing>
Next, the game ball lifting process performed by the launch control device 65 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the number of game balls B1 that can be stored in the storage space 211 is smaller than the number of game balls B1 enclosed in the pachinko machine 10. For this reason, the ball tray portion 71 is configured such that the game ball B1 always exists. Accordingly, the present game ball lifting process is executed without determining whether or not the game ball B1 exists in the ball tray portion 71. First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the lifting firing ball detection sensor 284 is in an ON state. Here, the fact that the lifting ball detecting sensor 284 is in the ON state means that the game ball B1 exists on the lifting shooting rail 266. If the lifting ball detection sensor 284 is in the OFF state in step S601, it is determined in step S602 whether the lifting ball feeding flag is in the ON state. Here, the lifting ball feeding flag is a signal sent to the lifting ball feeding device 286 by executing the lifting ball feeding process in step S603 of the game ball lifting process, and the game This is a flag indicating that the ball B1 is in the process of moving from the lifting ball feeder 286 to the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234, and “1” is set in step S604 of the present game ball lifting process. Flag to be If “1” is set in the lifting ball feeding flag in step S602, the present game ball lifting process is terminated as it is. If “1” is not set in the lifting ball feeding flag in step S602, the lifting ball feeding process is executed in step S603. In the lifting ball feeding process, a signal is transmitted to the lifting ball feeding device 286 to urge the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 to supply one game ball B1. In the subsequent step S604, "1" is set in the lifting ball feeding flag, and the game ball lifting process is terminated.

  If the lifting ball detection sensor 284 is in the ON state in step S601, it is determined in step S605 whether 0.4 sec has elapsed since the previous lifting discharge process. Here, the lifting firing process is a process for driving the lifting solenoid 282 to launch the game ball B1 upward and to the right, and is executed in step S609 of the present game ball lifting process. Process. If 0.4 sec has not elapsed, the game ball lifting process is terminated. This is because if the game ball B1 is continuously lifted in a short cycle, the processing capacity of the polishing apparatus 111 as the lift destination is exceeded. In the pachinko machine 10, the game ball B1 can be launched from the game ball launch mechanism 34 at intervals of 0.6 sec. When the game balls B1 are continuously fired at intervals of 0.6 sec for a long time, it is necessary to circulate the game balls B1 at a cycle shorter than 0.6 sec and return the game balls B1 from the polishing device 111 to the storage space 211. There is. In the polishing apparatus 111, it is necessary to decelerate the game ball B1 and bring it into contact with the polishing member 314. Therefore, it takes time to polish the game ball B1. Therefore, the game ball B1 is lifted from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 at a cycle of 0.4 sec that is earlier than the firing cycle of 0.6 sec. Thereby, in the game ball launching mechanism 34, it is possible to avoid a situation where the supply of the game ball B1 to be launched is not in time.

  If 0.4 sec has elapsed since the previous lifting and firing process in step S605, it is determined in step S606 whether or not “1” is set in the lifting ball feeding flag. If “1” is set in the lifting ball feeding flag, it is determined in step S607 whether or not the storage sensor 217 is in the ON state. When the storage sensor 217 is in the ON state, the present game ball lifting process is finished as it is. This is because if the game ball B1 is sufficiently present in the storage space 211 downstream of the polishing device 111 and the game ball B1 continues to be lifted, the game ball B1 that has passed through the polishing device 111 does not enter the storage space 211. This is to lose the place to go. If the storage sensor 217 is in the OFF state in step S607, the in-lifting ball feeding flag is cleared to “0” in step S608, and the launching process for lifting is performed in step S609. End the sending process.

  If “1” is not set in the lifting ball feeding flag in step S606, an abnormal process is performed to notify that a ball is clogged in step S610, and an infinite loop is entered. A situation in which the lifting ball detection sensor 284 is in the ON state even though the lifting ball feeding flag is not set to “1” is a game that has been fired by the previous lifting firing process. There is a possibility that the ball B <b> 1 becomes a return ball and flows back in the lifting passage 221 and is detected by the lifting launch ball detection sensor 284. In addition, the game ball B1 launched by the previous lifting launch process becomes a return ball and flows back through the lifting passage 221, and the game ball B1 launched by the previous lifting launch process is returned as a return ball. There is a possibility of collision and detection by the lifted launch ball detection sensor 284. In this way, when the game ball B1 launched by the lifting launch process becomes a return ball and is not collected by the return ball collection hole 291, the abnormal launch process is performed, whereby the lifting launch process is performed. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the game ball B1 fired by is repeatedly collided with the return ball.

  In the abnormality process, a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the firing control device 65 to the payout control device 64 is transmitted. An abnormality occurrence signal is transmitted from the payout control device 64 to the main control device 61, and the main control device 61 executes a process for notifying the abnormality. Here, the process for notifying abnormality is a process for notifying the occurrence of an error to a game hall manager or the like. Specifically, the main control device 61 outputs an error signal to the sound emission control device 62, thereby turning on the abnormality notification light emitting unit 53 in a predetermined manner. The abnormality notification mode is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined notification sound or notification sound may be output from the speaker device 37, and a predetermined notification display may be displayed on the symbol display device 46a. It is good also as a structure to perform.

  The lifting passage 221 is configured to be a closed passage when the inner rail 221 a and the outer rail 221 b provided in the game board 33 are covered with the passage forming member 221 g provided on the back side of the front door 22. For this reason, when a return ball occurs, the manager of the hall can easily take out the game ball B1 in the lifting passage 221 simply by opening the front door 22.

<Polishing control processing>
Next, the polishing control process performed by the firing control device 65 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the polishing control process, the rotating body 312 of the polishing apparatus 111 is driven when there is room in the storage space 211 downstream of the polishing apparatus 111 to receive the game ball B1. In addition, when there is no room for receiving the game ball B1 in the storage space 211, the rotating body 312 of the polishing apparatus 111 is stopped.

  First, in step S701, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the polishing flag. Here, the polishing flag is a flag indicating that the rotating body 312 of the polishing apparatus 111 is driven and the game ball B1 is being polished by the polishing apparatus 111. The in-polishing flag is a flag that is set to “1” in step S704 of the polishing control process. If “1” is not set in the polishing flag in step S701, it is determined in step S702 whether or not the storage sensor 217 is in the ON state. When the storage sensor 217 is in the ON state, it means that there is no room for receiving the game ball B1 in the storage space 211, and thus the polishing control process is terminated as it is. If the storage sensor 217 is not in the ON state in step S702, a signal for rotating the rotating body 312 is transmitted to the polishing drive unit 113 in step S703. In step S704, “1” is set to the polishing flag indicating that the polishing apparatus 111 is moving, and the polishing control process is terminated.

  If “1” is set in the polishing flag in step S701, it is determined in step S705 whether or not the storage sensor 217 is in an ON state. If the storage sensor 217 is not in the ON state in step S705, it means that there is still a room for receiving the game ball B1 in the storage space 211, and thus this polishing control process is terminated as it is. If the storage sensor 217 is in the ON state in step S705, it means that there is no room for receiving the game ball B1 in the storage space 211, so that the rotating body 312 is stopped in the polishing drive unit 113 in step S706. Is transmitted, the polishing flag is cleared to “0” in step S707, and the polishing control process is terminated.

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

  In the pachinko machine 10 that circulates and uses the game ball B1, a part of the movement of the game ball B1 excluding the release of the game ball B1 to the game board 33 is a movement by launch, so that the game ball B1 is required to circulate. Reduce time. As a result, it is possible to return the game ball B1 launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 and flowing down the game board 33 to a position where it can be launched again in a short time.

  A part of the movement of the game ball B1 excluding the release of the game ball B1 to the game board 33 is assumed to be lifting of the game ball B1 by launch. As a result, it is possible to carry the game ball B1 launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 and flowing down the game board 33 to a high position.

  A lifting passage 221 is provided in the support base body 31 as a passage for guiding the game ball B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 to the polishing apparatus 111. The lifting passage 221 has a passage width that is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball B1. When the game ball B1 is lifted using the lift game ball launch mechanism 234 and the lift passage 221, a lift mechanism comprising a drive unit and a transport member is provided to lift the game ball B1. In comparison, the space required for lifting can be saved.

