JP2020018497A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably deterring amusement in a process until game balls advance into a winning hole or the like from becoming monotonous.SOLUTION: A residence part 751 as interval adjustment means is provided between an entrance 636 and a discharge port 422. The residence part 751 is configured so as to be capable of reducing an interval at which game balls pass the discharge port 422 as compared with an interval of a game ball advancing into the entrance 636 first and a game ball advancing into the entrance 636 next, thus easily discharging the ranging game balls from the discharge port 422.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

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

  As a conventional gaming machine, a gaming machine equipped with a prize winning device capable of changing a probability of a game ball entering a winning opening by changing a posture of a movable member is known. There is known a configuration in which the behavior of a game ball is changed by abutting on a flow-down changing member such as a nail in a process until the game ball enters a ball entrance to which a privilege is given (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

JP 2005-074175 A

  However, there is a possibility that there is still room for improvement in the behavior of the game ball in the process until the game ball enters the winning opening or the like.

  In view of the above, it is an object of the gaming machine according to the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably suppressing a monotonous increase in gaming properties in a process until a gaming ball enters a winning opening or the like.

The gaming machine according to the present invention, in order to solve the above problems,
An entrance where game balls distributed by a specific distribution unit can enter,
A discharge unit that discharges the game ball that has entered the entrance,
The distance between the game ball which has been provided between the entrance and the discharge portion and which has entered the entrance first and the game ball which has entered next after the one which has entered the entrance, And a gap adjusting means configured to be able to shorten the interval at which the game ball that has entered the game and the game ball that has entered the next pass through the discharge unit.

  With the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably suppressing the monotonous game performance in the process until the game ball enters the winning opening or the like.

Front perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in an open state. A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state. A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in yet another open state. Front view of pachinko machine Front view of pachinko machine with front block removed Front view of gaming board (A) is a front view of the central structure, (B) is a front perspective view of the central structure. (A) is an exploded perspective view of the upper stage unit as viewed from the front side, and (B) is an exploded perspective view of the upper stage unit as viewed from the rear side. (A) is a top view of the upper stage unit, (B) is a front perspective view of the upper stage unit, (C) is a front view of the upper stage unit when the movable member is in the first posture, (C) D) is a front view of the upper stage unit when the movable member is in the second posture. Back side perspective view of pachinko machine Rear view of pachinko machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine Flow chart showing an example of main control main processing Flow chart showing an example of main control interrupt processing (A) is an exploded perspective view of the operation mechanism viewed from the front side, and (B) is an exploded perspective view of the operation mechanism viewed from the rear side. (A) is a front perspective view of the operating mechanism and the movable member when the movable member is in the first position, and (B) is the front view of the operating mechanism and the movable member when the movable member is in the second position. A front perspective view, (C) is a side view of FIG. 17 (A) viewed from the right side, and (D) is a side view of FIG. 17 (B) viewed from the right side.

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

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

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

  The outer frame 101 has a function as main body support means for supporting the main body of the pachinko machine 100. The outer frame 101 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a substantially quadrangular frame body in which a top plate 111, a bottom plate 112, a left plate 113, and a right plate 114 are assembled. And is firmly fixed by fixtures (not shown). In the pachinko machine 100, the outer frame 101 is not an indispensable configuration, and the outer frame 101 or the main body corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101 has the same inner shape as the outer frame 101. A structure in which a supporting mechanism for supporting and a part of a locking mechanism for locking a main body thereof is provided in the island facility may be adopted.

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

  The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the outer frame 101, for example, as shown in FIG. In each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, for example, a shaft provided in the intermediate block 103 is supported from below by a shaft support provided in the outer frame 101, and a shaft hole provided in the shaft support is provided. Is configured to be rotatable by being inserted. The configuration in which the main body of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is rotatable is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, a shaft hole is provided on the intermediate block 103 side, and a shaft portion is formed on the outer frame 101 side. Other configurations may be used.

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

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

  A rear block 104 is disposed on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 so as to overlap with the intermediate block 103, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are arranged by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 (see FIG. 11) provided on the left side when viewed from the front. It is connected. The rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132, and support the rear block 104 to be rotatable rearward with respect to the intermediate block 103. In addition, it is configured to be detachably supported by a predetermined detachment operation.

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

  When a clockwise rotation operation using an operation key (not shown) is performed as a predetermined operation on the key cylinder 141, the movable portion 143 of the intermediate block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 operates. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 142 and the movable portion 143 provided on the outer frame 101 as a part of the intermediate block locking mechanism is released, and the intermediate block 103 is opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 101. Become.

  On the other hand, the movable portion 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided on the intermediate block 103 is operated in response to a left rotation operation of the key cylinder 141 by a predetermined operation key. As a result, the engagement between the engaged portion 145 and the movable portion 144 provided on the front block 102 as a part of the front block locking mechanism is released, and the front block 102 is opened and closed with respect to the intermediate block 103. Become.

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism for restricting opening / closing of the rear block 104 with respect to the intermediate block 103. By the rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism, the rear block 104 can be switched between a state in which opening and closing are prohibited (opening / closing prohibited state) and a state in which opening and closing are permitted (opening / closing permitted state) with respect to the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined operation. It has been.

  The rear block opening / closing restricting mechanism includes, for example, two open / close restricting portions 150A and 150B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one open / close restricting portion 150C provided in the rear block 104, as shown in FIG. . These three opening / closing restricting portions 150A to 150C are provided with rotating pieces 151A to 151C that can be rotated. The rotating pieces 151A to 151C change their engagement states with the opening portions arranged to be overlapped in the front-rear direction in the closed state of the rear block 104 by the rotation operation. And an openable / closeable posture corresponding to the openable / closeable state. When all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C are set to the opening / closing allowance posture, each of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C can pass through the opening, and the rear block 104 is allowed to open / close with respect to the intermediate block 103. The open / close prohibition posture and the open / close permissible posture may be switched between the open / close prohibition state and the open / close permissible state by changing at least one of the positions and directions of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C. It may be configured to move in a fixed direction, or may be configured to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. Hereinafter, the same applies to a change in posture when a component member in each device shifts between a plurality of postures.

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

  Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a game ball movement regulating mechanism for regulating the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. The game ball movement regulation mechanism is configured by, for example, a combination of a flow-down regulation piece 161 provided in the intermediate block 103 and a regulation change section 162 provided in the front block 102, as shown in FIGS. The flow-down regulating piece 161 is configured to be biased by a coil spring (not shown) to the front side where the front block 102 is located.

  In a state in which the front block 102 is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 (the closed state of the front block 102), the flow-down regulating piece 161 is in a movement-permissible state in which a game ball is allowed to flow down. The change unit 162 presses and pushes the rear side of the intermediate block 103. The flow-down regulating piece 161 is arranged to be shifted rearward with respect to a guide path (not shown) for guiding a game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement allowable state. Thereby, in the closed state of the front block 102, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is allowed.

  On the other hand, in a state in which the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103 (an open state of the front block 102), the pressing of the flow-down regulating piece 161 by the regulation changing unit 162 is released, and compared with the closed state of the front block 102. As a result, a movement-prohibiting state in which the flow-down regulating piece 161 projects toward the front block 102 is set. The downflow restricting piece 161 protrudes into the guide passage in the movement prohibited state, and prevents the downflow of the game ball to the downstream side. Thereby, the movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the previous block 102 is prohibited.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 100 has the intermediate block 103 closed with respect to the outer frame 101, for example, at the lower end of the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation front end side (left side in rear view). An open / close detection switch 108 for detecting whether or not the operation is performed is provided. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the intermediate block 103 is provided at the lower end on the front side of the intermediate block 103 and at the rotation front end (right side in front view). An open / close detection switch 109 for detecting whether or not the front block 102 is closed is provided for 103.

  Next, each configuration of the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 will be described in order.

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

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

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front block 102 includes, as a part of the front decorative body 210, an opening peripheral portion 211 surrounding the periphery of the opening 210A, and a front protruding portion below the opening 210A. An upper protruding portion 217, a lower protruding portion 218 positioned below the upper protruding portion 217 and protruding forward, and an upper protruding portion 217 and a lower protruding portion on the right side of the lower protruding portion 218. A flat portion 219 formed of a substantially flat region located on the back side of the projection operation device 218 and on which the firing operation device 250 is arranged is formed. The main storage mechanism 230 is disposed on the upper protrusion 217, and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is disposed on the lower protrusion 218.

  The center panel 220 has a function as a cover body that allows the rear side to be visible while closing the opening 210A formed through in the front-rear direction when the base frame 201 and the front decoration body 210 are combined. The center panel 220 has, for example, a panel frame 221 (see FIG. 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201 and a light-transmitting light fitted into the front side of the panel frame 221 as shown in FIGS. And a light-transmissive rear plate 223 (see FIG. 3) fitted substantially in parallel with the front plate 222 with a predetermined gap behind the panel frame 221. I have.

  The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing the game balls obtained according to the progress of the game and the game balls lent from the game hall. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the main storage mechanism 230 includes a storage unit 231, a ball removal mechanism (not shown), and a ball removal operation member 232 that operates the ball removal mechanism. The storage unit 231 has an inlet 231A for allowing game balls to flow into the storage unit 231 from the inside of the pachinko machine 100, and an outlet (not shown) for allowing game balls to flow from the storage unit 231 to the inside of the pachinko machine 100. A discharge port (not shown) formed upstream of the outlet is provided. By opening the release port, the game ball is released from the storage section 231 to the player without being taken into the pachinko machine 100. The ball removing mechanism has a function of switching the destination of the game ball between the outlet and the outlet.

  The game balls obtained in accordance with the progress of the game and the game balls lent in response to a lending operation performed on a lending operation device 292 described later mainly flow into the storage unit 231 through the inlet 231A. The storage section 231 has an opening formed on the upper side, through which game balls owned by the player are manually inserted, or game balls lent out at the game hall are supplied.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 opens and closes a storage part 241 having inflow ports 241A and 241C (see FIG. 5) and a discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1) of the game ball, and a discharge port 241B. The ball removing mechanism 243 for operating the ball removing mechanism 243 is provided. The game balls or the like acquired according to the progress of the game mainly flow into the main storage mechanism 230, but flow into the storage section 241 through the inflow port 241A when the storage section 231 is full. In addition, even in response to the ball removing operation on the ball removing operation member 232, the game ball flows from the storage unit 231 to the storage unit 241 through the inflow port 241C.

  The bottom surface of the storage unit 241 is inclined downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the release port 241B is opened by a ball removal operation (for example, a pressing operation) on the ball removal operation member 242, all the game balls stored in the storage unit 241 can be sequentially released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. In addition, when the discharge port 241B is completely opened by the ball-pulling operation member 242 by the ball-pulling operation member 242, the release port 241B is kept in the open state until the ball-pulling operation member 242 is returned (for example, a pressing operation again). Will be maintained. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 13) for detecting whether or not game balls are excessively stored in the storage section 241 is provided behind the inflow port 241A.

  The firing operation device 250 includes, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a pedestal 251 protruding forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decoration 210, a rotatable firing handle 252 provided around the pedestal 251, A variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 13) for detecting a rotation operation amount of the firing handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 13) for detecting that a player is in contact with the firing handle 252, A firing stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) for disabling the ejection of the game ball accompanying the rotation operation by the operation of the player. When the firing handle 252 is rotated by the player, game balls are emitted from the firing device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) at an intensity corresponding to the amount of the rotation operation. Note that when the contact sensor 254 has not detected contact between the firing handle 252 and the player, or when the firing operation has been disabled by operating the firing stop switch 255, the firing handle 252 has been rotated. However, the game ball is not ejected from the firing device 330.

  Further, frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 (see FIG. 13) are provided behind the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102. The frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 are arranged so as to overlap with the opening peripheral portion 211 of the front decoration 210 on the back side, and are attached to the base frame 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral edge 211 includes an upper central edge 211A, a left upper edge 211B and an upper right edge 211C located on the left and right sides of the upper central edge 211A, and a left upper edge. A left edge portion 211D located below the upper edge portion 211B and a right edge portion 211E located below the upper right edge portion 211C as light emitting portions. Devices 271 to 275 are provided.

