JP2020073224A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of securing a large game area.SOLUTION: A game machine (pachinko machine 10) comprises: a game board having a game area where a game ball falls down formed on a front surface; and a front door (front frame set 14) having a first opening section (window section 101) enabling the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covering the board surface of the game board. In the game machine, the front door is provided with a second opening section (middle upper opening section 103C, upper left opening section 103L, upper right opening section 103R) enabling at least a part of the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front, outside of the first opening section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine.

A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is a game board with a game area formed on the front surface where a shot game ball is guided and flows down, and a front frame that covers the board surface of the game board from the front through glass etc. in a visible state. Etc. (hereinafter, such a front frame, etc., such as the front frame that covers the game board from the front and can be opened and closed are also collectively referred to as “front door”).

A substantially circular window (opening) is formed on the front door in correspondence with the game area of the game board, and the game area is configured to be visible from the front through this window. It is common.

JP, 2004-65923, A

The size of the game machine is standardized and constant, but various devices (roles) other than the liquid crystal device, nails, etc. are arranged because the liquid crystal device arranged in the game area is becoming larger. There is a problem that it is becoming difficult to secure a space for playing in the game area.

The present invention has been devised in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring a large gaming area.

A gaming machine according to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object,
The game board is provided with a game area on the front surface through which the game balls flow down, and a front door that has a first opening that allows the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covers the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine,
The front door has a second opening outside the first opening so that at least a part of the game area of the game board can be viewed from the front.

  According to the present invention, a large game area can be secured on the front surface of the gaming machine.

The front view which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The perspective view of the front side which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The front view which shows an example of a game board. The rear view which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows an example of an electrical structure of a pachinko machine. The front view which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this application. The perspective view of the front side which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this application. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG. The II-II line | wire part schematic arrow cross section figure of FIG. The schematic cross section which shows an example of the conventional front door. The schematic cross section figure which shows the front door which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this application.

Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") is taken as a gaming machine.

(Structure of the front side of the pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 1 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10.
1 and an inner frame 12 that is openably and closably supported on one side of the outer frame 11. less than,
The configurations of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 will be individually described.

The outer frame 11 is made of a wooden plate material in a rectangular shape as a whole, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. The outer frame 11 may be made of resin or a light metal such as aluminum. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the weight of the pachinko machine.

On the other hand, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set to extend vertically on the opposite side (left side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1) of the installation location of the handle (game ball launching handle 18 described later) when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The inner frame 12 can be sufficiently opened forward with the opening / closing axis as the axis. With such a structure, if the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is in the vertical direction at the handle installation location side (right side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1), the game ball launching handle when opening the inner frame 12 This is because the head and the like of 18 interfere with the adjacent pachinko machine and card unit (ball lending unit), and the inner frame 12 cannot be sufficiently opened. Also, the inner frame 1
2 is a synthetic resin, specifically, an ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. By doing so, the advantages of high viscosity, high impact resistance, and low cost can be obtained.

The inner frame 12 is roughly classified into a lower plate unit 13 attached to the lowermost part thereof, and a vertical opening / closing axis line on the left side of the inner frame 12 in an upper range of the lower plate unit 13 as an axis center. It includes a front frame set 14 that is openably and closably attached, a resin base (not shown), and a game board 30 (described later) attached to the rear side of the resin base. Each of these configurations will be described in detail below. The configuration of the front frame set 14 will be specifically described later.

The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 by fasteners such as screws. On the front side of the lower plate unit 13, a lower plate 15, a ball removing lever 17, and a game ball launching handle 1
8, an ashtray 22 and a sound output port 24 are provided. The lower tray 15 as a ball tray is provided in the substantially central portion of the lower tray unit 13 and is provided with a discharge port 16 when the upper tray described later becomes full.
It has a role to hold the game balls discharged more. The ball pulling lever 17 is for pulling out a game ball in the lower plate 15, and by moving the ball pulling lever 17 to the left side in FIG. 1, a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15 is opened, The game balls stopped in the lower plate 15 can be discharged to the player's ball storage box (dollar box) through the opening portion of the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball firing handle 18 is arranged so as to project to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15. In response to the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball launching device provided with a launch solenoid drives the game ball toward the game board 30 described later. The sound output port 24 is an output port for outputting a sound from a speaker provided inside or on the rear surface of the lower plate unit 13. The ashtray 22 is provided on the left side of the lower tray 15. Ashtray 2
The right side of the 2 is supported by the lower tray 15 so that the right side of the 2 rotates about the axis of the left-right direction (horizontal direction) (for example, turns forward toward the front).

Most of the lower plate unit 13 is made of ABS resin, like the inner frame 12.

On the other hand, in the lower part of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above), an upper plate 19 as a tray for playing game balls is provided integrally with the front frame set 14. The upper plate 19 is a ball receiving plate for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them toward the game ball launching device 38 while aligning them in a line. In a conventional pachinko machine, a front decorative frame that is openable and closable with respect to the inner frame is provided below the front frame set, and an upper plate is provided on the front decorative frame.However, in this embodiment, the front decorative frame is omitted. The upper plate 19 is provided directly on the front frame set 14. Like the lower plate 15, the upper plate 19 has a structure in which the surface layer is made of flame-retardant ABS resin. At the lower left of the upper plate 19, there is provided a production button 79 for the player to perform an operation such as changing the background of the decorative symbol display device 42.

In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around the front frame set 14, as will be described later. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect during the game by changing and controlling the light emitting mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state during the big hit game state. For example, on the periphery of the window portion 101, a circular electric decoration portion 102 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and by turning on or blinking in the big hit game state, the big hit game state is in progress. This is a configuration for notifying.

A ball rental operation unit 120 is provided below the window 101, and a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123 are provided on the ball rental operation unit 120.
When the ball rental operation unit 120 is operated in a state in which bills, cards, etc. are inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, game balls are lent according to the operation. Done. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as the card or the like has a balance. To be done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting return of a card or the like inserted in the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays the balance information of a card or the like. It should be noted that the ball rental operation unit 120 is not necessary in a so-called cash machine, which is a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly lent to the upper plate from the ball lending device section without using the card unit. Therefore, a decorative sticker or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. As a result, the ball rental operation unit can be shared between the pachinko machine and the cash machine using the card unit.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 30. The game board 30 includes a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, a first starting opening 33 including an upper starting opening 33a and a lower starting opening 33b (consisting of an operating chucker 33b) and a second starting opening 34 (through gate). ,), A special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 41, a variable display device unit 35 including a decorative symbol display device 42, etc. are provided. The general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the first starting opening 33, the second starting opening 34, the variable display device unit 35, etc. are respectively provided in the through holes formed by the router processing in the game board 30. And is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. In addition, a pair of opening and closing blades 60 are provided at the entrance of the lower starting opening 33b, and an open position for guiding the game ball and a closed position where it is difficult for the game ball to enter the lower starting opening 33b can be taken. The opening / closing blades 60 are driven by a solenoid SL1 arranged on the back surface side of the game board 30. Also, the lower starting port 3
An inlet 61 of the accommodation portion is arranged below 3b. The entrance 61 of the accommodation section will be described later. The entrance detection switch SW1 is provided in the entrance 61 of the accommodation portion.

A game ball enters the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, and the first starting opening 33,
The entering ball is detected by a detection switch (a winning opening switch, a count switch, an operating opening switch, etc.) described later, and a predetermined number of prize balls are placed on the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15) based on the output of the detection switch. Be paid out. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an outlet 36, so that game balls that have not entered the various winning devices can be guided through the outlet 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). It has become. In the game board 30, a large number of nails are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (features) are arranged.

The special symbol display device 38 variably displays the special symbol as the identification information triggered by the winning of the first starting opening 33, and the decorative symbol display device 42 variably changes the decorative symbol corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol. The normal symbol display device 41 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner with the passage of the second starting opening 34 as a trigger.

The special symbol display device 38 is composed of two-color LEDs 38a, 38b, and the display content is controlled by the main control device 261 described later. The LEDs 38a, 38b are adapted to variably display red and green, for example.

The decorative pattern display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. The decorative pattern display device 42 includes, for example, upper, middle, and lower 3
A pattern as identification information is displayed at the location. These symbols are scrolled and variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In the present embodiment, the decorative pattern display device 42 (
The liquid crystal display device) is equipped with a large-sized liquid crystal display having a size of 10 inches or 12 inches, for example.

The normal symbol display device 41 includes lamps 41a and 41b for normal symbols. In this embodiment, the lamp 41a for a normal symbol is provided, for example, above both display surfaces of the decorative symbol display device 42, and the external shape thereof is a "O" shape, while the lamp 41 for a normal symbol is provided.
The b is provided adjacent to the upper right side of the lamp 41a and has an external shape of "x". The normal symbol display device 41 is, for example, the lamp 4 each time the game ball passes through the second starting opening 34.
1a, 41b display symbols (ordinary symbols) fluctuate, specifically, lamps 41a, 41b
Are alternately lit, and when the lamp 41a is stopped, the lower start opening 33b of the first start opening 33 is activated (opened) for a predetermined time. The game ball is the second starting port 34
The number of times of passing is held up to four times, and the number of times of holding is lit up and displayed by the holding lamp 801a. The lamps 41a and 41b may be a plurality of display units that are variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which the game balls cannot be won or is difficult to win, and the game balls are repeatedly operated in an open state in which it is easy to win and a normal closed state at the time of a big hit. The specific configuration will be described later. If you touch briefly, if the special symbol display device 38 is in a specific display mode (when the fixed symbol after the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped is a combination of preset specific symbols), the special game state Occurs. Then, the variable winning device 32 is in the ball receiving state, and the winning of the game ball is allowed. Specifically, a predetermined time (
For example, after 30 seconds have passed or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings are set as one round, the ball receiving state of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times. The number of times the game ball has passed through the first starting opening 33 is reserved up to a maximum of four times, and the number of reservations is lit up and displayed by the holding lamp 800a. The holding lamp 800a may be configured to be variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

Further, a rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30 for guiding the game balls launched from the game ball launching device to the upper portion of the game board 30, and the rail unit 50 is launched in accordance with the rotation operation of the game ball launching handle 18. The played game ball is guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The configuration of the rail unit 50 will be specifically described later.