  The support base body 31 is formed with a groove opened forward by the inner rail 221a and the outer rail 221b. A passage forming member 221g that matches the shape of the groove formed by the inner rail 221a and the outer rail 221b is attached to the front door 22, and the front door 22 is in a closed state. It is the composition which becomes. For this reason, when the front door 22 is opened, a groove formed by the inner rail 221a and the outer rail 221b is released forward. Maintenance when ball clogging occurs in the transport passage 221 is easy.

  By forming a part of the lifting passage 221 along the partition member 33a of the game board 33, a decrease in the area occupied by the game area in the game board 33 can be suppressed.

  By setting the top region 221e of the lifting passage 221 to the right of the center upper portion of the support base body 31, it is possible to ensure a long length of the deceleration region 221d formed downstream of the top region 221e. Thereby, the effect of deceleration of the game ball B1 in the deceleration area | region 221d can be heightened.

  By providing a slow down-gradient deceleration region 221d downstream of the top region 221e at the highest position in the lifting passage 221, the speed of the game ball B1 can be reduced and allowed to flow into the polishing apparatus 111. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the game ball B1 from vigorously colliding with the polishing apparatus 111 and bounced back to become a return ball that flows back through the lifting passage 221.

  The deceleration region 221d is configured by mounting the buffer material 221f on the inner wall of the outer rail 221b, and has a configuration in which the thickness of the buffer material 221f increases so that the diameter gradually decreases from upstream to downstream. Thereby, the possibility that the game ball B1 collides with the cushioning material 221f and bounces back at the entrance of the deceleration region 221d and becomes a return ball is reduced.

  The game ball launch mechanism 34 performs the game ball B1 with a firing cycle of 0.6 sec, whereas the game ball launch mechanism 234 with the game ball launch mechanism 234 performs the lift cycle of 0.4 sec. Thereby, even when the game balls B1 are continuously fired from the game ball launching mechanism 34, the game balls B1 supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 34 will not be insufficient.

  The game ball launching mechanism 34 is disposed on the upper left side of the support base body 31 and is disposed on the upper left side of the game area, so that the game ball B1 is fired rightward from the upper left side of the game area. Thereby, the game ball B1 once fired moves to the right and falls downward due to its own weight. For this reason, unlike the case where the game ball launching mechanism 34 is disposed at the lower right side of the game area, the game ball B1 once fired does not flow back toward the game ball launching mechanism 34 again. Since no return ball is generated, there is no need to adopt a configuration that takes the return ball into consideration. Further, since the ball clogging due to the return ball does not occur, it is possible to reduce the frequency of abnormality notification and maintenance by the hall manager.

  In the launch operation device 36, the game ball B1 is not fired by the game ball launch mechanism 34 unless the operation handle 36b is rotated more than a predetermined operation amount. Thus, even if the game ball launching mechanism 34 is provided on the upper left side of the game area by providing a predetermined threshold as a condition for starting the game ball B1, the game ball launching mechanism 34 is placed on the right side of the game area. The game ball B1 can be launched into the game area with the same operation feeling as in the case where it exists in the lower part.

  When the operation handle 36b is rotated more than a predetermined operation amount, the firing intensity of the game ball B1 emitted from the game ball launching mechanism 34 is changed according to the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b. To do. Thereby, the player can aim at the left area and the right area of the center frame 46b separately by adjusting the amount of rotation of the operation handle 36b.

  The storage space 211 is arranged on the upper left side of the support base 31 so as to communicate with the ball feeding device 86, and the game ball B1 is supplied from the ball feeding device 86 to the game ball launching mechanism 34. A storage space for storing the game ball B1 is disposed immediately upstream of the ball feeding device 86 for supplying the game ball B1 to the game ball launching mechanism 34. Thereby, it is possible to store the game ball B1 in the storage space 211 in advance, and it is possible to reduce the possibility that the game ball B1 launched by the game ball launching mechanism 34 is insufficient.

  A storage sensor 217 that is turned on when a predetermined amount of the game ball B1 is stored in the storage space 211 is provided. Then, when the storage sensor 217 detects a predetermined amount or more of the game ball B1, the lifting of the game ball B1 is stopped. As a result, when the storage space 211 is filled with the game ball B1 and the additional game ball B1 cannot enter the storage space 211, the game ball B1 continues to be lifted, and the game ball B1 is moved to the transfer path. It is possible to avoid a situation that overflows in 221.

  A polishing device 111 for polishing the dirty game ball B1 is provided adjacent to the storage space 211. As a result, the polished game ball B1 is stored in the storage space 211 and supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 34 via the ball feeder 86 without getting dirty. In this way, by minimizing the movement distance from when the game ball B1 is polished to being fired toward the game area, the game ball B1 without dirt is directed toward the game board 33. Can fire. The influence of dirt on the game ball B1 on the game result can be minimized.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, a return ball recovery hole 291 is provided in the middle of the lifting passage 221, and the game ball B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 becomes a return ball and flows back through the lifting passage 221. In this case, the return ball is taken into a return ball collection passage 296 provided on the back side of the game board 33 and collected. In the present embodiment, an upstream sensor 321 is provided on the upstream side of the lifting passage 221 and a downstream sensor 322 is provided on the downstream side, and the detection patterns of the two sensors 321 and 322 are used in the lifting passage 221. When it is determined that a return ball has occurred, an abnormality process is performed to trigger an abnormality notification.

  Hereinafter, a different configuration between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

  FIG. 25 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 with the front door 22 removed. Here, the upstream of the lifting passage 221 indicates the side of the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234, and the downstream of the lifting passage 221 indicates the side of the polishing apparatus 111. As shown in FIG. 25, an upstream sensor 321 is provided on the upstream side of the lifting passage 221, and a downstream sensor 322 is provided on the downstream side of the lifting passage 221. Hereinafter, a countermeasure when a return ball is generated in the lifting passage 221 using these two sensors 321 and 322 will be described. The two sensors 321 and 322 are connected to the launch control device 65.

  The game ball circulation process performed by the launch control device 65 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S801, a lifting process is performed. Here, the lifting process performed by the launch control device 65 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the lifting stop flag is set. Here, the lifting stop flag is a state in which 100 or more game balls B1 are stored in the storage space 211, and the game balls B1 are sufficiently stored in the storage space 211. This is a flag for stopping the lifting of B1, and is a flag set in step S1105 of the downstream state grasping process (FIG. 29) described later. If the lifting stop flag is set in step S901, the main lifting process is terminated as it is. If the lifting stop flag is not set in step S901, it is determined in step S902 whether or not the game ball detection flag is set. Here, the game ball detection flag is set after the upstream sensor 321 provided in the lifting passage 221 detects the game ball B1 and before the downstream sensor 322 detects the game ball B1. Flag. When the game ball detection flag is set, it means that there is a game ball B1 that is passing through the lifting passage 221, so that without performing a launch operation to lift the game ball B1, The main lifting process is finished as it is.

  If the game ball detection flag is not set in step S902, it means that there is still room to accept the game ball B1 in the storage space 211, and there is no game ball B1 in the lifting path 221. In step S903, a game ball lifting process is performed. In the game ball lifting process, the game ball B1 is lifted at a cycle of 0.4 sec.

  Returning to the description of the game ball circulation process (FIG. 26), after performing the lifting process in step S801, an upstream state grasping process is executed in step S802. Here, the upstream side state grasping process performed by the launch control device 65 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the game ball B1 has passed through the detection range of the upstream sensor 321. Specifically, when the upstream sensor 321 shifts from the non-detection state (OFF state) to the detection state (ON state) and then returns to the non-detection state (OFF state), the game ball B1 is detected by the upstream sensor. It is determined that the detection range 321 has been passed. If the game ball B1 has not passed the detection range of the upstream sensor 321, the upstream state grasping process is terminated as it is. If it is determined in step S1001 that the game ball B1 has passed the detection range of the upstream sensor 321, it is determined in step S1002 whether or not “1” is set in the game ball detection flag. Here, the game ball detection flag is a flag that is set to “1” when it is determined that the game ball B1 has passed the detection range of the upstream sensor 321. Specifically, the flag is set to “1” in step S1003 of the upstream side state grasping process. If “1” is not set in the game ball detection flag, “1” is set in the game ball detection flag in step S1003, and the upstream side state grasping process is terminated. On the other hand, if “1” is set in the game ball detection flag in step S1002, the game ball detection flag is cleared to “0” in step S1004, and an abnormal process is performed in step S1005 to enter an infinite loop. enter. When the game ball detection flag is set to “1”, the game ball B1 passes through the detection range of the upstream sensor 321 again. This means that the game ball B1 launched into the lifting passage 221 is a return ball. This is to show that the flow through the lifting passage 221 is reversed.