  The frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 include an upper center frame light emitting device 271 corresponding to the upper center edge 211A, an upper left frame light emitting device 272 corresponding to the upper left edge 211B, and an upper right frame light emitting corresponding to the upper right edge 211C. It comprises a device 273, a left frame light emitting device 274 corresponding to the left edge portion 211D, and a right frame light emitting device 275 (see FIG. 13) corresponding to the right edge portion 211E. Each of the frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 has one or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light emitting means, electronic components such as resistors for controlling the LEDs, and integrates and electrically connects these electronic components. And a printed circuit board.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the front block 102 is provided with, for example, an upper left sound output port 211F and an upper right sound output port 211G above the opening peripheral portion 211 thereof. An upper left sound device 281 and an upper right sound device 282 (see FIGS. 3 and 13) are provided corresponding to the right and left upper sound output ports 211G, respectively. The upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 are attached to the base frame 201 so as to be located at the back (rear) of the opening peripheral portion 211 of the front decorative body 210.

  In the front block 102, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a game ball lending device 290 is provided on the upper right side of the upper protruding portion 217. The game ball lending device 290 includes a frequency display device 291 that displays a numerical value corresponding to the balance of bills, cards, and the like inserted in a card unit (not shown) arranged alongside the pachinko machine 100, and a game ball lending. A lending operation device 292 operated by the player when receiving the game, and a return operation device 293 operated by the player when returning the bills, cards, and the like inserted into the card unit. When a bill or a card is inserted into the card unit and a lending operation is performed on the lending operation device 292 in a valid state in which numerical values corresponding to the amounts are displayed on the frequency display device 291, the lending operation is performed. In response, a predetermined number of game balls are lent from the payout device 540 (see FIG. 11) of the rear block 104, and the display of the frequency display device 291 is updated with the rent of the game balls. On the other hand, when a return operation is performed on the return operation device 293 in the valid state, a card in which a banknote equivalent or a balance corresponding to the balance is recorded is returned from the card unit in accordance with the return operation.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 that allows a player to perform an input operation different from a firing operation. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, a pressing operation device 261 that can perform a pressing operation, a rotation operation device 262 that can perform a rotation operation, and a selection operation device 263 that can perform an up, down, left, and right direction operation. With these operation devices 261 to 263, an effect selection operation for selecting an effect to be executed in the pachinko machine 100, a device setting operation for setting the volume and light amount of each device for executing the effect of the pachinko machine 100, or a player-related operation It is possible to execute an effect setting operation or the like for inputting information and executing the effect of the pachinko machine 100 according to the previous game, and these operations can be executed by the player or the manager of the game arcade as necessary. It has been. Note that an input operation unit (for example, an annular rotation operation unit in the rotation operation device 262) with which the player contacts the input operation device 260 is rotated, moved up and down, or driven by input operation unit driving means such as a motor or a solenoid. It is preferable that an operation such as vibration is configured to be executable by control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 13)), either before or after the input operation, or during the input operation, or By operating the input portion at a plurality of timings, it is possible to diversify the effects accompanying the input operation, such as actively prompting the input operation.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see FIG. 3) which is attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, and a base frame. A game board support mechanism for rotatably and detachably supporting the game board 400 with respect to 301, a game board fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, and a game ball on the game board 400. A firing device 330 (see FIG. 3) for emitting, a main control device 370 (see FIG. 4) mounted on the back side of the game board 400 to control the game progress comprehensively, and based on commands from the main control device 370. A sub-control device 390 (see FIG. 4) for controlling game effects and state notification.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base frame 301 includes a guide passage portion 301A in which a guide passage for guiding game balls discharged from a payout device 540 (see FIG. 11) described later to the front block 102 is formed. A plurality of wirings (not shown) and an opening 301B where the signal relay device 311 is located are provided. The opening 301B has a shape penetrating in the front-rear direction below the game board 400, and a plurality of wirings inserted through the opening 301B are formed of various devices provided in the front block 102 (for example, frame light emitting devices 271 to 271). 275, the upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282) and devices (for example, the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390) provided on the back side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rear block 104. Including the wiring, the signal relay device 311 has a function as a relay board that relays a part of the wiring.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 has a flat base 401 having a through hole through which game balls such as an outlet 401A can pass back and forth, and an outer rail that smoothly curves from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401. 402, an inner rail 403 smoothly curved from the lower right to the upper left of the base 401, a return ball preventing mechanism 404 attached to the upper left end of the inner rail 403, and an upper right end of the outer rail 402. And a recoil prevention member 405 to be attached. The outer rail 402 guides a game ball fired from a firing device 330 described later into a game area. The return ball preventing mechanism 404 prevents the game ball once discharged into the game area from the launch passage 401B formed between the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 facing in parallel to return to the launch passage 401B. The anti-recoil member 405 has a shock-absorbing property to prevent a large rebound of the game ball such that a game ball heading to the right over the upper center of the game board 400 returns to the left through the upper center again. For example, it is formed of a material such as vibration damping rubber.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a return ball passage 163 is formed in a lower portion on the back side of the front block 102. There is a gap between the outer rail 402 and the guide member 335 that guides the game ball from the firing device 330 in the direction of the firing path 401B, and is fired from the firing device 330 but not beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404. The game ball returning in the passage 401B is returned to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 5) from the inflow port 241A (see FIG. 5) via the return ball passage portion 163 disposed below the gap.

  The game ball that has advanced beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the game area and moves (falls down) in the game area while dropping by its own weight. The game area has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape, and is divided into a shape in which a region having a front-rear width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball is mostly used. The outer periphery of the game area is generally defined by an outer rail 402 and an inner rail 403, the front side is defined by a rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear side is defined by a base 401 of the game board 400. Is divided into In addition, various structures provided in the game area will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the firing device 330 includes a ball feed mechanism 331 that sequentially sends game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to a firing position, and a ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 (see FIG. 13). ), A firing mechanism 333 that ejects a game ball disposed at a firing position, a firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 (see FIG. 13), and a game ball fired from the firing mechanism 333 on the game board 400. And a guide member 335 for guiding to the firing passage 401B. The firing device 330 operates in response to the firing operation on the firing operation device 250 as described above, and the driving control of the firing solenoid 334 changes according to the firing operation on the firing operation device 250 to adjust the firing force.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 370 includes a main control board 920 (see FIG. 13) and a two-part board case 371 that houses the main control board 920. The main control board 920 is housed in a light-transmitting board case 371 that is sealed so as not to be opened without leaving a trace.

  The main controller 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400. Specifically, a mounting portion 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the back side of the base 401 of the game board 400, and the main control device 370 is mounted on the mounting portion 372. Thus, not only the rear side (front side) of the main controller 370 but also the front side (back side) of the main controller 370 by rotating the mounting portion 372, the main controller 370 is attached to the gaming board 400. It can be easily checked with the camera attached. Main controller 370 may be connected to attachment portion 372 such that it cannot be removed without leaving a trace, and the state of removal of main controller 370 may be easily managed.

  The sub-control device 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 13), and a board case 391 having a split structure for accommodating the sub-control board 940. The sub-control board 940 is, for example, like the main control board 920, and is housed in a light-transmitting board case 391 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace. It is attached to the back side.

  Here, various structures arranged in the game area in the game board 400 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board 400. In FIG. 7, for reference, the left passage 634, the right passage 635, and the movable member 701 provided on the back (rear side) of the front plate 631 in the central structure 420 are indicated by hidden lines (dotted lines). It is illustrated. In FIG. 7, for reference, a part of a game ball that has entered the upper stage unit 420A via the entrance 601 is shown by a solid line.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base 401, a downflow changing member such as a nail 411 or a windmill 412 that changes the downflow direction or downflow speed of the game ball, and a center arranged at a substantially center of the base 401. The structure 420, a starting device (specifically, a medium starting winning device 431) according to a first special symbol disposed below the central structure 420, and a lower right side with respect to the central structure 420. , A starting device (specifically, a right starting winning device 432) related to the second special symbol, and a large winning device 433, 434 (specifically, a lower winning device) disposed below the right starting winning device 432. A large winning device 433 and an upper winning device 434), a starting device 436 related to a normal symbol arranged above (upstream) the right starting winning device 432, and a large winning device on the right side of the game board 400 and up and down. 433,434 upward ( A role connecting actuator 435 arranged in the flow side), regular winning device 439A which is disposed on the lower left side of the middle starting winning device 431, and a 439B.

  Further, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball corresponding to the above-described middle start winning device 431 or the like (see FIG. 13), and a predetermined number corresponding to each switch is provided. The entry of the game ball into the area can be detected. For example, a middle start winning switch 441 that detects a game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431, a right start winning switch 442 that detects a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432, and a game ball that has entered the lower large winning device 433. , A large winning switch 444 that detects a game ball that has entered the upper winning device 434, a combination operating switch 445 that detects a game ball that has entered the combination operating device 435, and a starting device 436. A start switch 446 that detects a game ball that has entered the game, a non-specific passage switch 447 that detects a game ball that has entered a non-specific passage (not shown) formed inside the lower prize winning device 433, and a lower prize winning device 433. The specific path switch 448 that detects a game ball that has entered a specific path (not shown) formed inside the vehicle, and proceeds to general winning devices 439A and 439B. Regular winning switch 449A, 449B, etc. are installed on the game board 400 to detect the the game balls each.

  Further, the gaming board 400 is provided with various sensors for preventing fraud (see FIG. 13), and can detect an abnormality occurring in the pachinko machine 100. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, a radio wave sensor 493, and the like are installed on the game board 400.

  The entrance portion of the game ball of the central structure 420 and the starting device 436 forms a ball entrance, and the game ball that has entered each ball entrance is discharged to the game area. Each of the winning devices, specifically, the middle-start winning device 431, the right-start winning device 432, the lower winning device 433, the upper winning device 434, and the entrance portion of the game ball of the general winning devices 439A and 439B constitute a winning opening. The game balls that have entered each winning opening are guided through a through hole formed in the base 401 to a collection / discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base 401. The game balls that have not entered each of the winning devices are guided to a collection / discharge passage through a discharge port 401A provided in the most downstream portion of the game area. The game balls guided to the collection and discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game hall. When a game ball enters one of the winning devices, a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning device are paid out from the payout device 540 (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

  Each prize device may be configured separately from other prize devices, or two or more prize devices (for example, a middle start prize device 431 and a right start prize device 432, or two or more first special symbols). A winning device may be constituted by a device in which such a starting device is integrated, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball enters the starting device such as the middle starting winning device 431. It is not necessary to be a winning opening, and it may be a winning opening from which game balls are released to the game area again without being paid out.

  Each of the middle starting winning device 431 and the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B according to the first special symbol does not change the probability of the game balls entering them, and the entered game balls are placed on the rear side of the base 401. Guide to. Further, the right starting winning device 432 according to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the probability of a game ball entering the inside thereof. The mechanism for changing the probability of entry of the game ball does not need to be provided only in the starting device according to the second special symbol. Instead, or in addition, the starting device according to the first special symbol, the general winning device. Any of 439A and 439B or a plurality of them may be provided. Further, the mechanism for changing the probability of entry of the game ball may be constituted by a drive means such as an electrically driven solenoid or the like, and is represented by a mechanism operated by the weight of the game ball entering the predetermined area. You may comprise by the mechanism which operates mechanically.

