JP2020078692A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of applying unexpectedness to motion of game balls, and enhancing an attention degree to the game balls.SOLUTION: A game board of a pachinko machine comprises a winning accessory unit. The winning accessory unit comprises: a winning accessory for determining propriety of a jackpot; plural supply paths 316 for supplying game balls to the winning accessory; and a distribution device 300 for distributing the game balls to the respective supply paths 316. The distribution device 300 comprises a retention part 320 for making the game balls stay; and distribution members 330, 340 arranged on both sides sandwiching the retention part 320. The distribution member 330 comprises: a ball storage part 332 which is rotatably arranged, and which moves to a permission position where the game balls can be received, and a non-permission position according to rotation of the distribution member 330; and a projection 333 and a magnet 334 for moving the game balls on the retention part 320 to positions where the game balls do not enter the ball storage part 332.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball is launched toward a game area formed on the game board, and when the game ball wins at various winning openings in the game area, the player can play the game ball. There are some items that are given benefits such as payout.

  In such a pachinko machine, attention is paid to the movement of the game ball by arranging nails, windmills, etc. in the game area to disperse the downflow path of the game ball and diversifying the movement of the game ball. Some have increased the degree (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP, 2003-325811, A

  In the gaming machine of the type described above, there is still room for improvement in the configuration related to the movement of the game ball.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine in which a configuration relating to the movement of a gaming ball can be made suitable.

The present invention is
Provided on the front side, the flow-down area where the game balls can flow down,
A stopping portion for stopping at least a part of the game balls out of the plurality of game balls flowing down the flow-down area,
A guide section for guiding the game ball to the stop section,
A movable member that is provided so as to be displaceable and that is arranged in parallel with the stopping portion,
The movable member and the stationary portion are configured such that the movable member can come into contact with a game ball placed on the stationary portion from the side,
The movable member has a take-in portion capable of taking in the game ball retained in the stop portion, and when the position of the take-in portion is changed due to the displacement of the movable member, the game ball produced by the take-in portion. It is configured to switch to an allowable state that allows the capture of the game ball and a non-allowable state that does not allow the capture of the game ball by the capture unit,
The movable member moves from the movable member to the game ball by accelerating the movement of the game ball along the stopping part in accordance with the displacement of the movable member in a situation where the game ball is stopped at the stopping part. It is configured to change the distance of
When a following game ball exists in the guide portion with respect to a predetermined game ball that contacts both the movable member and the stop portion, the predetermined game ball along the stop portion is provided by the subsequent game ball. It is configured to prevent the movement of the game ball of
A stopper portion is provided at a position on the side opposite to the movable member side with respect to the stopping portion, which prevents the game ball from falling off from the position on the opposite side.

  According to the present invention, the configuration relating to the movement of the game ball can be made suitable.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a front door frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of a main body frame. It is a front view showing a configuration of a game board. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is an exploded perspective view of a back pack unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a winning prize unit. FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 9. It is a BB line partial sectional view of FIG. It is a CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a front view of a distribution apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the stop mode of the game ball. It is the schematic which shows an example of the distribution aspect of the game ball in a distribution apparatus. (A) is a perspective view of the winning combination as viewed from above, and (b) is a plan view of the winning combination. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 9. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram showing a modification of a distribution device.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in a developed manner, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10. Note that, in FIG. 2, for convenience, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

  The pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a gaming machine main part 12 rotatably attached to the outer frame 11 forward. The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting wooden plate members to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility.

  The gaming machine main section 12 includes a main body frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the main body frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 arranged behind the main body frame 13. .. A main body frame 13 of the gaming machine main portion 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. In detail, the body frame 13 is rotatable forward when the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation front end side when viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the main body frame 13, and can be turned forward with the left side being the rotation base end side and the right side being the rotation tip side in front view. It is said that. A back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the main body frame 13, and is rotatable rearward with the left side being the rotation base end side and the right side being the rotation front end side in front view.

  Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. In addition, in the following description, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 will be referred to, and FIG. 4 will be referred to for the configuration of the rear surface of the front door frame 14. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the front door frame 14.

  The front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front surface side of the main body frame 13. A window portion 21 is formed on the front door frame 14 so that almost the entire game area described later can be visually recognized. The window 21 has a substantially elliptical shape, and a transparent glass 22 is fitted therein. Around the window portion 21, light emitting means such as various lamps is provided. For example, an annular illumination portion 23 including a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window portion 21. In the annular illumination portion 23, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the game state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp section 24 that is turned on at the time of a predetermined error is provided at the center of the ring-shaped electric decoration section 23 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10. Further, the left and right sides of the error display lamp section 24 are lit up during prize ball payout. A ball lamp unit 25 is provided. Further, a speaker unit 26 that outputs a sound effect or the like according to the game state is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 25.

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

  On the right side of the lower bulging portion 32, a game ball launching handle 41 is provided so as to project to the front side. By operating the game ball launching handle 41, a game ball is launched from a game ball launching mechanism described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of synthetic resin, and has a front door-side upper tray passage 51 that communicates with the upper tray 33 and a front-door-side lower tray passage 52 that communicates with the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 50, a receiving portion 53 that projects rearward and is opened upward is formed in an upper corner portion of the passage forming unit 50. By partitioning the receiving portion 53 into right and left by a partition wall 54, a front door side upper plate is formed. A passage 51 and an entrance portion of the front plate side lower tray passage 52 are formed. The front door side upper plate passage 51 and the front door side lower plate passage 52 are connected to the game ball distribution section described below on the upstream side, and the game balls entering the front door side upper plate passage 51 are guided to the upper plate 33, The game balls that have entered the door-side lower plate passage 52 are guided to the lower plate 34.

  Protrusion shafts 61 and 62 are provided at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rear surface of the front door frame 14 on the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 4). These projection shafts 61 and 62 form an assembly mechanism for the main body frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of hook metal fittings 63 extending rearward are juxtaposed in the vertical direction on the front end side (the left side in FIG. 4) of the rear surface of the front door frame 14. These hook fittings 63 form a locking mechanism for the body frame 13.

  Next, the body frame 13 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a front view of the body frame 13. Note that, in FIG. 5, for convenience, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

  The main body frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 71 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. Support fittings 72 and 73 are attached to the upper end and the lower end of the front surface of the resin base 71 on the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 5). Although not shown in the drawings, shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 72, 73, and the projection shafts 61, 62 of the front door frame 14 are inserted into the shaft holes, so that the front door is attached to the main body frame 13. The frame 14 is rotatably supported.

  Insertion holes 74 for inserting the hook fittings 63 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are provided on the front end side (right side in FIG. 5) of the front surface of the resin base 71. The pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which a locking device for locking the main body frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the main body frame 13. Therefore, the hook fitting 63 is locked to the locking device via the insertion hole 74, so that the front door frame 14 is locked to the main body frame 13 so as not to be opened.

  A cylinder lock 75 for unlocking the locking device is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 71. The cylinder lock 75 is integrated with a locking device, and when the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned to the right, the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the main body frame 13. Incidentally, when the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned counterclockwise, the outer frame 11 is unlocked from the main body frame 13.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 76 is formed in the center of the resin base 71. A game board 81 is detachably attached to the resin base 71. The game board 81 is made of plywood, and the game area PE formed on the front surface of the game board 81 is exposed to the front surface side of the main body frame 13 through the window hole 76 of the resin base 71.

  Here, the configuration of the game board 81 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the game board 81.

  The game board 81 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction by being subjected to router processing. A general winning opening 82, a variable winning device 83, a winning prize unit 250, etc. are provided in each opening. Specifically, the prize winning prize unit 250 is arranged in the center of the game area PE, and a plurality of general prize holes 82 are scattered above and below the prize winning prize unit 250, among the general prize holes 82. The variable winning device 83 is arranged further below the lowermost one.

  When a game ball enters the general winning opening 82, the game ball is detected by the general winning opening detection sensor 84, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result. In addition, when a game ball enters the prize winning prize unit 250 and the game ball enters a jackpot winning hole provided in the prize winning object unit 250, it is detected by a jackpot winning hole detection sensor described later, and a jackpot game. It is transferred to the state. When the jackpot gaming state is entered, the variable winning device 83, which is normally closed and incapable of entering a ball, is opened. As a result, entering the variable winning device 83 is permitted. When a game ball enters the variable winning device 83, it is detected by the special winning opening detection sensor 85, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result. The opening mode of the variable winning device 83 is set so that a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is set as one round and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) are repeatedly opened as an upper limit. Has been done.

  In addition, an out port 87 is provided at the bottom of the game board 81, and game balls that have not entered the general winning port 82 or the variable winning device 83 are discharged to the outside of the game area PE through the out port 87. It In addition, on the game board 81, a large number of nails 88 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow direction of the game balls, and various members (features) such as a windmill 89 are arranged. .. The various paths such as the nail 88 and the windmill 89 are used to divide the flow path of the game ball so that the above-described general winning opening 82 and the like can be won with an appropriate probability.

  Referring again to FIG. 5, below the window hole 76 in the resin base 71, a game ball launching mechanism 110 that launches a game ball toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launching handle 41 is provided. ing. The game ball launching mechanism 110 is a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball located at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game ball at the launch standby position. The main components are a ball feeding mechanism 113 for supplying the water and a base plate 114 on which the various components 111, 112, 113 are mounted. The game ball launching mechanism 110 is integrated with the gaming machine main section 12 by fixing the base plate 114 to the resin base 71 of the main body frame 13 with fasteners such as screws.

  The game ball firing mechanism 110 (more specifically, the solenoid 111) is electrically connected to a power supply/launch control device described later. Based on the output of the electric signal from the power supply/launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 moves in the expansion/contraction direction, that is, the rail direction of the launch rail 112, and the game ball placed at the launch standby position is the game area PE. Specifically, it is launched toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the game board 81.

  The guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and guides the game ball by a region sandwiched by both rails 101 and 102. A passage is formed. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the upper part of the game area PE by moving in the guide passage.

  A gap having a predetermined interval is provided between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112, and a foul ball passage 55 formed in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14 is arranged below the gap. Has been done. If the game ball emitted from the game ball firing mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns as a foul ball in the guide passage, those foul balls enter the foul ball passage 55 through the gap. The foul ball passage 55 communicates with the lower door passage 52 on the front door side, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball passage 55 are discharged to the lower dish 34 shown in FIG. As a result, interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be subsequently launched is suppressed.

  Next, the rear structure of the body frame 13 will be briefly described.

  A locking device is provided on the rotation front side of the back surface of the resin base 71, and the locking device is interlocked with a key operation on the cylinder lock 75 to unlock the main body frame 13 and the front door frame 14. ..

  A bearing fitting is attached to the rear side of the resin base 71 on the rotation base end side. The bearing fittings are formed with bearing portions vertically separated from each other, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the body frame 13 by these bearing portions. Further, the back surface of the resin base 71 is provided with a hole to be fastened for fastening the back pack unit 15 to the main body frame 13. Further, a plurality of locking fittings are provided on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the gaming board 81 is attached to the resin base 71 by the locking fittings as described above.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described. FIG. 7 is a front view of the back pack unit 15, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the back pack unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and the payout mechanism section 202, the discharge passage board 203, and the control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. .. The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and has a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that projects rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover part 212 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 sufficient to surround at least the winning prize unit 250.

  An external terminal board 213 is provided on the upper right portion of the base portion 211. The external terminal board 213 is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower engaging pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and by inserting the engaging pins 214 into the bearing portion 133 provided in the main body frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body frame 13. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a fastener 215 for fastening to the fastened hole 134 provided in the main body frame 13, and by fitting the fastened tool 215 into the fastened hole 134, the main body The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the frame 13.

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

  The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to either the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening 226 is described above. It communicates with the upper tray 33 via the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage 51, and the central opening 227 leads to the lower tray 34 via the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage 52. The outer opening 228 is formed so as to communicate with the discharge passage.

  A back pack substrate 229 is installed in the dispensing mechanism unit 202. A main power of, for example, 24 V AC is supplied to the back pack substrate 229, and the power is turned on or off by switching the power switch 229a.

  A discharge passage board 203 and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end in the front-rear direction. The discharge passage board 203 has a discharge passage 231 opened rearward on a surface facing the control device gathering unit 204, and an opening portion of the discharge passage 231 is closed by the control device gathering unit 204. The discharge passage 231 is formed so as to discharge the game balls to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game balls led out to the discharge passage 231 from the above-mentioned recovery passage 151 and the like pass through the discharge passage 231 to cause pachinko. It is discharged to the outside of the machine 10.

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

  In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is housed in the board box 244. The signal of the payout command from the payout control device 242 to the payout device 224 is relayed by the back pack substrate 229 described above. Further, the payout control device 242 is provided with a state return switch 245. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a dispensing error such as a ball clogging in the dispensing device 224 occurs, the ball clogging can be eliminated.

  The power source/launch control device 243 has a power source/launch control substrate housed in a substrate box 246. The substrate generates a predetermined power source required by various control devices and outputs the power source/launch control substrate. The control of the launch of the game ball is performed in accordance with the operation of the firing handle 41. Further, the power/launch control device 243 is provided with a RAM erasing switch 247. The pachinko machine 10 has a function of storing and storing various data, so that even if a power failure occurs, the status of the power failure can be retained, and when the power is restored, the status of the power failure can be restored. Is becoming Therefore, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure, for example, when the game hall is closed, the state before the power is shut off is stored, but when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247, the RAM data is initialized. ..

  In the present embodiment, the winning prize unit 250 provided on the game board 81 has a characteristic configuration. Therefore, the winning prize unit 250 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a front view of the winning prize unit 250.

  The winning combination product unit 250 has a case 260 in which various devices and the like that form the winning combination product unit 250 are housed. The case 260 has a box shape opened to the front side of the game board 81, and the inside of the case 260 is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass 22. The case 260 is fixed to the game board 81 in a state of projecting forward from the opening of the game board 81, and the game ball B flowing down the game area PE crosses the peripheral wall of the case 260 and enters the inside of the case 260. It has been avoided. That is, a part of the game area PE is partitioned by the case 260, and the flow of the game ball B into the partitioned area, that is, the winning prize unit 250 is restricted.