  In the abnormality process, a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the firing control device 65 to the payout control device 64 is transmitted. An abnormality occurrence signal is transmitted from the payout control device 64 to the main control device 61, and the main control device 61 executes a process for notifying the abnormality. Here, the process for notifying abnormality is a process for notifying an administrator of a game hall or the like of the occurrence of an error. Specifically, the main control device 61 outputs an error signal to the sound emission control device 62, thereby turning on the abnormality notification light emitting unit 53 in a predetermined manner. The abnormality notification mode is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined notification sound or notification sound may be output from the speaker device 37, and a predetermined notification display may be displayed on the symbol display device 46a. It is good also as a structure to perform.

  Returning to the description of the game ball circulation process (FIG. 26), after the upstream state grasping process is performed in step S802, the downstream state grasping process is performed in step S803. Here, the downstream state grasping process performed by the launch control device 65 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the downstream sensor 322 has detected the game ball B1. When the downstream sensor 322 has not detected the game ball B1, the downstream state grasping process is terminated as it is. If the downstream sensor 322 has detected the game ball B1 in step S1101, the game ball detection flag is cleared to “0” in step S1102. This is because the game ball B1 detected by the upstream sensor 321 is detected again by the downstream sensor 322 without becoming a return ball. In step S1103, “1” is added to the stored ball number counter. This is because the game ball B1 detected by the downstream sensor 322 is guided into the storage space 211, and the number of game balls B1 in the storage space 211 increases. In a succeeding step S1104, it is determined whether or not the value of the stored ball number counter is 100 or more. If the value of the stored ball number counter is 100 or more, the pumping stop flag is set in step S1105, and the downstream state grasping process is terminated. This is because when the number of game balls B1 in the storage space 211 reaches a sufficient amount, the lifting of the game balls B1 is temporarily stopped. Here, the lifting stop flag is a flag for preventing the game ball B1 from being fired by the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234. If the value of the stored ball number counter is 99 or less in step S1104, the downstream state grasping process is terminated as it is.

  Returning to the description of the game ball circulation process (FIG. 26), after the downstream state grasping process is performed in step S803, the stored ball number management process is performed in step S804, and this game ball circulation process is terminated. Here, the management processing of the number of stored balls performed in the launch control device 65 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the firing flag. Here, the launch flag is a flag that is set to “1” when the game ball B <b> 1 is launched from the game ball launch mechanism 34. When “1” is not set in the firing flag, the management processing of the number of stored balls is finished as it is. If “1” is set in the firing flag, the value of the stored ball number counter is decremented by “1” in step S1202. The stored ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of game balls B1 stored in the storage space 211. Thereafter, the firing flag is cleared to “0” in step S1203.

  In step S1204, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the lifting stop flag. When “1” is not set in the lifting stop flag, the management processing of the number of stored balls is finished as it is. If “1” is set in the lifting stop flag, it is determined in step S1205 whether or not the value of the stored ball number counter is 90 or less. When the value of the stored ball number counter is 91 or more, the management process of the stored ball number is ended as it is. If the value of the stored ball number counter is 90 or less, the lifting stop flag is cleared to “0” in step S1206, and the present stored ball number management process is terminated. Thus, when 100 or more game balls B1 exist in the storage space 211, the lifting of the game balls B1 is temporarily stopped, and 90 game balls B1 in the storage space 211 are obtained. When it becomes below, lifting of game ball B1 is resumed. For this reason, it is possible to create a state where an appropriate amount of game balls B1 are always stored in the storage space 211.

  According to this embodiment mentioned above, there exist the following outstanding effects.

  An upstream sensor 321 is provided upstream of the lifting passage 221, and a downstream sensor 322 is provided downstream of the lifting passage 221. Then, after the upstream sensor 321 detects the passage of the game ball B1, the downstream sensor 322 detects the game ball B1 again without detecting the game ball B1, and when the upstream sensor 321 detects the game ball B1 again, It is determined that the game ball B1 launched from the sending game ball launching mechanism 234 is determined as a return ball, performs abnormality processing, and notifies the outside. Thereby, the manager of the game hall can grasp the fact that the return ball is generated in the lifting passage 221, and can perform maintenance work to remove the return ball.

  As a countermeasure against a return ball that flows back through the lifting passage 221, a configuration is adopted in which the return ball is detected by the upstream sensor 321 and the downstream sensor 322 in addition to the return ball collection hole 291 for collecting the return ball. As a result, even when the return sphere is not collected in the return sphere collection hole 291 and flows downstream from the return sphere collection hole 291, the return sphere is detected by the upstream sensor 321 and the downstream sensor 322, and abnormal processing is performed. Can be done.

  When the game ball B1 is lifted, “1” is added to the stored ball number counter, and when the game ball B1 is fired, “1” is subtracted from the stored ball number counter. Thereby, the number of game balls B1 in the storage space 211 can be grasped.

  The number of game balls B1 emitted from the game ball launching mechanism 34 and the number of game balls B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 and returning to the storage space 211 are grasped. When the number of game balls B1 in the storage space 211 becomes 100 or more, the lifting of the game balls B1 is temporarily stopped, and the number of game balls B1 in the storage space 211 is 90 or less. In this case, by restarting the lifting of the game ball B1, the number of the game balls B1 in the storage space 211 can be managed so as to be within a certain range.

  When the game ball B1 emitted from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is detected by the downstream sensor 322, the next game ball B1 is launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234. This avoids a situation in which the game ball previously fired from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 and turned into a return ball and the game ball B1 subsequently fired from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 collide with each other. It becomes possible.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the feed passage 221 is provided so as to pass outside the game area partitioned by the partition member 33a. Further, the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 and the lifting passage 221 are formed on the surface of the support base body. In the present embodiment, the lifting passage 331 is provided on the back surface of the game board 33 and the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is provided on the back surface of the support base body 31. This makes it possible to secure a wide game area on the game board. In addition, a storage passage 344 is provided on the right side of the polishing apparatus 111 to allow the game ball B1 to be stored upstream of the polishing apparatus 111.

  Hereinafter, a different configuration between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

  FIG. 31 shows a front view of the support base body 31 for explaining the lifting passage 331 provided on the back side of the game board 33. As shown in FIG. 31, a lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is provided on the back surface of the support base body 31. In addition, a lifting passage 331 for lifting the game ball B <b> 1 from the center lower portion of the support base body 31 to the upper right portion is formed on the back surface of the game board 33. The inlet side of the lifting passage 331 is the upstream side, and the outlet side is the downstream side. Specifically, the lower center portion of the support base body 31 is upstream, the middle portion of the support base body 31 is a middle stream, and the upper right portion of the support base body 31 is downstream. The lifting passage 331 is formed linearly and obliquely upward in the upstream and middle stream. And it is formed in the downstream as a curved path convex upward. A return ball collection hole 291 for collecting a return ball is provided upstream of the lifting passage 331.

  When the game ball B1 is fired from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234, it obtains an initial velocity sufficient to reach the exit of the lifting passage 331. As shown in FIG. 31, the lifting launch rail 266 has a length sufficient to stabilize the traveling direction of the game ball B1. For this reason, the game ball B1 jumps out from the lifting launch rail 266 in a predetermined direction at a constant speed.

  A lifting passage 331 exists on the extension line of the lifting launch rail 266. A gap three times the diameter of the game ball B1 exists between the tip of the lifting launch rail 266 and the entrance of the lifting passage 331, and a return ball collection hole 291 for collecting the return ball is formed. . The speed at which the game ball B1 jumps out from the tip of the lifting launch rail 266 is sufficient to jump over the return ball collection hole 291.

  On the other hand, the speed of the game ball B1 that becomes a return ball and flows backward along the lifting path 331 due to its own weight is slower than the speed of the game ball B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234, which is the return ball recovery. Insufficient speed to jump over hole 291. The game ball B1 that has fallen into the return ball collection hole 291 is guided to a passage communicating with the communication port 104. The game ball B1 collected in the return ball collection hole 291 descends due to its own weight on the bottom surface of the return ball collection passage 291a provided inside the return ball collection cover 291b, and reaches the communication port 104. The game ball B1 that has reached the communication port 104 is led to the ball tray 71 on condition that the front door 22 is closed.