  The right starting winning device 432 according to the second special symbol includes a right entry restriction mechanism 452 for changing the probability of a game ball entering the inside thereof by a transition between an entry permitted attitude and an entry prohibited attitude, and a right entry restriction mechanism. 452 (see FIG. 13). The right entry restriction mechanism 452 includes two movable pieces driven by the right entry restriction solenoid 462. When the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibition position, the two movable pieces enter the entrance (winning opening). ) Is narrowed (or closed) so that the game ball cannot enter the right starting winning device 432, but when the right approach restricting mechanism 452 is in the approach permitting position, the two movable pieces have their leading ends. By arranging such that the interval between the sets is enlarged, the game ball can enter the right starting winning device 432. The right entry restriction mechanism 452, when a game ball that has entered the starting device 436 related to a normal symbol is won by a lottery based on detection by the start switch 446 (hereinafter also referred to as “normal symbol lottery”), enters the right approach In accordance with the drive by the regulating solenoid 462, the state is shifted to the approach allowable posture for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the lower large winning device 433 includes a lower entry restriction mechanism 453 for restricting the entry of a game ball into the interior by a transition between an entry permitted position and an entry prohibited position, and a lower entry restriction. The lower approach control solenoid 463 (see FIG. 13) for changing the attitude of the mechanism 453, and the transition between the non-guidance attitude and the guidance attitude cause the game ball that has entered the lower big prize winning device 433 to enter the non-specific passage or the specific passage. A distributing mechanism (not shown) for distributing, and a switching solenoid 465 (see FIG. 13) for changing a posture of the distributing mechanism to switch a guide destination of the game ball are provided. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry-prohibited position, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 closes the entrance (winning opening), so that the game ball cannot enter the lower entry device 433. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry allowable posture, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 opens the entrance so that the game ball can enter the lower large winning device 433. In addition, the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 is guided to a non-specific passage when the distribution mechanism is in a non-guidance posture protruding forward, and is in a guidance posture in which the distribution mechanism is immersed rearward. Is guided to a specific passage. The specific path, the non-specific path, and the distribution mechanism are provided to diversify the transition of the game state, and when the game ball enters the specific path, an advantageous game state is given to the player as a privilege. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, the upper winning award device 434 includes an upper entry restriction mechanism 454 that restricts the entry of a game ball into the entrance permitted position and an entry prohibited position by transition between the entry permitted position and the entry prohibited position, and an upper entry restriction. An upper entry restriction solenoid 464 (see FIG. 13) for changing the attitude of the mechanism 454 is provided. When the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry-prohibited position, the game ball cannot enter the upper prize winning device 434 because the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 closes the entrance (winning opening), but the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is not used. Is in the entry allowable posture, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 opens the entrance, so that the gaming ball can enter the upper-large winning device 434.

  In addition, as the entry allowable posture and the entry prohibition posture as a mechanism for changing the probability of entry of a game ball into the inside such as the right entry control mechanism 452, the winning opening (or entrance opening) of each device is constituted by each mechanism. In response to a change in the posture of the operating member that switches between a special state in which the game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball cannot enter, at least one of the position and orientation of the operating member differs depending on each posture. I just want it. Further, as a mechanism for changing the entry probability of the game ball, such as the right approach restriction mechanism 452, it is not always necessary to set the state in which the game ball cannot enter to the normal state, and to allow the game ball to enter even in the normal state. In the state, the posture of the operation member may be changed to a state in which the game ball is more likely to enter than in the normal state.

  A game ball can enter the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 when a winning lottery is won. Specifically, a lottery based on the game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431 according to the first special symbol detected by the middle start winning switch 441 (hereinafter, also referred to as “first special symbol lottery”) is won. In this case, or the game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432 according to the second special symbol is detected by the right starting winning switch 442, the lottery is won (hereinafter also referred to as “second special symbol lottery”). In this case, at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 and the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 operates. By this operation, at least one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes an entry allowable posture for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined number of times. Further, the distributing mechanism shifts to the guiding posture in accordance with the operation of the switching solenoid 465 after a predetermined time from the shift of the lower approach regulating mechanism 453 to the entry allowable attitude, and further switches after a predetermined time from the shift to the guiding attitude. Returning to the non-guidance posture in response to the stop of the solenoid 465.

  The winning combination operating device 435 is a device for setting conditions necessary for the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 to start operating. After winning the jackpot lottery, either the lower big prize device 433 or the upper big prize device 434 starts operating on the condition that the game ball of the combination operating device 435 passes. For this reason, when a big hit is won, the player can start the special game state at a timing intended by the player. It should be noted that it is not always necessary to adopt a configuration in which either the lower large prize device 433 or the upper large prize device 434 starts operating on condition that the gaming ball of the combination operating device 435 passes, instead of or In addition, the configuration may be such that either the lower winning device 433 or the upper winning device 434 starts operating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

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

  Specifically, on the gaming board 400, the first special symbol is fluctuated and displayed along with the first special symbol lottery, or the first special symbol is fixedly displayed with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result. A special symbol display device 471 relating to a special symbol, and a second symbol for variably displaying the second special symbol in accordance with the second special symbol lottery, or displaying the second special symbol with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result. A special symbol display device 472 relating to the special symbol, a special symbol reservation display device 476 for displaying the number of hold times of the unit game relating to the first special symbol, and a special symbol hold displaying the number of hold times of the unit game relating to the second special symbol A display device 477 is provided. The right of the unit game related to the first special symbol and the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol are respectively held up to four times. Here, the unit game is one game executed based on one start winning, and is determined based on whether the lottery executed based on one start winning is determined or not, and the lottery is determined based on the winning determination. This refers to a series of games including the start and end of the variable display until the result is displayed.

  When the right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, the game ball that has entered the start winning device 431 is detected by the middle start winning switch 441 (see FIG. 13) in FIG. The right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol is not added. Similarly, when the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, it is assumed that the game ball that has entered the right starting winning device 432 is detected by the right starting winning switch 442 (see FIG. 13). Also, the right of the unit game relating to the second special symbol is not added.

  Each of the special symbol display device 471 relating to the first special symbol and the special symbol display device 472 relating to the second special symbol is composed of a plurality of light emitting units, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 13). . Each of the display of the first special symbol and the display of the second special symbol is represented by a light emitting pattern of a plurality of light emitting units (a combination of light emitting states (light off, light on, blink) including light emitting colors). The special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol determine the number of times of holding by the combination of the light emitting states (off, light, blink) of the two monochromatic light emitting units. indicate.

  In addition, on the game board 400, a normal symbol display device 473 for changing and displaying a normal symbol or displaying a fixed symbol with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result in accordance with the ordinary symbol lottery, and A normal symbol hold display device 478 for displaying the number of times the unit game right is held is provided. The right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is reserved up to four times. If the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, the unit game right related to the normal symbol is not added even if the game ball that has entered the starting device 436 is detected by the start switch 446.

  The ordinary symbol display device 473 includes a plurality of light emitting units, and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 13). Usually, a symbol is represented by a light emitting pattern of a plurality of light emitting units. In addition, the normal symbol hold display device 478 displays the number of times of holding based on a combination of the light emitting states (off, on, blinking) of the two monochromatic light emitting units.

  Also, on the game board 400, the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner or the decorative symbols are fixedly displayed in the unit game relating to the first special symbol and the second special symbol so as to overlap the rear of the central structure 420. A decorative symbol display device 479 is provided. The variable display and the fixed display of the decorative symbol are controlled by the sub control board 940, and are synchronized with the variable display and the fixed display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol by the main control board 920. In the variation display of the decorative symbol, more complex and diverse effects are executed than in the variation display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It should be noted that the variable display and the fixed display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol and the variable display and the fixed display of the decorative symbol always start changing at exactly the same timing or stop display as the fixed display. It is not necessary to set the timing so that the fluctuation is started at substantially the same timing while providing a slight time difference at each timing, and the final display is performed at substantially the same timing.

  Further, the game board 400 includes a board light emitting device 490 (see FIG. 13) provided on the back side of various structures, and the board light emitting device 490 is associated with the progress of the game based on control by the sub-control board 940. Various light emission effects and status notification by light emission are executed.

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

  When a big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, a game ball enters a specific passage (an internal passage of the lower big winning device 433) during a special game state shifted based on the winning. Depending on whether or not the game state shifts after the special game state. If the game ball does not enter the specific passage during the special game state, the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol and the normal symbol are displayed in a shorter time than the non-hour reduction state (hereinafter referred to as the "time reduction state"). ), And the jackpot probability in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as the normal gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as a “low probability state”) ( In the following, the state shifts to “time reduction gaming state”). On the other hand, when the game ball enters the specific passage during the special game state, the time is reduced, and the winning probability of the big hit in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than that in the normal game state. The game state transitions to a gaming state (hereinafter, also referred to as a “high probability state”) (hereinafter, also referred to as a “probable changing gaming state”).

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

  The transition between the gaming state and the gaming state is not necessarily required to have the above-described configuration. For example, the high-probability state may be configured to be continued until the next big hit is won, or the gaming state may be changed depending on other contents. At least one may be configured, a configuration further including a gaming state different from each of the above-described gaming states, or a configuration in which a transition between gaming states is performed under a condition different from the above-described conditions.

  Next, the operation of the main devices of the game board 400 will be described generally in chronological order. On the main control board 920, a winning random number, a big hit symbol random number, a stop pattern random number, and various fluctuation pattern random numbers relating to a special symbol (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are generated. When a game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431 according to the first special symbol is detected by the middle start winning switch 441 (see FIG. 13), the first special symbol is started. At the time of the start winning of the first special symbol, if the right of the unit game relating to the first special symbol is not held up to the maximum number of times, a winning random number, a big hit symbol random number and a stop pattern random number relating to the special symbol are obtained, It is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 920.

  The unit game based on the random number acquired based on the winning winning of the first special symbol is not in the special game state, is not the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and is the unit game related to the first special symbol. If no rights are reserved, it will start immediately after storing these random numbers. In addition, even when the special game state is not in progress, the unit game pertaining to the first special symbol or the second special symbol or the unit game right pertaining to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved. The unit game based on the starting winning prize starts after the unit gaming related to all the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) held before the current prize is completed. When each random number is acquired based on the winning start of the first special symbol during the special game state, the unit game based on the random number is all of the units held before the current start winning after the special game state. It starts after the unit game related to the special symbol.

  Further, the unit game based on the random number acquired based on the winning winning of the first special symbol is started after all the unit games related to the second special symbol are completed. That is, when each random number is acquired based on the start winning of the second special symbol after the current start winning, the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is preferentially executed. The unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol does not necessarily have to be executed in preference to the unit game related to the first special symbol. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are sequentially arranged in the order of the starting winning. May be executed, or the two special symbols may be changed simultaneously instead of being selected.

  If a big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery based on the winning winning of the first special symbol, a stop symbol (corresponding to the big hit lottery of the first special symbol lottery based on the acquired big hit symbol random number) The type of big hit symbol) is determined. The type of the stop symbol corresponds to the type of the big hit, for example, the number of rounds (for example, 6 rounds and 16 rounds) corresponding to the number of times that the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry allowable posture, A plurality of types of big hits are set in accordance with the type of game state such as a game state that shifts after the special game state (whether or not to shift to the probable change game state), and a big hit symbol is set for each type. If the big hit is not won in the first special symbol lottery, a lost symbol different from the big hit symbol is set as a stop symbol.

  After the first special symbol lottery, the first special symbol is determined based on the current game state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the value of the various variation pattern random numbers, and the number of times the unit game right related to the first special symbol is reserved. The change display time of the symbol is determined, and the change pattern of the decoration symbol is selected. After that, the variable display of the first special symbol on the special symbol display device 471 relating to the first special symbol and the variable display of the decorative symbol (fluctuation effect) on the decorative symbol display device 479 are started. The variable display according to the fixed pattern is continued over the display time, and in the decorative design, the variable display according to the variable pattern is continued over the variable display time. Thereafter, as the variable display time elapses, the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is definitely displayed, and a symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol is definitely displayed as a decorative symbol. The fixed display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol is continued for at least a predetermined time.

  When the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is a big hit symbol, the gaming state shifts to the special gaming state after the first special symbol is determined and displayed. In the special gaming state, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 of the upper large winning device 434 are in the entry permissible attitude a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of big hit. . When a predetermined number (for example, eight) of game balls are detected by the special winning switches 443 and 444 or in a predetermined maximum during the allowable entry postures of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 each time. When the permissible entry time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 shifts to the entry prohibition posture. Thereafter, after the elapse of a predetermined entry prohibition time, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to the entry permission posture again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of big hit.

  Only one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is configured to take an entry allowable attitude during the special game state, and after a predetermined standby time has elapsed from the start of the special game state (after the opening period) One) shifts to the first approach allowable posture in ()). In addition, the special game state ends when a predetermined entry prohibition time elapses after returning to the final entry prohibition posture and a predetermined standby time elapses thereafter (after the ending period). After the end of the special game state, as described above, the game shifts to the time-saving game state or the probable change game state.

  In various game states, when a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 according to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442, a second special symbol is started. The control of the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control of the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times at the time of the start winning of the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is obtained, and the unit game based on the start winning is executed. Is done. In addition, the determination of the stop symbol corresponding to the second special symbol lottery, the selection of the variation pattern of the decoration symbol, the execution of the variation display, and the transition control of the game state are executed in the same manner as the control relating to the first special symbol. Is done.