  The inner area of the case 260 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition 270. A lower part of the partition 270 is an area for arranging winning prizes and the like, which will be described later, and an upper part is an entrance area when game balls flow into the winning prize part unit 250. Has become. Openings 263 and 264 of a size that allows the game ball B to pass through are formed in a portion of the peripheral wall of the case 260 above the partition 270, specifically, in the upper portions of the left and right side walls 261 and 262.

  Blade members 265 and 266 that close the openings 263 and 264 are attached to the case 260. The blade members 265 and 266 are rotatably pivotally supported, and close the openings 263 and 264 to block the inflow of the game ball B, and open the openings 263 and 264 to allow the inflow of the game ball B. It can be switched to the open position. These blade members 265 and 266 normally stand by at the closed position to prevent the game ball B from flowing into the case 260, and when the winning of the game ball B to the general winning port 82 is detected. , Is switched to the open position for a predetermined period. When the blade members 265 and 266 are present in the open position, the game ball B flowing down the game area PE is easily guided to the openings 263 and 264 along the blade members 265 and 266, and the game ball B. Inflow into the case 260 (specifically, the sphere inflow region) is allowed. It is not always necessary to provide the openings in the side walls 261 and 262, and the openings may be provided in only one of the side walls 261 and 262. It is also possible to provide the opening not at the side of the case 260 but at the top of the case 260, for example.

  Above the above-mentioned partition 270, the relay parts 267 and 268 are provided to define the falling direction and the falling position of the game balls B that have flowed in from the openings 263 and 264. The game ball B flowing in from the openings 263 and 264 will fall on the partition 270 via the relay portions 267 and 268. It should be noted that the relay portions 267 and 268 may be provided with a wall surface or the like for energy reduction.

  The partition 270 includes a plurality of flat plates (specifically, the fixed plates 271 and the movable plates 272, 273) arranged side by side on the same plane, and the plates 271 to 273 are arranged so that the plate surfaces thereof face upward. .. As a result, the game ball B can roll on the upper surface of the partition 270. The partition 270 will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 10 in addition to FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. Note that in FIG. 10, for convenience, the partition 270 is provided with dot hatching so that it can be easily distinguished from other configurations.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the fixing plate 271 that constitutes the partition 270 is formed so as to stand upright from the inner wall 269 of the case 260, and is formed so that a predetermined gap is formed between the side walls 261 and 262 of the case 260. ing. The movable plates 272 and 273 are rotatably connected to the fixed plate 271.

  Referring to FIG. 9 again, the movable plates 272 and 273 are arranged on both the left and right sides sandwiching the fixed plate 271 and right below the discharge ports of the relay portions 267 and 268, and the fixed plate 271 and the case 260. The gaps between the side walls 261 and 262 of the are filled. More specifically, the movable plates 272 and 273 are pivotally supported by the fixed plate 271 at the left and right edges of the fixed plate 271, and the left and right ends (that is, the end on the fixed plate 271 side and the fixed plate 271). It is possible to switch between a horizontal state in which the end portion on the opposite side) has the same height and an inclined state in which the end portion on the opposite side is higher than the end portion on the fixed plate 271 side. The horizontal state and the inclined state are switched based on the operation of the motors 274 and 275 connected to the support shafts of the movable plates 272 and 273.

  The motors 274 and 275 are electrically connected to the main control device described later. Each of the movable plates 272 and 273 is normally held in a horizontal state, and the motors 274 and 275 are driven by the output of an electric signal from the main control unit based on the winning of the prize in the general winning port 82, so that the predetermined period is maintained. Only the tilted state is switched to.

  The fixed plate 271 and the movable plates 272, 273 described in detail above are slightly inclined downward toward the inner side (the side of the inner wall 269) of the case 260, and the lower part of the inclination is lower than the partition 270. Opening portions 276 to 278 are formed to allow the game balls B to flow into the lower area (the arrangement area) (see FIG. 10).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the game ball B discharged from the relay portions 267 and 268 falls on the movable plates 272 and 273. When both the movable plates 272 and 273 are in a horizontal state when the game ball B is placed on the movable plates 272 and 273, the game ball B is guided to the open portions 277 and 278 of the respective movable plates 272 and 273. It becomes easy to be hurt. On the other hand, when the game balls B are placed on the movable plates 272 and 273 and the movable plates 272 and 273 are in an inclined state, the game balls B are easily guided to the open portion 276 of the fixed plate 271. ..

  As shown in FIG. 9, a decoration 279 shaped like an airplane and a pilot is fixed to the upper surface of the fixing plate 271. By the decoration 279, the upper surface of the fixed plate 271 is divided into left and right, and the game balls B discharged from the relay portions 267 and 268 are not allowed to come and go. The game ball B rolled to the fixed plate 271 side along the inclination of the movable plates 272 and 273 is likely to reach the open portion 276 of the fixed plate 271 in a state where its momentum is weakened by colliding with the side wall of the decoration 279. (See Figure 10).

  Below the fixed plate 271, there are a winning combination 350 that determines whether or not a game ball is won, and a distribution device 300 that distributes a supply path of the game ball to the winning combination 350, the former being the lower side and the latter being the lower side. As the upper side, they are arranged side by side vertically. Here, the distribution device 300 and the configuration accompanying it will be described.

  Below the partition 270, it is possible to guide the game ball B to the distribution device 300, and the first guide portion 303 that guides the game ball B to the first supply paths 301 and 302 that supply the game ball to the winning prize 350. Second guide portion 304 is provided. The first guide portion 303 and the second guide portion 304 are arranged side by side so that the first guide portion 303 is below both movable plates 272 and 273 and the second guide portion 304 is below the fixed plate 271. Has been done. Here, the respective guide portions 303 and 304 will be described based on FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. Note that, in FIG. 11, for convenience, the guide portions 303, 304 and the like are provided with dot hatching so that they can be easily distinguished from other configurations.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first guide portion 303 is integrally formed with the side walls 261 and 262 and the back wall 269 of the case 260, and has a predetermined gap between the movable plates 272 and 273 in the horizontal state. It is composed of a pair of facing portions 306 and 307 facing each other with a gap. Each of the facing portions 306 and 307 has a flat plate shape, and is located on the drop path of the game ball that drops from the opening portions 277 and 278 of the movable plates 272 and 273 (see FIG. 10). As a result, the game ball B dropped from the open portions 277 and 278 is easily placed on the facing portions 306 and 307.

  Further, the upper surfaces of the facing portions 306 and 307 are slightly inclined downward toward the rear of the pachinko machine 10 (that is, the back wall 269 side) and away from the second guide portion 304, and the first supply is provided to the lower portion thereof. Entrances 301a and 302a of the paths 301 and 302 are formed. That is, the game balls B placed on the facing portions 306 and 307 roll along the facing portions 306 and 307 due to the weight of the gaming balls B and reach the entrances 301a and 302a of the first supply paths 301 and 302.

  On the other hand, the second guide portion 304 is integrally molded with the case 260 and includes a pair of cylinders 311 and 312 protruding forward from the inner wall 269 of the case 260. The cylinders 311 and 312 are formed such that the center axes of the cylinders 311 and 312 extend in the front-rear direction, and the center axes of the cylinders 311 and 312 are arranged directly below the opening 276 of the fixing plate 271. Has been done. As a result, the game ball B that has fallen from the open portion 276 of the fixed plate 271 is likely to fall near the tops of the columns 311 and 312.

  The columns 311 and 312 are arranged side by side with a gap smaller than the diameter of the game ball B side by side, and are gradually reduced in diameter from the rear end to the front end. That is, the gap between the two cylinders 311 and 312 gradually widens toward the tip side. A gutter 313 is provided between the columns 311 and 312 so as to fill the gap between the columns. The gutter 313 is erected from the inner wall 269 of the case 260 like the both columns 311 and 312, and is slightly inclined forward. The upper surface 314 of the gutter 313 has a groove shape that is recessed downward, and the game ball placed on the gutter 313 is easy to move along the upper surface 314. The gutter 313 and the two columns 311 and 312 form a second guide portion 304.

  Of the game balls that have flowed into the prize winning unit unit 250, those that have dropped from the open portion 276 of the fixed plate 271 and reached the second guide portion 304 are to be guided to the distribution device 300 by the second guide portion 304. , And those that are not. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, a game ball dropped toward the area sandwiched between the central axes of the columns 311 and 312, that is, toward the inner portions of the columns 311 and 312 that face each other. B1 will bounce back from one of the cylinders 311 and 312, which is the collision target, toward the other. These game balls B1 are prevented from being shaken left and right by repeatedly bouncing between the cylinders 311 and 312 while moving forward, and are easily converged to a position fitted on the upper surface 314 of the gutter 313. The game ball B1 in which the left and right swings are settled moves to the front end side of the columns 311 and 312 due to the weight of the game ball B1 and reaches the distribution device 300.

  On the other hand, the game ball B2 that has dropped toward the opposite side of the columns 311 and 312 opposite to each other, from one of the two columns 311 and 312 as the collision target, toward the opposite side to the other, That is, it will bounce back toward the first guide portion 303 described above. The game ball B2 reaching the first guide portion 303 rolls on the facing portions 306, 307 by its own weight, like the game ball dropped from the opening portions 277, 278 of the movable plates 272, 273, and the first supply The entrance 301a of the route 301 is reached.

  Next, the distribution device 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 12, and 13. 12 is a partial sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 9, and FIG. 13 is a front view of the distribution device 300. Note that a transparent plate 325, which will be described later, is omitted in FIG. 13 for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the distribution device 300 includes a stopping part 320 for stopping the game ball guided by the gutter 313 of the second guide part 304, and a pair of left and right distributing devices sandwiching the stopping part 320. The distribution members 330 and 340 are provided. Specifically, the stopping portion 320 and the distribution members 330 and 340 are arranged side by side with a gap equal to or smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the retaining portion 320 has a columnar shape that extends from the front end surface of the gutter 313 and extends in the same direction as the columnar columns 311 and 312. The retaining portion 320 is formed such that its upper surface is lower than the upper surface 314 of the gutter 313. In other words, the retaining portion 320 and the gutter 313 have a step shape in which the upper surface 314 of the gutter 313 is upper and the upper surface of the retaining portion 320 is lower.

  Further, the standing amount of the stopping portion 320 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball, and the transparent plate 325, which is shaped unique to the gaming machine, is in contact with the tip portion of the standing portion 320. It is arranged in a state.

  The game ball rolled forward along the gutter 313 of the second guide portion 304 moves to the stop portion 320 by falling from the gutter 313. The game ball B3 placed on the stopping portion 320 is supported by the stopping portion 320 and the distribution members 330 and 340, and the transparent plate 325 prevents the stopping portion 320 from spilling from the tip side.

  If a plurality of game balls are guided to the stop section 320 by the gutter 313 of the second guide section 304 at the same time, the game ball B4 following the game ball B3 staying in the stop section 320 is It waits in a state of being aligned along the upper surface 314 of the gutter 313. More specifically, the game ball B3 and the game ball B4 stand by in the state where their centers are located on a virtual straight line extending in the front-back direction in the plan view of the pachinko machine 10.

  The step size between the upper surface of the gutter 313 and the upper surface of the retaining portion 320 is set smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball (specifically, about the radius dimension of the game ball). Therefore, the following game ball B4 abuts on the game ball B3 staying in the stopping part 320 from the upper side, and the movement of these succeeding game balls B4 to the stopping part 320 side is hindered.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the upper surface of the stopping portion 320 has a width that allows the game ball to swing in the direction in which both the distribution members 330 and 340 are arranged side by side. It inclines downward toward both distribution members 330 and 340. That is, the retaining portion 320 has the inclined portions 322 and 323 that are inclined toward the respective distribution members 330 and 340 with the intermediate position of the distribution members 330 and 340 as a boundary. The apex 321 has a linear shape extending in the front-rear direction, and the gaming ball B3 placed on the apex 321 has its center (center of gravity) easily inclined (biased) to one of the inclined portions 322, 323. There is.

  The distribution members 330 and 340 have a columnar shape, and the center axis of the distribution members 330 and 340 extends in the same direction as the center axes of the cylinders 311 and 312, and the center position (center of gravity position) of the game ball B3 placed on the top 321. ) Is biased to the left and right, the game ball B3 is arranged at a position in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces 330a and 340a of the distribution members 330 and 340. As a result, the game ball B3 stopped on the stop portion 320 is likely to be placed on the top portion 321 in a state where the movement of the center of gravity to the left and right is allowed. Further, the top portion 321 is formed so as to be located above the central axis of the distribution members 330 and 340. Therefore, the center of the game ball B3 placed on the top 321 is positioned higher than the central axis.

  The distribution members 330 and 340 are attached to the cylinders 311 and 312 in a state in which the distribution members 330 and 340 are allowed to rotate about their own central axes. The cylinders 311 and 312 are hollow, and the motors 331 and 341 connected to the distribution members 330 and 340 are housed inside the cylinders 311 and 312 (see FIG. 11 ).

  The motors 331 and 341 are electrically connected to the main control device described later. When the motors 331 and 341 are driven by the output of electric signals from the main control device, both distribution members 330 and 340 rotate at the same speed. The rotation direction of each distribution member 330, 340 passes through a position on the outer peripheral surface 330a, 340a of each distribution member 330, 340 when the distribution member 330, 340 is rotated, in a side-by-side relationship with the retaining portion 320. The part is defined to move upward and away from the stop 320. Specifically, the distribution member 340 located on the right side of the stopping part 320 rotates clockwise in the front view of the pachinko machine 10, and the distribution member 330 located on the left side of the stopping part 320 is viewed from the front side of the pachinko machine 10. It is regulated to rotate counterclockwise.