  The downstream of the lifting passage 331 is a curved path that is convex upward, and the entrance of the storage passage 344 exists at the end of the passage. The storage passage 344 is formed on the front side of the support base body 31. Therefore, the game ball B1 passing through the lifting passage 331 is decelerated at the downstream curved portion, and then moves from the back side of the game board to the front side through the entrance of the storage passage 344. Thereafter, it flows down from the upper right side of the game board 33 to the upper left side where the polishing apparatus 111 is present due to its own weight.

  A storage passage 344 for guiding the game ball B <b> 1 to the polishing apparatus 111 is provided downstream of the lifting passage 331. The storage passage 344 is a gently downwardly inclined passage that connects the upper right portion of the main body base 21 to the upper left portion. The passage length of the lifting passage 331 is at least 10 times the diameter of the game ball B1. For this reason, when the game ball B1 lifted up to the entrance of the storage passage 344 cannot enter the polishing apparatus 111, the game ball B1 is temporarily stored in the storage passage 344.

  According to this embodiment mentioned above, there exist the following outstanding effects.

  By providing the lifting passage 331 on the back surface of the game board 33, a wide game area can be secured in the game board 33. Further, the shape of the lifting passage 331 can be selected regardless of the game area, and the room for selecting the shape of the lifting passage 331 is widened.

  By making the downstream of the lifting passage 331 into a convexly curved shape, the game ball B1 can be decelerated and fed into the storage passage 344.

  By providing the storage passage 344 between the lifting passage 331 and the polishing device 111, it is possible to prevent the game ball B1 from colliding with the polishing device 111 and bouncing back to become a return ball that flows back through the lifting passage 331. it can.

  By adopting a configuration in which the game ball B1 flowing down the storage passage 344 enters the polishing device 111, when the polishing device 111 is filled with the game ball B1 and the game ball B1 cannot enter, the game ball B1 Is stored in the storage passage 344. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the game ball B1 that cannot fully enter the polishing apparatus 111 from becoming a return ball and flowing backward through the lifting passage 331.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the game ball launching mechanism 34 is arranged on the upper left side of the main body base 21 so that the game ball B1 launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 does not become a return ball. Further, the polishing device 111 is disposed on the upper left side of the support base body 31 and on the upper right side of the game ball launching mechanism 34. In the present embodiment, the game ball launching mechanism 34 is disposed on the lower right side of the support base body 31. Further, the lifting game ball launching mechanism 441 is disposed on the right side of the lower part of the center of the support base 31, and the polishing apparatus 412 is disposed at the lower center of the support base 31.

  Hereinafter, a different configuration between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

  FIG. 32 shows a front view of the support base body 31. At the lower center of the support base body 31, there is an exit 414 of the collecting passage where the game balls B1 flowing down the game board 33 gather. All of the game balls B1 that have flowed down the game board 33 are taken into the collecting passage and discharged from the outlet 414 of the collecting passage. A polishing device 412 is disposed below the outlet 414 of the collecting passage, and the game ball B1 is polished in the polishing device 412.

  A storage space 431 is formed below the polishing apparatus 412. The game ball B1 polished by the polishing device 412 is stored in the storage space 431. The bottom surface of the storage space 431 is inclined downward toward the outlet of the storage space 431, and the outlet communicates with the lifting ball feeder 432. Accordingly, the game balls B1 stored in the storage space 431 are sequentially taken into the lifting ball feeder 432. In addition, a storage sensor 433 that is a photosensor is disposed above the storage space 431. A predetermined amount or more of the game balls B1 that can be stored in the storage space 431 are stored in the storage space 431 and detected by the storage sensor 433. If this is done, the polishing apparatus 412 is temporarily stopped. As shown in FIG. 32, the outlet 414 of the collecting passage, the polishing device 412, and a part of the storage space 431 are covered with a polishing cover 413 formed to protrude forward from the support base body 31.

  Downstream of the storage space, a lifting game ball launching mechanism 441 and a lifting passage 442 for lifting the game ball B1 to the ball tray 71 are provided. The lifting passage 442 is formed so as to connect the lifting game ball launching mechanism 441 and the entrance of the ball tray 71. Hereinafter, the game ball launching mechanism 441 for lifting is defined as the upstream side, and the inlet side of the ball tray 71 is defined as the downstream side. The lifting passage 442 has a passage width through which the game balls B1 can pass in one row. The game balls B1 are supplied one by one from the lift ball feeder 432 to the lift game ball launching mechanism 441. Further, the launching strength of the lifting game ball launching mechanism 441 is set to a strength sufficient to lift the game ball B1 to the ball tray 71.

  A first passage sensor 443 that is a photo sensor is disposed upstream of the lifting passage 442, and a second passage sensor 444 that is a photo sensor is disposed downstream of the lifting passage 442. When the game ball B1 is normally lifted in the lift passage 442, the game ball B1 is detected by the first passage sensor 443 and then detected by the second passage sensor 444. On the other hand, when the game ball B1 launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 441 returns as a return ball and flows back through the lifting passage 442, the game ball B1 is detected by the first passage sensor 443. Without being detected by the second passage sensor 444, it is again detected by the first passage sensor 443. As described above, when a return ball is generated from the detection patterns of the first passage sensor 443 and the second passage sensor 444, abnormality notification is performed. In the abnormality notification, the main control device 61 outputs an error signal to the sound emission control device 62, thereby turning on the abnormality notification light emitting unit 53 in a predetermined manner. The abnormality notification mode is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined notification sound or notification sound may be output from the speaker device 37, and a predetermined notification display may be displayed on the symbol display device 46a. It is good also as a structure to perform.

  According to this embodiment mentioned above, there exist the following outstanding effects.

  The lifted game ball launching mechanism 441 is used as a means for lifting the ground game ball B1 to the upper ball tray 71. Thereby, the game ball B1 can be quickly moved to the ball tray 71. In addition, since the game ball B1 after polishing is lifted by launch, the storage space 431 can be disposed below the ball tray 71. Thereby, all the game balls B1 dropped from the game board 33 can be targeted for polishing.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, A various deformation | transformation improvement is possible within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, you may change as follows. Incidentally, the following configuration of another embodiment may be applied individually or in combination to the configuration of the above embodiment.

  (1) In the said 1st Embodiment, it was set as the structure which concentrates a player's attention on the game board 33 by making the tray cover 75 colored and opaque. However, the dish cover 75 may be colorless and transparent. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm the game ball B1 circulating in the pachinko machine 10 by visual recognition from the outside. For this reason, even when an illegal act such as mixing a game ball B1 having a size smaller than the normal game ball B1 is performed, the illegal act is discovered without opening the front door 22 of the pachinko machine 10. Can do. Further, even when a ball clogging or the like occurs in the ball tray portion 71, it is possible to grasp the situation by visual recognition from the outside.

  (2) In the first embodiment, the shutter mechanism 105 is provided only on the communication port 104 side in FIG. When the front door 22 is opened, the shutter member 106 of the shutter mechanism 105 moves from the allowable position to the blocking position, thereby closing the passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet port 72. Thereby, the outflow of the game ball B1 remaining on the communication port 104 side is prevented. On the other hand, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the outlet port side shutter mechanism is provided on the outlet port 72 side. Specifically, in the path connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet port 72, the outlet port side shutter mechanism is provided at the end portion on the outlet port 72 side that becomes an opening when the front door 22 is opened.

  In the front door 22, a storage space for storing the outlet port side shutter member is formed immediately above the passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet port 72. Then, a compression coil spring is disposed on the wall of the storage space on the side of the ball tray 71, and a force for pushing the outlet port side shutter member toward the support base body 31 is applied by the compression coil spring.

  When the front door 22 is closed, the outlet port side shutter member that is pressurized toward the support base body 31 contacts the passage wall of the passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet port 72 and takes an allowable position. The sphere B1 can pass through a passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet 72. On the other hand, when the front door 22 is opened, the passage wall of the passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet 72 that has been in contact with the outlet port-side shutter member pressurized toward the support base body 31 side moves and is not moved. It becomes a contact state. As a result, the outlet-side shutter member moves to a blocking position that blocks the passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet 72. When the front door 22 is closed again, the outlet port side shutter member is pushed from the support base body 31 side to the front door 22 side by the passage wall of the passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet port 72, and the compression coil spring is Compressed. As a result, the outlet-side shutter member returns to the allowable position again.