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

  In a unit game related to a normal symbol, it is determined whether or not a winning has been made based on the value of a winning random number. When the winning is made, a predetermined winning symbol is set as a stop symbol. On the other hand, when no winning is made in the ordinary symbol lottery, a predetermined lost symbol is set as a stopped symbol. After the normal symbol lottery, the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is started on the normal symbol display device 473, and in the non-hour reduction state, the fluctuation display in a fixed pattern is continued for a predetermined fluctuation display time, and in the time reduction state. The variable display in a fixed pattern is continued for a predetermined variable display time shorter than the non-time saving state. With a lapse of a predetermined time according to the gaming state, a stop symbol related to a normal symbol is fixedly displayed over a certain period of time.

  When the stop symbol related to the ordinary symbol is a hit symbol, the right entry restricting mechanism 452 of the right starting winning device 432 shifts to the entry allowable attitude at least once after the normal symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, in a case of winning in the non-time-saving state (the normal game state and the special game state), the right start winning device 432 permits the entry for a predetermined maximum entry allowable time (for example, about 0.1 second). When the right start winning device 432 is in the non-time saving state, the predetermined maximum allowable time is longer (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds). ) Intermittently (for example, divided into three times) to enter the approach allowable posture. However, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right starting winning switch 442, the right approach restricting mechanism 452 shifts to the entry prohibiting posture without waiting for the elapse of the maximum allowable time. In addition, even if the number of transitions to the entry allowable posture has not reached the predetermined number, the operation of the right starting winning device 432 in the unit game relating to the current ordinary symbol ends.

  Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery, the player must first win in the ordinary symbol lottery, and further, the game ball enters the right-start prize device 432 in a permissible entry state of the right-start prize device 432 based on the winning. Must. The winning probability for the normal symbol in the normal gaming state is the same as the winning probability in the time-saving gaming state, but the staying time in the entry-permitted state of the right starting winning device 432 based on the winning in the normal gaming state (for example, approximately 0.1 seconds) is set to be extremely shorter than the staying time (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds) in the time saving state, so that the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery in the normal gaming state. Is much smaller than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in a time-saving state such as a time-saving game state or a probable change game state, the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery is significantly larger than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery. .

  Therefore, the player wins the big hit in the first special symbol lottery, and in the subsequent special game state, plays a game aiming at the transition to the certain change game state by causing the game ball to enter the specific passage. On the other hand, in the time-saving game state and the probable change game state, the game is aimed at winning the big hit in the second special symbol lottery before each game state ends.

  Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 at the center of the game area in which the game ball flows down, and a game technique for causing the game ball to flow mainly from the left side of the central structure 420 (left-handed game ) And a game technique (a right-handed game technique) in which game balls flow down mainly from the right side of the central structure 420. In the normal gaming state, the player plays a game by a left-handed gaming technique, and in the time-saving gaming state and the probable changing gaming state, plays a game by a right-handed gaming technique. In addition, since the lower big winning device 433 and the upper winning device 434 are arranged on the right side with respect to the central structure 420, even in the special gaming state, the game is performed by the right-handed gaming method.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a ball entrance 601 is provided on the left side of the central structure 420. Therefore, the player can make the game ball enter the entrance 601 by playing the game by the left-handed game technique. The game ball that has entered the entrance 601 is guided to a guide passage 611 (see FIG. 8B) provided above the upper stage unit 420A.

  Here, the configuration of the upper stage unit 420A will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8A is a front view of the central structure 420, and FIG. 8B is a front perspective view of the central structure 420. FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of the upper stage unit 420A viewed from the front side, and FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view of the upper stage unit 420A viewed from the rear side.

  FIG. 10A is a top view of the upper stage unit 420A, FIG. 10B is a front perspective view of the upper stage unit 420A, and FIG. FIG. 10D is a front view of the upper stage unit 420A when the movable member 701 is in the predetermined second posture when the movable member 701 is in the predetermined second posture.

  In FIG. 9, parts such as screws for assembling the disassembled parts of the upper stage unit 420A are not shown. In FIG. 10A, a fourth part covering the rear side of the operation mechanism 750 is shown. The illustration of the member 670 is omitted, and FIGS. 10B to 10D are cross-sectional views of the second member 630 in the upper stage unit 420 </ b> A cut along a plane along the rear surface (rear surface) of the front plate 631. Is shown. 8 to 10, a part of the game ball that has entered the guidance passage 611 through the entrance 601 is shown by a solid line for reference.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the upper stage unit 420A is a unit including the upper stage 612, and is disposed on the rear side (rear side) of the lower stage 421 in the central structure 420. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper stage unit 420A includes a first member 610, a second member 630, a third member 650, a fourth member 670, a movable member 701, and an operating mechanism 750. And the main.

  The first member 610 includes a guide passage 611, an upper stage 612, and three distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C. The guide passage 611 is a passage continuously provided on the left side of the upper stage 612, and guides a game ball that has entered the guide passage 611 through the entrance 601 to the upper stage 612.

  Since the rolling surface of the upper stage 612 is formed in a curved shape in which a substantially central portion thereof is lower than the left and right sides in a front view, a game ball that has entered the upper stage 612 travels on the upper stage 612. Roll while reciprocating left and right. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the rolling surface of the upper stage 612 is formed in a curved shape in which a substantially central portion projects forward from both left and right sides in a top view. When the game ball moves from one side in the left-right direction to the other side, after moving to the center side while moving to the front side, it can be moved to the other side while moving to the rear side.

  The distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C are provided side by side on the rear side of a substantially central portion of the upper stage 612. The rolling surface of the upper stage 612 is inclined downward toward the distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C so as to guide the game ball to the distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C. A game ball that reciprocates in the left-right direction is distributed to one of the distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C.

  The second member 630 includes a front plate 631 having a light-transmitting property, and a mounting surface 632 provided above the front plate 631 so that the first member 610 can be mounted thereon. The first member 610 is mounted on the mounting surface 632 and is fixed to the second member 630 by a fixing member such as a screw. An opening 633 is formed substantially at the center of the mounting surface 632, more specifically, at a position overlapping the distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C when the first member 610 is fixed to the second member 630. Have been.

  On the back side (rear side) of the front plate 631 of the second member 630, the left side passage portion 634 that guides the game ball that has entered from the opening 633 to the left side of the gaming machine front view, and has entered through the opening 633. A right passage 635 that guides the game ball to the right side of the game machine front view, an entrance 636 that allows the game ball that has entered through the opening 633 to pass downward, and a game ball that has entered the entrance 636. A guiding portion 637 for guiding to the staying portion 751 arranged below the 636 is formed.

  The front plate 631 of the second member 630 is formed with a discharge port 641 serving as an outlet of the left passage 634 and a discharge port 642 serving as an exit of the right passage 635. As shown in FIG. 8, the outlet 641 and the outlet 642 are provided above the left end or the right end of the lower stage 421 provided on the front side of the upper stage unit 420A. The game ball discharged from the outlet 641 or the discharge port 642 is configured to roll on the lower stage 421.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, a rotating shaft 702 protruding forward from each of the two movable pieces 701A and 701B constituting the movable member 701 is provided on the back surface side of the second member 630. A support hole 644 for movably supporting is provided.

  The third member 650 is a member disposed on the rear side of the second member 630, and is fixed to the second member 630 by a fixing member such as a screw. The third member 650 includes a support plate 651 that supports the movable member 701 and the operating mechanism 750. When the third member 650 is fixed to the second member 630, the support plate 651 also functions as a rear wall of the left passage 634 and the right passage 635.

  On the front side of the support plate 651, a rotating shaft 703 (FIG. 9) which is a rotating shaft projecting rearward from each of the two movable pieces 701 </ b> A and 701 </ b> B constituting the movable member 701 and coaxial with the rotating shaft 702. 16 (B)) is rotatably supported (not shown). Therefore, by inserting each rotation shaft 703 into the support hole provided on the front side of the support plate 651, and inserting each rotation shaft 702 into the support hole 644 provided on the back side of the second member 630, the movable plate is movable. The member 701 (movable pieces 701A and 701B) can be attached to the second member 630 and the third member 650 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shafts 702 and 703.

  The support plate 651 is formed with a through hole through which a protrusion 704 (see FIG. 16) protruding rearward from each of the movable pieces 701A and 701B can be inserted. The through holes allow the movable pieces 701A and 701B to move around the rotation shafts 702 and 703 within a predetermined range (more specifically, between a first posture and a second posture described later) in a state where the protrusion 704 is inserted. It is formed in a substantially arc-shaped long hole so as to be rotatable. Thereby, the rotation range of the movable member 701 (the movable pieces 701A and 701B) can be restricted.

  The movable member 701 includes two movable pieces 701A and 701B separated from each other in the left-right direction. By rotating around the rotation shafts 702 and 703 provided at the lower ends of the movable pieces 701A and 701B, A first posture (a first state) in which opposing surfaces of the movable pieces 701A and 701B are substantially parallel, and a second posture (a second posture in which the opposing surfaces of the movable pieces 701A and 701B are substantially inverted C-shaped (second state). (Switchable).

  The movable member 701 is arranged below the opening 633 as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D. More specifically, when the movable member 701 is in the first posture, as shown in FIG. 10 (C), only the game ball distributed to the middle distribution port 613A includes the movable piece 701A and the movable piece 701A. 701B, while in the second posture, as shown in FIG. 10 (D), even if the game ball is distributed to any of the distribution ports 613A, 613B and 613C, it is movable. It is provided so that it can pass between the piece 701A and the movable piece 701B.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (C), the upper stage unit 420A of the present embodiment is provided between the movable piece 701A and the movable piece 701B regardless of whether the movable member 701 is in the first attitude or the second attitude. Is configured to enter the entrance 636 without entering the left and right passage portions 634, 635.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the movable member 701 is in the first position, the game ball distributed to the distribution port 613B is located on the left side of the left movable piece 701A. (The side opposite to the side on which the right movable piece 701B is provided) to enter the left passage section 634, and the game ball distributed to the distribution port 613C is moved to the right movable section 613C. It is configured to pass through the right side of the piece 701B (the side opposite to the side on which the left movable piece 701A is provided) and enter the right passage 635.

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the movable member 701 is in the first position, only the game balls distributed to the distribution port 613A enter the entrance 636, and are allocated to the distribution port 613B or the distribution port 613B. The game ball distributed to the division 613C enters the left passage 634 or the right passage 635. On the other hand, when the movable member 701 is in the second posture, all of the game balls distributed to the distribution ports 613A to 613C enter the entrance 636. That is, when the movable member 701 is in the second posture, a situation occurs in which the game ball can easily enter the entrance 636 (the entrance probability is high) compared to when the movable member 701 is in the first posture.

  A mounting portion 652 for mounting an operating mechanism 750 for operating the movable member 701 is provided on the back surface side of the support plate 651 of the third member 650. In FIG. 9B, the left-side mounting portion 652 of the movable member 701 when viewed from the back side is illustrated, but the mounting portion 652 is also provided on the right side of the movable member 701 when viewed from the back side. ing.

  The operation mechanism 750 is attached to the attachment portion 652 by a fixing member such as a screw, and is thereby fixed to the third member 650. In a state where the operation mechanism 750 is attached to the attachment portion 652, the staying portion 751 provided on the lower end side of the operation mechanism 750 is arranged below the outlet of the guide portion 637. This allows the game ball that has entered the entrance 636 to enter the staying portion 751 via the guiding portion 637.

  The third member 650 is provided with a passage portion 653 through which game balls discharged from the discharge port 751A of the staying portion 751 pass. Note that the game balls that have passed through the passage 653 are finally discharged from a discharge port 422 formed in front of the central structure 420 and below the lower stage 421.

  The fourth member 670 is a member that covers the rear side of the operation mechanism 750. The fourth member 670 is fixed to the third member 650 by a fixing member such as a screw.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 10, a description will be given of a flow path of a game ball that has entered the upper stage unit 420 </ b> A via the entrance 601.

  The game ball that has entered the entrance 601 is guided to the guide passage 611 of the upper stage unit 420A, flows down the guide passage 611 from left to right, and enters the upper stage 612. The game ball that has entered the upper stage 612 reciprocates on the upper stage 612 in the left-right direction, and is finally distributed to one of the distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C, and is the distribution port to which the ball is distributed. And fall down.