  In the distribution members 330 and 340, the lengths of the distribution members 330 and 340 in the direction of the central axis are equal to the extension amount of the retaining portion 320 from the second guide portion 304, that is, slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The ball storage portions 332 and 342 for storing game balls are provided on the outer circumferences of the distribution members 330 and 340, respectively. The ball accommodating portions 332, 342 are recessed toward the center of the distribution members 330, 340, and one game ball is completely accommodated without protruding from the outer peripheral surfaces 330a, 340a of the distribution members 330, 340. It has a size that can be. These sphere accommodating portions 332, 342 are displaced in the circumferential direction of the distribution members 330, 340 in accordance with the rotation of the distribution members 330, 340. Specifically, the entrance portion of the ball storage portion 332, 342 is directed to the game ball B3 that is stopped at the stop portion 320, the allowable position at which the game ball B3 is allowed to be received, and the game ball B3 cannot be received. It repeatedly passes through both the non-allowable position and the non-permissible position.

  In the present embodiment, the left and right sorting members 330, 340 have different numbers of ball housing portions 332, 342, and one of the ball housing portions 332, 342 of both sorting members 330, 340 has a game. It is easy to make the probability that the ball is accommodated and the probability that the game ball is accommodated on the other side different. Specifically, the left distribution member 330 (hereinafter, referred to as the left distribution member 330) is provided with two sphere accommodating portions 332, and the right distribution member 340 (hereinafter, the right distribution member 340). ) Is provided with only one sphere accommodating portion 342, and the probability of being accommodated in the sphere accommodating portion 332 of the left distributing member 330 is accommodated in the sphere accommodating portion 342 of the right distributing member 340. It is higher than the probability.

  When the game ball B3 enters the ball storage portion 332 of the left side distribution member 330, the game ball B3 is separated from the stopping portion 320 based on the rotation of the left side distribution member 330 and the facing portion 306 of the first guide portion 303. Move counterclockwise towards. A flange 308 that extends along the outer peripheral surface 330a of the left-side distribution member 330 to a position above the rotation center axis of the left-side distribution member 330 at the end of the facing portion 306 on the left-side distribution member 330 side. Are formed. The flange 308 faces the outer peripheral surface 330a of the left sorting member 330 with a slight gap (specifically, a gap equal to or smaller than the radius of the game ball). When the sphere housing portion 332 moves to a position facing the flange 308, the open portion of the sphere housing portion 332 is covered by the flange 308. If the game ball is stored in the ball storage portion 332, the ball storage portion 332 is covered by the flange 308, so that the projection of the game ball is restricted.

  Below the flange 308, an entrance 316a of a second supply path 316 for supplying the game balls to the winning prize 350 through a path different from the first supply paths 301 and 302 is provided. The inlet 316a of the second supply path 316 is opened obliquely upward, and is formed so as to be continuous with the sphere accommodating portion 332 when the sphere accommodating portion 332 reaches a position past the flange 308. That is, the game sphere that has entered the ball containing portion 332 moves in accordance with the rotation of the left sorting member 330, passes through the fly-out restriction section by the flange 308, then leaves the ball containing portion 332, and then the second supply path 316. Will flow into the inlet 316a.

  On the other hand, when the game ball enters the ball storage portion 342 of the right distribution member 340, the game ball moves away from the stopping portion 320 based on the rotation of the right distribution member 340 and rotates clockwise toward the first guide portion 303. Move to. Similarly, a flange 309 extending along the outer peripheral surface 340a of the right distribution member 340 is formed at the end of the first guide portion (specifically, the facing portion 307) on the right distribution member 340 side. By this, jumping out of the game ball from the ball housing portion 342 is restricted.

  Below the flange 309 (right side distribution member 340), a third supply path 317 for supplying game balls to the winning combination 350 through a path different from the first supply paths 301, 302 and the second supply path 316 is provided. Has been. The third supply path 317 has a substantially box shape that is opened upward and forward, and when the sphere accommodating portion 342 passes the flange 309 and faces downward, the third supply path 317 is connected to the third supply path 317 through the opening portion. It is formed to allow the inflow of game balls. In other words, the game ball that has entered the ball containing portion 342 moves with the rotation of the right sorting member 340, passes through the fly-out restriction section by the flange 309, and then leaves the ball containing portion 342 to leave the third supply path 317. Will flow into. The front open portion of the third supply path 317 is closed by the transparent plate 325 to prevent the game balls from spilling (see FIG. 12).

  The left distributing member 330 and the right distributing member 340 are provided with a moving means for moving the game ball B3 staying in the stopping portion 320, and by moving the game ball B3 by this moving means, Variations are given to the ball entering the ball storage portions 332, 342, and the possibility of entering the ball is generated. The moving means provided on the left sorting member 330 and the moving means provided on the right sorting member 340 have the same configuration except their arrangement. Therefore, in the following description, the moving means provided on the left sorting member 330 will be described first, and later, the difference from the moving means provided on the right sorting member 340 will be described. In the following description, FIG. 14 (schematic diagram showing the relationship between the sorting device 300 and the game balls) is appropriately referred to.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the moving means provided on the left sorting member 330 includes a plurality of protrusions 333 that are protruded from the outer peripheral surface 330a of the left sorting member 330 in the radial direction on the central axis of the left sorting member 330. To have. The protrusions 333 are formed across both the front end and the rear end of the left sorting member 330, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the left sorting member 330. Specifically, the interval between the protrusions 333 is set so that the game ball B3 does not hit the two adjacent protrusions 333 at the same time, that is, the game ball B3 hits only one protrusion 333. The protrusion amount of the projection 333 is set so that the center of the game ball B3 placed on the top 321 can be pushed up to just above the top 321 while avoiding the interference with the stopping portion 320. In addition, if the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 333 is supplemented, the interference with the flange 309 is suppressed to such an extent that it can be avoided. As a result, the support between the protrusion 333 and the flange 309 when the left sorting member 330 is rotated is avoided.

  In the left-side distribution member 330, the sphere accommodating portions 332 are arranged on both sides of the rotation center, and the protrusions 333 are arranged between the both sphere accommodation portions 332 in the circumferential direction of the left-side distribution member 330. Has been done. On the other hand, in the right distribution member 340, the number of protrusions 343 is set to be larger than that of the left distribution member 330.

  Here, the arrangement of the protrusion 333 of the left sorting member 330 and the protrusion 343 of the right sorting member 340 will be described in detail. The protrusion 333 of the left-side distribution member 330 and the protrusion 343 of the right-side distribution member 340 are positioned so that the protrusion 343 of the right-side distribution member 340 faces the retaining portion 320 while the both distribution members 330 and 340 make one rotation. After passing through, the sum of the rotation angles of the left sorting member 330 required for the projection 333 of the left sorting member 330 to pass through the position facing the retaining portion 320 is the protrusion 333 of the left sorting member 330. The protrusions 343 of the right distribution member 340 are arranged so as to be larger than the total rotation angle of the right distribution member required to pass through the position opposed to the retaining portion 320 after passing through the position facing the 320. There is.

  As described above, since the rotation speeds of the distribution members 330 and 340 are the same, the game is stopped on the top 321 of the stopping portion 320 and is swinging between the distribution members 330 and 340. The ball B3 is a state in which the game ball B3 is inclined toward the left side inclined portion 322 side (see FIG. 14A), and is slanted toward the right side inclined portion 323 side (see FIG. 14B). It tends to be longer than the period of staying. This makes it easier for the game ball B3 staying in the stopping unit 320 to enter the ball housing portion 332 of the left sorting member 330 than the ball housing portion 342 of the right sorting member 340.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, the protrusion 333 is a contact point with the stationary portion 320 in the game ball B3 placed on the stationary portion 320 (for example, the top 321) due to the rotation of the left sorting member 330. It hits the same side as CP1 (specifically, the lower hemisphere part when the game ball B3 is divided into upper and lower parts). In this way, when the projection 333 hits the game ball B3 on the stopping part 320, the first CT connecting the center CT of the game ball B3 and the contact point CP1 of the game ball B3 and the stopping part 320. The angle ANG1 formed by both virtual straight lines PL1, PL2 of the virtual straight line PL1, the center CT of the game ball B and the contact point CP2 of the game ball B3 and the projection 333 is 90° or less, and the left side Occurrence of ball biting due to the retaining portion 320 and the protrusion 333 due to the rotation of the distribution member 330 is suppressed.

  Here, the relationship between the protrusion 333 of the left sorting member 330 and the protrusion 343 of the right sorting member 340 will be described with reference to FIG. A part of the plurality of protrusions 333 provided on the left sorting member 330 and a part of the plurality of protrusions 343 provided on the right sorting member 340 are arranged so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the retaining portion 320. Has been done. As described above, the left and right distribution members 330 and 340 are set to have the same rotation speed, and the rotations of both are synchronized. Further, the relative positions of the distribution members 330 and 340 are such that when one of the symmetrically arranged projections 333 and 343 hits the game ball B3 that is stopped at the stop portion 320, both of the projections 333 and 333. The gap size of 343 is set to be smaller than the diameter size of the game ball. Therefore, the game ball B3 that hits one of the symmetrically arranged protrusions 333 and 343 also hits the other. As the distribution members 330 and 340 rotate, they are lifted upward from the retaining portion 320 by the protrusions 333 and 343.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the center CT of the game ball B3 and the center CT of the game ball B3 and the third virtual straight line PL3 that connects the contact point CP3 with the protrusion 333 of the left sorting member 330 in the game ball B3. An angle ANG2 formed by both virtual straight lines PL3 and PL4 with a third virtual straight line PL4 connecting the contact point CP3 with the protrusion 343 of the right distribution member 340 in the game ball B3 (specifically, an angle formed by the stopping portion 320 side) is It is configured to be 180° or less. As a result, the occurrence of ball biting due to the protrusions 333 and 343 due to the rotation of both the distribution members 330 and 340 is suppressed.

  Referring again to FIG. 13, between the protrusions 333 of the left sorting member 330, a plurality of magnets 334 forming the above moving means are provided. These magnets 334 are embedded in the left sorting member 330, and the protrusion of the left sorting member 330 from the outer peripheral surface 330a is suppressed. The magnetic force of the magnet 334 is set so that the game ball held by the magnet can be lifted from the retaining portion 320 in accordance with the rotation of the left sorting member 330. In other words, among the game balls swinging on the retaining portion 320, the game balls captured by the magnet 334 are easily separated from the retaining portion 320 by the rotation of the left sorting member 330. More specifically, when the subsequent game ball is not waiting in the second guide portion 304, the game ball captured by the magnet 334 is allowed to leave the retaining portion 320, and the second guide portion 304 When the game ball is on standby, the game ball stopped on the stopping part 320 is pressed from above by the following game ball, so that the game ball is prevented from leaving the stopping part 320 even if it is captured by the magnet 334. It will be easier.

  When the game ball is captured by the magnet 334, the flange 308 of the first guide portion 303 is located on the moving path along which the captured game ball B5 moves along with the rotation of the left sorting member 330. There is. The game ball B5 that collides with the flange 308 due to the rotation of the left sorting member 330 is prevented from moving following the left sorting member 330 by the flange 308. Therefore, the game ball B5 and the magnet 334 are separated by the rotation of the left sorting member 330, and the game ball separated from the constraint by the attraction force of the magnet 334 is the first guide portion 303 (specifically, on the facing portion 306). To fall. In this way, the game ball that has reached the first guide portion 303 cannot return to the stopping portion 320 again or flow into the ball storage portion 332 again, and the first supply path 301 along the inclination of the facing portion 306. Will be headed to the entrance 301a.

  Similarly, the right distributing member 340 is also provided with a plurality of magnets 344 forming the above-mentioned moving means between the protrusions 343. The configuration and operation of these magnets 344 are the same as those of the magnet 334 of the left sorting member 330, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Here, some patterns of the movement of the game ball that has reached the stopping portion 320 will be described. In the present embodiment, in particular, the pattern of movement of the game ball is different between the case where the game ball following the game ball staying in the stopping portion 320 is waiting in the gutter 313 and the case where it is not waiting. You can Therefore, first, based on FIG. 15, a case where the following game ball does not exist will be described, and then a case where the following game ball exists will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the game ball, and the game ball retained in the retaining portion 320 is operated by both distribution members 330 and 340, as shown in FIG. 15(a)→FIG. 15(b)→FIG. It moves in order of (c)->FIG. 15(d).

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the game ball B guided to the stopping portion 320 via the second guiding portion 304 is placed on the top 321 of the stopping portion 320. In this way, when the game ball B is placed on the top 321, the magnet 334 of the left sorting member 330 is in the vicinity of the stopping part 320, specifically, the game ball B can be attracted but the game ball B cannot be captured. It exists in the position that becomes. Due to the magnetic force of the magnet 334 of the left distributing member 330, the game ball B is attracted to the left distributing member 330 side. That is, the game ball B is in a state in which its center CT is tilted toward the left sorting member 330 side and leans on the outer peripheral surface 330a of the left sorting member 330. In this state, the ball storage portion 342 of the right distribution member 340 has reached a position that allows the game ball B to be received, but since the game ball B is inclined to the left distribution member 330 side, the same as the game ball B. The movement toward the ball housing portion 342 is avoided, and the ball housing portion 342 of the right distribution member 340 passes through the above-mentioned allowable position without the game ball B entering.

  By rotating both distribution members 330 and 340, the magnet 334 of the left distribution member 330 moves away from the game ball B, and the projection 333 pushes the game ball B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15B, the center CT of the game ball B is tilted to the right distribution member 340 side and leans against the outer peripheral surface 340a of the right distribution member 340. In this state, the game ball B is in a state of being urged by the weight of the game ball B toward the right distribution member 340 side.

  When both the distribution members 330 and 340 are further rotated, the game ball B is pushed toward the left distribution member 330 side by the protrusion 343 of the right distribution member 340, as shown in FIG. 15C. As a result, the center CT of the game ball B is tilted to the left distribution member 330 side and leans against the left distribution member 330 again.