(Rear view of the pachinko machine)
Next, the configuration of the back of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

First, the overall outline of the rear structure of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. On the back surface (actually, the back surface of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30) of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged side by side in the vertical and horizontal directions or stacked in front and back, and further,
A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a resin protective cover, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are separately mounted on two mounting bases to form two control board units, and the control board units are individually mounted on the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. . In this case, the main control board (apparatus), the power supply monitoring board (apparatus), and the sub control board (apparatus) are mounted on one mounting base to be unitized, and the payout control board (apparatus)
Device), the firing control board (apparatus), and the power supply board (apparatus) are mounted on the other mount to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit will be referred to as a "first control board unit 201", and the latter unit will be referred to as a "second control board unit 202".

In addition, the payout mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion may be generally referred to as a back pack.
3 ”. Detailed configurations of the units 201 to 203 will be described later.

First control board unit 201, second control board unit 202 and back pack unit 2
03 is configured to be attachable / detachable without using any tools or the like in unit units, and in addition to this, a supporting shaft portion may be provided in part to open / close with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. It is composed. This is also a device for making it possible to easily confirm the hidden configuration and the like even when the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one on top of the other.

The above-described first control board unit 201 is a main control board that controls the progress of the game and a power supply monitoring board that controls the power supply, and the decorative pattern display device 42 according to an instruction from the main control board.
And a sub-control board that controls the display control and the audio lamp control. The main control board and the power supply monitoring board are housed in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 includes a box base having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. Box 263 is sealed.

The sealing unit may have any configuration as long as the box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner, and the sealing process by the sealing unit prevents unauthorized opening after sealing. (1) Even if an unauthorized opening is performed, such a situation can be found quickly and easily.

Next, the second control board unit 202 has a payout control board, a firing control board, a power supply board, and a card unit connection board. The above-mentioned payout control board controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls, the above-mentioned launch control board controls the launch solenoid according to the operation of the game ball launch handle 18 by the player, and the above-mentioned power supply board requires various control devices and the like. A predetermined power supply voltage is generated and output. Further, the card unit connection board is electrically connected to the ball rental operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and takes in a command of a ball lending operation by the player and controls the payout. It is output to the board. Note that the card unit connection board is not necessary in a cash machine in which game balls are lent out directly from the ball lending device or the like to the upper plate without going through the card unit.

The payout control board is stored in a payout control board case 280 made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the power supply board is stored in a power supply board case 281 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The card unit connecting board is housed in a card unit connecting board case 314 made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the firing control board is housed in a firing control board case (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control board, as in the main control board described above, the box base and the box cover forming the board case (encapsulation means) are connected in an unopenable manner by the sealing unit (sealing means), so that the board box is closed. Is sealed.

The payout control board is electrically connected to the state return switch 321, and when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs such as a ball clogging of the payout motor unit, the payout motor slowly moves to the normal position. It is rotated to eliminate the ball clogging (return to the normal state).

Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is formed by integrating a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352.

The back pack 351 is integrally molded of, for example, ABS resin, and has a substantially flat base portion 3.
53 and a protective cover portion 354 that projects rearward of the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size large enough to surround at least the electric accessory unit (center accessory). The sub-control board is also enclosed together). A large number of ventilation holes 354a are provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 354. The ventilation holes 354a each have a long hole shape, and the ventilation holes 354a are provided so as to be adjacent to each other at relatively close positions. Therefore, the back surface of the back pack 351 can be easily opened by cutting the resin portion between the adjacent vent holes 354a. That is, by cutting the resin portion between the ventilation holes 354a and exposing the display control device and the like inside the ventilation holes 354a, it is possible to easily carry out a predetermined verification or the like.

Further, in the base portion 353, the payout mechanism portion 35 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354.
2 are provided. That is, at the top of the back pack 351, the tank 35 that opens upward
5 is provided, and this tank 355 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 having two horizontal rows (two rows) of ball passages and gently sloping toward the downstream side is connected.
A case rail 357 is vertically connected to the downstream side of 6. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and the required number of game balls is appropriately paid out by a predetermined electric configuration such as a payout motor. Then, the game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 through a payout passage or the like not shown.

The tank rail 356 and the vibrator 360 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356 are unitized so as to be integrated, and the vibrator 360 is driven if a ball clogging occurs near the tank rail 356. By doing so, the ball clogging is resolved.

The payout mechanism section 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 for relaying a signal of a payout command from the payout control board to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in a main power source from the outside. ing. Main power of 24 V AC, for example, is supplied to the power switch board 382 via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

An inner frame open detection switch 388 for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the inner frame 12 is opened. Output from the open detection switch 388 to the computer for the hall (in the pachinko parlor). A front frame open detection switch 389 is provided on the left side of the inner frame open detection switch 388. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the front frame open detection switch 389 is used for the inside of the hall (in the pachinko parlor). It is designed to be output to a computer.

(Electrical structure of pachinko machine and various control processes)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a power supply device 313, a power supply monitoring device 540, a main control device 261, a sub control device 262, a payout control device 311, a display control device 45, and the like. Each of these devices is described in detail below. The power supply monitoring device 540 and the main control device 261 are sealed by the sealing unit as described above.

Next, the configuration of main controller 261 will be described. The main controller 261 is equipped with an MPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 501 has a ROM 5 storing various control programs executed by the MPU 501 and fixed value data.
02, a RAM 503 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. It is built in.

The RAM 503 is configured to be able to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off.
The area 503 is provided with an area for temporarily storing various data and the like.

The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 501 is configured to receive the power failure signal SG1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, and the power failure signal SG1 is input to the MPU 501. Input to the NMI as a power failure process
Interrupt processing is executed immediately.

An input / output port 505 is connected to the MPU 501 of the main controller 261 via a bus line 504 composed of an address bus and a data bus. I / O port 505 has
RAM erase switch circuit 543 in the power supply monitoring device 540, payout control device 311, launch control device 312, sub control device 262, special symbol display device 38, normal symbol display device 41, special symbol hold display device 800, normal symbol hold display The device 801 and other switch groups (not shown) are connected. The special symbol display device 38 is configured by the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b as described above, and the normal symbol display device 41 is configured by the normal symbol display lamps 41a and 41b as described above, and the special symbol. The hold display device 800 is configured by a hold lamp 800a that displays the number of hold balls related to the special symbol as described above, and the normal symbol hold display device 801 normally holds the number of hold balls related to the symbol as described above. It is composed of a lamp 801a.

The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout motor 358a. The MPU 511, which is an arithmetic unit, includes a ROM 512 storing a control program executed by the MPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and an RA used as a work memory or the like.
And M513.

Similar to the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 and data can be retained (backup) even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off. The RAM 513 is provided with an area for temporarily storing various data and the like.

Like the MPU 501 of the main controller 261, the NMI terminal of the MPU 511 is also configured such that the power failure signal SG1 is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure. When input to the MPU 511, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

An input / output port 515 is connected to the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 via a bus line 514 composed of an address bus and a data bus. A main controller 261 and a payout motor 358a are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

The firing control device 312 permits or prohibits the firing of a game ball by the firing solenoid, and the firing solenoid is allowed to be driven when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In particular,
The payout control device 311 outputs a connection signal indicating that the card unit is in a connected state, detects that the player is touching the game ball launch handle 18 with a sensor signal, and launches the launch. The firing control device 312 outputs a firing permission signal to the main control device 261 on condition that the firing stop switch for stopping has not been operated. The main control device 261 which has received the firing permission signal outputs a firing solenoid control signal to the firing control device 312. As a result, the launch control device 312 drives the launch solenoid in response to the launch solenoid control signal, and as a result, the game ball is launched at a strength corresponding to the operation amount of the game ball launch handle.

The sub-control device 262, based on a command from the main control device 261, ringing control of the production speaker 810 and the lighting (blinking) control of the production lamp 811 according to the variable display of the decorative design, and the main control device 261. It performs the function of editing the command to the display control device 45 based on the command from and sending it to the display control device 45. The MPU 550 of the sub control unit 262 includes a ROM 551 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 550, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 552 that is used as a work memory and the like. An input / output port 554 is connected to the MPU 550 via a bus line 553 composed of an address bus and a data bus. A speaker, a lamp, an effect button 79 for executing a predetermined display effect during variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42, and a main control device 261 are connected to the input / output port 554, respectively. Performance button 79
Examples of such buttons include a button for display effect such as a step-up notice that gives a notice that the possibility of a jackpot is high depending on the appearance of a predetermined character. In addition,
When the production button 79 is pressed, a production designation command for executing a predetermined production is generated and transmitted to the decorative pattern display device 42.

The display control device 45 controls the variable display of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display device 42. The display control device 45 includes an MPU 521 having a RAM 523 used as a work RAM, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, and an output port 52.
9 and 9.

The MPU 521 receives the symbol display command (stop symbol command, variation pattern command, confirmation command, etc.) transmitted from the sub-control unit 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or based on the received command. A predetermined arithmetic process is performed to control the image controller 526 (specifically, generate an internal command for the image controller 526). The program ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 521 and fixed values, and also stores and holds JPEG image data for background images. The RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, etc. used when the MPU 521 executes various programs.