  As described above, when the front door 22 is closed, the shutter member 106 and the outlet port side shutter member both take the allowable positions, so that the game ball B1 can pass through the passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet port 72. Further, when the front door 22 is opened, the shutter member 106 and the outlet port side shutter member both take the blocking position, so that the passage connecting the communication port 104 and the outlet port 72 cannot be opened. In the configuration in which the game ball B1 is circulated in the pachinko machine 10 as in the first embodiment, an opening exists, and a ball having a smaller diameter than the normal game ball B1 is mixed from the opening. When an illegal act is performed, a ball having a diameter smaller than that of the normal game ball B1 continues to circulate. This creates a state in which winnings are likely to occur illegally. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent fraud by providing a lead-out-side shutter mechanism that does not create an opening even when the front door 22 is opened.

  (3) In the first embodiment, the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is provided at the lower left portion of the support base 31. However, the arrangement position of the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is not limited to the lower left portion of the support base body 31. For example, the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 may be disposed in the lower center portion of the support base body 31, or may be disposed in the lower right portion of the support base body 31. Thus, after the game ball B1 is fired from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 by moving the position of the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 from the lower left part of the support base body 31 to the right side, the polishing apparatus The distance to reach 111 can be shortened, and the probability of a return ball in the middle of the lifting passage 221 can be reduced. In addition, the launch angle at the time of launching from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 can be brought closer to the 90 ° side, and the possibility of reaching the polishing device 111 can be increased when launched with the same strength.

  (4) In the first embodiment, when the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b is lower than the lower limit operation amount, the ball feed drive unit 215 of the ball feed device 86 is not driven and the game ball B1 is launched. The structure is such that it is not supplied onto the support 281 for use. As a result, the game ball B1 is not fired when the amount of rotation of the operation handle 36b is insufficient. However, the method for preventing the game ball B1 from being launched when the amount of rotation operation is insufficient is not limited to this. For example, even when the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b is lower than the lower limit operation amount, the ball feed drive unit 215 of the ball feed device 86 is driven and the game ball B1 is supplied onto the launch support 281. It is good also as a structure. In this case, the solenoid 82 for launching the game ball B1 on the launch support 281 is not driven. Then, when the amount of rotation of the operation handle 36b exceeds the lower limit operation amount, the solenoid 82 is driven and the game ball B1 on the launch support 281 is launched. Thereby, it can be set as the structure by which the game ball | bowl B1 is discharged when the amount of rotation operation of the operation handle 36b exceeds predetermined amount.

  (5) In the first embodiment, in the game ball launch process, the strength corresponding to the operation amount obtained by subtracting the lower limit operation amount from the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b is set as the launch strength. . Thereby, even when the game ball launching mechanism 34 is provided on the upper left side of the support base 31, the player has the same feeling as that of the conventional pachinko machine 10 that launches the game ball B 1 from the lower right of the support base 31. Thus, the operation handle 36b can be operated. However, even when the game ball launching mechanism 34 is provided on the upper left side of the support base body 31, the player feels the same as the conventional pachinko machine 10 that launches the game ball B1 from the lower right of the support base body 31. The configuration that enables the operation handle 36b to be operated is not limited to this. For example, a rotation operation amount conversion handle may be provided in the firing operation device 36 separately from the operation handle 36b. The rotation operation amount conversion handle does not move even if the operation handle 36b is operated until the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b reaches a predetermined threshold value. On the other hand, when the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 36b reaches a predetermined threshold, the rotation operation amount conversion handle and the operation handle 36b move in conjunction with each other. Then, the variable resistor 36d detects the rotation amount of the rotation operation amount conversion handle, and the game ball B1 is launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 with a firing intensity corresponding to the detected rotation operation amount. With such a configuration, the player can operate the operation handle 36b with the same feeling as the conventional pachinko machine 10 that launches the game ball B1 from the lower right of the support base body 31.

  (6) In the first embodiment, the game balls B1 are fired one by one from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234. However, the number of game balls B1 fired at once from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234 is not limited to one. For example, the lifting ball feeding device 286 is continuously driven twice to create a state in which two game balls B1 are arranged on the lifting launch rail 266. And it is good also as a structure which launches two game balls simultaneously by applying force to the game ball B1 close | similar to the solenoid 282 for a lift with the solenoid 282 for a lift. Since the game ball B1 can be efficiently lifted, the possibility that the game ball B1 is insufficient in the game ball launching mechanism 34 can be reduced.

  (7) In the first embodiment, by providing the deceleration region 221d downstream of the lifting passage 221, the game ball B1 that has been lifted is decelerated before the polishing device 111 is decelerated. It was set as the structure which avoids that it collides with 111, bounces off, and becomes a return ball | bowl. However, the configuration for preventing the lifted game ball B1 from colliding with the polishing apparatus 111 and bouncing back to become a return ball is not limited thereto. For example, a sponge-like impact absorbing material may be provided in the polishing apparatus 111 instead of in the lifting passage 221. Specifically, a configuration is adopted in which two game balls are separated from the downstream end of the lifting passage 221 in the direction of the polishing apparatus 111 and an impact absorbing material is provided. The shock absorbing material is fixed to the ceiling of the polishing apparatus 111 with an adhesive or the like. In this case, the game ball B1 jumps out from the downstream end of the lifting passage 221 without being decelerated, loses speed by colliding with the shock absorbing material, and then falls onto the polishing belt 311 by its own weight, and becomes a polishing groove. 313. As a result, the game ball B1 can be transferred from the lifting passage 221 to the polishing apparatus 111 without being used as a return ball.

  (8) In the first embodiment, the game ball B1 is necessarily configured to enter the storage space 211 after passing through the polishing device 111. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game ball B1 does not pass through the polishing device 111. It is good also as a structure which can enter the storage space 211. FIG. For example, when the game ball B1 is continuously fired from the game ball launch mechanism 34 for a long period of time, the polishing by the polishing device 111 may be a rate-limiting step in the circulation of the game ball B1 in the pachinko machine 10. There is sex. When the polishing process is slow, there is a possibility that the game ball B1 emitted from the game ball launching mechanism 34 is insufficient. On the other hand, when the number of game balls B1 in the storage space 211 is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the game ball launch mechanism 234 for transporting the game directly to the storage space 211 via a route that does not pass through the polishing device 111. The ball B1 is lifted. Specifically, the pumping path 221 is branched upstream of the polishing apparatus 111, and a route to the storage space 211 via the polishing apparatus 111 and a route to the storage space 211 without passing through the polishing apparatus 111 are provided. The game ball B1 can be switched so that the game ball B1 passes through one of the two routes. Only when there is a shortage of game balls B1 in the storage space 211, the game ball launching mechanism 34 can maintain a state where the game balls B1 are not short at all times by switching to a route that does not pass through the polishing device 111.

  (9) In the second embodiment, after the game ball B1 is detected by the upstream sensor 321, the game ball B1 is again detected by the upstream sensor 321 without detecting the game ball B1 by the downstream sensor 322. An abnormality notification is made when detected. However, the response when a return ball is generated in the lifting passage 221 is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which lifts a return ball | bowl with bigger launch intensity. Specifically, after the game ball B1 is detected by the upstream sensor 321, the game ball B1 is not detected by the downstream sensor 322, and when the game ball B1 is detected again by the upstream sensor 321, a predetermined time stand by. The predetermined time is a time sufficient for the return ball to return to the firing position of the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234. Then, only the game ball B1 returned to the launch position is lifted with a stronger launch strength without supplying a new game ball B1. This eliminates the need to open the front door 22 even if a return ball is generated.

  (10) In the second embodiment, when it is determined that a return ball has once occurred in the lifting passage 221 by using a combination of detection results of the upstream sensor 321 and the downstream sensor 322. It was set as the structure which performs an abnormal process. However, the timing for notifying abnormality regarding the occurrence of the return ball is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which performs abnormality alerting | reporting when generation | occurrence | production of a return ball | bowl is grasped | ascertained repeatedly. Specifically, after it is determined that the game ball B1 has passed the detection range of the upstream sensor 321, the downstream sensor 322 does not detect the game ball and passes again through the detection range of the upstream sensor 321. It may be configured to execute an abnormality notification indicating that a return ball has been generated when a situation where it is grasped is continuously generated three times. The fact that the return ball is generated three times in succession suggests the possibility that the return ball is generated continuously. In this case, there is a possibility that the game ball B1 in the storage space 211 is consumed without the game ball B1 being lifted up to the storage space 211, and the game ball launching mechanism 34 is in a state of being out of ball. On the other hand, it is possible to cope with this by notifying the outside by notifying the occurrence of a return ball and performing maintenance by the manager of the game hall.