  In this way, in the state where the game ball B is tilted to the left, the game ball B is biased toward the left sorting member 330 side by its own weight. When the rotation of both distribution members 330 and 340 progresses while the state is maintained, the ball housing portion 332 of the left distribution member 330 reaches the allowable position for accepting the game ball B, and the game ball B is It moves to the sphere accommodating portion 332 along the left side inclined portion 322 (see FIG. 15D). After that, the game ball B is guided to the second supply path 316.

  Next, a timing slightly earlier than the timing shown in FIG. 15A, more specifically, a position where the magnet 334 of the left sorting member 330 is laterally aligned with the retaining portion 320 (that is, near the retaining portion 320) is passed. A case where the game ball reaches the stopping portion 320 at the timing will be described.

  At this timing, the game ball that has reached the stopping portion 320 will be captured by the magnet 334 of the left sorting member 330. The game sphere captured by the magnet 344 does not enter the sphere accommodating portion 342 even when the sphere accommodating portion 342 of the right allocating member 340 reaches the allowable position, and the stopping portion 320 accompanies the rotation of the left allocating member 330. Away from. That is, the sphere accommodating portion 342 of the right distribution member 340 passes through the allowable position. After that, as the rotation of the left sorting member 330 progresses, the game ball captured by the magnet 334 hits the flange 308 (see FIG. 13) of the facing portion 306 and the movement following the magnet 334 is hindered. Become. As a result, the game ball moves away from the magnet 334 and goes toward the first supply path 301 via the first guide portion 303.

  Further, at a timing earlier than the above-described two examples, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the two magnets 344 of the right-side distribution member 340 pass through a position laterally aligned with the retaining portion 320, and the left-side distribution member 340. A case where the game ball reaches the stop portion 320 at the timing when the ball storage portion 332 of 330 has passed the allowable position will be described.

  The game ball that has reached the stopping portion 320 is stopped at a position biased to the left sorting member 330 side by being pushed by its own weight or by the protrusion 343 of the right sorting member 340. Then, with the rotation of both the distribution members 330 and 340, the protrusion 333 of the left distribution member 330 pushes it toward the right distribution member 340. As a result, the game ball biased to the right distribution member 340 side is in a state of being supported by the stopping portion 320 and the outer peripheral surface 340a of the right distribution member 340. After that, when the rotation of both distribution members 330 and 340 progresses, the game ball begins to enter the recess of the ball housing portion 342 of the right distribution member 340, and accordingly the gap between the game ball and the left distribution member 330. Will spread. At this time, the magnet 334 of the left-side distribution member 330 also reaches the position where the magnet 334 is arranged side by side with the retaining portion 320, but as described above, the range between the attraction force of the magnet 334 is increased by expanding the gap between the game ball and the left-side distribution member 330. By deviating, the return of the game ball to the left distribution member 330 side is avoided. Then, the game sphere is fitted into the sphere accommodating portion 342 of the right distribution member 340 as the rotation of both distribution members 330 and 340 further proceeds, and is guided to the third supply path 317.

  Next, a case in which the pattern of movement of the game ball is waiting in the gutter 313 with respect to the game ball retained in the retaining section 320 will be described focusing on the differences from the above three patterns. ..

  When the game ball reaches the stop portion 320 at the timing shown in FIG. 15A, there is no noticeable difference in the movement of the game ball on the stop portion 320. That is, the game sphere on the stopping portion 320 moves in the order of FIG. 15(a)→FIG. 15(b)→FIG. 15(c)→FIG. 15(d), and enters the sphere accommodating portion 332 of the left sorting member 330. After being accommodated, it is guided to the second supply path 316.

  On the other hand, a timing slightly earlier than the timing shown in FIG. 15A, more specifically, a timing at which the magnet 334 of the left sorting member 330 passes through a position side by side with respect to the retaining portion 320 (that is, near the retaining portion 320). When the game ball reaches the stop portion 320, the movement of the game ball that reaches the stop portion 320 at the same timing without a subsequent game ball is significantly different. The game ball that has reached the stopping portion 320 is temporarily captured by the magnet 334 of the left sorting member 330, but is pressed to the side of the stopping portion 320 by the following game ball that is waiting in the gutter 313, By adding weight, it becomes possible to overcome the attractive force of the magnet 334. As a result, the vehicle stays on the stopping portion 320 without being guided to the first supply path 301. After that, after moving in the order of FIG. 15( a )→FIG. 15( b )→FIG. 15( c )→FIG. 15( d ), after being accommodated in the sphere accommodating portion 332 of the left sorting member 330, the second supply path You are led to 316. In other words, although originally reaching the stop portion 320 at a timing that should be distributed to the first supply path 301, the destination thereof is changed by the weight of the following game ball, and it is distributed to the second supply path 316.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the two magnets 344 of the right-side distribution member 340 have passed the position where the magnets 344 are arranged side by side with the retaining portion 320, and the sphere housing portion 332 of the left-side distribution member 330 has passed the allowable position. The movement of the game ball when the game ball reaches the stop portion 320 at the timing is basically the same as the movement of the game ball that reaches the stop portion 320 at the same timing without the subsequent game ball. The certainty will increase. The game ball that has reached the stopping portion 320 is stopped at a position biased to the left distribution member 330 side as described above. After that, the protrusion 333 of the left distributing member 330 pushes it toward the right distributing member 340 and biases it toward the right distributing member 340. After that, when the rotation of both distribution members 330 and 340 progresses, the game ball begins to enter the recess of the ball storage portion 342 of the right distribution member 340, and the magnet 334 of the left distribution member 330 is also aligned side by side with the retaining portion 320. To reach the position. At this time, by being pushed by the subsequent game ball, the game ball on the stopping portion 320 is in a state of being biased to the right distribution member 340 side, and it is easy to overcome the attraction force of the magnet 334. As a result, the game sphere is more surely fitted into the sphere accommodating portion 342 of the right distribution member 340 and is distributed to the third supply path 317. That is, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of expansion such that the behavior of the game ball is disturbed and the game ball is captured by the magnet 334 and is distributed to the second supply path 316, and the assistance of the subsequent game ball ensures the third game. The distribution to the supply path 317 will be made.

  Below the distribution device 300 described in detail above, the winning prize 350 is provided, and the game balls that have passed through the supply paths 301, 302, 316, 317 described above are different from the winning prize 350. Guided to the part. Here, the winning combination 350 and the configuration accompanying it will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 11, 16 and 17. 16A is a perspective view of the winning combination 350 viewed from above, FIG. 16B is a plan view of the winning combination 350, and FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the winning combination 350 is placed on a flat plate-shaped placing portion 280 provided on both side walls 261 and 262 of the case 260, and has an axis extending in the vertical direction as the center. It is fixed to the mounting portion 280 in a state where rotation is allowed. A motor 360 (see FIG. 17) is connected to the winning combination 350. The motor 360 is electrically connected to a main control device, which will be described later, and is driven by the output of an electrical signal from the main control device, so that the winning prize 350 is always moved in the same direction at a constant speed. Continue turning. The rotation speed and the rotation direction of the winning combination 350 do not have to be constant, and may be changed according to the game situation or the like.

  The prize winning object 350 has a thick disk shape having a plurality of steps formed in the direction of its central axis. More specifically, the winning prize 350 has three steps of an upper step 351, a middle step 352, and a lower step 353, and the outer diameter of the upper step 351<the outer diameter of the middle step 352<the lower step By being formed so as to have an outer diameter of 353, it is convex upward as a whole (see FIG. 16A).

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 17, the mounting portion 280 described above is provided with a recess 281 corresponding to the lower step 353, and the lower step 353 is fitted in the recess 281. ing. The depth dimension of the recessed portion 281 is set smaller than the thickness dimension of the lower step portion 353, and a part of the lower step portion 353 is in a state of protruding from the recessed portion 281.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, a substantially annular inner wall portion 282 that stands up along the vertical wall of the lower step portion 353 is formed at the opening edge of the recessed portion 281 and is located outside the inner wall portion 282. An outer wall portion 283 is formed to face the inner wall portion 282 at a predetermined interval. The both wall portions 282, 283 and the mounting portion 280 constitute a part of the first supply paths 301, 302. More specifically, the first supply paths 301 and 302 extend vertically from the first guide portion 303 along the side walls 261 and 262 of the case 260, and along the mounting portion 280 sandwiched by both wall portions 282 and 283. It is constituted by a lateral passage that extends.

  An upper surface of a portion of the mounting portion 280, which is sandwiched by the both wall portions 282 and 283, is gently inclined downward toward the front of the pachinko machine 10. The game ball that has reached the placement portion 280 through the vertical passages of the first supply paths 301 and 302 moves forward along the lateral passages along both wall portions 282 and 283.

  A groove portion 284 that is inclined downward toward the winning prize 350 (that is, toward the rear) is formed in a specific portion of the placing portion 280 that is the lowest in the lateral passage. A recess 285 penetrating inward and outward is formed in a portion of the inner wall 282 located on the front side of the groove 284. Through this recess 285, the game ball can move to the winning prize 350. Is becoming That is, the recess 285 constitutes the outlet of the first supply path 301.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, a plurality (eight in the present embodiment) of ball entering portions 356 corresponding to the recessed portion 285 are provided in the lower portion 353 of the winning prize 350. .. The respective ball portions 356 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the winning prize 350, the side facing the inner wall portion 282 and the one open upward, and the side facing the inner wall portion 282. And those that are open up and down. That is, one of the plurality of ball entrance portions 356 has no bottom and the other has a bottom.

  When the ball entry portion 356 of the lower step portion 353 reaches the position where it is connected to the recess 285, the movement of the game ball moving through the first supply path 301 to the ball entry portion 356 is allowed. Become. As a result, the game ball that has passed through the first supply path 301 enters the bottomless ball-in portion 356 with a probability of 1/8 and enters the bottomed ball-in portion 356 with a probability of 7/8. Then, in the game ball that has once entered the ball entering portion 356, the ball entering portion 356 moves in accordance with the rotation of the prize winning object 350, and the open portion on the inner wall portion 282 side of the ball entering portion 356 is the wall surface of the concave portion 281. And a position facing the inner wall portion 282. In this case, due to the wall surface of the recessed portion 281 and the inner wall portion 282, it is possible to prevent the game ball from returning from the ball entering portion 356 to the first supply paths 301 and 302.

  A jackpot winning opening 286 is provided in the bottom of the recess 281 at a position overlapping the path through which the ball portion 356 passes. The jackpot winning opening 286 is in the shape of a hole that allows the passage of a game ball, and the gaming ball that has entered the bottomless ball entering portion 356 is connected when the ball entering portion 356 and the jackpot winning opening 286 are connected. , Hit the jackpot 286. The game ball that has passed the jackpot winning opening 286 is guided to the outside of the winning prize unit 250 through a predetermined passage, more specifically, to the back side of the game board 81, and then returned to the island facility via the discharge passage 231. Will be done. Further, a jackpot winning hole detection sensor 287 that detects a game ball that has entered the jackpot winning opening 286 is provided, and the information detected by the jackpot winning hole detecting sensor 287 is output to the main controller 162.

  A discharge port 288 is formed in the inner wall portion 282 at a position opposite to the recessed portion 285 with the central axis line therebetween. The discharge port 288 also penetrates the inside and outside similarly to the recessed portion 285, and is formed so as to allow passage of the game ball. The game ball that has entered the bottomed ball portion 356 passes through the outlet 288 and the outside of the prize winning unit unit 250 when the outlet 288 and the open portion of the ball 356 are connected, more specifically, the game. It is discharged to the back side of the board 81, and then returned to the island facility via the discharge passage 231.

  The most downstream portion of the second supply path 316 is arranged at a position facing the upper surface of the lower step portion 353. The second supply path 316 is meandering back and forth from the inlet 316a toward the outlet 316b, and the most downstream portion thereof is directed toward the vertical wall side of the middle step portion 352, specifically, toward the central axis of the winning prize 350. And an outlet 316b that is opened is formed. The outlet 316b faces the vertical wall of the middle section 352 with a slight gap.

  A plurality of (four in the present embodiment) communicating portions 357 that are continuous with the ball-in portion 356 of the lower portion 353 are formed in the middle portion 352. When the outlet 316b of the second supply path 316 is blocked by the vertical wall of the middle step portion 352, the game ball is prevented from flowing out from the outlet 316b, and the outlet 316b and the communication portion 357 are connected. Is allowed to flow into the communication section 357. One of the plurality of communication portions 357 is connected to the bottomed ball entering portion 356, and the game ball that has passed through the second supply path 316 enters the bottomed ball entering portion 356 with a probability of 3/4, With a probability of 1/4, the player enters the bottomless ball entering portion 356. In other words, when the game ball that has entered the winning combination unit 250 reaches the winning combination 350 via the second supply path 316, a jackpot will be generated with a probability of 1/4.

  The upper step portion 351 is formed with a single groove portion 358 that is open upward, and one end of the groove portion 358 faces toward the bottomed ball portion 356 and the other end faces toward the bottomless ball portion 356. It is open. The groove portion 358 has a central portion located directly below the outlet 317b of the third supply path 317, and the game ball dropped from the outlet 317b is fitted into the groove portion 358 and then rotated by the prize winning object 350. Due to the centrifugal force generated, it moves toward either one of the bottomed and non-bottomed ball entering portions 356. The game ball that has passed through the third supply path 317 enters the bottomed ball entering portion 356 with a probability of 1/2, and enters the bottomless ball entering portion 356 with a probability of 1/2 as well. In other words, when a game ball that has entered the winning combination unit 250 reaches the winning combination 350 via the third supply path 317, a jackpot is generated with a probability of ½.

  In the winning prize 350 described above in detail, the probability of a big hit is made different by the game balls that have passed through the supply paths 301, 302, 316, and 317 entering the bottomless ball entering portion 356 with different probabilities. ing. It should be noted that the number of ball entering portions 356 and the number of communicating portions 357 in the winning combination 350 may be changed arbitrarily, but even in the case of making such a change, the supply paths 301, 302, 316, 16 are provided. It is desirable to make the hit probability of the game ball passing through 317 different.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 18, a power supply line is indicated by a double-line arrow and a signal line is indicated by a solid-line arrow.