The image controller 526 is composed of a VDP (video display processor). The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative pattern display device 42, and is called an "drawing chip" because it is an IC chip, and its substance is a drawing. It should be said that it is a microcomputer chip that contains software dedicated to processing. The image controller 526 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in the reading and writing of data, and at the same time, the video RAM 524.
The display data stored in (1) is read from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing, and is output to the decorative symbol display device 42 via the output port 529 to be displayed.

The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524, the decorative symbol display device 4
The display content of 2 is changed. The character ROM 525 plays a role as an image data library for storing character data such as designs displayed on the decorative design display device 42. The character ROM 525 holds bit map format image data of various display symbols, a color palette table to be referred to when determining an expression color at each dot of the bit map image, and the like. In particular, a symbol code (symbol number) is assigned to each of the bitmap-format symbol image data, and each symbol image can be managed only by the symbol code at the command level. A plurality of character ROMs 525 are provided, and each character ROM
It is also possible to share the image data and the like by sharing it with the 525. Also, program R
The JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the OM 522 may be stored in the character ROM 525.

The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply unit 541 is connected to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 31 through the power supply path.
The necessary operating voltage is supplied to each of the first and the like. As an outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in a voltage of 24 V AC supplied from the outside, a voltage of 12 V for driving various switches and motors, a voltage of 5 V for logic, and a voltage for RAM backup. A backup voltage or the like is generated, and the voltage of 12 volts, the voltage of 5 volts, and the backup voltage are supplied to the power supply monitoring device 540, the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311, and the display control device 4.
Supply to 5 mag. The operating voltage (voltage of 12 volts and 5 volts) is supplied to main controller 261 via power supply monitoring device 540. Also, the firing control device 312
To the motor control voltage is supplied via the main controller 261 (voltages of 12 and 5 volts).

The power supply monitoring device 540 includes a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure and the like, and a reset circuit 544 that outputs a reset signal.
The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is used by the MPU of the main controller 261 when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like.
501 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of DC stable 24 V which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and when this voltage becomes less than 22 V, a power failure (
It is determined that the power is cut off), and the power failure signal SG1 is sent to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 31.
Output to 1. By the output of the power failure signal SG1, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 31
1 recognizes the occurrence of a power failure and executes an NMI interrupt process. It should be noted that the power supply unit 541 outputs the voltage of 5 V which is the drive voltage of the control system for a time sufficient to execute the NMI interrupt processing even after the voltage of DC stable 24 V becomes less than 22 V. Is maintained at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt process.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal SG2 for clearing the backup data to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 when the RAM erase switch is pressed. The transmission of the signal to the payout control device 311 is performed via the main control device 261.
The main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 have a RAM when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on.
When the erase signal SG2 is input, each backup data is cleared.

The reset circuit 544 includes a main controller 261, a payout controller 311, and a sub controller 262.
, And a circuit for outputting a reset signal for initializing the display control device 45. In addition,
The reset signal from the reset circuit 544 is directly given to the main control device 261, but is given to the payout control device 311, the sub control device 262, and the display control device 45 via the power supply device 313. It is like this.

Here, the display contents of the special symbol display device 38, the normal symbol display device 41, and the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, a special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 38 as a symbol for showing the occurrence of a big hit to the player, and a decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. Two types are provided. The decorative symbol is a symbol that is changed in synchronization with the special symbol, and starts changing at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol starts changing, and at the same time as changing the special symbol stops (or almost at the same time). (2) It stops the fluctuation. This decorative pattern is provided to provide the player with a variety of display effects and to provide a game characteristic that is less likely to get tired.

First, the display contents of the special symbol display device 38 will be described. The variable display of the special symbol is represented by a change in the color of the special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b (change in red / green) or a change in lighting pattern such as blinking. The variable display of this special symbol is started based on the winning of the game ball into the starting opening 33, and after a certain period of time, the variable display of the special symbol is stopped at the same time. After that stop, if the special symbols are aligned, that is, if the special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b are in the lighting state of the same color, it is a big hit, and if the special symbols are not aligned when the variable display is stopped, that is, When the special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b are in a lighting state of different colors, the special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b come off, and the variable display is performed again based on the winning of the start opening 33. The number of times the game ball wins the starting opening 33 is reserved up to 4 times, and the number of reservations is lit and displayed by the holding lamp 800a of the special symbol holding display device 800. In the present embodiment, when the variable display is stopped, if the special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b are both in a red lighting state, it is regarded as a specific symbol (probability variation symbol), and the special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b are both If the green lighting state, it is regarded as a non-specific symbol (non-probability variation symbol).

Next, the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. On the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, three decorative symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are displayed in three display areas divided into an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage. These decorative symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scroll-displayed from right to left. The decorative pattern is composed of, for example, a main symbol composed of the numbers “1” to “9” and a sub-symbol smaller than the main symbol, and a pattern row of decorative symbols is formed by these main symbols and sub-symbols. In each symbol row formed of decorative symbols, main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers and sub-symbols are arranged between the main symbols. When a prize to the starting opening 33, that is, a starting prize occurs, the variable display of the decorative pattern is performed, the variable display is stopped after a certain time period according to the variable pattern, and the decorative pattern display device 42 has vertical 3 × horizontal 3 Nine decorative symbols are displayed as the display result. In the variable display that is won in the jackpot lottery, the display control device 45 controls so that three of the same main symbols are stopped on a vertical or diagonal straight line among the nine decorative symbols, and the player is controlled. The occurrence of jackpots is shown. On the other hand, in the variable display out of the jackpot lottery, the display control device 45 controls so that three of the same main symbols are not stopped vertically or diagonally out of the nine decorative symbols, and the game is played. The occurrence of disconnection is shown to the person.

Next, the display content of the normal symbol display device 41 will be described. The variable display of ordinary symbols is
The normal symbol display lamp 41a (appearance is O shape) and the normal symbol display lamp 41b (appearance is X shape) are alternately turned on. The variation display of this ordinary symbol is the second game ball
It is started on the condition that it passes through the starting port 34, and after a certain time, the variable display of the normal symbols is stopped. The first start port 33 is configured to be in an operating state (open) for a predetermined time when the display lamp 41a is stopped. The number of times the game ball has passed through the second starting port 34 is reserved up to 4 times, and the number of reservations is normally lit and displayed by the reservation lamp 801a of the symbol reservation display device 801.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the MPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses various counter information at the time of playing a game, and sets jackpot lottery and symbol display of the special symbol display device 38. Specifically, it is provided with a counter group related to special symbols and a counter group related to normal symbols. First,
A counter group related to special symbols will be described. As a group of counters related to the special symbol, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol counter C2 used for selecting the jackpot symbol of the special symbol display device 38, and the special symbol display device 38 fluctuate. The stop pattern selection counter C3 used for the selection of the stop pattern (corresponding to the reach lottery of whether to reach or completely miss in the variation of the decorative pattern) and the jackpot random number counter C1 are used to set initial values. It is provided with an initial value random number counter CINI1 and fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 that determine the type used for selecting a fluctuation pattern.

Here, the fluctuation pattern means each pattern (form) in the case where those having common characteristics of fluctuation display are classified.

Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI1 and CS1 to CS3 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 700 including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas), and in each of these areas, a game ball to the starting opening 33. Big hit random number counter C according to the winning timing of
The values of 1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are respectively stored.

Next, the specific contents of each counter will be described in detail.
The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 738, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 738). Especially jackpot random number counter C
When 1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI1 is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 0).
738), it is updated once every timer interrupt and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated regularly (once in each timer interruption in this embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the starting opening 33. There are two types of random number values for jackpots, one for low probability and one for high probability. The number of random numbers for jackpot in low probability is 2, and the value is "373,727". Yes, the number of random numbers that are a big hit at high probability is 14, and the value is "59,109,163.
, 211, 263, 317, 367, 421, 479, 523, 577, 631, 683
, 733 ”. In addition, at the time of high probability, a combination of special symbols is a combination of specific symbols which is a predetermined probability variation symbol (in the present embodiment, specific symbol display lamps 38a, 38).
When both b are lit in green), the jackpot is a big jackpot and the subsequent jackpot probability increases as an added value, so-called probability change. Normal time (low probability time) is when such a probability change state (book In the embodiment, the specific symbol display lamps 38a, 38b are both lit in red).

The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines the symbols when the special symbols in the special symbol display device 38 stop changing during the jackpot, and are incremented one by one in the range of 0 to 4, for example, and the maximum value (that is, 4). ) Is reached and then returns to 0. For example, when the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is "0" or "1", the stop symbols are special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b.
Both stop in green, and the combination of the stop symbols in this case means a non-specific symbol (normal jackpot symbol).

When the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is "2", "3", "4", the special symbols display lamps 38a, 38b are both stopped in red, and the combination of the stop symbols in this case is a specific symbol ( Probability fluctuation pattern) is meant.

The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated regularly (once in each of the timer interrupts in this embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the starting opening 33.

The stop pattern selection counter C3 is sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238,
It is configured to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In the present embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol is configured to be expressed by the two display lamps 38a and 38b, so there is no concept of reach in the case of the special symbol, and the stop pattern corresponding to the reach is the stop pattern. It is supposed to be decided by the selection counter C3. On the other hand, in the case of a decorative design, since three decorative designs stop, there is a reach. Therefore, in the case of the decorative pattern, the reach lottery is determined by the stop pattern selection counter C3. That is, in the case of decorative designs,
After the reach occurs, the final stop design shifts by one before and after the reach design and stops "Front and back out reach", and after the reach occurs, the final stop design stops at positions other than before and after the reach design "Reach other than front and back release" , And "completely missed" that does not reach will be drawn. For example, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 0 to 201 corresponds to complete disconnection, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 202 to 208 corresponds to front / rear outreach, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 209 to 238 to reach other than front / rear outreach. Applicable

Here, the reach means that the combination of the symbols stopped first is the same symbol after the decorative symbol displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 starts the variable display (in a decorative symbol having a plurality of effective lines, A combination of the jackpot pattern that suggests to the player that it is a jackpot depending on the display result of the symbol which is the same symbol on any one of the activated lines) and which continues to display fluctuations. Is a display that makes the player expect, and is a kind of entertainment production. The entertaining effect means that a predetermined symbol represented by reach is displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 during the variable display, a specific voice is output from the speaker, or a vibration motor is used. This is an effect that makes the player expect that the display result after the variable display will be a big hit, with the variable display being accompanied by a mode different from the normal one such as vibrating the game ball launching handle 18.