  In addition, after it has been determined that the game ball B1 has passed the detection range of the upstream sensor 321, the downstream sensor 322 has detected that the game ball has passed the detection range of the upstream sensor 321 again without being detected. It is good also as a structure which performs the abnormality alert | report which shows that the return ball | bowl generate | occur | produced outside when the situation grasped | ascertained 10 times or more in 1 minute. The situation where the return ball is generated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period means that the return ball is frequently generated, and the amount of the game ball B1 transported to the polishing apparatus 111 is reduced. As described above, if the state in which the amount of game balls to be lifted within a predetermined period is less than the amount to be originally lifted, the circulation of the game balls B1 in the pachinko machine 10 may be delayed. . On the other hand, it is possible to cope with this by notifying the outside by notifying the occurrence of a return ball and performing maintenance by the manager of the game hall.

  (11) In the second embodiment, as a response to the return ball generated in the lifting passage 221, after the game ball B1 is detected by the upstream sensor 321, the game ball B1 is detected by the downstream sensor 322. Without being detected, when the upstream ball 321 detects the game ball B1 again, an abnormality is notified. However, the place where the game ball B1 to be lifted can be a return ball is not limited to the lift passage 221. For example, a return ball may occur on the lifting launch rail 266. On the other hand, when the game ball B1 is not detected by the upstream sensor 321 within a predetermined period even though the game ball B1 is launched from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234, the upstream sensor 321 and the lifting sensor 321 are lifted. A configuration may be adopted in which it is determined that a return ball has been generated with the sending game ball launching mechanism 234, and abnormality processing is executed. Thereby, even when a return ball is generated in the lifting launch rail 266, it is possible to notify the situation that the return ball is generated outside.

  (12) In the second embodiment, as a response to the return ball generated in the lifting passage 221, after the game ball B1 is detected by the upstream sensor 321, the game ball B1 is detected by the downstream sensor 322. Without being detected, when the upstream ball 321 detects the game ball B1 again, an abnormality is notified. However, the place where the game ball B1 to be lifted can be a return ball is not limited to the lift passage 221. Moreover, the timing which performs abnormality alert | report regarding generation | occurrence | production of a return ball is not restricted to this. For example, the return ball generated on the lifting launch rail 266 may be a target of abnormality notification, and the abnormality notification may be performed when the return ball is repeatedly generated. Specifically, the game ball B1 is used for lifting when the game ball B1 is not detected by the upstream sensor 321 within a predetermined time despite the game ball B1 being fired from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234. A configuration may be adopted in which it is determined that a return ball has been formed on the firing rail 266 and abnormality notification is made when the occurrence of the return ball is grasped three times in succession. Thereby, the game ball B1 is continuously discharged from the game ball launching mechanism 34 without the game ball B1 being transported to the polishing device 111, and the game ball launching mechanism 34 avoids a situation where the ball is out of ball. Can do.

  In addition, the return ball generated on the lifting launch rail 266 may be a target of abnormality notification, and the abnormality notification may be performed when the return ball is generated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. Specifically, the game ball B1 is used for lifting when the game ball B1 is not detected by the upstream sensor 321 within a predetermined time despite the game ball B1 being fired from the lifting game ball launching mechanism 234. A configuration may be adopted in which it is determined that a return ball has been formed on the firing rail 266 and abnormality notification is made when occurrence of the return ball is grasped 10 times or more per minute. If a situation in which return balls are frequently generated on the lifting launch rail 266 is left, the number of game balls B1 to be lifted to the polishing device 111 is reduced, and the game ball launching mechanism 34 may be out of ball. . For this reason, it is necessary to notify the abnormality and perform maintenance by the administrator of the game hall.

  (13) In the second embodiment, the upstream sensor 321 is the inlet of the lifting passage 221 and is located above the return ball recovery hole 291 as a response to the returning ball generated in the lifting passage 221. It was set as the structure to arrange | position. However, the upstream sensor 321 may be disposed below the return ball collection hole 291. For example, the upstream sensor 321 may be disposed so that the game ball B1 passing over the lifting launch rail 266 falls within the detection range. This makes it possible to grasp that a return ball has been generated on the lifting launch rail 266. Furthermore, among the generated return balls, it is possible to selectively grasp the return balls that have not been collected by the return ball collection hole 291. Thereby, it is possible to notify the abnormality only when maintenance by the manager of the game hall is necessary.

  (14) In the first embodiment, the situation where the game ball B1 launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 does not reach the game area and returns to the game ball launching mechanism 34 as a return ball is avoided. For this purpose, the game ball launching mechanism 34 is arranged on the upper right side of the support base 31 and on the upper right side of the game board 33. However, the method of avoiding a situation in which the game ball B1 launched from the game ball launching mechanism 34 does not reach the game area and returns to the game ball launching mechanism 34 as a return ball is not limited to this. For example, in a configuration in which the game ball launching mechanism 34 is disposed at the lower right side of the support base body 31 and a path for guiding the game ball B1 to the game area is provided on the left side of the game board 33, the game ball B1 is A configuration may be adopted in which the game ball B1 is not fired even if the operation handle 36b is operated until the launch intensity reaches a level at which the game area can be reached through the guide path. Specifically, the ball feeding drive unit 215 of the ball feeding device 86 is not driven until the gaming ball B1 reaches a launching intensity that can reach the game area beyond the guide path, and the game ball launching mechanism 34 is not driven. Alternatively, the game ball B1 may not be supplied. In addition, the solenoid 82 of the game ball launching mechanism 34 may not operate until the launch intensity is such that the game ball B1 can reach the game area beyond the guide path.

  In addition, a game ball discharge mechanism for dropping the game ball B1 from above the game area toward the game area may be provided above the game area and above the support base body 31. Specifically, a game ball release mechanism that holds the game ball B1 until the operation handle 36b is operated and allows the game ball B1 to freely fall when the operation handle 36b is operated is provided above the game area. The game ball discharge mechanism is configured to move from the right side to the left side of the support base body 31 within the same range as the lateral width of the game area according to the operation amount of the operation handle 36b. Thereby, the game ball B1 can be allowed to flow into the game area without the game ball B1 falling freely from the game ball release mechanism flowing backward and returning to the game ball release mechanism.

  In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of game ball discharge mechanisms for dropping the game ball B1 from above the game area toward the game area are provided above the game area and provided above the support base body 31. Specifically, six game ball discharge mechanisms are provided above the game area and in the same range as the width of the game area. And according to the operation amount of the operation handle 36b, it is set as the structure which the position of the game ball discharge | release mechanism which freely falls the game ball B1 changes. Thereby, the game ball B1 can be quickly made to flow into an appropriate position in the game area while preventing the generation of a return ball.

  (15) Display control based on a command output from the main control device 61 instead of a configuration in which the display control device 63 is controlled by the sound emission control device 62 based on a command output from the main control device 61 The device 63 may be configured to control the sound emission control device 62. Further, instead of the configuration in which the sound emission control device 62 and the display control device 63 are separately provided, both the control devices may be provided as one control device, and one of the two control devices has a function. May be integrated into the main controller 61, and both functions of these two controllers may be integrated into the main controller 61. The configuration of commands output from the main control device 61 to the sound emission control device 62 and the configuration of commands output from the sound emission control device 62 to the display control device 63 are also arbitrary.

  (16) The device for executing the effect for game times is not limited to the symbol display device 46a, and the effect for effect for game times is executed by operating a decorative member provided in a movable manner. It is also possible to have a configuration in which an effect for game times is executed by turning on a predetermined light emitting unit, or a configuration in which an effect for game times is executed by a combination of all or a part of the above aspects. Good.

  (17) In the above embodiment, the special figure display unit 47 displays a stop result corresponding to each game result. However, instead of this, the special figure display unit 47 may be omitted. Even if it is a game result, it is good also as a structure by which a common stop result is displayed in the special figure display part 47, and a special result display part 47 displays a stop result at random in the special figure display part 47 as a result. It is good also as a structure which cannot identify which game result is from the display.