  The main control board 401 provided in the main controller 162 has a main control circuit 402 and a power failure monitoring circuit 403 built therein. The MPU 411 is mounted on the main control circuit 402. The MPU 411 includes a ROM 412 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 411 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 412. A RAM 413 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input/output circuit are built in.

  The RAM 413 is configured such that data storage holding power is supplied from the power supply/launch control board 421 provided in the power supply/launch control device 243 to hold data even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off.

  An input/output port is connected to the MPU 411 via a bus line composed of an address bus and a data bus. A power failure monitoring circuit 403 provided on the main control board 401 and a payout control board 422 provided on the payout control device 242 are connected to the input side of the main control circuit 402. In this case, a power supply/launch control board 421 is connected to the power failure monitoring circuit 403, and power is supplied to the main control circuit 402 via the power failure monitoring circuit 403. Further, on the input side of the main control circuit 402, a general winning opening detection sensor 84 for detecting the entrance of the game ball into the general winning opening 82, and a special prize for detecting the entrance of the game ball into the variable winning device 83. The mouth detection sensor 85 and the jackpot winning hole detection sensor 287 which detects the entry of the game ball into the jackpot winning opening 286 are connected.

  On the other hand, a power failure monitoring circuit 403, a payout control board 422, and a relay terminal board 423 are connected to the output side of the main control circuit 402. Various commands such as a prize ball command are output to the payout control board 422. Various commands are output from the main control circuit 402 to the voice lamp control board 424 provided in the voice lamp control device 143 via the relay terminal board 423. Further, to the output side of the main control circuit 402, various motors 274, 275, 331, 341 provided in the winning prize unit 250 and the variable winning device 83 are connected.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 403 connected to the output side of the main control circuit 402 relays the main control circuit 402 and the power supply/launch control board 421, and is the maximum power source DC output from the power/launch control board 421. Monitor a stable 24 volt power supply.

  The payout control board 422 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 224. The MPU 431 as an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 432 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 431, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 433 that is used as a work memory and the like.

  Like the RAM 413 of the main control circuit 402, the RAM 433 of the payout control board 422 is configured such that data storage holding power is supplied from the power supply/launch control board 421 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off to hold data. Has become.

  An input/output port is connected to the MPU 431 of the payout control board 422 via a bus line composed of an address bus and a data bus. The main control circuit 402, the power supply/launch control board 421, and the back pack board 229 are connected to the input side of the payout control board 422. The main control circuit 402 and the back pack board 229 are connected to the output side of the payout control board 422.

  The power supply/launch control board 421 includes a power supply section and a firing control section. The power supply section supplies necessary operating power to each of the main control circuit 402, the payout control board 422, and the like through a path indicated by a double-line arrow. The launch control unit is responsible for launching the game ball launching mechanism 110 according to the operation of the game ball launching handle 41 by the player, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven when a predetermined launch condition is satisfied. ..

  The voice lamp control board 424 controls the various lamp units 23 to 25 and the speaker unit 26. The MPU 441, which is a computing device, includes a ROM 442 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 441, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 443 that is used as a work memory and the like.

  An input/output port is connected to the MPU 441 of the audio lamp control board 424 via a bus line composed of an address bus and a data bus. A main control circuit 402 is connected to the input side of the audio lamp control board 424 by being relayed to a relay terminal board 423, and based on various commands output from the main control circuit 402, various lamp units 23 to 25 and speakers. The unit 26 is controlled.

  Here, various processes in the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 10 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  When the game ball launched by the game ball launching mechanism 110 (see FIG. 13) wins the general winning opening 82 (see FIG. 6), the detection information is sent from the general winning opening detection sensor 84 to the main control circuit 402 of the main controller 162. Is output.

  The MPU 411 of the main control unit 162 periodically performs a determination process for determining the presence or absence of various types of detection information, and when it is determined in the confirmation process that the detection information from the general winning opening detection sensor 84 exists, The drive signal output processing is performed for the drive motors for the blade members 265 and 266. The drive motor operates based on the drive signal output from the main controller 162, and each of the blade members 265 and 266 is switched from the closed position to the open position for a predetermined period.

  While the blade members 265, 266 are open in this way, when the game ball flowing down the game area PE flows into the winning prize unit 250 and the game ball wins the jackpot winning opening 286, The detection information is output from the jackpot winning hole detection sensor 287 to the main control circuit 402 of the main control device 162.

  In the above determination process in the MPU 411 of the main control device 162, when it is determined that the detection information from the jackpot winning hole detection sensor 287 exists, a transition process from the normal gaming state to the jackpot gaming state is executed. In the jackpot game state, a signal for opening the normally closed variable insertion device 83 is output. Based on this signal, the variable winning device 83 is opened, and the inflow of game balls is allowed. After opening the variable winning device 83 a preset number of times, the process of shifting from the jackpot gaming state to the normal gaming state is executed.

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

  The game balls that have entered the winning prize unit 250 are distributed to a plurality of supply paths 301, 302, 316, 317 to reach different parts of the winning prize 350, and the probability of a jackpot being generated due to the difference in the position of the prizes. The configuration is different. As a result, the monotony of the game is suppressed.

  The game balls guided by the distribution device 300 that distributes the game balls to different supply routes are retained in the retaining section 320, and in any supply route 301, 302, 316, 317 based on the operation of the distribution members 330, 340. It is decided whether to be distributed. By performing the above-mentioned distribution by operating the distribution members 330 and 340 in this way, for example, compared with a configuration in which the game ball itself actively moves with respect to the fixed distribution member to perform the distribution. Then, it is possible to easily limit the points to be noted. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the player's eyes. In particular, by arranging the distribution members 330, 340 and the stopping portion 320 close to each other, even if the game ball makes an unexpected movement, it is easy to follow the movement.

  The game ball retained in the retaining portion 320 is swung by the projections 333, 343 and the magnets 334, 344 provided on the distribution members 330, 340. By allowing the movement of the game ball on the stopping portion 320 in this manner, it is possible to give a surprise to the ball entering the ball housing portions 332, 342 of the respective sorting members 330, 340. .. Specifically, the game balls that are stopped in the stop unit 320 do not necessarily enter the ball storage units 332 and 342 when the ball storage units 332 and 342 reach the allowable position that allows the game balls to be received. .. That is, the ball accommodating portions 332 and 342 can pass the game ball stopped at the stop portion 320 sideways through the allowable position. In this way, the interests are improved by diversifying the distribution mode of the game balls.

  In order to increase the unexpectedness of the movement of the game ball, it is considered to be a quick measure to adopt a configuration in which the movement of the game ball cannot be predicted. However, if such a configuration is adopted, it is possible to increase the unexpectedness, but it is assumed that the result of the distribution is more likely to be focused than on the process until the game balls are distributed. .. This is against the purpose of attracting the movement of the game ball, which is not preferable.

  In this respect, in the present embodiment, the distribution mode of the game balls is different not only by the transition of the ball housing portions 332, 342 of the distribution members 330, 340 but also by the transition of the protrusions 333, 343 and the magnets 334, 344. It is possible to predict the movement of the game ball by arranging the structure and further grasping the positional relationship between the game ball and these various structures. As a result, the player can predict the distribution result of the game balls to some extent even in the process of distributing the game balls, that is, even when the game balls are stopped on the stopping part 320, and according to his/her prediction. In order to confirm whether or not the game ball moves, it is considered that it becomes easier to pay attention to the movement of the game ball and further the movements of the various configurations described above. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball and the various configurations described above.

  The game ball stopped at the stop 320 is in a state of being supported by the top 321 of the stop 320. The top portion 321 has a linear shape extending in the front-rear direction, and the center of the game ball is easier to be placed on one of the left and right distribution members 330 and 340. In this way, by moving the position of the game ball to one of the distribution members 330 and 340, the movement of the game ball can be easily understood.

  In addition, the game ball on the stopping portion 320 swings left and right while being supported by the top 321 of the stopping portion 320, that is, the top 321 rotates about the fulcrum. For example, the stroke can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the game ball is rolled between the inclined portions 322 and 323, and the agility of movement of the game ball (responsiveness to external force) can be increased. ing.

  Focusing on the point that the movement of the game ball determines the profit/disadvantage to the player, it is considered that the malfunction of the distribution device 300 should be avoided as much as possible. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the protrusions 333, 343 and the magnets 334, 344 are arranged on the outer circumference of each of the distribution members 330, 340, and the protrusions 333, 340 are rotated by the rotation of the distribution members 330, 340. The positions of 343 and the like change. As described above, the structure that operates the protrusions 333 and 343 and the like is combined with another operation, so that complication of the structure is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned malfunctions and the like.

  Also, the magnet 334, 343 is used to draw the game ball, and the projections 333, 343 are used to keep the game ball away, thereby suppressing monotonous movement of the game ball. In particular, the protrusions 333 and 343 tend to uniformly act by touching the game ball, while the magnets 334 and 343 have different actions depending on the relative distance to the game ball. In this way, by combining and using those having different action modes on the game ball, it is easy to give a surprising effect to the movement of the game ball.

  The game balls captured by the magnets 334, 343 move as if they were mounted on the outer peripheral surfaces 330a, 340a of the distribution members 330, 340 as the distribution members 330, 340 rotate. On the other hand, the game balls stored in the ball storage portions 332, 342 move while being fitted in the distribution members 330, 340. In this way, by making the mode of movement of the game ball different, it is easy to give unexpectedness to the movement of the game ball.

  Further, for example, if the game ball has a configuration in which only one distribution member is provided and the game ball approaches or moves away from the distribution member, the player's attention is biased toward the movement of the game ball toward the approaching side. It is supposed to be easier. In this regard, in the present embodiment, by arranging the distribution members 330 and 340 on the left and right sides of the stopping portion 320, it is easy to draw attention to the movement of the game ball in any direction of rocking (reciprocating motion). It is possible to do.

  With the configuration in which both the distribution members 330 and 340 are rotated, it is easy to secure the operation areas of the distribution members 330 and 340, and the distribution device 300 is made compact. Considering that the winning a prize 350 is arranged in the game area PE and the game area PE is limited, it is assumed that the distribution device 300 is downsized in practice.

  It has a second guide part 304 for guiding the game ball to the distribution device 300, and the second guide part 304 holds the game ball in the stop part 320 depending on whether it is waiting or not. The movement of the playing ball is different. As a result, it is possible to further diversify the movement of the game balls stopped at the stop unit 320.

  Specifically, the game ball following the game ball stopped at the stopping part 320 is configured to press the game ball on the stopping part 320 from the upper side. Even if the game ball on the stopping portion 320 is about to be moved to the first supply paths 301 and 302 by the magnets 334 and 344, the movement of the game ball is hindered by the weight of the succeeding game ball.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, by allowing the game ball to stand by in the second guide portion 304, the player can advantageously carry the game. As a result, it is assumed that the game ball launching handle 41 is operated to send more game balls into the winning prize unit 250, and the player's willingness to play can be increased.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example. By the way, the configurations of the following different modes may be applied to the configurations of the above-described embodiments individually or in combination with each other.

  (A) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the game ball is moved on the “stop portion” is applied to the distribution device 300. That is, in the configuration in which the game balls are distributed to the plurality of supply routes to the winning combination 350, the game balls are rocked. It is also possible to change this and apply to a configuration for determining a big hit or a non-big hit.

  For example, when a game ball enters the ball housing portion 342 of the right distribution member 340, a big hit is given, and when a game ball enters the ball housing portion 332 of the left distribution member 330 or the game ball is magnetized by the magnets 334 and 344. If it is sent to the first guide unit 303, it may be lost.

  (B) In the above embodiment, both distribution members 330 and 340 as "movable members" are configured to rotate, but the distribution members may be configured to slide. Hereinafter, a specific example thereof will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19A is a schematic view of the distribution member.

  The pair of distribution members 501 and 502 are plate-shaped and face each other with the retaining portion 503 interposed therebetween, and are provided so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The plate thickness dimension of both distribution members 501 and 502 is set to be larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball, and these distribution members 501 and 502 penetrate through in the plate thickness direction of their own and are retained at the retaining portion 503. Ball accommodating portions 504 and 505 capable of receiving the game balls are formed. The ball accommodating portions 504 and 505 move to a position that allows the acceptance of the game balls and a position that does not allow the acceptance of the game balls by the vertical movement of the distribution members 501 and 502. Supply routes 506 and 507 for supplying game balls to winning prizes are provided on the opposite side of the stop members 503 in each of the distribution members 501 and 502, and the ball accommodating units 504 and 505 move to the above-not allowed positions. In this case, the game sphere moves from the sphere accommodating portions 504, 505 to the supply paths 506, 507.

  Further, projections 508 and 509 projecting toward the retaining portion 503 side are formed on the plate surface of each distributing member 501 and 502 on the retaining portion 503 side. As each of the distribution members 501 and 502 moves up and down, the protrusions 508 and 509 move and hit the game ball stopped on the stop portion 503. Each of the protrusions 508 and 509 has a tapered shape, and has an upper inclined surface facing obliquely upward and a lower inclined surface facing obliquely downward. The game balls pushed by the inclined surfaces based on the vertical movement of the distribution members 501 and 502 are moved toward the distribution members on the opposite side.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the top portion 321 of the stopping portion 320 has a linear shape. However, this may be modified so that the top portion of the stopping portion has a dot shape or a flat shape.

  Further, the number of game balls stopped on the stop portion 320 is not limited to one, and it is possible to make a plurality.