The stop pattern selection counter C3 is updated regularly (once in every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the reserved ball storage area 7 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the starting opening 33.
Stored in 00.

The fluctuation type counter CS1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS2 is configured to be sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 240, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240). The variation type counter CS3 is, for example, 1 in order within the range of 0 to 162.
The values are added one by one, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 162), the value is returned to 0.
The variation type counter CS1 determines a rough pattern variation mode such as the type of reach such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and the variation type counter CS2
Thus, a more detailed symbol variation mode such as normal reach A, normal reach B, etc. is determined, and the variation type counter CS2 determines addition / subtraction of the variation time in the case of a slip stop variation, for example. Therefore, by combining these fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3, a wide variety of fluctuation patterns can be easily realized.

The counters CS1 to CS3 are updated once each time a normal process described below is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of the counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired when the fluctuation pattern is determined when the fluctuation of the special symbol by the special symbol display device 38 and the decorative symbol by the decorative symbol display device 42 is started.

Next, a counter group related to normal symbols will be described. As a group of counters related to a normal symbol, it is provided with a hit random number counter C4 used for a winning lottery and an initial value random number counter CINI2 used for setting an initial value of the hit random number counter C4.

The hit random number counter C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. RAM
A holding ball storage area 701 including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas) 503 is provided, and each of these areas is connected to the second starting opening 34. The value of the random number counter C4 is stored in accordance with the passage of the game sphere.

Next, the specific contents of the hit random number counter C4 and the initial value random number CINI2 will be described in detail. The hit random number counter C4 is configured to be sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 250, for example, and then returned to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). Then, when the hit random number counter C4 makes one round, the value of the hit initial value random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the hit random number counter C4. The initial value random number counter CINI2
Is configured as a loop counter that is updated within the same range as the random number counter C4 (value =
0 to 250), and is updated once every timer interrupt, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. The hit random number counter C4 is updated regularly (once in every timer interruption in this embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 701 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball passes through the second starting opening 34. The number of random number values that hit the hit random number counter C4 is 149,
The value is "5-153".

The size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed arbitrarily. However, if the irregularity is emphasized, the sizes of the big hit random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, the hit random number counter C4, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are all different prime numbers, and are values that are not synchronized in any case. It is desirable to put it.

The detailed description of each control process executed by the MPU 501 in the main controller 261 is omitted here.
However, in summary, as described above, by winning the start opening 33, the main control device 261 is made a winning / abstracting lot with a predetermined probability, and at the time of winning, it shifts to the special game state. The variable winning device 32 is in a state of receiving a winning ball.

(Variable winning device and collection unit)
In this embodiment, the variable winning device 32 is configured as follows.
The basic structure of the variable winning device 32 is that a winning portion from a big winning opening 61 having a width capable of passing a plurality of gaming balls in the lateral direction of the game board 30 is accommodated in a housing portion (not shown), A discharge sensor provided in the accommodating portion reaches a detection sensor (not shown) for detection.

Then, in the game area of the game board 30, there is provided a starting winning device 33 (33a and 33b: see FIG. 3) for entering a game ball flowing down the flow-down space between the window 101 and the game board 30. By entering the starting winning device 33, the main control device 261 performs a winning / winning lottery with a predetermined probability, the game state shifts to a special gaming state by the corresponding lottery, and at least once in the special gaming state. , The variable winning device 32 is switched from the non-ball receiving state to the ball receiving state, and in the ball receiving state, the detection sensor detects a specified number of the ball winnings accommodated in the accommodation portion from the special winning opening 61. It is configured to pay out a specified number of prize balls.

(Characteristic composition)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes a front frame set 14 as a front door that covers the board surface of the game board 30. The front frame set 14 is provided with a substantially circular window portion 101 so as to occupy most of the center. Through the window 101,
Most of the game area defined by the rail unit 50 on the front surface of the game board 30 is visible from the front. That is, the window 101 is a first opening that allows the game area of the game board 30 to be viewed from the front.

A middle upper opening 103C, an upper left opening 103L, and an upper right opening 103R are formed in a region between the upper edge of the front frame set 14 and the window 101. At the center of the upper edge of the window portion 101, a brim-shaped portion 101E is formed along the peripheral edge of the window portion 101 so as to extend in a substantially flat plate shape in the front-rear direction while being slightly curved in a substantially arcuate shape in a front view. The lateral width of the collar portion 101E is approximately half the lateral width of the front frame set 14. From both ends of the collar portion 101E, the side wall 101 is formed.
The S is erected so as to extend to the upper end edge of the front frame set 14 while slightly inclining to the center side. The back surface of the region of the trapezoidal shape in front view, which is surrounded by the collar-shaped portion 101E, the side wall 101S, and the upper edge of the front frame set 14, penetrates in the front-rear direction, whereby the middle-upper opening 103
C is formed.

The annular electric decoration portion 102 is provided on the periphery of the window portion 101. The annular electric decoration portion 102 is arranged so as to be blocked by the side wall 101S so that the annular electric decoration portion 102 is provided in the central portion of the upper edge of the window portion 101, that is, in the middle upper opening 103C forming region. The decorative portion 102 is missing. On both sides of the middle-upper opening 103C, that is, on both outer sides of the side wall 101S, the front frame set 14 penetrates in the front-rear direction in most of the region between the upper edge of the front frame set 14 and the annular illumination portion 102. As a result, the upper left opening 103L and the upper right opening 103R are respectively formed. Left upper opening 103L and upper right opening 10
The lower end edge, the center side edge, and the upper end edge of 3R extend along the annular electric decoration portion 102, the side wall 101S, and the upper end edge of the front surface frame set 14, respectively, and are formed to have a substantially hexagonal shape as a whole. Through the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L and the upper right opening 103R,
The upper end of the game area on the front surface of the game board 30 is visible from the front. That is, the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R are second openings that allow at least a part of the game area of the game board 30 to be viewed from the front.

On the back side of the front frame set 1, a glass plate is fitted so as to cover the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L and the upper right opening 103R from the inside (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, the rail unit 50 in the game board 30 is composed of a metal plate in the shape of a band [ring], and has an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 that are integrally formed in the inner and outer layers. On the rear side edge of the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 (the edge facing the game board 30),
The studs 56 are provided at a plurality of places at predetermined intervals, and the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 are provided.
Is attached to the game board 30 so as to hit the tack 56.

The inner rail 51 crosses the outlet 36 from a position slightly above the lower right corner on the board surface of the game board 30 and slightly inward from the right edge, and slightly inward (slightly above) from the center of the lower edge. As described above, it extends in a substantially arc shape to a position slightly inward of the center of the left side edge. Further, along the left side edge on the board surface of the game board 30 linearly extends slightly upward,
It extends from its upper end to a slightly upper right position while curving in a gentle arc. Outer rail 52
Is a little similar to the inner rail 51, with a slight distance to the outside of the inner rail 51 from a position slightly left of the center of the lower end of the board surface of the game board 30, that is, a position lower left of the outlet 36. It extends upward. As described above, the inner rail 51 extends linearly upward along the left side edge of the board surface of the game board 30 and then extends slightly to the upper right to become the terminal end (upper left end). It extends further to the upper right than the outer position corresponding to the end of the inner rail 51, and extends straight to the right along the upper edge from a position immediately before hitting the upper edge on the board surface of the game board 30. Further, when it extends to the vicinity of the upper right corner on the board surface of the game board 30, it extends to a position slightly inward slightly below the upper end of the right side edge while curving in an arc shape. In this case, the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 form a guide rail, and a portion (the left side portion) where these rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other forms a ball guide passage. The ball guide passage is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape with the front side open.

A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion (upper left portion in FIG. 3) of the inner rail 51.
As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the game ball, which is once guided from the ball guide passage between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30, returns to the ball guide passage again. There is.

As described above, the rail unit 50 extends in a substantially semicircular shape in the lower half of the board surface of the game board 30, and in the upper half, the upper right corner and the upper left corner are rounded and fallen off. It extends in a substantially rectangular shape, and as a whole, a game area having a shape obtained by rotating the general D-shape by 90 ° clockwise (hereinafter, also referred to as “falling D-shape”) is defined. At this time, in a conventional pachinko machine, it is general that the game area is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10, the space of the upper end portion of the board surface of the game board 30 is further utilized as much as possible, so that the substantially circular shape is bulged upward into a substantially rectangular shape, and thus the general tipping D A character-shaped game area is defined.

As described above, the front frame set 14 has the substantially circular window portion 101 as the first opening portion, but this window portion 101 is substantially the same as the conventional one in the above-mentioned roughly inverted D-shaped game area. The circular basic area is visible from the front. On the other hand, the front frame set 14 has the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R as the second opening, as described above, and these middle upper opening 103C and upper left opening 103L. Also, the upper right opening 103R makes it possible to visually recognize from the front an expansion area in which the conventional substantially circular basic area is enlarged upward in the game area having the above-mentioned substantially inverted D shape.