  When the movable member 701 (the movable pieces 701A and 701B) is in the first position, the flow path of the game ball differs depending on which of the distribution ports 613A, 613B and 613C the game ball is distributed to. .

  Specifically, when the game ball is distributed to the distribution port 613A when the movable member 701 is in the first posture, the game ball passes between the movable piece 701A and the movable piece 701B, Enter the entrance 636. The game ball that has entered the entrance 636 enters the retaining portion 751 via the guiding portion 637. The game ball that has entered the retaining section 751 is temporarily retained in the retaining section 751 and then discharged from the discharge port 751A, and then discharged forward from the discharge port 422 through the passage section 653 as shown in FIG. You.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the discharge port 422 is formed right above the middle start winning device 431, so that the game ball discharged forward from the discharge port 422 is placed in the medium start position just below the discharge port 422. The player can enter the winning device 431 with a high probability (can win). In addition, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the game balls discharged from the discharge port 422 enter the medium-start winning device 431 with a high probability, but the discharge port 422 is omitted, and the game balls discharged from the staying portion 751 are replaced with the medium-start winning device 431. The stagnant portion 751 may be configured to be a part of the mid-start winning device 431.

  On the other hand, when the game ball is distributed to the distribution port 613B when the movable member 701 is in the first position, the game ball is discharged from the discharge port 641 through the left passage 634. Further, when the game ball is distributed to the distribution port 613C when the movable member 701 is in the first position, the game ball is discharged from the discharge port 642 through the right passage 635. The game ball discharged from the discharge port 641 or the discharge port 642 falls to the left end side or the right end side of the lower stage 421 as shown in FIG.

  Here, since the rolling surface of the lower stage 421 is formed in a curved shape in which the substantially central portion is lower than the left and right sides in a front view, the lower stage 421 is discharged from the discharge port 641 or the discharge port 642. The game ball that has fallen to the left end or upper end of the lower stage 421 rolls while reciprocating left and right on the lower stage 421.

  Discharge portions 421A, 421B, and 421C capable of discharging game balls on the lower stage 421 are provided at a front end side of a substantially central portion of the lower stage 421, and game balls rolling on the lower stage 421 are provided. Are distributed to any of these three discharge units 421A to 421C, and are discharged forward from the discharge unit to which the data is distributed.

  Of the discharge units 421A, 421B, and 421C, the discharge unit 421A located in the middle is formed right above the middle start winning device 431 as shown in FIG. The game ball (discharged forward from the discharge unit 621A) easily enters the mid-start winning device 431 located immediately below the discharge unit 621A (easy to win). On the other hand, since the discharging units 621B and 621C are formed on the upper left side or the upper right side with respect to the middle starting winning device 431, the game balls distributed to the discharging unit 621B or the discharging unit 621C are distributed to the discharging unit 621A. It is more difficult to enter the mid-start winning device 431 than a game ball.

  Therefore, when the movable member 701 is in the first posture, when the game ball is distributed to the distribution port 613B or 613C, the game ball is compared with the case where the game ball is distributed to the distribution port 613A. The probability of entering the middle start winning device 431 is low.

  On the other hand, when the movable member 701 (the movable pieces 701A and 701B) is in the second position, any of the game balls distributed to any of the distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C passes through the entrance 636. Since the game ball is discharged from the discharge port 422, the game ball can easily enter the middle start winning device 431 even if the game ball is distributed to any of the distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C.

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the movable member 701 is in the first position, the game ball enters the medium starting winning device 431 as compared with the case where the movable member 701 is in the second position. It is configured to be easy to win (easy to win).

  Although the details will be described later, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, since the operating mechanism 750 is operated by the weight of the game ball on the staying portion 751 and the movable member 701 is in the second posture, the movable member When the game ball is distributed to the distribution port 613A in a state where 701 is in the first position, the movable member 701 switches from the first position to the second position, and the game ball easily enters the middle start winning device 431. appear.

  Next, the rear block 104 will be described. 11 and 12 are a rear perspective view and a rear view showing the pachinko machine 100, respectively. In FIG. 11, the outer frame 101 is omitted for easy understanding.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rear block 104 is configured by attaching another member or device to the base 501. The base 501 and the intermediate block 103 are connected by the rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, so that the rear block 104 is supported on the intermediate block 103 so as to be openable and closable.

  The rear block 104 is a game ball tank 510 as a ball storage unit for storing game balls, and rectifies (for example, in one row) game balls continuously on the downstream side of the game ball tank 510 and aligns them in one stage. A tank rail 520 as a ball aligning portion, a case rail 530 as a ball guiding portion for guiding game balls flowing from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, and a payout of game balls on a downstream side of the case rail 530, A payout device 540 for renting out game balls, and guidance as a ball guiding portion for guiding game balls flowing out of the payout device 540 on the downstream side of the payout device 540 to a guide passage (not shown) formed in the base 501. A member 550, a payout control device 560 that controls payout of game balls by the payout device 540 and lending of game balls, and an external power source. The function as a power supply means for converting the power into a predetermined voltage required by the kind of device or the like and outputting the same and controlling the ejection of game balls based on the firing operation on the firing operation device 250 in cooperation with the main control board 920. A power supply / launch control device 570 having a function as a launch control means, a payout control device 560, a game ball lending device 290 (see FIG. 1), and a card unit (not shown) arranged beside the pachinko machine 100 And a relay device 950 that relays a signal between the two.

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

  The protective cover portion 503 is formed in a substantially plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. The protective cover portion 503 does not cover the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but a part of the rear surface of the intermediate block 103 that needs to be frequently inspected and checked, such as a part of the main control device 370, is provided on the rear surface of the pachinko machine 100. The size is set so as to form a window for exposing to the window. A large number of ventilation holes 503A having a function of improving the heat dissipation of the heat generated by the main control device 370 and the sub control device 390 are formed on the back surface of the protective cover portion 503.

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

  The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and the game ball flows through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 has a passage forming member 521 that forms a passage of a substantially gutter-shaped game ball having a width through which the game balls pass in a line, and a height gradually increasing as an upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521. And a rectifying member 522 for rectifying a game ball flowing down the passage having a top surface portion whose height is lowered from a vertically overlapped height to a one-stage height. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and guides the game ball to the side opposite to the game ball tank 510.

  The case rail 530 is formed to be vertically long so as to be continuous below the tank rail 520, and a game ball from the tank rail 520 flows in. On the case rail 530, the game ball is curved left and right so as not to flow vigorously and continues downward. In addition, a ball break detector 539 for detecting a ball break is provided in a middle part of the ball path in the case rail 530. A stored ball switch 591 (see FIG. 13) is built in the ball cut detector 539, and the stored ball switch 591 causes a ball to be clogged on the case rail 530 or on the upstream side thereof, so that a game ball is placed in the case rail 530. Detects out-of-ball conditions that have not been properly replenished.

  The payout device 540 includes a delivery mechanism for delivering game balls, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 13) as a driving unit for driving the delivery mechanism, and a payout count switch 592 (see FIG. 13). In response to the operation of the payout motor 542 based on the control by the payout control device 560, the game balls stored in the ball passage are discharged to the downstream side. Passing of the released game balls through the ball path is detected by the payout counting switch 592, whereby the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) counts the number of paid out game balls.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the payout control device 560 and the power supply / fire control device 570 are attached so as to overlap the lower rear surface of the base portion 502 of the base body 501 so as to be located at the lower rear side of the rear block 104. Have been. The rear block 104 including the payout control device 560 and the power supply / fire control device 570 can be continuously used even when the game board 400 is replaced with another game board due to a model change or the like.

  The dispensing control device 560 includes a dispensing control board 930 (see FIG. 13) and a board case that accommodates the dispensing control board 930. The dispensing control board 930 does not leave any trace of opening, like the main control board 920. It is housed inside a board case sealed so as not to be opened.

  The power / emission control device 570 includes a power / emission control board 900 (see FIG. 13) and a board case that houses the power / emission control board 900. The power / emission control board 900 is similar to the main control board 920. Is housed inside a sealed substrate case.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the pachinko machine 100 includes control circuit devices such as a power supply / emission control board 900, a power supply monitoring board 910, a main control board 920, a payout control board 930, and a sub control board 940. Note that, in FIG. 13, a relay circuit device that only relays various signals is omitted. Hereinafter, these main control circuit devices will be individually described in detail.

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

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

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

  A power switch 909 is connected to the power supply unit 901, and when the power switch 909 is in an off state, taking in of external power is stopped. The power switch 909 is turned off or a power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 is pulled out of an external power supply outlet (not shown). A state in which the supply of power to the inside of the device 100 is stopped or a state in which the supply of external power itself is stopped is collectively referred to as a “power failure state”.

  The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output the power of the control voltage for a predetermined period even after shifting to the power failure state. Accordingly, the main control board 920 can save the state so as to return to the current control state and end the control.

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

  The signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state initialization signal to the main control board 920 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. The main control board 920 initializes the storage information stored in the RAM of the main control board 920 in response to receiving the ON-state initialization signal. Note that the initialization switch 907 does not necessarily need to be configured to output a signal to the main control board 920 via the signal relay unit 903. For example, the initialization switch 907 may be directly mounted on the main control board 920. The configuration may be such that the initialization switch 907 is accommodated in the board case 371, so that an illegal signal input aimed at a section where a signal is transmitted can be suppressed.

  Also, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON ball overflow signal to the main control board 920 when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball. The main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the ON state, and the payout control board 930 receiving the low-speed payout signal outputs the rotation speed (payout) of the payout motor 542. (Payout speed of the game balls from the device 540). Further, the main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the off state, and the payout control board 930 receiving the high-speed payout signal controls the rotation speed of the payout motor 542. Speed up.

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

  The main control board 920 controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100 as a whole. An MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer is mounted on the main control board 920. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (not shown) storing various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and various data temporarily executed when executing the control programs. And the like (not shown) for storing the same. On the main control board 920, various circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmitting / receiving circuit (not shown) are mounted. I have. The RAM of the main control board 920 is configured so that internal data can be maintained (backed up) by power supply of a backup voltage from the power supply / emission control board 900 even after transition to the power failure state.

  The payout control board 930 controls the payout operation of the game balls by the payout device 540 in accordance with the instruction from the main control board 920 and the lending operation of the game balls by the payout device 540 in accordance with the operation of the game ball lending device 290. Like the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 includes an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown), and a timer circuit. (Not shown), various circuits such as a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmitting / receiving circuit (not shown) are mounted.

  The payout control board 930 is provided with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting information communication with another device, and for example, bidirectional information input / output communication with the main control board 920 and the relay device 950 is possible. Are connected to the open / close detection switches 108 and 109, the storage ball switch 591 and the payout counting switch 592 so that only one-way information input communication is possible, and the payout motor 542 is connected to only one-way information. Only output communication is connected. Note that the RAM of the payout control board 930 may have a backup function to maintain internal data for a certain period in a power failure state, like the RAM of the main control board 920, or the RAM of the main control board 920 Unlike this, a configuration in which internal data is not maintained in a power failure state may be adopted.

  The sub control board 940 controls the operation of various effect devices, various light emitting devices, various audio devices, and the like, based on instructions from the main control substrate 920. The sub-control board 940 is provided with an input / output port as a connecting means for connecting information communication with another device. For example, the sub-control board 940 is connected to the main control board 920 so that only one-way information input communication is possible. , And the input operation device 260 are connected so that information can be communicated in both directions, and the decorative symbol display device 479 and the like are connected so that only one-way information output communication is possible.

<Various control processes>
Next, various control processes executed by the main control board 920 will be described. The control processing in the main control board 920 is roughly divided into a main processing started upon recovery from a power failure state and a main processing that is interrupted periodically (in the present embodiment at a period of 2 ms (milliseconds)). Timer interrupt processing.

  First, a main process executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 920 (abbreviated as “main control main processing” in FIG. 14).

  In the main processing of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processing (program start processing S1001 to random number initialization processing S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information is executed only once. After that, the interrupt prohibition process S1020 for prohibiting the interrupt, the winning random number initial value counter (part of the RAM) and the big hit symbol random number initial value counter (part of the RAM) related to the special symbol, and the normal symbol A random number initial value update process S1021 for updating the value of the winning random number initial value counter (part of the RAM), and first to fourth variation type counters for determining a variation time, a variation pattern, and the like. Variation counter update processing S1022 for updating the value of the counter (partial area of the RAM) and interrupt permission processing S for permitting an interrupt 023 and is repeatedly executed. If a timer interrupt request occurs before the interrupt permitting process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt permitting process S1023.