  Furthermore, although the game ball placed on the top 321 of the stopping portion 320 is configured to swing by tilting to both distribution members 330 and 340, this is changed, and the game ball placed on the stopping portion 320 is changed. It may be configured to swing by going back and forth between the position supported by the left inclined portion 322 and the position supported by the right inclined portion 323.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the left distribution member 330 is rotated counterclockwise and the right distribution member 340 is rotated clockwise in the front view of the pachinko machine 10. However, these distribution members 330 and 340 are arranged. The rotation direction of is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to unify the turning directions of the both distribution members 330 and 340. However, paying attention to the point that the game sphere is placed on the stopping portion 320 and the game sphere is moved by the protrusions 333 and 343, a configuration in which the protrusions 333 and 343 approach the game sphere from above is adopted. Therefore, it is assumed that the game ball and the protrusions 333 and 343 are easily caught, and it is also difficult to separate the game ball from the stopping portion 320 by using the magnets 334 and 344. Therefore, preferably, the turning directions of both the distribution members 330 and 340 may be defined so that the projections 333 and 343 come into contact with the game ball from below.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the rotation speeds of the distribution members 330 and 340 are the same, but the rotation speeds of the distribution members 330 and 340 may be different. Thereby, the movement of the game ball on the stopping portion 320 can be further diversified.

  In particular, in the above-described embodiment, the game balls are easily shifted to the left sorting member 330 side by devising the arrangement of the protrusions 333 and 343 on the assumption that the turning speeds of the sorting members 330 and 340 are the same. However, the rotation speeds of the distribution members 330 and 340 may be set so that the game ball easily approaches the left distribution member 330 side. It should be noted that it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the game ball is prone to shift to the right distribution member 340 side rather than the left distribution member 330 side.

  Further, the rotation speeds of the distribution members 330 and 340 are made different, and the timing of the initial position return is synchronized so that the displacement of the rotation position is eliminated every time the distribution members 330 and 340 rotate a predetermined number of times. It is also possible to let. For example, if the rotation speed of one distribution member is set to 1/3 of the rotation speed of the other distribution member, one distribution member makes one rotation while the other distribution member makes one rotation. It will be. At this time, for example, the first rotation is a period in which the player has an advantage (that is, a period in which the game ball is likely to enter the ball storage portion 342 of the right distribution member 340) based on one of the faster rotation speeds (the second rotation is one rotation) A slightly less favorable period than the eye (that is, a period in which the game ball is more likely to enter the ball housing portion 332 of the left distribution member 330), a third rotation is a more disadvantageous period than the second rotation (that is, the game ball is a magnet 334, 344). It is recommended to set it so that it is a period that is easily supplemented by. Thereby, it is possible to diversify the distribution mode of the game balls while suppressing the complexity of the structure and the complexity of the control.

  Incidentally, the rotation speeds of the distribution members 330 and 340 do not have to be constant. For example, it is possible to make the speed faster or slower at an arbitrary timing, or even temporarily stop it.

  (F) In the above embodiment, when one of the protrusion 333 of the left sorting member 330 and the protrusion 343 of the right sorting member 340 hits the game ball, the other hits the same game ball. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When one of the protrusion 333 of the left sorting member 330 and the protrusion 343 of the right sorting member 340 hits the game ball, the other may not hit the same game ball. For example, the above change may be realized by changing the protrusion amount or the arrangement of the protrusions 333, 343, or may be realized by changing the rotation speeds of the both distribution members 330, 340.

  (G) In the above embodiment, two distribution members as “movable members” are provided, but the number is not limited to two. For example, it may be configured to have only one “movable member”. Hereinafter, a specific example will be described based on FIG. 19B, focusing on the changes from the above embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, in this modified example, the right distribution member 340 is omitted, and the distribution member 511 and the retaining portion 512 are arranged side by side. The upper surface of the stopping portion 512 has a width that allows the gaming balls that are stopped on the stopping portion 512 to roll while descending toward the distribution member 511. Due to this inclination, the game ball stopped on the stop portion 512 is in a state of being urged to the distribution member 511 side.

  When the distribution member 511 is rotated and the game ball is pushed by the protrusion of the distribution member 511, the game ball moves to the side away from the distribution member 511 against the biasing force, and then distributed by its own weight. It returns to the minute member 511 side. Similarly, in the modified example in which the movement of the game ball is allowed, similarly, when the game ball approaches the distribution member 511, the ball accommodation portion 514 is at a position where the game ball is allowed to be received at a good timing. By reaching, the game ball will move from the stopping portion 512 to the distribution member 511.

  A ball stopper 515 that stands up is formed on the uppermost portion of the upper surface of the stopping portion 512. When the game ball is pushed by the projection 513 of the distribution member 511 and the game ball moves along the upper surface of the retaining portion 512, the ball stopper 515 prevents the game ball from spilling.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the protrusion or the magnet as the “action portion” is provided to the distribution member as the “movable member”, but the “action portion” does not necessarily have to be provided to the “movable member”. There is no. Hereinafter, based on FIG. 19C, a specific example will be described focusing on the changes from the above embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19C, the rotating body 521 simplified by omitting the sphere accommodating portion 332 of the left sorting member 330 in the above embodiment, the protrusion 343 and the magnet of the right sorting member 340. A distribution member 522 that is simplified by omitting 344 is arranged side by side on both sides of the stopping portion 523. The upper surface of the stopping portion 523 is gently inclined downward from the distributing member 522 side toward the rotating body 521, and the game ball stopped on the stopping portion 523 tends to be urged toward the rotating body 521 side. Is becoming

  The game ball pushed by the protrusion 524 of the rotating body 521 moves the upper surface of the retaining portion 523 against the upward biasing member 522 against the biasing force. At this time, at the timing when the game ball has climbed up the stop portion 523, if the ball storage portion 525 of the distribution member 522 is in a position that allows the reception of the game ball, the game ball enters the ball storage portion 525. It will be.

  (H) In the above embodiment, the ball housing portions 332 and 342 of both the distribution members 330 and 340 reach the allowable position for accepting the game balls at different timings. May be configured.

  Further, although the protrusions 333 and 343 of the distribution members 330 and 340 pass by the retaining portion 320 at different timings, some combinations of the protrusions 333 and 343 have the same timing at the retaining portion 32. It is also possible to adopt a configuration of passing by. For example, if the ball accommodating portions 332 and 342 of the distribution members 330 and 340 pass through both the projections 333 and 343 at the same time immediately before passing through the allowable position, the game ball is lifted by the both projections 333 and 343. After that, it easily falls to the top 321 of the stopping portion 320. The movement of the game ball dropped on the top 321 is not uniform, and it can enter both of the ball storage parts 332, 342. As a result, it is possible to easily give unexpectedness to the movement of the game ball.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the magnets 334, 344 of the distribution members 330, 340 are configured to slightly project from the outer peripheral surfaces 330a, 340a of the distribution members 330, 340. The amount of protrusion of is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to completely bury the magnets 334 and 344 so that the amount of protrusion from the outer peripheral surfaces 330a and 340a is zero.

  Further, the attraction force (magnetic force) of the magnets 334 and 344 does not necessarily need to be set so as to have the strength for lifting the captured game ball from the retaining portion 320. For example, when the game sphere is captured by the magnets 334 and 344, the strength may be set to such a degree that the movement of the game sphere toward the sphere housing portions 332 and 342 can be blocked.

  An electromagnet may be used instead of the magnets 334 and 344.

  (J) In the above-described embodiment, when the game ball following the game ball on the stopping part 320 is waiting in the second guide part 304, the game ball on the stopping part 320 is moved by the magnets 334 and 344. It was difficult to lift. This is changed, and when the game ball following the game ball on the stopping part 320 is waiting in the second guide part 304, the movement of the game ball to the first supply paths 301 and 302 is prohibited. It may be configured. For example, a stopper portion that blocks upward movement of the game ball following the game ball on the stopping portion 320 may be provided.

  Further, when the following game ball is waiting in the second guide portion 304, the movement of the game ball to the first supply route 301, 302 is configured to be suppressed, but in the first supply route 301, 302 In addition, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the movement of the game ball to the second supply path 316 is suppressed. Hereinafter, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19D is a schematic view showing a modified example of the second guide portion.

  As shown in FIG. 19D, the groove portion 532 of the second guide portion 531 is provided so as to be biased toward the left distributing member 330 side with respect to the retaining portion 320. In this way, by shifting the groove portion 532 to the left side, the game ball B6 waiting in the second guide portion 531 comes into contact with the game ball B7 placed on the stopping portion 320 from the left side. More specifically, the groove portion 532 is formed so that the virtual straight line PL6 passing through the center of the game ball B6 and the center of the game ball B7 passes on the right side of the top portion 321 of the stopping portion 320. As a result, the game ball B7 on the stopping portion 320 is pushed to the right by the subsequent game ball B6, and the game ball B7 is biased to the right distribution member 340 side. Therefore, even if the game ball B7 is pushed to the left distribution member 330 side by the protrusion 343 of the right distribution member 340, the right distribution is performed by the urging force of the subsequent game ball B6 after the projection 343 has passed. It will be pushed back to the member 340 side. As a result, the game balls on the stopping portion 320 are likely to enter the ball housing portion 342 of the right distribution member 340.

  In addition, when the following game ball is waiting in the second guide unit 304, the configuration is changed so that it is advantageous for the player, and when the following game ball is waiting in the second guide unit 304. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the situation is disadvantageous to the player. For example, the modification of the second guide part may be further modified so that the game ball waiting in the second guide part comes into contact with the game ball on the stopping part 320 from the right distribution member 340 side. ..

  (K) In the above-described embodiment, by waiting for one game ball in the second guide portion 304, the game balls on the retaining portion 320 are pulled up by the magnetic force of the magnets 334 and 344 of the distribution members 330 and 340. Although the force of pushing the game ball toward the stopping portion 320 is superior to the force, the force may be changed as follows. In other words, by waiting for a plurality of game balls in the second guide portion 304, the game balls on the retaining portion 320 are pulled up by the magnetic force of the magnets 334 and 344 of the distribution members 330 and 340, respectively. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the force of pushing toward the stopping portion 320 is superior.

  (L) The numbers of the sphere accommodating portions 332, 342, the protrusions 333, 343, the magnets 334, 344 provided on the left and right distribution members 330, 340 are arbitrary, and the numbers of the distribution members 330, 340 are not necessarily the same. You don't have to let it.

  (M) In the above embodiment, the pair of distribution members 330 and 340 are arranged on the left and right, but the distribution members 330 and 340 may be arranged on the front or rear or top and bottom. However, it is assumed that the movement of the game ball between both distribution members becomes difficult to see when the pair of distribution members are arranged front and back, and the structure for moving the game ball becomes complicated when arranged vertically. Considered easy. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the pair of distribution members 330 and 340 on the left and right as shown in the present embodiment.

  (N) In the above-described embodiment, the game balls that have passed through the supply paths 301 (302), 316, 317 are supplied to different places in the prize winning object 350, but this is changed to the prize winning combination. It may be configured to be supplied to the same position in the object 350. However, in this case, the significance of allocating the game balls to the supply paths 301 (302), 316, and 317 is diminished. Therefore, it is advisable to make the following changes together with the above changes. That is, the game balls that have passed through the supply paths 301 (302), 316, and 317 arrive at a winning combination at different timings, and the supply paths 301 (302), 316, and 317 have different advantages. Good. More specifically, the passage lengths of the supply passages 301 (302), 316, and 317 are set so that the first supply passage 301 (302)<the second supply passage 316<the third supply passage 317, and When entering the winning opening 82, the prize winning object 350 is configured to always start rotating from the same state, and as the timing at which the game balls are supplied to the prize winning object 350 is delayed, a jackpot part for a big hit. It is preferable that a game ball be easily inserted into 356.

  (O) In the above embodiment, the distribution members 330 and 340 are operated so that the ball accommodating portion as the “ball receiving portion” is switched between a position where the game balls are accepted and a position where the game balls are not permitted. However, this may be changed as follows. That is, the distribution member may be fixed in a state where the game balls are accepted, and a shutter that is switchable between a position that allows the game balls to be accepted and a position that blocks the same may be separately provided.

  It should be noted that it is not always necessary to employ a ball storage unit that temporarily stores the game balls as the “ball receiving unit”. For example, it is possible to employ a gate unit that can be switched between a position allowing passage of a game ball and a position blocking passage of the game ball as a “ball receiving unit”.

  (P) In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the game ball is supported from below by the stop portion 320, the invention is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic force may be applied to the stopping portion and the game ball may be suspended by the stopping portion.

  (Q) In the above embodiment, the variable winning device 83 is included, but it is possible to omit the variable winning device 83. In this case, for example, the blade members 265 and 266 are opened to increase the frequency of entering the game balls into the winning prize unit 250, and a predetermined number of balls depending on the entering of the winning prize unit 250. It may be configured to pay out the game balls.

  (R) In the above embodiment, all the protrusions 343 of the right distribution member 340 have the same shape, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the shapes of the protrusions 343 may be different. For example, it is also possible to juxtapose protrusions having different lengths in the circumferential direction of the right distribution member 340. It should be noted that it is possible to make similar changes to the left sorting member 330.

  (S) The present invention can also be applied to other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiment, such as pachinko machines equipped with other accessories, arrange ball machines, game machines such as sparrow balls.

  For example, in a gaming machine that has a pattern display device that variably displays a symbol triggered by a winning of the working opening and a stage in which a game ball rolls in front of the pattern display device, The invention (sorting device) may be applied. In this case, for example, the distribution device may be configured to distribute the game balls to a position where it is easy to enter and a position where it is difficult to enter.

<Regarding invention groups extracted from the above embodiments>
The features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiments will be described below, showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiment are appropriately shown in parentheses, etc., but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses, etc.