Therefore, according to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 described above, in the generally circular basic area that is common to the conventional game area in the generally inverted D-shaped game area, the game balls flow down to enter or enter the winning device. The main situation of the game such as the situation of being discharged from the outlet 36 and the display content on the decorative symbol display device 42 is visually recognized from the front through the window 101 which is the first opening. In addition, in the upper expansion area, the situation in which the game ball is guided into the game area from the ball guide passage between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and the game ball strongly launched from the game ball launching device. The situation where the player is hit to the upper end or the upper right end of the game area and then flows down in the game area is forward through the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L and the upper right opening 103R which are the second openings. Visible from. That is, in the pachinko machine 10,
The game area is configured to be greatly expanded upward from the conventional one.

In the above configuration, for example, the configuration of the front frame set 14 may be left as it is, and the game area of the game board may be changed to a substantially circular shape similar to the conventional one. That is, the game area can be visually recognized from the front through the window portion 101 which is the first opening portion as in the conventional case, while the upper end portion of the board surface of the game board is the second opening portion on the board surface outside the game area. Upper opening 103C,
It may be visible from the front through the upper left opening 103L and the upper right opening 103R.
In the case of such a configuration, the board surface outside the game area at the upper end portion of the game board is configured by the same design as the board surface inside the game area, and more preferably, nails and the like are also arranged, this upper end. Even if the game ball does not actually flow down the board surface outside the game area in the part, at least the second
Through the middle upper opening 103C, the upper left opening 103L, and the upper right opening 103R, which are openings, it is possible to make the game area look like an expanded area. Further, in this case, for example, a part of the upper end of the game board or the entire game board is molded with a transparent resin, and a light emitting portion such as an LED lamp is arranged on the back side of the upper end of the game board.
The game board and the middle upper opening 103C which is the second opening, the upper left opening 103L and the upper right opening 1
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which light is emitted to the front through 03R. According to this configuration, it is possible to make the game board, particularly the inside and outside of the game area, emit light as if it were emitting light by itself. Therefore, for example, it is possible to achieve an effective light emission effect that cannot be obtained by a configuration in which light is emitted exclusively from the front surface of the front frame set 14.

(Action)
The pachinko machine 10 has a game board 30 having a game area on the front surface through which game balls flow down, and a window portion 101 as a first opening that allows the game area of the game board 30 to be viewed from the front. In the configuration including the front frame set 14 as a front door that covers the board surface of the game board 30, the front frame set 14 visually recognizes at least a part of the game area of the game board 30 from the front outside the window 101. Middle upper opening 103C and upper left opening 103L as possible second openings
And an upper right opening 103R.

According to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10, in addition to the game area being visible from the front by the window 101 which is the first opening, the middle upper opening 103C which is the second opening and the upper left opening Since the upper end of the board surface of the game board 30 corresponding to the portion 103L and the upper right opening 103R is visible from the front, the portion corresponding to the second opening is also secured as a space forming a part of the game area. Has been done. That is, the game area is effectively expanded by disposing the second opening. Further, even when the portion corresponding to the second opening is not set as the game area, by making the board surface of the game board 30 visible from the front, at least as far as the portion corresponding to the second opening is provided as the game area. It can be configured to look as if it is.

Furthermore, in the case where the portion corresponding to the second opening on the board surface of the game board is not the game area, if the board surface of the portion corresponding to the second opening has the same structure as the board surface in the game area, this is not the game area. The part can be made to look more like a game area.

Furthermore, in the game board, at least a portion corresponding to the second opening is molded with a resin having transparency, and a light emitting portion is arranged on the back side of this portion, and the light is transmitted forward through the game board and the second opening. With the configuration of irradiating with, it is possible to have a light emitting mode as if the game board itself is emitting light, and therefore an effective light emitting effect is possible.

(Modification)
Various modifications can be made to the above embodiment, for example, as shown below.

(1) Second Embodiment In the above-described embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as the first embodiment), the first opening portion is the substantially circular window portion 101 similar to the conventional one. As in the modification shown in FIG. 7, the first opening may have a larger structure than the conventional one (hereinafter, also referred to as the second embodiment).

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment includes the front frame set 27 as in the case of the first embodiment. However, while the front frame set 14 according to the first embodiment is a front door that is openably and closably attached in a range above the lower plate unit 13, the front frame set 27 according to the second embodiment is It is a front door that is openably and closably attached in the entire range of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10C. That is, the front frame set 27 according to the second embodiment is a front door that is expanded to the maximum downward than the front frame set 14 according to the first embodiment.

In the front frame set 27 according to the second embodiment, a rectangular lower end portion that is horizontally long in a front view and has a height h11 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to about 1/4 of the height of the pachinko machine 10C is illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, a projecting portion 27P is formed so as to curve forward and project so as to form a substantially C-shape in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 6, on the front surface of the overhanging portion 27P, the center is wide in the vertical direction and gradually narrows toward the lower right and the lower left, and the corners are rounded. A mountain-shaped lower plate opening 27S is formed, and the inside of the lower plate opening 27S is a lower plate (the internal structure is not shown). At a position near the lower right end of the lower plate opening 27S, a game ball firing handle 28 is arranged so as to project to the front side. Lower speaker portions 29 are respectively arranged between the right end and the left end of the lower plate opening 27S and the upper edge of the overhanging portion 27P. A cylinder lock 37 for opening the front frame set 27 is provided at the upper right corner of the overhanging portion 27P.

As shown in FIG. 7, inside the upper edge of the overhanging portion 27P, an inner wall that is similar to the overhanging portion 27P and is smaller than the overhanging portion 27P and has a height of about several game balls. The portion 27N is formed to have a shape projecting while curving forward so as to have a substantially C shape in a plan view, like the projecting portion 27P. A bottom wall portion 27B is formed between the lower end edge of the inner wall portion 27N and the inner side surface of the overhang portion 27P, and the bottom wall portion 27B also serves as an upper wall portion that closes the upper surface portion of the overhang portion 27P. . The upper edge portion of the overhanging portion 27P, the inner wall portion 27N and the bottom wall portion 27B form a substantially C-shape in plan view on the upper surface portion of the overhanging portion 27P at a depth of about several game balls from above. An upper plate portion 27T that is recessed is formed. Inside the inner wall portion 27N is a void portion 27C that is roughly crescent-shaped (partial circle) in plan view. A payout outlet 27D is provided on the left end wall portion of the upper plate portion 27T, and game balls are paid out from the payout outlet 27D to the upper plate portion 27T.

The upper side of the overhanging portion 27P in the front frame set 27 is a decorative portion 27M that covers the peripheral portion of the front portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The decorative portion 27M is basically formed in a slightly complicated shape by combining portions extending while curving in a curved shape.

A side edge front side piece 271 extends from just above the cylinder lock 37 in the overhang portion 27P to the upper end portion along the right side edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The side edge front side piece 271 is
From just above the cylinder lock 37 to near the center of the pachinko machine 10C in the height direction, the pachinko machine 1
It extends so as to cover the right edge of the front surface of 0C from the front. From there, it extends away from the right edge of the pachinko machine 10C so as to project slightly to the upper left front, then slightly rounds back to the upper right and returns to the right edge of the pachinko machine 10C again. A side edge protruding portion 271P having a substantially bow shape and protruding to the left front is formed in an intermediate portion of the side edge front side piece 271. The side edge projecting portion 271P extends vertically while curving in a generally arcuate shape as described above, and also projects from the right edge portion of the pachinko machine 10C to the left front while curving outward in a generally arcuate shape in a plan view. From the upper end of the side edge overhanging portion 271P, the right edge of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10C is covered from the front and extends to the upper end. The right side edges of the upper and lower portions of the side edge front side piece 271 excluding the side edge overhanging portion 271P extend vertically while being aligned with the right side edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The left side edge of the entire side edge front side piece 271 including the side edge overhanging portion 271P extends while curving to the left front at the position of the side edge overhanging portion 271P, and conversely to the right at the upper and lower positions of the side edge front side piece 271. It extends backward while curving, and extends vertically while meandering gently in a wavy shape as a whole.

An upper corner covering portion 272 is formed in the upper right corner of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10C. The upper corner covering portion 272 extends from the upper right end portion of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10C toward the center, that is, the lower left direction while expanding in a bell shape when viewed from the front. The upper corner covering portion 272 extends from the upper right end portion to the lower left direction while gently bulging forward with a gentle curved surface, and in the lower left portion, slightly backwards backward and extends to the lower left edge portion. There is. In the upper corner covering portion 272, a plurality of (four) cleavage portions extending from the upper right end portion to the left lower end edge portion while slightly expanding along the front shape of the upper corner covering portion 272 are formed, A speaker is arranged and fixed on the back side to form an upper speaker section 39.

The upper right half of the right side edge of the upper corner covering portion 272 is integrated with the upper end of the side edge front side piece 271. A side edge rear side piece 273 extends from the lower right end of the upper corner portion covering portion 272 so as to hang down. The side edge rear side piece 273 has a strip shape that extends slightly longer in the cross section in the front-rear direction, and passes from the right lower end portion of the upper corner covering portion 272 to the rear of the tip end portion of the side edge overhanging portion 271P of the side edge front side piece 271. And extends substantially linearly and almost vertically to a height position in the vicinity of the overhanging portion 27P, and at the lower end portion thereof, expands forward or leftward in a curved wall shape to form the overhanging portion 27P and the side edge front side piece 271. It is continuously integrated. From the vicinity of the upper end of the side edge rear side piece 273, the upper bridging piece 274T extends while curving outward in the right front upward direction in a generally arcuate shape in plan view, and from the side edge protruding portion 271P of the side edge front side piece 271. It is integrated in the upper position. From the vicinity of the lower end of the side edge rear side piece 273, the lower side bridging piece 274B extends while curving outward in the front right downward direction in a generally arcuate shape in plan view, and the side edge protruding portion 271P of the side edge front side piece 271. It is integrated in the lower position.