  (18) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiment, for example, a pachinko machine in which the electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when the game ball B1 enters the specific area of the special device, or a game ball in the specific area of the special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a right when a B1 enters, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and other gaming machines.

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

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

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

<Feature A group>
Feature A1. Release means (game ball launch mechanism 34) for causing the game ball (game ball B1) to reach the game area;
Game ball supply means (ball feeding device 86) for supplying game balls to the discharge means;
In the process of moving the game ball to the game ball supply means, transfer means for transferring the game ball to a predetermined position by launch (the game ball launch mechanism 234 for lifting, the game ball launch mechanism 441 for lifting of the fourth embodiment). )When,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature A1, in the process of moving the game ball to the game ball supply means, the game ball is transferred to a predetermined position by firing. Thereby, the time required to supply the game ball to the discharge means can be shortened.

  Feature A2. The gaming machine according to Feature A1, wherein the transfer means moves the game ball from a low position to a high position by firing.

  According to the feature A2, the transfer means moves the game ball from a low position to a high position by firing. This makes it possible to move the game ball from a low position to a high position in a short time. In addition, it is possible to reduce the space required for transferring the game ball as compared to the case where the game ball is moved from a low position to a high position using a mechanism including a drive unit and a transport member.

Feature A3. The transfer means includes a launch means (lifting solenoid 282) for launching a game ball;
Guide passages through which game balls can pass (lifting passage 221, lifting passage 331 of the third embodiment, lifting passage 442 of the fourth embodiment),
With
The guide passage has a groove structure (inner rail 221a, outer rail 221b) opened in one direction,
A lid (passage forming member 221g) for closing the open surface of the groove structure to form a passage;
The gaming machine according to Feature A2, wherein the lid portion is attached to the groove structure in a removable manner.

  According to feature A3, the transfer means comprises a firing means and a guide passage. The guide passage has a groove structure opened in one direction, and a lid portion is detachably attached to the open surface of the groove structure. Thereby, when a return ball is generated in the guide passage, it is possible to perform maintenance from the open surface of the groove structure by removing the lid.

  Feature A4. One of the groove structure and the lid is provided on the back side of a door (front door 22) that can be opened and closed.

  According to the feature A4, either the groove structure or the lid is provided on the back side of the openable / closable door. The groove structure and the lid are attached in a removable manner. For this reason, when the door is opened, either the groove structure or the lid moves together with the door, and the other remains in the main body. That is, by opening the door, the groove structure is opened in one direction, and maintenance is easy.

  Feature A5. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A4, wherein the discharge means is disposed above or above the gaming area.

  According to the feature A5, the game ball is discharged from the discharge means provided above or above the game area. Since the game ball exists above or above the game area at the time of release, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the game ball will return as a return ball on the way to the upper part of the game area.

Feature A6. The transfer means includes a launch means (lifting solenoid 282) for launching a game ball;
A guide passage (lifting passage 221) through which game balls can pass;
With
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A5, wherein at least a part of the guide passage is formed along an outer edge of the gaming area.

  According to the feature A6, a part or all of the guide passage is formed along the outer edge of the game area. Thereby, the reduction area of the game area | region by providing a guide passage can be suppressed to the minimum.

Feature A7. The transfer means includes a launch means (lifting solenoid 282) for launching a game ball;
A guide passage (lifting passage 221) through which game balls can pass;
With
The guide passage includes a speed reduction means for decelerating the game ball (a curved portion immediately before the top region 221e of the lifting passage 221),
A downwardly inclined guide means (deceleration area 221d) for guiding the game ball decelerated by the deceleration means to the exit;
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A6, comprising:

  According to feature A7, the guide passage comprises a speed reduction means. For this reason, the game ball does not jump out of the exit of the guide passage with the momentum applied by the launching means, but decelerates in the guide passage before reaching the exit. This reduces the possibility that the game ball collides with a device or the like existing at the exit of the guide passage and becomes a return ball that flows backward in the guide passage. The guide passage is provided with guide means for guiding the game ball decelerated by the speed reduction means to the exit. Thereby, the possibility that the decelerated game ball becomes a return ball that flows back in the guide passage is reduced.

Feature A8. The transfer means includes a launch means (lifting solenoid 282) for launching a game ball;
Guide passages through which game balls can pass (lifting passage 221, lifting passage 331 of the third embodiment, lifting passage 442 of the fourth embodiment),
With
A storage means (storage space 211) for storing the game ball guided in the guide passage;
The game ball supply means supplies the game balls stored in the storage means to the discharge means, and stops the transfer of the game balls when a specified amount or more of the game balls flow into the storage means The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A7, comprising stop means (a storage sensor 217, a function of executing step S607 in the launch control device 65).

  According to the feature A8, when a certain amount or more of the game balls flow into the storage unit, the transfer of the game balls is stopped. Thereby, the game ball is transferred beyond the capacity of the storage means, and the situation where the game ball overflows into the passage can be avoided.

  Feature A9. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A8, further comprising a polishing unit (polishing device 111) for removing dirt from the game ball transferred by the transfer unit.

  According to the feature A9, the game ball is polished after the game ball is transferred by the transfer means. Thereby, it becomes possible for the grinding | polishing means to remove the stain | pollution | contamination of the game ball adhering at the time of transfer. Compared with the configuration in which the game balls are polished before the transfer of the game balls, the game balls with less dirt can be delivered to the game ball supply means.

Feature A10. Grasping means (the upstream sensor 321 and the downstream sensor 322 in the second embodiment, the first passage sensor 443 in the fourth embodiment, 2-pass sensor 444);
A notification means (a function of executing step S1005 in the launch control device 65 of the second embodiment) for notifying that an abnormality has occurred when the grasping means detects the occurrence of an abnormality;
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A9, comprising:

  According to the feature A10, the transfer means includes a grasping means for grasping a game ball flowing backward in the transfer means and a notifying means for notifying abnormality. Thereby, abnormality notification can be performed when the game ball which flows backward in the transfer means occurs.

Feature A11. The transfer means includes a launch means (lifting solenoid 282) for launching a game ball;
A guide passage through which a game ball can pass (lifting passage 221, the lifting passage 442 of the fourth embodiment);
With
The grasping means is first detecting means for detecting a game ball that moves in the guide direction of the guide passage without flowing backward in the guide passage (the upstream sensor 321 of the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment). First pass sensor 443) of
After passing through the first detection means, second detection means for detecting a game ball that moves in the guide direction of the guide passage without backflowing in the guide passage (the downstream sensors 322 and 4 of the second embodiment). The second passage sensor 444) of the embodiment of
With
The informing means detects the game ball when the first detection means detects the game ball again without the second detection means detecting the game ball after the first detection means detects the game ball. The gaming machine according to Feature A10, wherein abnormality notification is made by determining that the guide passage has flowed backward.

  According to the feature A11, when the backflow of the game ball is confirmed by the first detection means and the second detection means in the transfer means, the abnormality notification is performed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a game ball that has flowed backward and a game ball that is subsequently launched collide.

Feature A12. The transfer means includes a launch means (lifting solenoid 282) for launching a game ball;
A guide passage through which a game ball can pass (lifting passage 221, the lifting passage 442 of the fourth embodiment);
With
The grasping means detects a game ball that moves in the guide direction of the guide passage without flowing back in the guide passage (the upstream sensor 321 of the second embodiment, the first passage of the fourth embodiment). Sensor 443),
The informing means causes a back flow of the game ball between the launching means and the detecting means when the detecting means does not detect the game ball within a predetermined time after the launching means launches the game ball. The gaming machine according to Feature A10 or A11, wherein it is determined that a failure has occurred and an abnormality is notified.

  According to feature A12, the transfer means has a launching means and a guiding means, and the detecting means is arranged in the guiding means. As a result, when the detection means does not detect the game ball within a predetermined time after the game ball is fired from the launch means, it is determined that the back flow of the game ball has occurred in the guide passage between the launch means and the detection means. Anomaly notification can be performed.

  Feature A13. The gaming machine according to any one of features A9 to A12, wherein the transfer of the game ball by the transfer means is not executed while the abnormality notification is performed by the notification means.

  According to the feature A13, in a situation where a return ball is generated and abnormality notification is performed by the notification unit, the transfer unit does not perform transfer. Thereby, under the situation where a return ball is generated in the transfer means, it is possible to avoid a situation where a new game ball is launched and collides with the return ball, and the return ball increases.