  It should be noted that the following characteristic group is “a pachinko machine, which is a type of gaming machine, is known that has a winning hole or the like in a gaming area where a gaming ball is launched during a game. When the game ball firing handle is operated, the game ball is fired toward the game area, and when the fired game ball wins a winning opening or the like, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out accordingly. In this, by disposing nails, windmills, etc. in the game area, the flow path of the game ball is dispersed, and the movement of the game ball is diversified, thereby increasing the attention to the movement of the game ball. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.) When a game ball enters a predetermined space partitioned in the game area, the game ball is used as a jackpot part for jackpot and a ball part for loss. There is also a distribution mechanism or the like that sorts the game balls, which makes it easier to increase the degree of attention to the movement of the game balls by causing a difference in advantage and disadvantage depending on the movement of the game balls (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Regarding the background art, there is an invention that "Here, in order to increase the degree of attention to the game ball, it is preferable to give a surprising effect to the movement of the game ball, and there is still room for improvement in giving such a surprising property." It was done with the problem to be solved.

Features A1. A gaming board (gaming board 81) provided with a gaming area (gaming area PE) through which gaming balls flow down,
A stop portion (stop portion 320) for stopping at least a part of the game balls out of the plurality of game balls flowing down the game area,
A ball receiving portion (ball accommodating portion 332, 342) that receives the game balls that are stopped at the stop portion, and a permissible state in which the ball receiving portion allows the reception of the game balls, and a game ball by the ball receiving portion Receiving means (sorting members 330, 340) provided so as to be able to switch to a non-permissible state in which the acceptance of
When a game ball is stopped in the stop portion in a situation where the receiving means is in the non-permissible state, the game ball stays in the stop portion until the receiving means is switched from the non-permissible state to the permissible state. Receiving the game ball that is being received by the ball receiving section from an easy state to a difficult state or from a difficult state to an easy state, or separating the game ball that is retained at the stop portion from the stop portion. A gaming machine comprising: an action part (protrusions 333, 343 and magnets 334, 344) that makes it impossible to receive the game ball by the ball receiving part.

  According to the feature A1, not only the change of the state of the receiving means but also the action of the action portion can change the state of receiving the game ball that has been stopped at the stop portion. As a result, it is possible to diversify the acceptance pattern of the game balls that are stopped at the stop portion, and it is possible to easily give unexpectedness to the movement of the game balls. Furthermore, notable points extend not only to the change of the state of the receiving means but also to the change of the receiving state of the game ball by the action portion. By keeping the game ball in such a state change, it is possible to easily raise the degree of attention to the behavior of the game ball.

  Note that "stopping the game ball" means temporarily stopping the flow of the game ball. That is, it is not always necessary to stop the game ball, and it includes allowing the game ball to swing. Incidentally, it is also possible to replace "park the game ball" with "standby the game ball".

Feature A2. The stop portion moves the game ball in a range including both a specific position where the game ball stopped at the stop portion is easily received by the ball receiving portion and a non-specific position different from the specific position. Has a width that allows
The action part moves the game ball retained in the retaining part from the specific position to the non-specific position until the receiving means is switched from the non-permissible state to the permissible state, or The gaming machine according to A1, wherein the gaming machine is moved from a specific position to the specific position.

  According to the feature A2, by moving the game ball stopped at the stopping part by the action part, it is possible to create an easily acceptable state and an unacceptable state, and it is possible to further increase the attention degree to the behavior of the game ball. it can.

Features A3. The stop portion abuts against the game ball from below, and supports the game ball so that the game ball is biased to at least one of the side closer to the receiving means and the side away from the receiving means. Is something
The game machine according to A1 or A2, wherein the action part moves a game ball on the stopping part against the biasing force.

  For example, if there are innumerable positions of game balls that can be stopped (can be stopped) at the stop portion, it may be difficult to know whether the positions of the stopped game balls are advantageous positions or disadvantageous positions for the player. This is unfavorable because it makes it difficult to predict the movement of the game ball, and may cause a decrease in the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball.

  In this respect, according to this feature, the gaming ball is biased to at least one of the side closer to the receiving means and the side away from the receiving means, so that variation in the stopping position of the gaming ball can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to easily understand what kind of situation the stopped game ball is placed in, and it is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball.

  The game ball can be moved by the urging force and the action of the action portion. Utilizing this, for example, by arranging the game ball to reciprocate, the movement of the game ball can be diversified.

  Features A4. The receiving means is in a position where it is possible to prevent the game ball from coming off from the stopping part by contacting the game ball that is stopped at the stopping part from the front side in the biasing direction of the game ball. The gaming machine according to A3, which is provided.

  As shown in the characteristic A3, in the structure in which the game ball is supported in the urged state by the stop portion, a structure for preventing the game ball from falling off the stop portion or the like may be required. In this respect, as shown in this feature, by arranging the receiving means at a position where it can come into contact with the game ball stopped at the stop portion, it is possible to prevent the game ball from falling off. The complexity of the structure can be suppressed, and a practically preferable structure can be realized.

Features A5. The stopping portion supports the game balls placed on the upper surface of itself (the top portion 321 and the inclined portions 322, 323) from below,
An inclined surface (inclined portions 322, 323) descending to the receiving means side is formed on the upper surface of the retaining portion,
The game machine according to A3 or A4, wherein the action portion moves the game ball retained at the retaining portion from the downstream side of the inclined surface to the upstream side of the inclined surface.

  According to the characteristic A5, the game ball stopped on the stop portion is received by the ball receiving portion of the receiving means by moving to the receiving means side along the slope, or is moved away from the receiving means by the action portion. It may be difficult for the ball receiving section to accept the ball. As described above, the configuration shown in the feature A3 can be preferably realized by adopting the configuration in which the game ball is moved by using the inclined surface of the retaining portion and the action portion.

Features A6. The stopping portion supports the game balls placed on the upper surface of itself (the top portion 321 and the inclined portions 322, 323) from below,
A first inclined surface that descends toward the receiving means and a second inclined surface (inclined portions 322 and 323) that descends toward the opposite side of the receiving means are formed on the upper surface of the retaining portion.
A3 or A4, characterized in that the action portion moves the game ball retained in the retaining portion from the second inclined surface side to the first inclined surface side in the retaining portion. Game machine.

  According to the characteristic A6, the behavior of the game ball stopped at the stop portion is different depending on which side of the two inclined surfaces is approaching. That is, when it is close to the first inclined surface step side, it is moved to the receiving means side along the first inclined surface, and when it is close to the second inclined surface side, it is moved to the receiving means side by the action portion. Be moved to. That is, even if the game balls are stopped at the same stop portion, it is possible to easily change the movement route and the movement timing to the receiving means side. As a result, it is possible to easily give unexpectedness to the movement of the game ball on the stopping portion.

  Features A7. The gaming machine according to any one of A1 to A6, wherein the action portion moves a game ball from the side opposite to the receiving means to the receiving means side with the stopping portion interposed therebetween.

  In the configuration in which the part that can be the target of attention is in the relationship between the action part and the game ball and the relationship between the receiving means and the game ball, as shown in this feature, the action part moves the game ball to the guide means side. By doing so, it is possible to easily understand each relationship. Particularly in combination with the feature A2 and the like, it is possible to improve the intelligibility of the movement of the game ball while improving the intelligibility of the movement of the game ball.

Feature A8. The receiving means has a movable member that is operably provided, and switches the allowable state and the non-allowable state by the operation of the movable member.
The game machine according to any one of A1 to A7, wherein the action section moves in accordance with the operation of the movable member.

  According to the characteristic A8, the action portion moves according to the movement of the movable member. In this way, by arranging the action part to move in accordance with the operation of the movable member (switching between the permitting state and the non-permitting state), it is possible to share the power source for driving the movable member and the action part. It will be possible. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the complication of the configuration due to the configuration while adopting the configuration that raises the attention degree to the game ball.

  It should be noted that it is advisable that the action part moves along with the operation of the movable member and hits the game ball stopped at the stop part to move the game ball. In this case, the simplification of the configuration can be promoted by providing the action portion on the movable member, for example.

  Feature A9. The gaming machine according to A8, wherein the ball receiving portion and the acting portion are provided on the movable member and are arranged along a moving direction of the movable member.

  When an unexpectedness is to be given to the movement of the game ball, for example, the movement of the game ball may be unpredictable, or it may be impossible to determine what is advantageous or unfavorable for acceptance. However, in such a configuration, it is assumed that the player's attention is not focused on the movement of the game ball, but is likely to be focused on the result of the movement of the game ball. It is considered that it does not meet the purpose of trying.

  In this respect, according to this feature, the sphere receiving portion and the acting portion move along the same path as the movable member moves. This makes it possible to predict the timing at which the game ball is easily received and the timing at which the game ball is not easily received, and it is easy to increase the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball as compared to the above-described configuration in which the movement of the game ball is unpredictable. it can.

Feature A10. The movable member is rotatably provided,
The gaming machine according to A8, wherein the ball receiving portion and the acting portion are arranged along a rotation direction of the movable member.

  When realizing the configuration shown in the feature A8, it is possible to employ a configuration in which the movable member slides in a specific direction. However, in the configuration in which the movable member slides, it is assumed that the operation area of the movable member unnecessarily increases. In this respect, according to this feature, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the operation region by arranging the movable member to rotate and further disposing the ball receiving portion and the action portion along the rotation direction. Therefore, it is possible to make the configuration related to the movement of the game ball compact.

  When the action portion hits the game ball to push the game ball to this feature, the movable member can have a further merit by being rotatable. If the structure in which the movable member is slidably provided is adopted, the action portion can be returned to the original position by reciprocating the movable member. However, on the other hand, it is feared that the following restrictions are likely to occur. Specifically, it is assumed that the direction in which the action portion pushes the game ball is different between the outward route and the return route, which may be a factor that makes it difficult to avoid the support between the game ball retained on the retaining portion and the action portion. If it is attempted to avoid such a support, it is assumed that the arrangement and shape of the action portion and the retaining portion are likely to be restricted. In this respect, by adopting the configuration of rotating the movable member as described above, it becomes possible to return the action portion to the original position without reversing the operation direction of the movable member. For this reason, the direction in which the action portion pushes the game ball can be defined as 1, and the above-described support of the game ball can be appropriately suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to make it easy to repeatedly execute the movement of the game ball using the action portion, while relaxing restrictions on the arrangement and shape of the action portion and the retaining portion.

Features A11. A pair of movable members (a left-side distribution member 330 and a right-side distribution member 340) that are operably provided and are arranged with the stopping portion interposed therebetween are provided.
At least one of the two movable members constitutes the receiving means,
At least the other of the two movable members is provided with the acting portion. The gaming machine according to any one of A1 to A10.

  In the configuration in which the part that can be the target of attention is in the relationship between the action portion and the game ball and the relation between the receiving means and the game ball, the retaining portion should be disposed between the action portion and the receiving means as shown in this feature. Then, it is easy to understand each relationship. In particular, by providing a ball receiving portion on at least one of the left and right movable members and providing an action portion on at least the other, it is possible to diversify the change in the receiving state of the game ball and compare the movement of both movable members The movement of the game ball inside can be easily predicted. As a result, not only the acceptance (result) of accepting the game ball, but also the progress until the acceptance of the game ball is determined can be easily focused.

  In addition, for example, both movable members may be arranged side by side. As a result, the behavior of the game ball can be easily seen, and the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game ball described above can be made remarkable.

Feature A12. The stopping portion supports the game balls placed on the upper surface of itself (the top portion 321 and the inclined portions 322, 323) from below,
An inclined surface (inclined portions 322, 323) that descends on at least one of the movable members is formed on the upper surface of the retaining portion,
The movable member is arranged at a position where the outer peripheral portion of the movable member can be prevented from coming off from the stop portion by contacting the game ball retained at the stop portion. The gaming machine according to A11.

  According to the characteristic A12, since the retaining portion has the inclined surface that descends to at least one of the movable members, not only the movement of the game ball by the action of the action portion but also the movement of the game ball by the biasing force becomes possible. For example, it is possible to return the game ball moved to the other movable member side (ball receiving portion side) by the action of the action portion to the original movable member side by the biasing force. In this way, by enabling the reciprocating motion (for example, rocking) of the game ball, it is possible to contribute to the diversification of the motion of the game ball.

  Further, in the configuration for moving the game ball along the inclined surface of the stop portion, a configuration for preventing the game ball from falling off may be necessary. In this respect, as shown in this feature, by disposing the movable member at a position where the outer peripheral portion of the movable member can come into contact with the game ball stopped at the stop portion, the game ball is prevented from falling off. With the configuration, complication of the configuration can be suppressed, and a configuration that is practically preferable can be realized.

Feature A13. Each of the movable members includes the ball receiving portion and the acting portion,
The game unit according to A11, wherein the action unit moves a game ball retained in the retaining unit from one movable member side where the game ball is provided to the other movable member side. Machine.

  According to the feature A13, the game ball can be moved back and forth between both movable members, and the movement of the game ball until the game ball enters the ball receiving portion of one of the movable members can be diversified.

  In addition, the action part has a function of suppressing entry of the game ball into one movable member provided with itself, and a function of promoting entry of the game ball into the ball receiving part of the other movable member. It is possible to add and, and it is possible to contribute to the diversification of the movement of the game ball while suppressing the complexity of the configuration.

  Features A14. The stopping portion supports a game ball placed on the upper surface of itself from the lower side, and the upper surface thereof is on the both movable member sides with the intermediate position of the both movable members as a boundary (for example, the top portion 321). The gaming machine according to any one of A11 to A13, which is descending.

  According to the characteristic A14, since both movable members have the action portions, it is possible to easily move the game balls in and out, and further, the upper surface of the retaining portion descends toward the both movable member sides with the intermediate position of the both movable members as a boundary. Therefore, the game ball can be stopped in a state of being biased to one movable member side and in a state of being biased to the other movable member side. Thereby, the movement of the game ball can be added, and it can be easily understood whether the stop position is advantageous or disadvantageous to the player.

  It should be noted that "with the intermediate position of both movable members as a boundary" does not necessarily mean that the boundary is located in the middle of both movable members, but at least the same boundary is located between both movable members. Is shown.

  Feature A15. Both of the movable members contact the outer peripheral portion of one of the movable members when the game ball retained in the retaining portion is tilted to the one movable member side while being placed on the boundary, The gaming machine according to A14, which is arranged at a position where it abuts on the outer peripheral portion of the other movable member when tilted to the other side.