Between the upper right corner and the upper left corner on the front of the pachinko machine 10C, the pachinko machine 1
An upper edge front side piece 275 extends along the upper edge in the front surface portion of 0C. Upper edge front side piece 275
Extends from the upper right half of the left edge of the upper corner covering portion 272 so as to cover approximately 1/3 from the right end of the upper edge of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10C from the front, and from there, the pachinko machine 10C. Of the pachinko machine 10C, and then to the upper edge of the pachinko machine 10C again. An upper edge overhanging portion 275P having a substantially bow shape and overhanging forward and downward is formed in the middle portion of. The upper edge projecting portion 275P extends to the left and right while curving in a generally arcuate shape as described above, and also protrudes from the upper edge portion of the pachinko machine 10C to the front lower side while curving outward in a generally arcuate vertical cross section. From the left end of the upper edge projecting portion 275P, the upper edge of the front portion of the pachinko machine 10C is extended to the left end while covering the upper edge from the front. The upper edges of the left and right side portions of the upper edge front side piece 275 excluding the upper edge overhanging portion 275P extend in the left and right while being aligned with the upper edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C. The lower edge of the entire upper edge front side piece 275 including the upper edge overhanging portion 275P extends while curving forward and downward at the position of the upper edge overhanging portion 275P, and conversely at the left and right side portions of the upper edge front side piece 275. The curve extends upward and rearward, and as a whole, it extends left and right while meandering gently in a wavy shape. The upper edge front side piece 275 is generally 90 ° counterclockwise to the side edge front side piece 271.
It has a shape that is shortened by rotating it. A central bridging piece 276 extends from the center of the upper edge portion of the front portion of the pachinko machine 10C so as to curve outward in a generally arcuate shape in a side view and slightly taper in a front view toward the front lower side. Upper edge overhang 27 on front side piece 275
It is integrated in the center of 5P.

The left side portion of the decorative portion 27M is configured to be symmetrical with the above right side portion. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted. The left end of the right upper corner covering portion 272 and the left upper corner covering portion 27
An upper edge rear side piece 277 is integrally extended between the right end portion of the second member 2 and the right end portion of the second member 2. The upper edge rear side piece 277 is
In a longitudinal cross section, the shape of the belt is slightly longer in the front-rear direction, and extends substantially horizontally to the left and right through the rear of the tip of the upper edge overhanging portion 275P of the upper edge front side piece 275.

As described above, in the decoration portion 27M, the side edge front side pieces 271 and 271 and the upper edge front side piece 275 meander and extend so as to cover the peripheral portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C from the front, and the upper right corner portion. And upper corner covering portions 272, 27 so as to cover the upper left corner from the front, respectively.
2 are formed, and further, in front view, these both side edge front side pieces 271, 271 and the upper edge front side piece 27 are formed.
5 and both upper corner covering portions 272, 272 are configured so that the side edge rear side pieces 273, 273 and the upper edge rear side piece 277 extend at positions slightly rearward of these so as to connect the inner ends of these portions. . That is, the decorative portion 27M is a frame shape that covers a region of a certain width, that is, a peripheral region from the front, from the left and right side edges and the upper edge of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10C to a position slightly inward (center) from the front. The first opening is formed by opening the region inside (center side) of the decorative portion 27M. The decoration portion 27M extends inward while curving so as to bulge forward from the left and right side edges and the upper edge of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C,
Therefore, it is almost hollow. Further, a substantially crescent-shaped (partial circle) opening 271S formed inside each of the side edge protruding portions 271P, 271P and the upper edge protruding portion 275P.
, 271S, 275S and the portions between the both side edge front side pieces 271, 271 and the both side edge rear side pieces 273, 273, etc., penetrate through the frame-shaped region occupied by the decorative portion 27M in the front and rear direction. The second opening is formed by forming a large area in which the rear is visible.

The front frame set 27 is attached to the base frame member 43 from the front, as schematically shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the front frame set 27, for example, in the decorative portion 27M, the peripheral edge portion (outermost edge portion) extends rearward in the shape of a peripheral wall, and correspondingly thereto, the base frame member 43. A peripheral end edge portion (outermost end edge portion) of the front end extends forward in a peripheral wall shape, and the front frame set 27 is attached to the base frame member 43 so that the peripheral wall portions are abutted with each other. The left side portion of the front frame set 27 is attached by a hinge structure so as to be rotatable about an axis in the vertical direction (not shown), so that the front frame set 27 is attached to the base frame member 4 as shown by an arrow A11 in FIG.
3, the left side edge is attached to the shaft as an opening door so as to be openable and closable. Front frame set 2
The right side of 7 is configured so that it can be locked by being engaged with the right side of the base frame member 43 by the engaging claw and the engaging protrusion, and this lock is released by the unlocking operation of the cylinder lock 37. To obtain (not shown).

A mounting rail 27R extending inward is formed in the vicinity of the central portion in the front-rear direction of the peripheral wall portion of the front frame set 27, and the glass panel 4 is fitted to the mounting rail 27R.
4 is attached and fixed. The glass panel 44 is a transparent panel that almost entirely covers the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C in a posture parallel to the front surface portion.

Inside the base frame member 43, a mounting step portion 43S protruding inward in a rectangular cross section is formed at a position slightly inward from the front end, and the game board 46 is fitted to the mounting step portion 43S. Then, it is attached and fixed by a fixing means (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the game board 46 has its upper end edge and both side end edges as close as possible to the upper end edge and both end edges of the decorative portion 27M in the front face frame set 27, and its lower end edge is the front face. The size is adjusted so as to fit in slightly below the upper edge of the overhanging portion 27P in the frame set 27, and along with this, the board surface of the game board 46 greatly expands upward and both sides, and the overhanging portion. 27
A game area is formed that spreads downwards to the extent that it enters the back side of P. In addition, the game board 46 is formed of a transparent resin, and a coating layer including a print layer having a design visible from the front is formed on the back surface (not shown). This coating layer makes the design of the printing layer visible from the front, and also hides the situation behind the game board 46 to make it difficult to see from the front. It is designed to receive the light emitted from the rear side and emit light. Reference numeral 48 in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a decorative symbol display device.

As shown in FIG. 8, a concave portion is formed inside the base frame member 43 from the mounting step portion 43S, and an LED substrate 47 is arranged and fixed as a light emitting portion on the inner back surface of the concave portion. Light is emitted from the LED board 47 to the front gaming board 46, whereby the gaming board 46 is brightly shined when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10C.

(Operation according to the second embodiment)
In the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, a game board 46 having a game area in which game balls flow down is formed on the front surface, and a decorative portion serving as a first opening for allowing the game area of the game board 46 to be viewed from the front. In a configuration including a front frame set 27 as a front door that has a region inside 27M and covers the board surface of the game board 46, the front frame set 27 is occupied by the outside of the first opening, that is, the decorative portion 27M. In the frame-shaped area, the openings 271S, 271S, 275S, etc. are provided as second openings that allow at least a part of the game area of the game board 46 to be viewed from the front.

According to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, the decoration portion 27M that is the first opening portion.
In addition to the game area being visible from the front by the inner area, the peripheral edge of the board surface of the game board 46 corresponding to the openings 271S, 271S, 275S that are the second openings is visible from the front. Since it is possible, the portion corresponding to the second opening is also secured as a space forming a part of the game area. That is, the game area is effectively expanded by disposing the second opening. Further, even when the portion corresponding to the second opening is not set as the game area, by making the board surface of the game board 46 visible from the front, at least as far as the portion corresponding to the second opening is provided as the game area. It can be configured to look as if it is.

Furthermore, in the case where the portion corresponding to the second opening on the board surface of the game board is not the game area, if the board surface of the portion corresponding to the second opening has the same structure as the board surface in the game area, this is not the game area. The part can be made to look more like a game area.

Furthermore, in the game board 46, at least a portion corresponding to the second opening, that is, the game board 4
6 is entirely molded with a resin having transparency, and the LED substrate 4 is provided as a light emitting portion on the back side of this portion.
7 is arranged and light is emitted to the front through the game board 46 and the first and second openings, so that the game board 46 itself emits light. Therefore, it is possible to produce an effective light emission.

Further, since the protruding portion 27P protruding forward is formed at the lower end portion of the front frame set 27, and the void portion 27C is formed inside the protruding portion 27P, the void portion 27C on the board surface of the game board 46 is formed. The area behind is visible to the player. Therefore, the game area is expanded downward using this area.

That is, generally, in the lower end portion of the pachinko machine, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 showing the pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment, in the portion below the arrangement position of the upper plate 19 in the front frame set 14. , The back side (rear side) is basically hidden so that it cannot be seen from the front. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. 9, the overhanging portion 27P in which the upper dish portion 27T is disposed is formed to overhang forward. Along with this, a cavity 27C is formed in front of the glass panel 44 arranged immediately behind the front frame set 27. Here, since the player's eyes in the normal game position are at a higher position than the upper plate portion 27T, even if the situation is on the back side (rear side) of the overhanging portion 27P, it is indicated by the arrow A12 in FIG. Thus, it can be seen from the front upper side through the void portion 27C.
That is, even on the board surface of the game board 46, as shown by the arrow A12 in FIG. 9, even in the lower end region R1 at a height position equal to or lower than the upper end of the overhanging portion 27P on which the upper plate portion 27T is disposed. Since the player's line of sight from the upper front can reach through the gap 27C, it can be visually recognized from the front. Therefore, on the board surface of the game board 46, it is possible to expand the game area downward so as to extend to the lower end area R1. That is, as described above, by forming the protruding portion 27P so as to protrude to the front and forming the void portion 27C, the game area is expanded downward to reach the back side portion of the protruding portion 27P. Has become.

As a result, in the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is formed by forming the openings 271S, 271S, 275S that are the second openings as described above.
A large game area is secured to both sides and above in the front part of 0C as compared with the conventional one, and the projecting part 27P is formed to project forward to form the void part 27C, whereby the pachinko machine 10C A larger game area is secured in the lower part of the front surface than in the conventional case. That is, on the board surface of the game board 46, a game area that is greatly expanded in all directions is formed.