Feature A14. The transfer means includes a launch means (lifting solenoid 282) for launching a game ball;
Guide passages through which game balls can pass (lifting passage 331 of the third embodiment, lifting passage 442 of the fourth embodiment),
With
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A13, wherein the guide passage is provided on a back side of a game board (game board 33).

  According to the feature A14, the guide passage is provided on the back side of the game board. This eliminates the need to reduce the area of the game area under the influence of the guide means. For this reason, a wide game area can be secured. In addition, the shape of the guide passage can be designed irrespective of the outer shape of the game area. For this reason, the choice of the shape of a guide passage spreads.

  Feature A15. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A14, wherein a cycle in which the game ball is transferred by the transfer unit is shorter than a shortest cycle in which the game ball is released by the discharge unit.

  According to feature A15, the transfer period of the game balls by the transfer means is shorter than the shortest period in which the game balls are released by the release means. Thereby, in the release means, the supply of game balls exceeds the consumption of game balls, and a situation where the number of game balls to be released is insufficient can be avoided.

Feature A16. A collection means (collection path) for collecting the game balls in one place by utilizing the fact that the game balls released by the release means move downward by its own weight,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A15, wherein an inlet of the transfer means is present below an outlet of the collecting means.

  According to the feature A16, the entrance of the transfer means exists below the exit of the collection means that collects the game balls in one place by utilizing the fact that the game balls move downward due to their own weight. Since the collecting means collects the game ball using the downward movement of the game ball due to its own weight, no drive means or the like is required for collecting the game ball. Further, since the entrance of the transfer means is present below the exit of the collection means, the game ball can be moved from the collection means to the transfer means by utilizing the movement of the game ball due to its own weight. By adjusting the firing strength of the transfer means, the transfer means can be arranged in the lower part of the gaming machine. Therefore, all the game balls released from the release means can be transferred and circulated.

  Note that any one or more of the features A1 to A16 and the features B1 to B6 may be applied to any one of the features A1 to A16. Thereby, it becomes possible to produce a synergistic effect by the combined configuration.

<Feature B group>
Feature B1. Release means (game ball launch mechanism 34) for releasing the game ball in order to cause the game ball (game ball B1) to reach the game area;
When the game ball is released from the release unit, the specific unit (a function of executing steps S507 to S510 in the launch control device 65) that causes the game ball to be released in a manner that the game ball reaches the game area. )When,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature B1, when the game ball is released from the release means, the game ball is released in such a manner that the game ball reaches the game area. In the conventional gaming machine in which the discharge means is provided on the lower right side of the game area, and the game ball launched from the discharge means is guided to the game area by the rail, when the launch strength is insufficient, the game ball is A situation occurs where the inside flows backward. On the other hand, in the feature B1, it is possible to avoid the backflow of the game ball by the specifying means.

  Feature B2. The gaming machine according to Feature B1, wherein the discharging means is located above or above the gaming area.

  According to the feature B2, the game ball is released from the release means provided above or above the game area. In this case, since the distance that the game ball moves upward after the release is short or does not exist, the game ball is allowed to flow down from the upper part of the game area while preventing the game ball after the release from flowing backward toward the release means. Becomes easy.

Feature B3. The operation means (launching operation device 36) capable of giving an opportunity to release the game ball to the release means by operating,
The game machine according to Feature B1, wherein the specifying unit prevents the game ball from being released from the release unit until an operation amount of the operation unit reaches a predetermined threshold value.

  According to the feature B3, the game ball is not released until the operation amount of the operation means reaches a predetermined threshold value. For this reason, until the operation amount of the operation means reaches a predetermined threshold value, the game ball can be operated as a return ball and operated in the same sense as a conventional game machine that does not reach the game area.

Feature B4. The discharge means is
Supply means (ball feeding device 86) for performing a supply operation for supplying a game ball to a predetermined position;
Release execution means (solenoid 82) for executing a release operation for releasing the game ball supplied to the predetermined position to the game area;
With
The gaming machine according to Feature B3, wherein the specifying unit prevents at least one of the supply operation and the discharge operation until an operation amount of the operation unit reaches the predetermined threshold value.

  According to the feature B4, the specifying unit is configured to block at least one of the supply operation and the discharge operation until the operation amount of the operation unit reaches a predetermined threshold value. By preventing the supply operation, the game ball is not supplied to a predetermined position. In this case, since there is no game ball to be released, the game ball is not released. Further, by preventing the release operation, even if the game ball is supplied to a predetermined position, the game ball is not released. Therefore, by preventing at least one of the supply operation and the discharge operation, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being discharged when the operation amount does not reach the threshold value.

  Feature B5. When the operation amount of the operation means exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the specifying means causes the release means to release the game ball to the game area in a manner corresponding to the operation amount. A gaming machine according to Feature B3 or B4, characterized by

  According to the feature B5, when the operation amount of the operation means becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the game ball is released to the game area in a manner corresponding to the operation amount. The release mode of the game ball to the game area differs depending on the operation amount. Therefore, the player can release the game ball to the game area in a desired manner by adjusting the operation amount of the operation means.

Feature B6. The discharge means is a launch means for launching a game ball (game ball launch mechanism 34),
A guide passage (launch support 281) for guiding the game ball fired by the launching means to the game area;
The predetermined threshold value is an operation amount corresponding to a launch intensity at which an operation amount of the operation unit can reach a game area through which the game ball launched from the launch unit passes through the guide passage. The gaming machine according to any one of features B3 to B5, characterized by:

  According to the feature B6, the game ball is launched and guided to the game area by the guide passage. Further, the predetermined threshold is an operation amount corresponding to the firing intensity at which the launched game ball can reach the game area. Thereby, when the operation amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the launched game ball passes through the guide path and is guided to the game area.

  Note that any one or more of the features A1 to A16 and the features B1 to B6 may be applied to any one of the features B1 to B6. Thereby, it becomes possible to produce a synergistic effect by the combined configuration.

  The inventions of the feature A group and the feature B group can solve the following problems.

  Pachinko machines are known as a kind of gaming machine. In the pachinko machine, a game ball is used as a game medium. In a pachinko machine, a configuration is known in which a player can supply a game ball to a ball tray provided on the front surface portion and take out the game ball from the ball tray. In this case, the game ball is launched toward the game area based on the player's launch operation, and the game ball that has finished flowing down the game area is discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine.

  In addition to the above configuration, a circulating pachinko machine is also known in which game balls discharged from the game area are returned to the ball tray without being discharged outside the pachinko machine. Further, a configuration in which a game ball is used for performance and the game ball is circulated is also conceivable.

  Here, in the gaming machines such as the above-described examples, there is a demand for a configuration capable of suitably circulating the game balls in the gaming machine, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

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

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means operated by a player, game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, a ball path for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, and a game A gaming machine that includes each gaming component arranged in an 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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 22 ... Front door, 33 ... Game board, 34 ... Game ball launching mechanism, 36 ... Launch operation device, 65 ... Launch control device, 82 ... Solenoid, 86 ... Ball feeding device, 111 polishing device, 211 ... Storage space, 217 ... Storage sensor, 221 ... Lifting passage, 221a ... Inner rail, 221b ... Outer rail, 221d ... Deceleration region, 221e ... Top region, 221g ... Passage forming member, 234 ... Lifting game ball launching mechanism, 281 ... Launch support, 282 ... Lifting launch solenoid, 291 ... Return ball collection hole, 321 ... Upstream sensor of the second embodiment, 322 ... Downstream sensor, 331 ... Lifting of the third embodiment Path 441: Lifting game ball launching mechanism, 442: Lifting path, 443: First passage sensor, 444: Second passage sensor.

Claims (1)

Release means for releasing the game medium;
Supply means for supplying game media to the discharge means;
Transfer means for transferring game media to the supply means;
With
The transfer means includes
Derivation means for guiding the game medium downstream in the transfer direction by the transfer means;
A guide passage for guiding the game medium derived by the deriving means toward the supply means;
With
This game machine
First detection means capable of detecting a game medium passing through a predetermined detection range in the guide passage;
Second detection means capable of detecting a game medium passing through a detection range existing on the supply means side with respect to the predetermined detection range in the guide passage;
Means for making a predetermined notification based on the fact that the first detection means detects the game medium again without the second detection means detecting the game medium after the first detection means detects the game medium;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

Images