  When the position of the game ball (which movable member side is biased) is changed by the action part, if the movement of the game ball becomes slow, the degree of attention to the game ball may easily decrease. In this respect, in the present feature, the position can be changed by tilting (shaking) the game ball toward both movable members while remaining on the boundary of the stopping portion. As a result, quick switching is realized, and further, by limiting the range to be noticed, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of the burden on the eyes of the player.

  For example, when the boundary has a dot shape or a linear shape, the game ball may be rotated with the boundary as a fulcrum.

  Feature A16. The game machine according to any one of A1 to A15, wherein the action part sucks a game ball retained in the retention part to the action part.

  According to the characteristic A16, by sucking the game ball by the action portion, it is possible to give a movement to the game ball. For example, in a configuration in which the action portion hits the game ball to move the game ball, whether or not the action portion acts depends on whether or not it hits the game ball. In this respect, in the configuration for sucking the game ball, the action can be different depending on the distance between the game ball and the action portion. This makes it possible to further diversify the movement of the game ball.

  Note that the game ball is generally made of a magnetic material such as iron. Therefore, for example, a magnet or the like may be used as the action part, and the game ball may be attracted by the magnetic force thereof.

Feature A17. The ball guide portion (second guide portion 302) is provided to guide the game ball to the stop portion, and to be able to stand by for the game ball following the game ball stopped at the stop portion,
The stop portion supports the game ball from below,
The ball guide portion is provided at a position higher than the stop portion, and the following game ball (for example, game ball B4) to the game ball (for example, game ball B3) stopped at the stop portion. ) Is waiting, the following game ball is configured to abut the upper part of the game ball that is stopped in the stop portion,
When the game ball is waiting in the ball guide unit, the movement of the game ball retained in the retaining unit based on the suction force of the action unit is moved by the game ball waiting in the ball guide unit. The gaming machine according to A16, which is hindered.

  According to the characteristic A17, it is possible to change the influence of the suction force of the action portion depending on the presence or absence of the following game ball with respect to the game ball retained in the retaining portion. In other words, if there is no subsequent game ball, it is easily affected by the suction force, and if there is a subsequent game ball, the game ball on the stop portion is pushed by the same game ball, so the suction force is increased. Can be less affected by. This can contribute to further diversification of the movement of the game balls.

  In addition, it is also possible to apply the technical idea shown in this feature to the configuration in which the action portion pushes the stopped game ball. However, in this case, it is assumed that a load is likely to be applied to the portion on which the action portion acts. This is not preferable from the viewpoint of functional preservation of the action part. In this respect, as shown in this feature, in the configuration in which the action portion has a suction force, direct contact with the game ball or the like is not necessary, so that it is possible to avoid applying a load to the action portion. Therefore, the function of the action portion can be suitably secured, and a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

Features A18. The receiving means has a movable member that is operably provided, and switches the allowable state and the non-allowable state by the operation of the movable member.
The action part is provided on the movable member, and a second action part that pulls a game ball retained at the stop part and a first action part that is moved away from itself by pushing a game ball retained at the stop part. Has and
The gaming machine according to any one of A1 to A17, wherein the first acting portion and the second acting portion are arranged along a moving direction of the movable member.

  According to the characteristic A18, the movable member is provided with the first action portion provided with the function of moving the game ball away and the second action portion provided with the function of attracting the game ball, and the first action portion and the second action portion are provided. By arranging along the moving direction of the movable member, it is possible to diversify the movement of the game ball stopped at the stopping portion according to the operation of the movable member. It is possible to easily raise the degree of attention to the behavior of the game ball.

  For example, depending on the timing at which the game ball reaches the position where the action of the action part reaches, either the first action part or the second action part may act more easily than the other.

Features A19. A gaming board (gaming board 81) provided with a gaming area (gaming area PE) in which gaming balls flow down,
A stop portion (stop portion 320) for stopping at least a part of the game balls out of the plurality of game balls flowing down the game area,
A ball receiving portion (ball accommodating portion 332, 342) that receives the game balls that are stopped at the stop portion, and a permissible state in which the ball receiving portion allows the game balls to be received, and a game ball by the ball receiving portion Receiving means (sorting members 330, 340) provided so as to be switchable to a non-permissible state in which the acceptance of
In the situation where the receiving means is in the non-permissible state, when the game ball is retained in the stop portion, the game ball in the stop portion until the receiving means is switched from the non-permissible state to the permissible state. Is moved to a specific position where it can be easily received by the ball receiving unit in the stop range that can be stopped, or moves the game ball that is stopped to the same stop unit, or the game ball that exists at the specific position to the stop range. A gaming machine comprising: an action portion (protrusions 333, 343) for moving to a position other than the specific position.

  According to the feature A19, not only the change of the state of the receiving means but also the action of the action portion can change the state of receiving the stopped game ball in the stop portion. As a result, it is possible to diversify the acceptance pattern of the game balls that are stopped at the stop portion, and it is possible to easily give unexpectedness to the movement of the game balls. Furthermore, notable points extend not only to the change of the state of the receiving means but also to the change of the receiving state of the game ball by the action portion. By keeping the game ball in such a state change, it is possible to easily raise the degree of attention to the behavior of the game ball.

  Note that the technical features shown in the features A2 to A18 may be applied to this feature.

Feature A20. A gaming board (gaming board 81) provided with a gaming area (gaming area PE) in which gaming balls flow down,
A stop portion (stop portion 320) for stopping at least a part of the game balls out of the plurality of game balls flowing down the game area,
A first action portion (for example, one of the ball accommodating portion 332, a protrusion 333, and a magnet 334) that moves the game ball that is retained in the stop portion, and a second action portion that moves the game ball in a different mode (for example, one) Movable to have the ball accommodating portion 332, the projection 333, and one of the magnets 334), and to move the action portion within a range including the position where the action of each action portion extends to the game ball retained in the retaining portion. A gaming machine comprising members (sorting members 330, 340).

  According to the characteristic A20, by making the movement mode of the game ball that is retained in the retention part different depending on which of the first action part and the second action part acts, the movement of the game ball is unexpected. It is easy to have. As a result, it is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game ball.

  Note that the technical features shown in the features A2 to A18 may be applied to this feature.

Feature A21. The first acting portion is for adsorbing a game ball to the outer peripheral portion (outer peripheral surface 330a) of the movable member,
The game machine according to A20, wherein the second acting portion is recessed from an outer peripheral portion of the movable member and accommodates a game ball inside the movable member.

  According to the characteristic A21, the game ball retained in the retaining portion is adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface of the movable member or is accommodated in the recess provided in the movable member. In this way, by making a visual difference in the movement mode of the game ball, it is possible to enhance the unexpectedness of the movement of the game ball and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball.

Feature 22A. The first action part is to push the game ball to move the game ball away from the movable member.
The gaming machine according to A20, wherein the second acting portion is recessed from an outer peripheral portion (outer peripheral surface 330a) of the movable member and accommodates a game ball inside the movable member.

  According to the characteristic A22, the game ball retained in the retaining portion is moved away from the movable member or is accommodated in the recess provided in the movable member. In this way, by making a visual difference in the movement mode of the game ball, it is possible to enhance the unexpectedness of the movement of the game ball and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball.

Feature 23A. The first acting portion is for adsorbing a game ball to the outer peripheral portion (outer peripheral surface 330a) of the movable member,
The game machine according to A20, wherein the second action portion pushes the game ball to move the game ball away from the movable member.

  According to the characteristic A23, the game ball retained in the retaining portion is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the movable member or is moved away from the movable member. In this way, by making a visual difference in the movement mode of the game ball, it is possible to enhance the unexpectedness of the movement of the game ball and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball.

Feature B1. A stop section (stop section 320) for stopping the game balls,
While guiding the game ball to the stop portion, if there is a game ball (eg, game ball B4) following the game ball (eg, game ball B3) stopped in the stop portion, the following game ball is present. A guide part (second guide part 304) which can be held in a state of being brought into contact with the game ball stopped in the stop part,
And a moving means (for example, magnets 334 and 344 of the distribution members 330 and 340) for moving the game ball stopped at the stop portion to a predetermined position.
When a game ball following the game ball stopped at the stopping part is waiting at the guide part, the weight of the game ball waiting at the guide part causes the moving means to move to the predetermined position. A game machine characterized in that movement of a game ball is difficult or impossible.

  According to the feature B1, it is possible to change the movement mode of the game ball that is stopped at the stop portion by the weight of the game ball that follows the game ball. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the diversification of the movement mode of the game ball while suppressing the complexity of the structure.

  For example, when a game ball following the game ball stopped at the stop is waiting in the guide, the stopped game ball is moved to a position different from a predetermined position. Good.

Feature B2. A gaming board (gaming board 81) provided with a gaming area (gaming area PE) in which gaming balls flow down,
A stop portion (stop portion 320) which is provided in the game area and stops at least a part of the game balls out of the plurality of game balls flowing down the game area so as to be visible from the front of the gaming machine.
While guiding the game ball to the stop portion, if there is a game ball (eg, game ball B4) following the game ball (eg, game ball B3) stopped in the stop portion, the following game ball is present. A guide part (second guide part 304) which can be held in a state of being brought into contact with the game ball stopped in the stop part,
And a moving means (for example, magnets 334 and 344 of the distribution members 330 and 340) for moving the game ball stopped at the stop portion to a predetermined position.
When a game ball following the game ball stopped at the stopping part is waiting at the guide part, the weight of the game ball waiting at the guide part causes the moving means to move to the predetermined position. A game machine characterized in that movement of a game ball is difficult or impossible.

  According to the characteristic B2, the following effects are exhibited in addition to the effects shown in the characteristic B1. That is, it is possible to diversify the movement mode of the game ball that is stopped at the stop portion, and it is possible to increase the degree of attention to the movement of the game ball. In particular, by making a difference in the movement mode depending on the presence or absence of the following game ball, it is possible to enhance the unexpectedness of the movement of the game ball. For example, by making the following game ball visible, the player's attention can be easily directed not only to the game ball on the stopping portion but also to the game ball following it. Further, by making the following game ball invisible, it is possible to easily give unexpectedness to the behavior of the game ball on the stopping portion.

Feature B3. The moving means has an action portion (magnets 334, 344) that exerts a restraining force that restrains the game ball that is stopped at the stop portion and moves the game ball toward the predetermined position,
A ball load applied to the game ball retained in the stop part by the subsequent game ball when the game ball following the game ball stopped in the stop part is waiting in the guide part. Is set to be larger than the binding force, the gaming machine according to B2.

  According to the feature B3, when there is a following game ball to the stopped game ball, the weight (ball load) of the subsequent game ball exceeds the restraining force of the action portion, so that the game ball is at the predetermined position. Can be prevented from being moved to. On the other hand, when there is no subsequent game ball, the stopped game ball is moved to a predetermined position by the moving means. In this way, by using the restraining force of the action portion and the ball load by the subsequent game ball together, it is possible to promote the diversification of the movement of the game ball.

Feature B4. The stop portion supports the game ball from below,
The guide portion is arranged above the stop portion, and the game ball waiting in the guide portion is arranged so as to come into contact with the game ball supported by the stop portion from above. ,
The game machine according to B3, wherein the action portion acts to separate the game ball from the stop portion by moving upward while restraining the game ball.

  According to the feature B4, the weight (ball load) of the game ball waiting in the guide portion can be appropriately used. As a result, it is not necessary to excessively increase the restraining force in the action portion, and it is possible to suppress the influence of the action portion on other game balls, peripheral parts, and the like.

  Note that any one of the features B1 to B4 may be applied to the features A1 to A23.

  Below, the basic configuration of various game machines to which the above respective features can be applied is shown.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means operated by a player (game ball launching handle 41), game ball launching means launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means (game ball launching mechanism 110), and the shot. A ball passage (guide rail 100) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area, and game parts (such as nails 88) arranged in the game area are provided, and a predetermined passage portion (general winning) of each of the game parts is provided. A gaming machine that gives a bonus to the player when the game ball passes through the mouth 82).

  10... Pachinko machine, 81... Game board, 250... Prize winning unit, 260... Case, 300... Sorting device, 301, 302... First supply path, 303... First guide section, 304... Second guide section, 311, 312... Cylindrical column, 313... Gutter, 314... Groove section, 316... Second supply path, 317... Third supply path, 320... Stop section, 321... Top section, 330... Left side distribution member, 332... Sphere accommodating section, 333... Protrusion, 334... Magnet, 340... Right distribution member, 342... Sphere accommodating portion, 343... Protrusion, 344... Magnet, 350... Prize winning object, 356... Sphere portion.

Claims (2)

Provided on the front side, the flow-down area where the game balls can flow down,
A stopping portion for stopping at least a part of the game balls out of the plurality of game balls flowing down the flow-down area,
A guide section for guiding the game ball to the stop section,
A movable member that is provided so as to be displaceable and that is arranged in parallel with the stopping portion,
The movable member and the stationary portion are configured such that the movable member can come into contact with a game ball placed on the stationary portion from the side,
The movable member has a take-in portion capable of taking in the game ball retained in the stop portion, and when the position of the take-in portion is changed due to the displacement of the movable member, the game ball produced by the take-in portion. It is configured to switch to an allowable state that allows the capture of the game ball and a non-allowable state that does not allow the capture of the game ball by the capture unit,
The movable member moves from the movable member to the game ball by urging the movement of the game ball along the stopping part along with the displacement of the movable member in a situation where the game ball is stopped at the stopping part. It is configured to change the distance of
When a following game ball exists in the guide portion with respect to a predetermined game ball that abuts both the movable member and the stop portion, the predetermined game ball along the stop portion is provided by the subsequent game ball. It is configured to prevent the movement of the game ball of
A game machine characterized in that a stopper portion is provided at a position on the opposite side to the movable member side with respect to the stationary portion, the stopper portion preventing the game ball from falling off from the opposite side position.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, which is a pachinko machine.

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