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

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

  The storage state of the stored information is determined as follows. First, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated (checksum calculation processing S1006), and the current checksum value and the power failure monitoring processing S1202 (see FIG. 15) with the transition to the previous power failure state. ), It is determined whether or not the exclusive OR of the checksum value and the RAM determination value, which is a two's complement, is “0” (determination processing S1007). It is determined whether or not the checksum value at the time of transition to the power failure state is the same.

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

  After the hardware initialization processing S1009, a processing S1010 for determining whether or not the power failure information is a power failure value is performed. If the power failure information is the power failure value (S1010: N), a RAM recovery setting process S1011 for initializing various information including the recovery of the held information and a return command indicating the completion of the setting are set (return command). Output processing S1012). By the return of the held information in the RAM return setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 returns to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state.

  On the other hand, if the power failure information is not the power failure value (S1010: Y), various information is initialized without restoring the held information (RAM initialization processing S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the setting is output. Is performed (initialization command output processing S1014).

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

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

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

  Next, a timer interrupt process performed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process (abbreviated as “main control interrupt process” in the figure) executed by the main control board 920.

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

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

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the power outage monitoring process S1202 that the power is out, the following process is executed. First, the value of the power failure information is changed from the energization value set in the RAM return setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 14) to a predetermined power failure value. In addition, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM is calculated, and a two's complement of the checksum value is set as a RAM determination value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop in which substantial control such as progress of the game and monitoring of various sensors is not performed, and the state of the RAM after the RAM determination value is set is held based on the backup power. You. Since the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice after the reception of the power failure signal is detected for the first time.

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

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

  In the random number initial value update process S1204, the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter, and the winning random number initial value counter for the ordinary symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol is different from a specified maximum value (for example, “576”), the value is changed to a value larger by “1” than the current value, and If the value of the winning random number initial value counter for the symbol is the specified maximum value, the value is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). Regarding the symbol random number initial value counter for special symbols and the random number initial value counter for ordinary symbols, the random number initial value counter for special symbols is the same except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are values unique to those counters. It is updated in the same way as for the value counter.

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

  In addition, each winning random number counter, big hit symbol random number counter, stop pattern selection counter, and each variation type counter relating to the special symbol and the ordinary symbol need not necessarily have the above configuration, and at least a part of the counter is another configuration. For example, a configuration may be employed in which a predetermined initial value is updated without using an initial value counter, or a configuration in which a random number generation IC is used without using a program and a value is referred to as necessary. .

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

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

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

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

  In the timer update process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas in the RAM) used for displaying a special symbol and a normal symbol in a variable manner, controlling each game state, and monitoring impropriety are updated.

  In the fraud detection processing S1211, a fraudulent act of forcibly entering a game ball into various winning devices or forcibly operating various winning devices is detected. Specifically, the right starting winning device 432, the lower winning device 433, and the upper winning device 434 are forcibly moved to the allowable entry position, and the game ball is guided to a specific passage of the lower winning device 433 by vibrating. Induction of compulsory malfunction of the right starting winning device 432, lower winning device 433, and upper winning device 434 by radio waves, guiding game balls to various winning devices by magnetic attraction, middle starting winning device 431, right An occurrence of a situation where there is a high possibility that an illegal act such as guiding a game ball to the start winning device 432, the lower winning device 433, and the upper winning device 434 at an abnormal timing is performed is detected.

  In the winning detection response process S1212, control based on detection of a game ball by various switches provided on the game board 400 is executed. Specifically, when the middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the middle start winning switch 441 (see FIG. 13), the middle start winning counter (a predetermined area of the RAM). And the first payout counter (predetermined area of the RAM) is updated. If the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 13), the first payout counter is updated. In addition, when the lower large winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the lower large winning switch 443 (see FIG. 13), or when the game ball is detected by the upper large winning switch 444 (see FIG. 13). If the upper winning switch detection flag is set on the basis of this, the big winning counter (a predetermined area of the RAM) and the second payout counter (a predetermined area of the RAM) are updated.

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

  In the input signal monitoring process S1214, based on the output state of the signal from the open / close detection switch 108 (see FIG. 13) via the payout control board 930, the outer frame 101 (see FIGS. It is detected whether 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is closed. Also, based on the output state of the signal from the open / close detection switch 109 via the payout control board 930 (see FIG. 13), the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is compared with the front block 102 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). 3) is closed or not.

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

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

  In the special symbol-related process S1217, the control of holding the right of the unit game according to the first special symbol and the control of the unit game according to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the holding control of the unit game right related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol holding display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game relating to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 relating to the first special symbol is executed, and when the big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery, the lower large winning device. The operation control of the 433 and the upper winning device 434 is further executed.

  In the special symbol-related process S1217, the control of holding the right of the unit game relating to the second special symbol and the control of the unit game relating to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the holding control of the unit game right related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol holding display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed. In addition, in the control of the unit game relating to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 472 relating to the second special symbol is executed, and when a big hit is won in the second special symbol lottery, the lower large winning device. The operation control of the 433 and the upper winning device 434 is further executed.

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

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

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

<Change in posture of movable member 701 by operating mechanism 750>
Next, the structural configuration of the operation mechanism 750 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of the operation mechanism 750 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 16B is an exploded perspective view of the operation mechanism 750 viewed from the rear side. FIG. 16 also shows the movable member 701 (movable pieces 701A and 701B) operated by the operation mechanism 750.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the operating mechanism 750 includes a retaining portion 751, arms 752, 753, linking portions 754, 755, a rotating portion 756, a rotating shaft 757, and shaft supporting portions 758, 759. And a weight 760.

  The stagnant portion 751 is formed in a flat dish shape with an open upper side, and has a circular bottom portion 751B when viewed from above, a discharge port 751A formed substantially at the center of the bottom portion 751B, and a standing portion along the outer periphery of the bottom portion 751B. And a divided wall portion 751C. The discharge port 751A has a size that cannot discharge two or more game balls at the same time, and the bottom portion 751B has a size that two or more game balls cannot be arranged in the diameter direction. Further, the bottom portion 751B is shaped to be inclined downward from the outer peripheral side toward the discharge port 751A.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the game ball that has entered the entrance 636 (see FIG. 10) is guided to the bottom 751B of the staying portion 751 by the guiding portion 637. At this time, the guiding portion 637 is configured to guide the game ball in a direction having the moving component in the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 751B (retaining portion 751), and thus the game ball guided to the retaining portion 751 by the guiding portion 637. Moves toward the discharge port 751A while rolling on the bottom portion 751B in the circumferential direction, and is then discharged from the discharge port 751A. As described above, the staying portion 751 has a function of temporarily staying by rolling the entered game ball in the circumferential direction.

  The arms 752 and 753 are configured as members extending in the up-down direction, and provided with connection holes 752A and 753A at the lower end side for connecting to the staying portion 751. The arm portion 752 is fixed to the retaining portion 751 by screwing the screw K into a mounting hole 781 formed on the left side on the rear end side of the retaining portion 751 via the connection hole 752A. On the other hand, the arm portion 753 is fixed to the retaining portion 751 by screwing the screw K into a mounting hole 782 formed on the right side on the rear end side of the retaining portion 751 via the connection hole 753A.

  Since the retaining portion 751 is provided so as to protrude forward with respect to the mounting holes 781 and 782, it is easy to widen the size while securing a space where the screw K is inserted into the mounting holes 781 and 782. It is configured. Further, since the staying portion 751 is provided so as to protrude forward with respect to the mounting holes 781 and 782, the mounting holes in the staying portion 751 can be balanced when a game ball enters the staying portion 751. A weight portion 787 to which a metal weight (for example, a weight having the weight of one game ball) is attached behind 781 and 782 is provided.

  The rotating portion 756 is a cylindrical member that is disposed above the staying portion 751 and extends in the left-right direction. The rotating portion 756 is provided with a shaft hole through which the rotating shaft 757 can be inserted in the axial direction. The rotating portion 756 can rotate around a rotating shaft 757 inserted in the shaft hole.

  The left end side of the rotating shaft 757 inserted into the rotating portion 756 has an insertion hole 752B provided on the upper end side of the arm portion 752 and an insertion hole provided in a shaft support portion 758 provided on the left side of the arm portion 752. It is inserted through the hole 758A. On the other hand, the right end side of the rotating shaft 757 inserted in the rotating portion 756 is provided in an insertion hole 753B provided on the upper end side of the arm portion 753 and a shaft support portion 759 arranged on the right side of the arm portion 753. Inserted through the insertion hole 759A.

  The pivot shaft 757 has a drop-off preventing member 783 attached to the left end side inserted through the insertion holes 752B and 758A to prevent the rotation shaft 757 from dropping out of the insertion holes 752B and 758A, and is attached to the right end side inserted through the insertion holes 753B and 759A. A drop-off preventing member 784 for preventing drop-off from the insertion holes 753B and 759A is attached.

  Each of the insertion hole 752B of the arm portion 752 and the insertion hole 753B of the arm portion 753 has a long hole shape extending in the vertical direction so that the arm portions 752 and 753 can move in the vertical direction with respect to the rotation shaft 757. Is formed.

  The linking portion 754 is provided on the left side of the rotating portion 756 so as to protrude forward from the rotating portion 756. The linking part 755 is provided on the right side of the rotating part 756 so as to protrude forward from the rotating part 756. The front end sides of the linking portions 754 and 755 are formed in a substantially U shape when viewed from the right or left side. By disposing the respective protruding portions 704 of the movable pieces 701A and 701B inside the substantially U-shaped portion, the linking portions 754, 755 and the respective protruding portions 704 can be linked.

  Between the front end (the end on the movable member 701 side) and the rear end (the end on the rotating portion 756 side) of the linking portion 754, a projecting portion 785 projecting leftward is provided. On the upper end side of the arm portion 752, a linking portion 752C including two projecting portions projecting forward from the arm portion 752 is provided. By disposing the protruding portion 785 between the two protruding portions constituting the linking portion 752C, the protruding portion 785 and the linking portion 752C can be linked.

  Further, a protruding portion 786 protruding rightward is provided between a front end (an end on the movable member 701 side) and a rear end (an end on the rotating portion 756 side) of the linking portion 755. On the upper end side of the arm portion 753, a linking portion 753C including two projecting portions projecting forward from the arm portion 753 is provided. By disposing the protruding portion 786 between the two protruding portions constituting the linking portion 753C, the protruding portion 786 and the linking portion 753C can be linked.

  The weight portion 760 is provided on the rear side of the rotating portion 756, and can apply a clockwise rotating force to the rotating portion 756 as viewed from the right side. As will be described in detail later, when one game ball enters the staying portion 751, the weight portion 760 causes the staying portion 751 and the arms 752, 753 to move downward due to the weight of the game ball, and When all the retained game balls are discharged, a restoring force for moving the retaining portion 751 and the arms 752 and 753, which have been moved downward, to the upper side by the own weight of the game balls is applied.

  The shaft support portion 758 is provided with a mounting portion 758B having an insertion hole through which a fixing member (not shown) such as a screw corresponding to the mounting portion 652 (see FIG. 9B) can be inserted. The shaft supporting portion 759 is also provided with a mounting portion 759B having an insertion hole through which a fixing member (not shown) such as a screw corresponding to the mounting portion 652 can be inserted.

  The shaft supporting portions 758, 759 are attached to the mounting portions 652 (for example, by screwing) through fixing holes provided in the mounting portions 758B, 759B, so that the shaft supporting portions 758, 759 are attached. It is fixed to the third member 650. The operation mechanism 750 is attached to the third member 650 by fixing the shaft support portions 758 and 759 to the third member 650.

  The shaft support portions 758 and 759 are provided with protrusions that enter the guide holes of the vertically formed arms 752 and 753 from the side and restrict the movement of the arms 752 and 753 in the front-rear direction. . Accordingly, the arm portions 752 and 753 are configured not to incline in the front-rear direction in a state where there is no game ball in the staying portion 751 or a situation where a plurality of game balls are staying in the staying portion 751.