Furthermore, the decoration portion 27M is configured to locally cover the peripheral portion of the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 10C, thereby forming a region inside the decoration portion 27M that is the first opening to be largely opened. Has been done. As a result, the visibility and openness of the game area are significantly improved.

Further, in the conventional front door, L is provided in the area outside the central opening that makes the game area visible.
Although the light emitting means such as the ED board is often arranged inside, the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, on the other hand, is behind the game board 46 having the light transmitting property as described above. The LED board 47, which is a light emitting unit, is arranged on the (back side), and the decoration unit 27 of the front frame set 27 is arranged.
Except for the upper corner portions 272 and 272, the M is basically hollow with no parts disposed therein, so that the second openings such as the openings 271S, 271S, and 275S as described above. A large opening area can be ensured. Further, since the decorative portion 27M is a member intended to increase the opening area without the need for disposing parts inside, the side edge front side pieces 271 on both sides extending slightly elongated, 271 and upper edge front side piece 275
It is rather suitable that the design extends in a wavy manner. That is, contrary to the case of a conventional front door that is intended to place parts inside or cover so as to conceal the inside, the linear portion forms many voids and forms an arbitrary curve. It is preferable to have a design that extends in a shape, and for this reason, the decorative portion 27M is more irregular and has a higher designability (decorativeness) than the conventional one, and has a visual impact to attract the eye. There is.
Further, since the volume of the member is small, the number of constituent materials is accordingly small and the cost is reduced. That is, the decorative portion 27M is low in cost, can secure a large opening area, and is a bold and novel design with excellent design.

Further, in particular, in the decorative portion 27M, since the both side edge protruding portions 271P and 271P protrude toward the left front side and the right front side respectively, that is, while gradually bulging forward toward the center side, the line of sight from the adjacent player is It is configured so as to be obstructed by the side edge protruding portions 271P, 271P.
As a result, for example, the situation of the game in the center of the game area is hard to be visually recognized by the adjacent player, and therefore, the psychological effect that the player can calm down and concentrate on the game without worrying about the line of sight of the adjacent player. The shape is also obtained. That is, both side edge protruding portions 2 of the decorative portion 27M
71P and 271P not only improve the design (decoration), but also function as a blindfold (concealment member).

Further, the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment serves as a game board 46 in which a game area through which game balls flow down is formed, and a first opening portion which allows the game area of the game board 46 to be viewed from the front. In a configuration including a front frame set 27 as a front door that has a region inside the decorative portion 27M and covers the board surface of the game board 46, the front frame set 27 is at least one of the inner peripheral edges of the first opening. Both side edge rear side pieces 273, 273 and the upper edge rear side piece 277 of the decorative portion 27M that constitutes the part are arranged so as to form a gap 27G between the board surface of the game board 46 and the rear side piece 273. Has become.

According to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, as shown by an arrow A13 in FIG. 8, the board surface of the game board 46 is visually recognized from the front through the gap 27G even in the area outside the first opening. It's easy to do. That is, as shown by an arrow A13 in FIG.
It extends obliquely outward from around the center in the front through the gap 27G, and can reach the peripheral portion outside the first opening on the board surface of the game board 46.

In other words, in addition to disposing the openings 271S, 271S, 275S which are the second openings, a gap 27G is provided between at least a part of the inner peripheral edge of the first opening and the board surface of the game board 46. Also by forming the above, the peripheral portion of the board surface of the game board 46 is made visible from the front side, and this peripheral portion is also secured as a space forming a part of the game area.

In addition, the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment includes a game board 46 having a game area in which game balls flow down formed on the front surface, and a front frame set 27 as a front door that covers the board surface of the game board 46. In the above, the front frame set 27 is a front surface member on the front side and is supported by a base frame member 43 which is a rear side base member, and the front frame set 27 is light transmissive. The structure is integrated with the glass panel 44 which is a supporting member.

As a conventional front door, for example, like a front door 149 shown in FIG. 10, a decorative front member 157 is supported and fixed to a rear side (rear side) base member 158. Is common. When the light emitting section is provided, a light source such as the LED substrate 162 is usually provided on the base member 158 as shown in FIG.

In the case of the front door 149 having the above-described configuration, the configuration of the base member 158, such as the arrangement of the LED substrate 162, is greatly restricted by the configuration of the front member 157. For example, especially
In order to stably support the front member 157 on the base member 158 and sufficiently secure the rigidity or strength of the front door 149 as a whole, as shown in FIG. However, it is necessary to support the base member 158. Front door 1 shown in FIG.
In 49, a central support protrusion 157C is formed at the central portion of the front member 157 so as to extend rearward, and the tip of the central support protrusion 157C is supported and fixed to the central portion of the base member 158. Therefore, inevitably, in the base member 158, the central support projection 15
It is necessary to dispose the LED substrate 162 so as to avoid the formation position of 7C. Therefore,
For example, when the design of the front member 157 on the front side is changed, the base member 158 on the rear side is changed.
Also needs to be changed for each LED board 162. This also contributes to the high manufacturing cost of the front door 149 as a whole.

Further, in the above-described configuration, the front member 157 is supported so as to be close to the base member 158 to some extent in order to sufficiently secure the rigidity or strength of the entire front door 149. Therefore, the distance d1 between the front wall portion 157T of the front member 157 and the LED substrate 162.
1 is small, and light is emitted to the front from the LED substrate 162 immediately behind the front wall portion 157T. Therefore, since the light emitting portion is the LED substrate 162, the light emitting portion is provided. There is also a problem that the position shines strongly, and the position distant from the light emitting part shines weakly, and the way of shining is uneven as a whole, that is, unevenness is likely to occur and unevenness is likely to occur.

On the other hand, according to the configuration of the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, since the front frame set 27 that is the front member is integrated with the glass panel 44 that is the support member, the front frame set 27 is the base. The base frame member 43, which is a member, has some degree of structural independence. As a result, even if the configuration of the front frame set 27 is changed, the base frame member 4
3 does not need to be changed, and the original base frame member 43 can be used as it is in combination with the changed front frame set 27 material. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the entire pachinko machine 10C can be reduced accordingly.

Further, since the front frame set 27 has a certain degree of structural self-supporting property with respect to the base frame member 43, the front frame set 27 can be arranged so as to largely project forward from the base frame member 43. Along with this, the light emitting portion can be arranged at a position separated from the front surface of the front frame set 27 rearward. Pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment
At 0C, the game board 46 has transparency, and as shown in FIG. 8, an LED board 47 that is a light emitting unit.
Is arranged on the rear side (back side) of the game board 46, so that the LED board 47, which is a light emitting portion, can be arranged at a position farther rearward from the front surface of the front frame set 27. .. In addition, since the light is emitted from the LED board 47 behind the game board 46 to the front,
It is also configured such that the coating layer of the game board 46 can effectively emit light.

Further, a transparent plate such as a glass plate that normally covers the game area in a visible state is provided on the front door, but in the pachinko machine 10C according to the second embodiment, the glass panel 44 also functions as a supporting member. It is supposed to do. That is, the glass panel 44 as a transparent plate, which is an existing member, also functions as a support member. As a result, it is possible to obtain the front frame set 27 capable of reducing the cost associated with the change in the configuration as described above and increasing the overall light emission without increasing the number of parts. It has become.

(2) Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, the front frame set 27, which is a front door, is a front side front member, and the front frame set 27 as the front member is a rear side base. It is configured to be supported by the base frame member 43 which is a member. That is, the front frame set 27 itself, which is the front door, is supported by the base frame member 43, which is a base member different from the front door.
On the other hand, the front door 49 may have a configuration in which the front member 57 on the front side is supported by the base member 58 on the rear side, as in the modification shown in FIG. 11, for example. That is, the front door 49
A front surface member 57 on the front surface side and a base member 58 on the rear surface side that supports the front surface member 57 may be provided (hereinafter, also referred to as a third embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 11, the front surface member 57 is a cover-shaped member made of a resin having a light-transmitting property and having a substantially vertically long rectangular front shape that covers the front surface of the gaming machine, and the front surface portion is front and rear. It is formed in a shape that bulges in a wavy manner. A peripheral wall 57P extends rearward from the peripheral edge of the front member 57. In the inner surface portion (rear surface portion) of the front surface member 57, the central support protrusion 57C extends rearward from the left-right center portion of the front wall portion 57T, that is, the position between the left-right center portion of the front wall portion 57T and the peripheral edge thereof. An intermediate support protrusion 57M extends rearward from a position between the center support protrusion 57C and the peripheral wall 57P. The front-rear position of the extension end of the central support protrusion 57C is substantially the same as the front-rear position of the extension end of the peripheral wall 57P, and the front-rear position of the extension end of the intermediate support protrusion 57M is the front-rear position of the extension end of the peripheral wall 57P. It is ahead of.

A support member 59 is provided on the back surface side (rear surface side) of the front surface member 57. Support member 59
Is made of a hard resin having a light-transmitting property, and is a member having a substantially vertically long rectangular front shape which is substantially the same as the front member 57. The peripheral edge portion of the support member 59 is extended laterally to form a small-width flange portion 59F, and the flange portion 59F comes into contact with the extended end of the peripheral wall 57P of the front member 57 from the rear side. The inside of the flange portion 59F extends forward while slightly inclining to the center side to form a side wall portion, and from the front end of the side wall portion to the center side, extends in parallel to the front surface of the gaming machine to form a front wall portion 59T. The overall shape is such that the peripheral wall 57P of the front member 57 is recessed inward (in the front side) in a generally dish shape from the extending end. A central recessed portion 59C is formed in the front wall portion 59T at a position corresponding to the central support protrusion 57C of the front member 57, the central recessed portion 59C being recessed from the front to the rear so as to include the central support protrusion 57C.

As shown in FIG. 11, the support member 59 is fitted inside the front surface member 57 (rear surface side) so that the front wall portion 59T enters inside, and the flange portion 59F extends from the peripheral wall 57P of the front surface member 57. It is fixed to the end by fixing means (not shown). As a result, the front member 57 is supported by the support member 59.
Is integrated with. At this time, the front end of the central support protrusion 57C of the front member 57 abuts on the inner rear surface of the central recessed portion 59C of the support member 59, and the front end of the intermediate support protrusion 57M of the front member 57 is the front wall portion 59T of the support member 59. Hit the surface (front) of.
As a result, the central support protrusion 57C and the intermediate support protrusion 57M function like a refill, and the front wall portion 57T of the front member 57 is supported by the support member 59.

The base member 58 is a resin-made plate member having a substantially vertically long rectangular front shape that is substantially the same as the front member 57. A front member 57, which is integrated with the support member 59, is fitted to the base member 58 from the front, and is fixed at the peripheral edge by a fixing means (not shown). As a result, the front surface member 57 on the front surface side is supported by the base member 58 on the rear surface side to form the front door 49. The left side edge of the base member 58 is pivotally attached to the left side edge of the inner frame of the gaming machine so as to be rotatable about an axis in the vertical direction, so that the front door 49 can be opened and closed in a swinging manner. It is pivotally supported by the gaming machine (the pivotal support structure is not shown).

On the front surface of the base member 58, the LED substrate 62 is arranged and fixed as a light emitting portion. LE
The D substrate 62 is arranged so as to fit inside the support member 59.

(Operation according to the third embodiment)
In the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment, in a configuration including a game board in which a game area in which game balls flow down is formed on the front surface, and a front door 49 covering the board surface of the game board, the front door 49 is
The front surface member 57 on the front surface side is supported by a base member 58 on the rear surface side, and the front surface member 57 is integrated with a support member 59 having light transparency.

According to the configuration of the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment, since the front member 57 is integrated with the support member 59, the front member 57 has a certain degree of structural independence with respect to the base member 58. Has become. For example, in particular, the center support protrusion 57C and the intermediate support protrusion 57M of the front member 57 are configured to be supported by the support member 59, but not supported by the base member 58. Therefore, unlike the case of the conventional front door 149 shown in FIG. 10 described above, for example, in the base member 58, the central support protrusion 57C and the intermediate support protrusion 5 are formed.
It is also possible to arrange the LED substrate 62 without being restricted by the formation position of 7M. Therefore, even if the configuration of the front member 57 is changed, it is not necessary to change the base member 58,
The original base member 58 can be used as it is in combination with the changed front member 57. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the front door 49 as a whole is reduced accordingly. Further, since the front surface member 57 has a certain degree of structural self-supporting property with respect to the base member 58, the front surface member 57 is disposed so as to largely project from the base member 58 to the front side. The space S11 between the member 59 and the base member 58
Is largely secured. Therefore, the support member 59 and the base member 58 are less likely to interfere with each other, which makes it easy to cope with a large change.

Further, as the front member 57 is arranged so as to largely project forward from the base member 58, the LED substrate 62, which is a light emitting portion, is arranged at a position rearwardly separated from the front wall portion 57T of the front member 57. Has been done. That is, the distance d12 between the front wall portion 57T of the front member 57 and the LED board 62 is, for example, the distance between the front wall portion 157T of the front member 157 and the LED board 162 in the conventional front door 149 as shown in FIG. It is secured larger than d11. Therefore, the front door 49 can be made to emit light evenly and uniformly.

In addition, a transparent plate such as a glass plate that normally covers the game area in a visible state is provided on the front door, but in the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment, the support member 59 has optical transparency. Therefore, the support member 59 can also function as a transparent plate. In other words, by adopting a configuration in which the function as a supporting member is added to the transparent plate which is an existing member, it is possible to reduce the cost associated with the configuration change as described above without increasing the number of parts. At the same time, it is possible to obtain the front door 49 that can emit light uniformly throughout.

A peripheral wall 57P is formed on the peripheral edge of the front member 57, a flange 59F is formed on the peripheral edge of the support member 59, and the flange 59F of the support member 59 is fixed to the extending end of the peripheral wall 57P of the front member 57. Therefore, the front member 57 and the support member 59 are stably, easily and surely integrated with a simple structure.

Further, since the central support protrusion 57C is formed on the front surface member 57 so as to extend toward the support member 59, and the central recess 59C capable of enclosing the central support protrusion 57C is formed in the support member 59. The central portion of the front member 57 is more stably and surely supported by the support member 59.

  The present specification discloses the following contents.

The gaming machine according to the present invention, as means A1,
The game board is provided with a game area on the front surface through which the game balls flow down, and a front door that has a first opening that allows the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covers the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine,
The front door has a second opening outside the first opening that allows at least a part of the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front.

In the present invention, the “board surface of the game board” includes both the game area and the area other than the game area.

According to the configuration of the means A1, in addition to making the game area visible from the front by the first opening, at least a part of the game area of the game board corresponding to the second opening can be viewed from the front. Therefore, the space corresponding to the second opening can be secured as a space forming a part of the game area.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is, as means A2, a gaming machine of means A1,
In the game board, at least a portion corresponding to the second opening is formed of a transparent resin, and a light emitting portion is arranged on the back side of this portion, and a light is emitted forward through the game board and the second opening. It is characterized by being irradiated.

According to the configuration of the means A2, it is possible to make the light emitting mode as if the game board itself is emitting light, and therefore it is possible to effectively produce the light emission.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is, as means A3, a gaming machine of means A1 or means A2,
The front door is formed with an overhanging portion projecting forward, and a void is formed inside the overhanging portion.

According to the configuration of the means A3, the area behind the gap on the board surface of the game board can be visually recognized by the player. Therefore, the game area can be expanded by utilizing this area.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention, as the means B1,
The game board is provided with a game area on the front surface through which the game balls flow down, and a front door that has a first opening that allows the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covers the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine,
At least a part of an inner peripheral edge of the first opening has a gap with the board surface of the game board.

According to the configuration of the above means B1, even in the region outside the first opening, through the gap,
The board surface of the game board can be easily seen from the front. That is, the player's line of sight extends obliquely outward from around the center in the front through the gap, and can extend to the peripheral portion outside the first opening in the board surface of the game board.

In other words, by forming a gap between at least a part of the inner peripheral edge of the first opening and the board surface of the game board, the peripheral edge of the board surface of the game board can be visually recognized from the front, and this peripheral area is also visible. It can be secured as a space forming a part of the game area.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention, as the means C1,
A gaming machine comprising: a game board having a game area in which a game ball flows down; and a front door that covers a board surface of the game board.
The front door has a configuration in which a front surface member on the front surface side is supported by a base member on the rear surface side,
The front member is integrated with a light-transmissive support member.

In the present invention, the “base member” includes both a base member that constitutes the front door and a base member that is different from the front door. That is, the rear side base member may constitute a front door together with the front side front member, or the front door itself is the front side front member, and the front door as this front member is It may be configured to be supported by a rear side base member which is a member different from the door.

According to the structure of the means C1, since the front member is integrated with the support member, the front member has a certain degree of structural independence with respect to the base member. Thereby, even if the configuration of the front member is changed, it is not necessary to change the base member, and the original base member can be used as it is in combination with the changed front member. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the entire front door can be reduced accordingly. Further, since the front member has a certain degree of structural self-sustainability with respect to the base member, the front member can be arranged so as to largely project forward from the base member. A large space between the member and the member can be secured. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the support member and the base member to interfere with each other, which makes it easy to cope with a large change.

Further, since the front member can be arranged so as to project largely from the base member to the front, the light emitting portion can be arranged at a position separated rearward from the front surface of the front member. Therefore, the front door can be made to uniformly and uniformly emit light.

Further, the front door is usually provided with a transparent plate such as a glass plate that covers the game area in a visually recognizable state. However, according to the configuration of the means C1, the support member is light-transmissive. Therefore, the supporting member can also function as a transparent plate. In other words, by adopting a configuration in which the transparent plate that is an existing member is also provided with a function as a support member, it is possible to reduce the cost associated with the configuration change as described above without increasing the number of parts. At the same time, it is possible to obtain a front door that can emit light uniformly over the entire surface.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is, as means C2, a gaming machine of means C1,
A peripheral wall is formed on a peripheral edge of the front member, a flange portion is formed on a peripheral edge of the support member, and the flange portion of the support member is fixed to an extending end of the peripheral wall of the front member. Characterize.

According to the structure of the means C2, the front member and the supporting member can be stably and easily and reliably integrated with a simple structure.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is, as means C3, a gaming machine of means C1 or means C2,
A central supporting protrusion is formed on the front member so as to extend toward the supporting member, and a central recessed portion that can include the central supporting protrusion is formed on the supporting member.

According to the configuration of the means C3, the central portion of the front member is more stably and surely supported by the support member.

A plurality of the above-mentioned means A1 to means A3, means B1 and means C1 to means C3 may be combined and implemented.

  The present invention can be suitably implemented in a game machine such as a pachinko machine.

10: Pachinko machine (gaming machine)
14: Front frame set (front door)
101: Window (first opening)
103C: Middle upper opening (second opening)
103L: upper left opening (second opening)
103R: upper right opening (second opening)

Claims (1)

The game board is provided with a game area on the front surface through which the game balls flow down, and a front door that has a first opening that allows the game area of the game board to be viewed from the front and covers the board surface of the game board. A gaming machine,
The gaming machine, wherein the front door has a second opening outside the first opening so that at least a part of the game area of the game board can be viewed from the front.