  Next, a change in the posture of the movable member 701 by the operation mechanism 750 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17A is a front perspective view of the operating mechanism 750 and the movable member 701 when the movable member 701 is in the first position, and FIG. 17B is a case where the movable member 701 is in the second position. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an operating mechanism 750 and a movable member 701 of FIG. FIG. 17C is a side view of FIG. 17A viewed from the right side, and FIG. 17D is a side view of FIG. 17B viewed from the right side.

  In FIG. 17, the shaft support portions 758 and 759 are not shown, and a third member 650 (see FIG. 9) provided between the movable member 701 (movable pieces 701A and 701B) and the operating mechanism 750. ) Is omitted. In FIG. 17C, the operation direction of the members is indicated by arrows for reference.

  In a state where the game ball does not enter the staying portion 751, a force for rotating the rotating portion 756 clockwise as viewed from the right by the weight portion 760 acts, so that the linking portions 754 and 755 move upward. Thereby, each protruding portion 704 of the movable pieces 701A and 701B moves upward.

  Since each protruding portion 704 of the movable pieces 701A, 701B is provided on the outer side of the rotation axis 702 and the rotation axis 703 (see FIG. 16) of each of the movable pieces 701A, 701B, the projections 704 of the movable pieces 701A, 701B are provided. As each protrusion 704 moves upward, the movable piece 701A rotates clockwise in front view, and the movable piece 701B rotates counterclockwise in front view.

  The upward movement of each of the protruding portions 704 of the movable pieces 701A and 701B is performed by moving the movable pieces 701A and 701B in such a manner that the mutually facing surfaces of the movable pieces 701A and 701B become substantially parallel. Since the upper end of the through hole is regulated, the movable member 701 (the movable pieces 701A and 701B) is maintained in the first posture when the game ball does not enter the staying portion 751.

  When the game ball passes between the movable piece 701A and the movable piece 701B and enters the entrance 636, the game ball enters the staying portion 751, so that the game ball stays in the staying portion 751 while the game ball stays there. 751 is multiplied by the own weight of the game ball. When the own weight of the game ball is applied to the staying portion 751, a downward force is applied to the arms 752 and 753, and thus a downward force is applied to the protruding portions 785 and 786 via the linking portions 752C and 753C. Can be

  Since the protrusions 785 and 786 are located forward of the rotation shaft 757, when a downward force is applied to the protrusions 785 and 786, the rotation unit 756 is viewed from the right side. A counterclockwise turning force acts. That is, a force in the opposite direction to the force acting on the rotating portion 756 is exerted by the weight portion 760.

  In the operating mechanism 750, the force acting on the rotating portion 756 as a result of the force applied to the staying portion 751 by the game ball staying in the staying portion 751 becomes larger than the force acting on the rotating portion 756 by the weight portion 760. With this configuration, while the game ball stays in the staying portion 751, the protruding portions 785 and 786 are pushed down (in the direction of the arrow Q1) by the linking portions 752C and 753C. Accordingly, the linking portions 754 and 755 are rotated around the rotation shaft 757 in a counterclockwise direction (the direction of the arrow Q2) as viewed from the right side.

  When the linking portions 754 and 755 are rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side, the respective projecting portions 704 of the movable pieces 701A and 701B move downward. Thus, the movable piece 701A rotates counterclockwise in a front view, and the movable piece 701B rotates clockwise in a front view. Thereby, the posture of the movable member 701 (the movable pieces 701A and 701B) shifts from the first posture to the second posture.

  When at least one game ball is retained in the retaining portion 751, the downward movement of each of the movable pieces 701 </ b> A and 701 </ b> B of the protruding portion 704 is determined by the length of the substantially circular arc formed on the support plate 651. Since the lower end side of the hole-shaped through hole is configured to be regulated, the posture of the movable member 701 (movable pieces 701A, 701B) is maintained in the second posture while the game ball stays in the staying portion 751.

  When the posture of the movable member 701 (movable pieces 701A and 701B) is the second posture and all the game balls retained in the retaining portion 751 are discharged from the discharge port 751A, the weight portion 760 causes the rotating portion 756 to rotate. Is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side, whereby the posture of the movable member 701 (movable pieces 701A and 701B) shifts from the second posture to the first posture.

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

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, while the game ball stays in the staying portion 751, the posture of the movable member 701 (movable pieces 701A and 701B) is in the second posture by the weight of the game ball applied to the staying portion 751. Is maintained. The stagnant portion 751 of the present embodiment is configured such that the game sphere that has entered the stagnant portion 751 moves to the discharge port 751A formed on the bottom side while rolling on the bottom portion 751B in the circumferential direction. Since the configuration is such that the game ball is discharged from the exit 751A, the period in which the game ball stays in the staying portion 751 is not necessarily constant, and is an indefinite period. Thereby, the period in which the posture of the movable member 701 is maintained in the second posture can be made indefinite as the period in which the game ball stays (exists) in the staying portion 751.

  In addition, when the movable member 701 is in the second position, a situation occurs in which the game ball can easily enter the entrance 636 as compared with the case where the movable member 701 is in the first position. Therefore, the position of the movable member 701 is changed to the second position. By setting the maintained period to be an indefinite period, it is possible to appropriately suppress the monotonous game provided by the change of the movable member 701 to the second posture.

  Further, the configuration in which the period in which the posture of the movable member 701 is maintained in the second posture is an indefinite period is realized by mechanically operating the operation mechanism 750 by the weight of the game ball that has entered the staying portion 751. Therefore, the control load related to the change in the posture of the movable member 701 can be suitably suppressed.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, the game ball that has entered the entrance 636 through between the movable members 701 (movable pieces 701A and 701B) is temporarily retained in the retaining portion 751. Therefore, while the game balls that have previously entered the entrance 636 due to distribution by the upper stage 612 are retained in the retaining portion 751, the game balls that have subsequently entered the entrance 636 have entered the retaining portion 751. The interval at which these game balls are discharged from the outlet 751A can be shorter than the interval at which these game balls enter the entrance 636.

  Thereby, when the game ball that has entered the entrance 601 first enters the entrance 636 by the distribution by the upper stage 612, the game ball that has entered the entrance 601 after the game ball that has entered first, It is possible to discharge from the outlet 422 following the game ball that has entered the destination or in a state where it is connected to the game ball that has entered the destination. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the game ball that has entered the entrance 601 after the game ball that has entered earlier, can be entered after the game ball that has entered earlier, or can enter the earlier destination. It is easy for the player to enter the middle start winning device 431 in a state where the two game balls have entered the entrance 601 successively entering the middle start winning device 431 in a state where the game balls are connected to the played game balls. In addition, it is possible to suitably improve the playability in which the game ball enters the entrance 601.

  Particularly, since the bottom portion 751B of the staying portion 751 has such a size that two or more game balls cannot be arranged in the diameter direction, the game ball that has entered the entrance 636 first and the game ball that has entered the tip end in the retaining portion 751. An interaction such as contact between the game ball and the game ball that has entered the entrance 636 after the game ball that has entered is likely to occur. Thereby, the game ball which entered the entrance 601 after the game ball which entered the entrance 601 earlier, more preferably, succeeded or entered the game ball which entered earlier. It is easy to enter the middle start winning device 431 in a state of being connected to the game ball.

  Further, when the movable member 701 is in the second position, all the game balls that have entered the entrance 601 (that is, the game balls that have entered the upper stage 612) are configured to enter the entrance 636. In addition, the number of game balls staying in the staying portion 751 is likely to increase, whereby an interaction such as contact in the staying portion 751 is likely to occur. Thereby, the game ball which entered the entrance 601 after the game ball which entered the entrance 601 earlier, more preferably, succeeded or entered the game ball which entered earlier. It is easy to enter the middle start winning device 431 in a state of being connected to the game ball.

  Further, since the operating mechanism 750 is operated by the own weight of the game ball on the stagnant portion 751, and the movable member 701 is in the second position, the game ball enters and exits when the movable member 701 is in the first position. 636, and is shifted to the second position, the game ball that has entered the entrance 601 after the game ball that has entered the entrance 601 first is more preferably the game ball that has entered the entrance. Subsequent or in a state of being connected to the game ball that has entered earlier, it is possible to make it easier to enter the mid-start winning device 431. Thereby, it is possible to preferably improve the playability in which the game ball is caused to enter the entrance 636 while the movable member 701 is in the first position and the movable member 701 is switched to the second position.

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

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the period in which the movable member 701 is maintained in the second position is set to be an indefinite period by a mechanical configuration using the own weight of the game ball applied to the staying portion 751. While the member 701 is maintained in the second position, the main control board 920 or the like controls a driving device that operates the movable member 701 by a solenoid, a motor, or the like, and the game ball stays in the staying portion 751 during the operating period. A configuration may be adopted in which an indefinite period is set by setting the period.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, while the game ball that first entered the entrance 636 is temporarily retained in the retaining portion 751, the game ball that later entered the entrance 636 enters the entrance 636 earlier. Although the distance between the game ball and the game ball that has entered the entrance is reduced (shortened), the path length of the game ball passing from the entrance 636 to the outlet 422 is shorter than that of the game ball that has entered the entrance 636 first. By configuring the game ball that later entered the entrance 636 to be shorter, the interval between the game ball that later entered the entrance 636 and the game ball that entered the entrance 636 earlier is reduced. You may. In addition, at least one of these two game balls is moved so that the movement speed of the game ball that later entered the entrance 636 is faster than the movement speed (flow velocity) of the game ball that entered the entrance 636 first. May be controlled, or a configuration in which at least some of these configurations are combined.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the movable member 701 that changes the probability of entering the entrance 636 according to the separation state of the two movable pieces 701A and 701B is illustrated as a member that changes the probability of entering the entrance 636. However, the member that changes the probability of entering the entrance 636 is not limited to the form like the movable member 701, and, for example, a game ball that has entered the distribution port 613A is guided to the entrance 636, and the distribution port. In a configuration in which game balls that have entered 613B are guided to the left passage 634 and game balls that have entered the distribution port 613C are guided to the right passage 635, a shutter that can close the distribution ports 613B and 613C is provided. There may be.

  In the above embodiment, the three distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. However, the distribution ports 613A, 613B, and 613C may be arranged separately. In such a configuration, for example, game balls that have entered the predetermined number of distribution ports are guided to the entrance 636, and game balls that have entered the distribution ports other than the predetermined number are different from the entrance 636 (for example, It may be configured to be guided to the outlet 641 or the outlet 642). In such a configuration, a shutter that can close a distribution port that can guide game balls may be provided at a location different from the entrance 636.

  (4) In the above embodiment, when the movable member 701 is in the first position and the game ball enters the entrance 636 (that is, when the movable member 701 forms the entrance), the movable ball 701 is movable. Although the member 701 shifts to the second position, the movable member 701 shifts to the second position based on a game ball entering a predetermined entrance different from the entrance 636. Good.

  (5) The present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine or the like of a type different from the above embodiment. For example, the pachinko machine may be configured to increase the expected value of a large hit until a large hit state occurs once (for example, two or three times) once the hit has occurred. Further, the pachinko machine may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state on condition that a ball wins in a predetermined area after the big hit symbol is displayed. Further, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed pachinko machine in which balls circulate. Furthermore, other than a pachinko machine, the present invention may be implemented as various game machines such as an arrangement ball type pachinko and a sparrow ball. Further, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko machine, and may be applied to a slot machine, or may be applied to a game machine such as a parrot in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined.

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

<Feature 10>
An entrance (entering entrance 636) through which game balls can enter,
It is provided at an entrance portion of the entrance and can switch between a predetermined first orientation and a second orientation that facilitates entry of a game ball into the entrance compared to the first orientation. Movable member (movable member 701),
Operating means (operating mechanism 750) for operating the movable member so that the movable member switches between the first position and the second position;
A period in which the movable member switched from the first posture to the second posture by the operating means is maintained in the second posture is defined as a period in which a game ball exists within a predetermined range, and the length of the period is set as a period. A gaming machine comprising: an indefinite period indefinite means (retaining part 751).

<Feature 11>
An entrance (entering entrance 636) through which game balls can enter,
It is provided at an entrance portion of the entrance and can switch between a predetermined first orientation and a second orientation that facilitates entry of a game ball into the entrance compared to the first orientation. Movable member (movable member 701),
Operating means (operating mechanism 750) for operating the movable member so that the movable member switches between the first position and the second position;
The movable member switched from the first position to the second position by the actuating unit; and a period indefinite unit (retaining unit 751) for indefinitely setting a period in which the movable member is maintained in the second position. A gaming machine characterized by:

  As a conventional gaming machine, a gaming machine equipped with a prize winning device capable of changing a probability of a game ball entering a winning opening by changing a posture of a movable member is known. There is known a configuration in which the behavior of a game ball is changed by abutting on a flow-down changing member such as a nail in a process until the game ball enters a ball entrance to which a privilege is given (for example, JP-A-2005-074175). Reference).

  However, there is a possibility that there is still room for improvement in the behavior of the game ball in the process until the game ball enters the winning opening or the like.

  On the other hand, in the case of the gaming machines described in the features 10 and 11, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can suitably suppress the monotonousness in the process until the gaming ball enters the winning opening or the like. it can. That is, a predetermined first posture and a second posture for facilitating the entry of the game ball into the entrance compared with the case of the first posture are provided at the entrance of the entrance where the game ball can enter. Is provided. The movable member is operated by the operating means so as to switch between the first posture and the second posture. Since the period during which the movable member switched from the first posture to the second posture is maintained in the second posture is configured to be indefinite by the period indefinite means, the movable member changes to the second posture. It is possible to suitably suppress the provided gameplay from becoming monotonous.

  In addition, the “indefinite period means” in the gaming machine described in the feature 11 is such that the period during which the movable member is maintained in the second posture is made indefinite by a mechanical configuration such as utilizing the own weight of the game ball. Alternatively, the period during which the movable member is maintained in the second posture may be made variable by control.

<Feature 12>
The gaming machine according to feature 11,
The actuating means operates the movable member to switch from the first position to the second position by the force in the predetermined direction when the force in the predetermined direction is applied, and the force in the predetermined direction is applied. A mechanical operating mechanism (operating mechanism 750) that operates the movable member so as to switch from the second posture to the first posture when it is gone;
The indefinite period means includes a staying section for staying the game balls entering from the entrance for an indefinite stay period, and an outlet for discharging the game balls entering the staying section. A game machine characterized in that the game machine is configured to operate so that the force in the predetermined direction is applied to the operation mechanism section by the weight of the game balls that are retained.

  In the gaming machine according to the aspect 12, when the force in the predetermined direction is applied, the operating means operates the movable member to switch from the first posture to the second posture by the force in the predetermined direction, and Since a mechanical operating mechanism for operating the movable member to switch from the second position to the first position when the force in the direction is no longer applied is provided, a force in a predetermined direction is applied to the operating mechanism. The movable member can be maintained in the second position during the hanging.

  The indefinite period means including a staying portion for retaining the game balls entering from the entrance and an outlet for discharging the game balls entering the retaining portion, the operating mechanism portion is operated by the own weight of the game balls retained in the retaining portion. Therefore, the movable member is maintained in the second posture over a period in which the game ball that has entered from the entrance portion stays in the staying portion. Accordingly, the posture of the movable member can be mechanically changed by the own weight of the game ball, so that the control load related to the change in the posture of the movable member can be suitably suppressed.

  Further, since the staying portion provided for the indefinite period means is configured to cause the game ball entering from the entrance to stay for an indefinite staying period, the period in which the movable member is maintained in the second posture is set in the staying portion. It can be made indefinite according to the staying period of the game ball.

<Feature 13>
The gaming machine according to feature 12, wherein
The stagnant portion is formed in a dish shape, and rolls the game ball in the circumferential direction until the game ball entered from the opening side of the dish is discharged from the exit portion formed on the bottom side of the dish. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

  In the gaming machine according to Feature 13, the staying portion provided in the indefinite period means is formed in a dish shape, and a game ball that has entered from the opening side of the dish is formed from an outlet formed on the bottom side of the dish. Since the configuration is such that the game ball is rolled in the circumferential direction until the ball is discharged, the staying period of the game ball in the staying portion can be an indefinite period according to the behavior of the game ball rolling in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the period during which the movable member is maintained in the second posture can be made indefinite.

<Feature 20>
An entrance (entrance 636) through which game balls distributed by a specific distribution unit (upper stage 612) can enter,
An entry portion (entrance of the middle starting prize device 431) through which a game ball entering the entry opening can enter;
Provided between the entrance of the specific distributing section and the entrance section, when a game ball that has entered the entrance of the specific distributing section first enters the entrance of the ball, it enters the destination. Continuous entry means (movable member 701, stagnation portion 751) that makes it easier for a game ball that has entered the entrance of the specific distribution portion after the game ball that has entered to enter the entry portion following the game ball that has entered earlier. ), And a game machine comprising:

<Feature 21>
An entrance (entrance 636) through which game balls distributed by a specific distribution unit (upper stage 612) can enter,
A discharge unit (discharge port 422) for discharging a game ball that has entered the entrance,
The distance between the game ball which has been provided between the entrance and the discharge portion and which has entered the entrance first and the game ball which has entered next after the one which has entered the entrance, And a space adjusting means (retaining portion 751) configured to be able to reduce an interval at which the game ball that has entered the game and the game ball that has entered the next pass through the discharge portion. .

  As a conventional gaming machine, a gaming machine equipped with a prize winning device capable of changing a probability of a game ball entering a winning opening by changing a posture of a movable member is known. There is known a configuration in which the behavior of a game ball is changed by abutting on a flow-down changing member such as a nail in a process until the game ball enters a ball entrance to which a privilege is given (for example, JP-A-2005-074175). Reference).

  However, there is a possibility that there is still room for improvement in the behavior of the game ball in the process until the game ball enters the winning opening or the like.

  On the other hand, with the gaming machines described in the features 20 and 21, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can suitably suppress the monotonous game performance from becoming monotonous. It can be made easy to win or be discharged as a game ball connected from the discharge portion. For example, an interval adjusting unit is provided between a ball entrance through which game balls can enter and a discharge unit for discharging game balls entering the entrance. The interval adjusting means is configured to be able to shorten the interval at which these game balls pass through the discharge unit, as compared with the interval between the game ball that first entered the entrance and the game ball that entered next. A series of game balls can be easily discharged from the discharge unit.

  In the gaming machine described in the feature 21, the adjustment of the interval between the game balls by the “interval adjusting means” is performed, for example, while the game ball that first entered the entrance is temporarily stayed while the ball is later entered. A configuration may be adopted in which the distance between the game ball that has entered the mouth and the game ball that has entered the entrance is earlier (reduced), or the length of the path through which the game ball passes from the entrance to the outlet. However, by configuring the game ball that entered the entrance later to be shorter than the game ball that entered the entrance first, the game ball that entered the entrance later and the entrance The configuration may be such that the interval between the game balls that have entered the game ball may be shortened, or the moving speed of the game ball that has entered the ball entrance later with respect to the moving speed (flowing speed) of the game ball that has entered first may be increased. Thus, the moving speed of at least one of these two game balls is controlled. It may be, may be configured by combining at least a portion of these configurations.

<Feature 22>
The gaming machine according to feature 21,
The interval adjusting means includes a retaining portion (retaining portion 751) for temporarily retaining game balls entering from the entrance, and an exit portion for discharging the game balls entering the retaining portion to the discharge portion side. (Discharge port 751A).

  According to the gaming machine described in the characteristic 22, the interval adjusting means is configured to temporarily stay in the staying portion before the game ball entered from the entrance opening is discharged to the discharge portion side at the exit portion. Since there is, the game ball that first entered the entrance is temporarily retained in the retaining portion provided in the interval adjustment means, so that the interval between the game ball and the later entered the entrance can be reduced. .

<Feature 23>
The gaming machine according to feature 22, wherein
The stagnant portion is formed in a dish shape, and rolls the game ball in the circumferential direction until the game ball entered from the opening side of the dish is discharged from the exit portion formed on the bottom side of the dish. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

  According to the gaming machine described in the characteristic 23, the staying portion provided in the interval adjusting means is formed in a dish shape, and a game ball entered from the opening side of the dish is formed from an outlet formed on the bottom side of the dish. Since the configuration is such that the game ball is rolled in the circumferential direction until discharged, the interval between the game ball that first entered the entrance and the game ball that subsequently entered the entrance is determined by the game that entered the stagnant portion. Can be adjusted according to the behavior of the sphere. Thereby, the control load related to the adjustment of the interval can be suitably suppressed.

<Feature 24>
The gaming machine according to feature 21 to feature 23,
It is provided at the entrance of the entrance and can switch between a predetermined first orientation and a second orientation that facilitates entry of the game ball into the entrance compared to the first orientation. Movable member (movable member 701),
An operation of operating the movable member such that the movable member switches from the first position to the second position when the game ball enters the entrance or a predetermined entrance different from the entrance. (Operation mechanism 750).

  In the gaming machine according to the feature 24, a predetermined first posture is provided at an entrance portion of the entrance, and the advancing of the gaming ball to the entrance is easier than in the case of the first posture. A movable member that can switch between the second posture and the second posture is provided. Therefore, when the movable member is in the second posture, it is easy to shorten the interval between the two game balls entering the entrance, so that the adjustment of the interval by the interval adjusting means allows the two game balls to be connected. It can be easily discharged from the discharge section.

  Here, when the game ball enters the entrance or a predetermined entrance different from the entrance, the movable member is operated so that the movable member switches from the first position to the second position. Operated by means. Therefore, when the movable member is in the second position, the connected game balls can be easily discharged from the discharge unit, and the movable ball is switched to the second position by allowing the game ball to enter the entrance or a predetermined entrance. Playability can be suitably improved.

<Feature 25>
The gaming machine according to feature 24,
The actuating means operates the movable member to switch from the first position to the second position by the force in the predetermined direction when the force in the predetermined direction is applied, and the force in the predetermined direction is applied. A mechanical operating mechanism (operating mechanism 750) that operates the movable member so as to switch from the second posture to the first posture when it is gone;
The interval adjusting means includes a stagnant portion for temporarily retaining game balls entered from the entrance, and an exit portion for discharging the game balls entering the retained portion to the discharge portion side, A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured to operate such that a force in the predetermined direction is applied to the operating mechanism by the weight of a game ball retained in a retaining portion.

  According to the gaming machine described in the feature 25, when the force in the predetermined direction is applied, the operating means operates the movable member to switch from the first posture to the second posture by the force in the predetermined direction, and Since a mechanical operating mechanism for operating the movable member to switch from the second position to the first position when the force in the direction is no longer applied is provided, a force in a predetermined direction is applied to the operating mechanism. The movable member can be maintained in the second posture during the hanging.

  The interval adjusting means including a staying portion for temporarily holding the game balls entering from the entrance and an outlet for discharging the game balls entering the staying portion is provided by the own weight of the game balls staying in the staying portion. Since the movable member is configured to operate so as to apply a force in a predetermined direction to the operating mechanism, the movable member is maintained in the second posture over a period in which the game ball that has entered from the entrance port stays in the staying portion. . Accordingly, the posture of the movable member can be mechanically changed by the own weight of the game ball, so that the control load related to the change in the posture of the movable member can be suitably suppressed.

  In addition, at least one feature described in the features 10 to 25 may be applied in combination with any other or a plurality of features. Hereinafter, a basic configuration of a gaming machine to which the above-described features can be applied will be described.

  Pachinko machine: launch operation means operated by a player, game ball launch means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the launch operation means, a passage for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, A gaming machine, comprising: a plurality of game components arranged in a game area; wherein a bonus is provided to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passage portion of the game components.

  Spinning-type gaming machines such as slot machines: the rotation of the orbiting body is started based on the operation of the starting operation means, the rotation of the orbiting body is stopped based on the operation of the stopping operation means, and the player is operated according to the pattern after the stoppage. A gaming machine that grants benefits.

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

  100: gaming machine, 422: discharge port, 431: middle start winning device, 612: upper stage, 636: entrance, 701: movable member, 750: operating mechanism, 751: staying part, 751A: discharge port

Claims (2)

An entrance where game balls distributed by a specific distribution unit can enter,
A discharge unit that discharges the game ball that has entered the entrance,
The distance between the game ball which has been provided between the entrance and the discharge portion and which has entered the entrance first and the game ball which has entered next after the one which has entered the entrance, A game machine comprising: a distance adjusting means configured to reduce an interval at which a game ball that has entered a game ball and a game ball that has entered the next pass through the discharge unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine.