JP2021010803A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine equipped with a configuration related to excellent suppression of ball return.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine is provided with a game area forming body 80a where a game area PE is formed. In the case that a player performs shooting operation, game balls are shot by a game ball shooting mechanism on the basis of the shooting operation. Game balls thus shot are led to the game area PE through a guide path 103 formed by an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102. The game area PE is provided with a ball return prevention mechanism 106K regulating return of game balls from the game area PE to the guide path 103. The ball return prevention mechanism 106K comprises two prevention devices 106aK, 106bK arranged along an outer rail 102. The respective prevention devices 106aK, 106bK are switched to a block state and a permission state by a left movable body 601a configuring the left prevention device 106aK and a right prevention device 601b configuring the right prevention device 106bK being interlocked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

For gaming machines such as pachinko machines, a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed, a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball when a launching operation is performed by a player, and a launched gaming ball to the gaming area. Some have a ball passage to guide. If a game ball or the like that has reached the game area returns to the ball passage, the game ball may be a factor that prevents the subsequent game ball from reaching the game area. Therefore, at the exit portion of the ball passage, a configuration is arranged in which the inflow of game balls from the ball passage into the game area is allowed, while the generation of return balls such as the inflow of game balls from the game area into the ball passage is suppressed. It is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-83331

However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration related to the suppression of the return sphere described above.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine having a configuration for suppressing a suitable ball return.

The present invention
A game board with a game area formed,
A game ball launching means that launches a game ball based on a launch operation by the player,
A ball passage that guides a game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
Provided in the game area and provided with a regulatory means for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
The regulatory means
It has a first movable body, and when the first movable body is displaced, it switches between a permissible state that allows the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position and a regulated state that regulates the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position. With the 1st Regulatory Department
It has a second movable body provided side by side with the first movable body at a position on the extension of the ball passage, and the second movable body is displaced to allow the game ball to pass at the second regulated position. The second regulation part that switches to the allowable state and the regulation state that regulates the passage of the game ball at the second regulation position,
Having a switching means for switching the states of the first regulating unit and the second regulating unit by displacing the other based on the displacement of one of the first movable body and the second movable body. It is a feature.

According to the present invention, a configuration related to suppression of ball return can be made suitable.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the main structure of a pachinko machine in development. It is a perspective view which shows the main structure of a pachinko machine in development. It is a front view which shows the structure of the game board. (A) is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the ball return prevention mechanism and its peripheral configuration in FIG. 4, and (b) is a schematic view showing a game board in a conventional pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the ball return prevention mechanism. It is the schematic which shows the movement of the game ball when the movement of a movable body is hindered. (A) A partially enlarged view of the game board showing the ball return prevention mechanism and its peripheral configuration in the second embodiment, and (b) a schematic view showing the movement of the game ball when the movement of the movable body is hindered. .. It is a partially enlarged view of the game board which shows the ball return prevention mechanism and its peripheral structure in 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the movement of the game ball when the movement of a movable body is hindered. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the ball return prevention mechanism. (A) is a schematic view showing a ball return prevention mechanism according to a fourth embodiment, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 14 (a). It is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 13B which shows the relationship between a game ball and a movable body. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the pachinko machine in 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the contents of various counters used for a winning or losing lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing by the MPU of the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the normal processing by MPU of a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the drive control processing for a ball return prevention mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the process for controlling the launch of a game ball. It is a flowchart which shows the firing control processing executed in the firing control part of a power supply / firing control device. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the game ball launched based on the firing operation, and the state of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is a partially enlarged view of the game board which shows the ball return prevention mechanism and the peripheral structure thereof in 6th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the ball return prevention mechanism and its peripheral structure. It is a perspective view which shows the ball return prevention mechanism. (A) is a side view of the ball return prevention mechanism, and (b) is a plan view of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is an exploded perspective view of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is a timing chart which shows the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the ball return prevention. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is the schematic which shows the ball return prevention mechanism in 7th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is a timing chart which shows the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the ball return prevention.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 as viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main configurations of the pachinko machine 10. Note that in FIG. 2, for convenience, the configuration in the gaming area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 is composed of an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a game machine main portion 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting long frame members on four sides and is formed so as to form a rectangular frame as a whole. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. The outer frame 11 is not an indispensable configuration for the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in the island equipment of the game hall or the like.

The game machine main portion 12 is supported by an outer frame 11 in a state where it can be opened and closed. Specifically, the upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to the connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further below to the connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. A side support metal fitting 18 is provided. A support mechanism is composed of the upper support metal fittings 17 and the lower support metal fittings 18, and the support mechanism causes the game machine main portion 12 to rotate on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11. , The right side is the rotation tip side, and the pachinko machine 10 can be rotated forward (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game machine main portion 12 is arranged behind the inner frame 13 as a base body, the front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and the inner frame 13. It is equipped with a back pack unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the game machine main portion 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can rotate forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the game machine.

The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the game machine. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, so that the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the game machine and can be rotated backward. There is.

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame 20 having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. There is. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of the game area PE described later can be visually recognized from the front, and the window portion 21 is the same by the glass unit 22. It is closed from the back side of the front door frame 14.

The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder for holding the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition portion that partitions the holding region of the glass panel 23 back and forth, and both glass panels 23 face each other in the front and rear with the partition portion interposed therebetween. That is, by securing a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the game area PE is doubly covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

It is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 by using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame body 20. Further, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to face each of the glass panels in the front-rear direction with a predetermined gap in between. Incidentally, it is also possible to use a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of the glass panel.

Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21). For example, an annular illumination portion 26 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the peripheral edge of the window portion 21. The annular illumination unit 26 is lit or blinked according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp unit 27 that lights up when a problem such as an error occurs is provided at the center of the annular illumination unit 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and further to the left and right of the error display lamp unit 27 is being paid out. A illuminating prize ball lamp unit 28 is provided. Further, at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28, a speaker unit 29 for outputting sound effects, BGM, etc. according to the game state is provided.

Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 bulging toward the front side and a lower bulging portion 32 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 launch mechanism described later while arranging them in a row. Further, the lower plate 34 has a function of storing the surplus game balls in the upper plate 33 and a game in which the game balls launched by the game ball launching mechanism do not reach the game area PE (see FIG. 2). When the ball (so-called foul ball: return ball) is returned to the player, it has a function as a saucer for storing the discharged game ball.

A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to project toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, the game ball is launched from the game ball launch mechanism described later. The rate of fire of the game ball increases as the operation amount (rotation amount) of the rotation operation member provided on the game ball launch handle 41 increases, and this operation amount is adjusted by the player to a predetermined amount. In that case, the game ball reaches the game area PE.

As shown in FIG. 2, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of a synthetic resin and has a front door side upper plate passage leading to the upper plate 33 and a front door side lower plate passage leading to the lower plate 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed in the upper corner portion thereof, and the entrance portion of the upper plate passage on the front door side is formed by partitioning the receiving portion to the left and right by a partition wall. A section is formed between the portion and the entrance portion of the lower plate passage on the front door side. The upper plate passage on the front door side and the lower plate passage on the front door side lead to the game ball distribution section described later on the upstream side, and the game balls entering the upper plate passage on the front door side are guided to the upper plate 33 and lower on the front door side. The game ball that has entered the plate passage is guided to the lower plate 34.

On the rotation base end side on the back surface of the front door frame 14, protrusion shafts are provided at the upper end portion and the lower end portion thereof. These protrusion shafts form an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

Next, the inner frame 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

(Inner frame 13)
As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 13 is mainly composed of an inner frame base body 50 having a substantially rectangular outer shape similar to the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the inner frame base body 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. Further, the inner frame base body 50 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame base body 50. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The curtain plate is arranged below the inner frame base body 50 (specifically, the lower end thereof), and when the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the inner frame base body 50 is placed on the curtain plate. It will be listed. A slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the inner frame base body 50 for the purpose of preventing mutual interference.

Support metal fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 2) on the front surface of the inner frame base body 50. Although not shown, the support metal fittings 71 and 72 have shaft portions, and by inserting the bearing portions provided in the front door frame 14 into these shaft portions, the front door frame with respect to the inner frame 13 is inserted. 14 is rotatably supported.

A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is provided on the rotating tip side (right side in FIG. 2) of the inner frame base body 50. The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end portion (vertical frame member described later) of the inner frame base body 50, and the hook members 76 for the front door are arranged scattered in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) thereof. have. When each of the front door hook members 76 is hooked on the hook receiving member 49 provided on the front door frame 14, the front door frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 in an unopenable manner. Further, the locking device 75 has an inner frame hook member 77 extending to the rear side of the inner frame 13. By hooking the inner frame hook member 77 on the hook receiving member 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, the game machine main portion 12 is locked with respect to the outer frame 11.

A cylinder lock 78 for unlocking the locking device 75 is installed in the inner frame base body 50 (locking device 75). The cylinder lock 78 is provided separately from the locking unit (each hook member 76, 77, interlocking rod, etc.) that constitutes the main part of the locking device 75, and is arranged adjacent to the locking unit. When the key inserted in the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right (clockwise), the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the inner frame 13, and the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the left (counterclockwise). And the outer frame 11 is configured to be unlocked from the inner frame 13.

A storage recess for accommodating the game board unit 80 is formed in the central portion of the inner frame base body 50. The accommodating recess is recessed according to the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the gaming board unit 80 is fixed by a manual lock mechanism in a state of being fitted in the accommodating recess.

(Game board unit 80)
The game board unit 80 is provided on the front side of the game area PE on which the game ball flows down and on the back side of the game area forming body 80a and the game area forming body 80a, and various game parts (variable display unit, control device) described later. , Movable effect mechanism, decorative member capable of emitting light, etc.) are integrated with the back block 80b, which is mounted on the base body 135. The game area forming body 80a is made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the front surface portion of the back block 80b is visible through the game area forming body 80a.

As described above, the game area PE is covered with the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23). In the glass unit 22, the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game area forming body 80a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game ball flowing down the game area PE is the same game area PE. They are arranged so that they are not lined up in the front and back at the same place. As a result, ball clogging in the game area PE is suppressed.

Hereinafter, the game board unit 80 (particularly, various configurations arranged in the game area PE of the game area forming body 80a) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board unit 80. Note that in FIG. 4, the display of game parts such as game nails and wind turbines is omitted.

The game area forming body 80a is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (front-rear direction), and each opening has a general winning opening 81, a variable winning device 82, an operating opening 83a, 83b, and the like. Through gates 84 and the like are arranged respectively. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ports 83a, 83b, the game ball is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) provided corresponding to each winning portion, and the detection result thereof. A predetermined number of prize balls (payment of game balls) and other benefits are given to the player based on the above. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game area forming body 80a, and the game ball that has not entered the various entry portions or the like is discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish from the entry of the game ball into the out opening 89, the entry of the game ball into the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b is also referred to as "winning". Express.

Further, in the game area forming body 80a, a large number of game nails are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill are arranged. There is. The flow path of the game ball is differentiated by various configurations of the game nails, the windmill, and the like, and adjustments are made so that the above-mentioned general winning opening 81 and the like are won with an appropriate probability.

A central opening is formed in the center of the game area forming body 80a, and a variable display unit 86 belonging to the back block 80b, a movable effect mechanism, and the like are located behind the central opening. The variable display unit 86 can be visually recognized from the front of the game machine through the central opening (opening cover).

Actuating ports 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, and the like are arranged around the central opening. The operating ports 83a and 83b are composed of an upper operating port 83a arranged below the variable display unit 86 and a lower operating port 83b arranged directly under the upper operating port 83a, and particularly the lower operating port 83b. The (lottery opportunity ball entry section) 83b is provided with an electric accessory 91 as an opening / closing type ball entry assist device (ball entry assisting means) or an opening / closing member (opening / closing means). The electric accessory 91 includes a movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the movable piece, and the position of the movable piece is changed by the drive unit so that the ball enters the lower operating port 83b. It is possible to switch between an allowed open state (auxiliary state) and a closed state (non-auxiliary state) in which the same ball cannot enter. Regarding the closed state of the electric accessory 91, it is sufficient if it is more difficult to enter the ball than in the open state, and it is not always necessary to disable the entry.

The through gates 84 are arranged on the left and right sides of the central opening (on the side of the variable display unit 86), and when a lottery triggered by the passage of the through gate 84 of the game ball is won, an electric combination is provided. The object 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time.

The variable winning device (special winning device or special winning means) 82 is formed with a large winning opening leading to the back side of the game area forming body 80a, and an opening / closing member (opening / closing) for opening / closing the large winning opening. An opening / closing door is provided as a means). The opening / closing door can be switched between an open state (auxiliary state) in which the game ball can enter and a closed state (non-auxiliary state) in which the same ball cannot enter. Further, the opening / closing door is connected to a variable winning drive unit (specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game area forming body 80a, and the opening / closing door is normally kept closed and an internal lottery is performed. In, if you win the transition to the open / close execution mode (open / close execution state) (big hit: if you win the transition to the special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state), you can switch to the open state. It has become. Regarding the closed state of the opening / closing door, it is sufficient if it is more difficult to enter the ball than in the open state, and it is not always necessary to disable the entry.

Here, the open / close execution mode is a mode that shifts when a big hit is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 82 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, the passage of a predetermined time (for example, 30 sec) or the winning of a predetermined number (for example, 10) is set as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 16 rounds) are set as the upper limit. It is set so that the opening and closing doors are repeatedly opened.

Here, the variable display unit 86 will be supplementarily described. The variable display unit 86 has a symbol display device 87 that variably displays (variablely displays) the symbols triggered by winning a prize in the operating ports 83a and 83b. The symbol display device 87 is configured as a liquid crystal display device provided with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 87a of the symbol display device 87, for example, the symbols are displayed side by side in the upper, middle, and lower directions, and these symbols are scrolled in the left-right direction so as to be variablely displayed. Then, when the jackpot is won, the symbols of the predetermined combination are stopped and displayed on the preset effective line, and the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot). The symbol display device 87 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or a 7-segment type display device.

The game area forming body 80a is provided with a center frame 95 so as to surround the central opening. The center frame 95 is fixed to the game area forming body 80a (specifically, a plate body) from the front side thereof, and in such a fixed state, the center frame 95 stands up from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a. The gap between the center frame 95 and the glass unit 22 is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, it is prevented that the game ball flowing down the game area PE collides with the symbol display device 87, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is on the right side of the variable display unit 86 (specifically, the center frame 95). It is roughly divided into a route that detours from the left side (hereinafter referred to as the right route) and a route that detours from the left side (hereinafter referred to as the left route).

A stage portion on which the game ball can roll left and right is formed on the upper surface of the frame portion forming the lower portion of the center frame 95. The game balls that flow in from the inflow ports formed in the left and right left frame portions of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage portion through the warp passage also formed in the center frame 95. The stage portion is configured so that the game ball that has reached the stage portion can relatively easily flow into the upper operating port 83a, and the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage portion is improved. Contributes to.

A first holding lamp portion 98a and a second holding lamp portion 98b are provided on the front surface of the frame portion forming the lower portion of the center frame 95. The first holding lamp unit 98a on the left side corresponds to the upper operating port 83a, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the upper operating port 83a is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is increased by lighting the first holding lamp unit 98a. It is supposed to be displayed. The second holding lamp unit 98b on the right side corresponds to the lower operating port 83b, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the lower operating port 83b is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is increased by lighting the second holding lamp unit 98b. Is displayed.

The operating ports 83a and 83b are arranged at positions close to the central opening (variable display unit 86). Since it is possible to shift to the special gaming state by triggering the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b, the player pays attention to whether or not the operating ports 83a and 83b are won and grasps whether or not to shift to the special gaming state. Therefore, it is considered that attention should be paid to the symbol display device 87. The fact that the operating ports 83a and 83b are provided closer to the variable display unit 86 is a device for concentrating the points that the player wants to pay attention to around the variable display unit 86.

At the right end of the game area forming body 80a (the rotating tip of the game board unit 80 described later), a game area partitioning member 99 for partitioning the game area PE is arranged together with the guide rail 100 described later. The game area partition member 99 is provided with a stopper member on which a game ball flying along the guide rail 100 collides. The stopper member is a cushioning member arranged near the tip of the guide rail 100, and the game ball that collides with the stopper member flows down the game area PE (specifically, the right route) after its momentum is weakened. .. That is, the stopper member is provided with a de-energizing function that weakens the momentum of the colliding game ball.

A rail cover 107 is provided at the left end of the game area forming body 80a so as to cover the outer rail 102 from the side. The game board unit 80 is often handled as a single unit during manufacturing or maintenance work, and at this time, the outer rail 102 may collide with the game table or the like. The rail cover 107 is a member mounted in view of such circumstances, and is provided with a protective function for preventing the outer rail 102 from being deformed due to the above factors or the like. A main display unit 88 is arranged on this protective member.

A part of the main display unit 88 is arranged so as to face the glass unit 22. A main display unit for displaying a predetermined pattern or the like is provided on the facing portions. The main display unit 88 is electrically connected to a main control device described later, and the display content of the main display unit is controlled by the main control device.

The main display unit is for the lower operating port display unit that displays the lottery result based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a, and for the right operating port that displays the lottery result performed based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b. It has a display unit. In the display unit for the lower operating port, the variation display of the pattern is performed by triggering the winning of the upper operating port 83a, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a is performed. The result is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the upper operating port 83a is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the display unit for the lower operating port, and the stop result is predetermined. After the pattern of is displayed, the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode.

In the display unit for the lower operating port, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the lower operating port 83b, and as a result of the stop of the variation display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b is performed. The result is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b is the winning result corresponding to the big hit, the variable display is stopped on the display unit for the right operating port, and a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result. After that, the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

Here, based on the winning of any of the operating ports 83a and 83b, the variation display is started on the corresponding operating port display unit, the predetermined stop result is displayed, and the game is played until the variation display is stopped. Corresponds to one time. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents, and for example, a single display area is provided, and even if any of the operating ports 83a and 83b is won a prize, the single display area is provided. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the game is played once until the variable display is stopped while the predetermined stop result is displayed. It is also possible to.

Further, in addition to the above both display units, the main display unit of the main display unit 88 is provided with a through gate display unit that displays lottery results based on winning a prize in the through gate 84. In the through gate display unit, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the through gate 84, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 84 is clearly shown as the stop result of the variation display. Will be done. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the through gate 84 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric service open state, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit and the variable display is displayed. After being stopped, it shifts to the electric service open state. In the electric service open state, the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower operating port 83b is opened in a predetermined mode.

Further, in the present embodiment, the number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is held up to 4 times, but the number of times held is displayed on the main display unit of the main display unit 88. A display unit for the number of reserved items is provided.

The main display unit described in detail above can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the game ball is prevented from moving in front of these various display units. Therefore, its visibility is guaranteed.

Explaining the configuration of the inner frame 13 again with reference to FIG. 2, a game ball is launched into the game area PE below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50 based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41. A game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided.

(Game ball launch mechanism 110)
The game ball launch mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball arranged at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines a launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying balls and a base plate 114 on which these various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as a main configuration, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the inner frame base body 50 to form the same. It is integrated with the inner frame base body 50.

The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in a state of being inclined obliquely so as to be inclined upward toward the game area forming body 80a side. The launch rail 112 is formed with a groove portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section, and the front-rear position of the game ball is defined by fitting the game ball into the groove-shaped portion.

At a position closer to the downstream end (that is, the lower end) of the launch rail 112, a ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 to the launch standby position described above is arranged. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream from the ball stopper.

The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply / emission control device described later. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction based on the output of the electric signal from the power supply / launch control device, so that the game ball placed in the launch standby position is on the game area forming body 80a side, in detail. Is launched toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the game area forming body 80a.

The guide rail 100 is formed by partitioning the game area PE together with the game area partition member 99 fixed to the game area forming body 80a (specifically, the front surface of the plate body) so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. There is. Further, 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 larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the guide passage 103 is formed by the two rails 101 and 102. Has been done. The guidance passage 103 has an entrance portion 104 opened to the tip end side (obliquely downward) of the launch rail 112, and an exit portion 105 located above the game area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of launch rail 112 → guidance rail 100 (entrance portion 104 → exit portion 105).

In the game area forming body 80a, a ball return prevention mechanism 106 for preventing the game ball reaching the game area PE from returning to the same guidance passage 103 is provided on the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101. It is attached to prevent the game ball that has reached the game area PE first from hindering the launch of the subsequent game ball.

The rails 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 have an arc shape centered on a substantially central portion of the game area PE. Therefore, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, that is, while in contact with the outer rail 102, due to the centrifugal force generated by itself. That is, when the game ball is launched so as to deliver the game ball to the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guidance passage 103 constitutes a passage area (passage path) through which the game ball substantially passes. However, the region along the inner rail 101 is substantially a region through which the game ball does not pass.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112, the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 diagonally face each other with the lower end edge of the game area forming body 80a interposed therebetween. It is located in. That is, both of the rails 100 and 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are displaced to the left and right near the lower end edge of the game area forming body 80a. As a result, both rails 100 and 112 are brought closer to the lower end edge of the game area forming body 80a, and a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the inlet portion 104 of the guidance rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

A foul ball passage 46 is arranged below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage 46 is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns in the guidance passage 103 as a foul ball, the foul ball enters the foul ball passage 46 through the gap. It becomes. The foul ball passage 46 leads to the lower plate passage on the front door side, and the game ball entering the foul ball passage 46 is discharged to the lower plate 34 shown in FIG. As a result, the interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be launched next is suppressed.

In the inner frame base body 50, a through hole is formed on the left side of the launch rail 112 (specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14) to penetrate the inner frame base body 50 in the front-rear direction. A passage forming member 121 is arranged in the door. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base body 50, and has an upper plate passage on the main body side and a lower plate passage on the main body side. The upstream side of the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage leads to a game ball distribution section described later. Further, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side upper plate passage. The front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side lower plate passage.

In the inner frame base body 50, below the passage forming member 121, an opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage is attached. The opening / closing member 124 is urged at a front position for closing the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage, and when the front door frame 14 is opened, each opening / closing member 124 is closed by this urging force. As a result, the game ball is prevented from falling out from each passage. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the urging force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage and the front door side upper plate passage communicate with each other, and the main body side lower plate passage and the front door side lower plate passage communicate with each other.

Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (inner frame base body 50 and game board unit 80) will be described with reference to FIG.

A bearing bracket 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 3) on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50. Bearing portions are formed in the bearing metal fittings 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably held with respect to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions. Further, on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50, a plurality of fixing levers for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame base body 50 in a closed state are provided.

As described above, the bottom portion of the accommodating recess (game board accommodating portion) in the inner frame base body 50 penetrates in the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50 and is opened to the back side of the inner frame base body 50. A hole is formed, and various configurations such as a control device arranged on the back surface of the game board unit 80 (rear block 80b) are exposed on the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board unit 80 will be described.

As described above, the back block 80b is attached to the back surface of the game area forming body 80a. The back block 80b has a substantially box-shaped base body 135 open to the game area forming body 80a side, and the base body 135 is fixed to the back surface of the game area forming body 80a to form a game area. The body 80a and the back block 80b are integrated.

The front side of the base body 135 is an arrangement area for a movable effect mechanism, a decorative member capable of emitting light, and the like, and the back side thereof is a control device for controlling various configurations and the variable display unit 86 (design display device). It is the arrangement area of 87).

More specifically, a part of the base body 135 projects toward the back surface side of the inner frame base body 50, and the above-mentioned symbol display device 87 and the symbol display device 87 are driven with respect to the protruding portion. Display control device and is installed. The symbol display device 87 and the display control device are arranged so as to be stacked so that the symbol display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50). Further, a notification / effect control device 140 is mounted on the back surface of the base body 135 so as to be located behind the display control device.

The notification / effect control device 140 includes a notification / effect control board that controls voice output, lamp display, and control of the display control device according to instructions from the main control device described later, and the notification / effect control board is transparent. It is housed in a substrate box 141 made of a resin material or the like.

Below the notification / effect control device 140, a main control device unit 160 is provided so as to cover the base body 135 from the rear. The main control unit 160 has a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the back surface of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the back block 80b) and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. There is. The main control device 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 163 made of the above.

The substrate box 163 includes a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a box sealing portion as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions are provided on the short side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing part as long as the box base and the box cover are unopenable, but by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole that constitutes the box sealing part, the box base and the box cover can be attached. It is designed so that it cannot be opened with the box cover. The sealing process by the box sealing part prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the illegal opening is performed, and once opened. Even after this, it is possible to perform the sealing process again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking pin into at least one locking hole among the plurality of box sealing portions. When the board box 163 is opened when a defect occurs in the housed main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the main body of the board box 163 is formed. To disconnect. As a result, the box base of the board box 163 and the box cover are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of opening the board box 163 is left in the board box 163, it is easy to find out that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 163.

The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are unopenably connected by a pedestal sealing portion. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion has a locking hole portion and a locking pin similar to the box sealing portion, and the board box 163 and the mounting base are formed by inserting the locking pin into the locking hole portion. It is designed to be inseparably coupled with 161. This makes it easier to grasp the fact when the board box 163 is illegally removed.

The portion of the front surface of the base body 135 facing the lower back surface of the game area forming body 80a corresponds to the game board openings of the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b, and is downstream. A collection passage (not shown) that gathers at one place on the side is formed. As a result, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 81 or the like are gathered below the game board unit 80 via the collection passage. That is, the base body 135 is provided with a function of collecting the game balls that have won prizes in various winning openings.

A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board unit 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board unit 80 are led out into the discharge passage by the collection passage. The out port 89 is also connected to the discharge passage, and the game ball that has not won a prize in any of the winning ports is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 89.

Further, the base body 135 constituting the back block 80b includes a general winning opening detection sensor for detecting a game ball winning in the general winning opening 81 and a variable winning device as detection sensors for each winning portion described above. A detection sensor for a variable winning device that detects a game ball that has won a prize in 82 and a detection sensor for an operating port that detects a game ball that has entered the operating ports 83a and 83b are mounted, and the winning detection mechanism is provided by these various detection sensors. Is configured. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and detection information (detection signal) is output from each detection sensor to the main control device 162.

Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201 as a main body of the back pack unit 15, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device collecting 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 protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Become. The protective cover portion 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 variable display unit 86.

The base portion 211 is provided with an external output terminal plate 213. Various output terminals are provided on the external output terminal plate 213, and various signals are output to the management control device (hall computer) on the game hall side through these output terminals. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower hook pins at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the back pack is inserted by inserting the hook pins into the bearing portion provided on the inner frame 13. The unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixing lever provided in the inner frame 13 is inserted, and the fixed lever is inserted into the insertion portion and abuts on the base portion 211 from behind. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by the method.

The payout mechanism portion 202 is arranged on the base portion 211 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism unit 202 is provided with a tank 221 arranged at the uppermost part of the back pack 201 and opened upward, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. To. A tank rail 222 that gently inclines toward the downstream side is connected to the side of the tank 221 and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device are supplied to the game ball distribution section provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device.

The game ball distribution unit has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device to any of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or the discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is on the main body side described above. It is formed so as to lead to the upper plate 33 via the plate passage 122 and the upper plate passage on the front door side, and to lead to the lower plate 34 via the lower plate passage 123 on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the front door side. There is.

A discharge passage board and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion back and forth. The discharge passage board is formed with a discharge passage that is open to the rear on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and the open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island equipment of the game hall, etc., and the game ball led out from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like to the discharge passage passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. It is discharged.

The control device collective unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base, and the payout control device 242 and the power supply / firing control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to be stacked in the front-rear direction 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 is housed in the board box 244, and a state return switch provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device, the ball jam can be cleared.

In the power supply / launch control device 243, the power supply / launch control board is housed in the board box 246. A predetermined power source required by various control devices and the like is generated and output by the power supply / launch control board, and the launch of the game ball is controlled by the player operating the game ball launch handle 41. Specifically, the drive control of the solenoid 111 constituting the game ball launch mechanism 110 and the drive control of the ball feeding device 113 are executed.

Further, the power supply / launch control device 243 is provided with a power supply switch. By operating the power switch, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched between the on state (on state) and the cutoff state (off state).

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a storage and retention function for various data, retains the state at the time of a power failure even in the unlikely event of a power failure, and returns to the state at the time of a power failure when recovering from the power failure. You can do it. For example, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure as in the case of the closing of the game hall, the state before the shutoff is stored in memory. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erasing switch provided in the main control device 162, the RAM data is initialized.

These various switches can be operated from the front side of the game machine by opening the game machine main part 12 (inner frame 13) to expose the back part of the inner frame 13. On the other hand, in a state where the opening of the game machine main unit 12 is restricted by the locking device 75, these various switches cannot be operated from the front side of the game machine. That is, the above-mentioned various switches are difficult to operate when the game machine main unit 12 is closed, and are operated from the front side of the game machine by a person who does not have a key for the locking device 75 (for example, a cheating person). Is difficult.

In the type of gaming machine described in detail above, by preventing the game ball that has reached the game area from returning to the guidance passage 103 by the ball return prevention mechanism provided in the game area, for example, the preceding game ball follows. It suppresses the factors that hinder the arrival of the game ball in the game area. This promotes the smooth progress of the game. However, as long as the ball return prevention mechanism exists in the game area, there is a complete possibility that the game ball that has reached the game area will bounce off the game parts such as game nails and collide with the prevention mechanism from the opposite side of the guide passage, for example. It cannot be denied.

If the operation of the ball return prevention mechanism is hindered by such an event (collision of the preceding game ball), the subsequent game ball that should have originally reached the game area cannot reach the game area, and the subsequent game ball cannot reach the game area. The game ball can go back in the guidance passage (a foul ball or the like is generated). The generation of such a foul ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

One of the features of the present embodiment is that, in view of such circumstances, a device for suppressing the generation of the foul sphere is taken. Therefore, the configuration according to the device will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5A and 6. FIG. 5A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4 showing the ball return prevention mechanism 106 and its peripheral configuration, and FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 106.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the ball return prevention mechanism 106 is arranged at the tip of the outlet portion 105 of the guide passage 103 partitioned by the guide rail 100 (inner rail 101 and outer rail 102). The ball return prevention mechanism 106 is composed of a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) prevention devices arranged side by side on the extension of the inner rail 101, and these prevention devices can be operated individually. .. These prevention devices have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the configuration of each prevention device will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 6 illustrates a prevention device arranged near the outlet portion 105.

The prevention device includes a movable body 301 that can be switched between an allowable state in which the game ball can pass between the outer rail 102 and a blocking state in which the game ball is blocked from passing, and a holder 311 that holds the movable body 301. It will be done. The holder 311 has a flat plate-shaped mounting base 312, and the prevention device is integrated with the game area forming body 80a by fixing the mounting base 312 to the game area forming body 80a.

A shaft pin 313 extending in the front-rear direction is fixed to the mounting base 312, and the shaft pin 313 is inserted through a bearing portion 302 formed in the movable body 301. As a result, the movable body 301 can rotate about the shaft pin 313 (the central axis CL extending in the front-rear direction) along the front surface of the game area forming body 80a.

The movable body 301 has a main body portion 305 in which the bearing portion 302 is formed, and a substantially flat plate-shaped projecting piece 303 projecting upward (detailed later, a passage region) from the rotation center portion of the main body portion 305. There is. A weight is embedded in the portion of the main body 305 that is opposite to the protruding piece 303 with the rotation center portion sandwiched between them, so that the center of gravity of the movable body 301 is located outside the central axis CL. Has been done.

The holder 311 is formed with an upright portion 314 that stands up from the mounting base 312 in front of the game machine. The upright portion 314 has a wall shape and faces the main body portion 305 of the movable body 301 from the side opposite to the outer rail 102. A first stopper that prevents the movable body 301 from rotating in the counterclockwise direction about the central axis CL by contacting the upright portion 314 with the main body portion 305 from the side opposite to the outer rail 102. Part 315 is formed.

The first stopper portion 315 is arranged below the central axis CL, and the center of gravity of the movable body 301 is located on the left side of the central axis CL when the main body portion 305 is in contact with the first stopper portion 315. It is configured in. As a result, the movable body 301 is maintained in a state of being pressed against the first stopper portion 315 by its own weight.

In this state, the tip portion of the protruding piece 303 is located in the extension region of the guidance passage 103, specifically, the passage region TE of the game ball along the outer rail 102, and the gap (gap) between the tip portion of the protruding piece 303 and the outer rail 102. The dimension X1) is smaller than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. In this way, the tip portion of the protruding piece 303 is located in the passing region TE (a state in which a part of the protruding piece 303 overlaps the passing region TE), that is, the tip portion of the protruding piece 303 and the outer rail 102. The state in which the gap is large enough not to allow the passage of the game ball is the "blocking state" in which the passage of the gap (specific position) is blocked.

When the prevention device is in the blocking state, even if the game ball that has passed through the ball return prevention mechanism 106 and reached the game area PE bounces off the game nail 93 or the like and reaches the gap (specific position). The passage of the game ball through the gap is blocked.

The projecting piece 303 is inclined obliquely so that one plate surface faces the outer rail 102 side. When the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 reaches a specific position, the game ball hits the plate surface. When the plate surface is pressed by the game ball, the protruding piece 303 is pushed down to the side (lower right side) away from the outer rail 102. As a result, the movable body 301 rotates clockwise against the urging force due to its own weight, and the gap is expanded. That is, when the movable body 301 is pushed in response to the launched game ball, the projecting piece 303 is separated from the passage region TE described above, and the passage of the game ball at a specific position is allowed. In this way, the state in which the projecting piece 303 is separated from the passing region TE, that is, the state in which the gap (gap size X2) between the tip portion of the projecting piece 303 and the outer rail 102 is large enough to allow the game ball to pass through. It is an "allowable state" that allows the passage of the gap (specific position).

When the movable body 301 is pushed by the game ball and rotates clockwise, the protruding piece 303 of the movable body 301 hits the end portion (second stopper portion 316) of the upright portion 314, so that the movable body 301 is rotated further. Movement is blocked (see the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 6). In this state, the center of gravity of the movable body 301 remains on the left side of the central axis CL. Therefore, the movable body 301 returns to the blocked state due to its own weight once it is in the allowable state.

Here, the protruding piece 303 in the present embodiment will be supplementarily described. The plate surface of the protruding piece 303 facing the TE side (upper side) of the passing region constitutes a ball receiving surface portion 304 that receives the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110. Here, since the ball receiving surface portion 304 intersects (is not parallel) diagonally with respect to the moving direction of the game ball, the game ball that collides with the ball receiving surface portion 304 receives a reaction force (not parallel) from the ball receiving surface portion 304. Will receive resistance). Disturbance of the movement of the game ball due to the influence of this reaction force is not preferable because it causes a factor that impairs the smooth movement of the game ball along the outer rail 102 (passing region TE).

The ball receiving surface portion 304 is configured such that the angle formed by the tangential direction of the outer rail 102 at a specific position is 90 degrees or less (acute angle). Therefore, even if the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 receives a reaction force from the projecting piece 303, the reaction force acts to push the game ball against the outer rail 102, and the behavior of the game ball is disturbed. Is preferably avoided.

As described in detail above, with respect to the prevention device (ball return prevention mechanism 106) shown in the present embodiment, at least in the above-mentioned blocking state, when the launched game ball moves in the ejection direction, the game ball It has a so-called one-way structure that allows the passage of the game ball but does not allow the passage of the game ball when moving in a direction different from the injection direction (for example, the opposite direction).

The arrangement of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. 5A again. In this embodiment, two prevention devices having the above-mentioned various configurations are arranged along the passage region TE (specifically, arranged side by side on the extension of the inner rail 101). In the following description, the prevention device on the side near the exit portion 105 (left side) is referred to as "left side prevention device 106a", and the prevention device on the side far from the exit portion 105 (right side) is referred to as "right side prevention device 106b".

The game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 is the guidance passage 103 → the left side prevention device 106a (specifically, the specific position related to the left side prevention device 106a) → the right side prevention device 106b (specifically, the specific position related to the right side prevention device 106b). At this time, the prevention devices 106a and 106b sequentially switch from the blocking state to the permissible state.

The left side prevention device 106a is arranged close to the outlet portion 105, and the gap between the left side prevention device 106a and the exit portion 105 is smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. That is, the gap formed between the left side prevention device 106a and the outlet portion 105 is suppressed to such an extent that the passage of the game ball is not allowed.

On the other hand, the gap formed between the left side prevention device 106a and the right side prevention device 106b is larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball. That is, the region (specific region SE) between the two prevention devices 106a and 106b is configured to be a region through which the game ball can pass.

The specific region SE is connected to the passing region TE, and the movement of the game ball from the passing region TE to the specific region SE is permitted. If the game ball that has passed through the left side prevention device 106a does not pass through the right side prevention device 106b for some reason, the game ball will flow into the left route through the passing area TE → the specific area SE.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, one of the reasons for devising the configuration shown in the present invention will be described.

In the conventional game machine, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the distance between the guide rail 100X and the variable display unit 86X (center frame 95X) is sufficiently secured, and the width of the flow area of the game ball is sufficiently secured. There was some margin in such things. Therefore, it is unlikely that the game ball that has passed through the ball return prevention mechanism 106X and reached the game area PEX bounces toward the ball return prevention mechanism 106X, and the bounced game ball may hit the ball return prevention mechanism 106X. However, it was also unlikely that it would act to impede the movement of the movable body 301X.

In the game machine shown in the present embodiment, the variable display unit 86 (design display device 87 and movable effect device) is enlarged for the purpose of improving the interest, and the game area PE is pressed accordingly. That is, as the distance between the guide rail 100X and the variable display unit 86 (center frame 95) becomes smaller, the width of the flow area of the game ball is reduced, and the distance between the center frame 95 and the ball return prevention mechanism 106 becomes smaller. ing. As a result, the possibility that the game ball that has passed through the ball return prevention mechanism 106 and reached the game area PE bounces toward the ball return prevention mechanism 106 increases, and when the bounced game ball hits the ball return prevention mechanism 106, it is increased. Has also increased the possibility that it acts to hinder the movement of the movable body 301. In other words, if the variable display unit 86 is simply enlarged, there is a high possibility that the smooth progress of the game will be hindered. Therefore, the increase in the size of the variable display unit 86 is promoted while ensuring the smooth progress of the game. There was room for improvement in the configuration of the game machine.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the above problems are solved by using the two prevention devices 106a and 106b in combination and providing a specific region SE through which the game ball can pass between the prevention devices 106a and 106b. Here, with reference to the schematic view of FIG. 7, the flow-down mode of the game ball when the operation of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 is hindered will be described.

The game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 due to the launch operation performed by the player reaches the left route of the game area PE through the guidance passage 103 → the left side prevention device 106a → the right side prevention device 106b. It becomes.

As shown in FIG. 7A → FIG. 7B, the game ball B1 that has reached the game area PE hits the game nail 93 arranged on the left route and bounces off toward the right side prevention device 106b, and the right side thereof. By colliding with the movable body 301b (specifically, the protruding piece 303b) of the prevention device 106b from the side opposite to the injection direction of the game ball, the game ball B1 is prevented from switching to the allowable state of the right side prevention device 106b. It will be. More specifically, when the projecting piece 303b is pushed in the counterclockwise direction by the game ball, a drag force that hinders the rotation of the movable body 301b in the clockwise direction is generated. Further, when the game ball B1 is located in the operating region through which the protruding piece 303b passes when switching to the allowable state, the game ball B1 becomes an obstacle to hinder the movement of the movable body 301b.

When the subsequent game ball B2 launched after the interval period (0.6 sec) reaches the right side prevention device 106b in a state where the switching of the right side prevention device 106b to the allowable state is prevented, more specifically, the game ball B1 When the game ball B2 and the game ball B2 face each other with the projecting piece 303 sandwiched between them, the projecting piece 303b of the movable body 301b is pressed by the game ball B2. As a result, stress that rotates clockwise is generated in the movable body 301b, but such movement is hindered by the preceding game ball B1. As a result, the game ball B2 cannot pass through the specific position related to the right side prevention device 106b, and further movement in the same direction is hindered. That is, the inflow route to the game area PE (left route) via the right side prevention device 106b remains closed.

As shown in FIG. 7B → FIG. 7C, the game ball B1 that hinders the operation of the right side prevention device 106b falls downward as it is and reaches the left route. On the other hand, the game ball that cannot pass through the right side prevention device 106b moves in the following manner.

As described above, the ball receiving surface portion 304 of the protruding piece 303b faces the outer rail 102 side, and the game ball colliding with the ball receiving surface portion 304 is pressed against the outer rail 102, so that the kinetic energy is released. It is distributed to the rail 102 and the right side prevention device 106b. In particular, the game ball B2 is sandwiched between the protruding piece 303b and the outer rail 102, so that the moving speed is temporarily reduced to 0 or almost 0.

In this way, the game ball B2 that has lost momentum flows down (falls) along the flat surface portion 306 connected to the ball receiving surface portion 304 in the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the main body portion 305 that incline downward toward the specific region SE. ). That is, the game ball B2 is guided from the passing region TE to the specific region SE. As a result, the game ball B2 passes through the specific region SE and flows into the left route. Focusing on the point that the game ball B2 is guided to the specific region SE by the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the flat surface portion 306, the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the flat surface portion 306 guide the game ball from the passing region TE to the specific region SE. It can be said that the function as the guiding unit 308 is provided.

As described above, the center frame 95 is located below the ball return prevention mechanism 106. The upper surface of the center frame 95 forms a guide passage that descends to the left, and this guide passage constitutes the left route. Since the portion of the guide passage directly below the specific area SE is a non-arranged area in which the game nail 93 is not arranged, the game ball B2 that has passed through the specific area SE flows down toward the center frame 95 as it is. To do. Further, since the specific area SE is also a non-arranged area such as the game nail 93, the game ball can be smoothly moved from the passing area TE to the specific area SE to the left route.

Here, the game ball guided to the specific region SE by the guiding unit 308 does not fall in the vertical direction, but falls diagonally downward to the left. That is, the game ball B2 guided by the guide unit 308 flows into the guide passage while heading toward the downstream side of the guide passage (left route). In this way, by devising so that the game ball B2 does not move back in the guide passage (right route), even if the game ball B2 merges with the game ball B1, it becomes a cause of ball clogging. Is suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the collision occurs, the left side prevention device 106a is in an allowable state because it is immediately after the game ball B2 has passed. That is, at this timing, the prevention function of the left side prevention device 106a is not properly exerted. Therefore, if the game ball that collides with the protruding piece 303 and bounces off toward the exit portion 105, the inflow of the game ball into the exit portion 105 cannot be avoided.

In this respect, in the present embodiment, the game ball that has reached the right side prevention device 106b is deenergized when it cannot pass through the right side prevention device 106b. That is, by energizing the game ball B2 and suppressing (delaying) the bounce, it is possible to secure a period for the left side prevention device 106a to return to the blocked state.

The width of the specific region SE in the present embodiment changes according to the state of each of the prevention devices 106a and 106b. The width of the specific region SE is minimized when the right side prevention device 106b is in the allowable state and the left side prevention device 106a is in the blocking state, but even in such a situation, the passage of the game ball is permitted. It is suppressed to a degree.

When the two prevention devices 106a and 106b are used in combination, the occupied area of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 becomes large, but as described above, by suppressing the unnecessary expansion of the specific area SE, the configuration with the other configuration in the game area PE It is possible to preferably realize coexistence. Further, suppressing the spread of the interval between the two prevention devices 106a and 106b is also advantageous in avoiding the adjustment width of the arrival position of the launched game ball being unnecessarily compressed.

As shown in FIG. 7 (c), with respect to the game ball B3 launched at the timing when a predetermined interval period (0.6 sec) has elapsed from the launch timing of the game ball B2, the game ball B3 is the right side prevention device 106b. It means that the above-mentioned reasons for inhibition have been resolved before reaching. As a result, the arrival of the game ball B3 to the game area PE via both prevention devices 106a and 106b is guaranteed.

As described above, by energizing the game ball B2, the game ball B2 can be moved along the guide portion 308. As a result, the game ball passing through the specific region SE passes through a position closer to the right side prevention device 106b, and interference with the left side prevention device 106a can be suppressed.

Further, the period required for the game ball B2 to reach the passing area TE → the specific area SE → the left route is set to be shorter than the above-mentioned interval period. Therefore, even if the game ball B2 hits the movable body 301a of the left side prevention device 106a and the switching of the left side prevention device 106a to the allowable state is prevented, the subsequent launch of the game ball B3 is hindered. Can be preferably avoided.

In the present embodiment, by using the two prevention devices 106a and 106b together, not only the occurrence of the inconvenience related to the right side prevention device 106b is suppressed, but also the occurrence of the inconvenience related to the left side prevention device 106a is suppressed. It has been done. Hereinafter, the device will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. 5A again.

As described above, the left side prevention device 106a has exactly the same configuration as the right side prevention device 106b. Therefore, if the game ball collides with the movable body 301a (specifically, the protruding piece 303a) of the left side prevention device 106a from the side opposite to the exit portion 105 (game area PE side), FIG. 7B The collision of the game ball shown in (1) may also occur in the left side prevention device 106a. In this case, the game ball located on the exit portion 105 side returns back to the guidance passage 103 as it is, and the generation of the foul ball cannot be avoided.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, both prevention devices 106a and 106b are arranged side by side in order to use the right side prevention device 106b as a barrier for the left side prevention device 106a. Specifically, the right side prevention device 106b is arranged diagonally upward to the right of the left side prevention device 106a, and the upright portion 314b of the holder 311b is located on the side of the protruding piece 303a. When the game ball bounced by colliding with the game nail 93 heads for the protruding piece 303a, it is necessary to bypass the standing portion 314b, and the standing portion 314b regulates the collision of the game ball with the protruding piece 303a. There is. As a result, the occurrence of the above inconvenience is avoided.

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

For a game ball that has been launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 and has reached the game area PE via the guidance passage 103, the ball return prevention mechanism 106 avoids returning to the guidance passage 103. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the ball return prevention mechanism 106 is arranged in the game area PE, the game ball that has reached the game area PE bounces off the game parts such as the game nail 93 and is a ball from the side opposite to the guidance passage 103, for example. The possibility of collision with the return prevention mechanism 106 cannot be ruled out. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 becomes small, the possibility of such a collision is likely to occur.

If the operation of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area PE cannot reach the game area PE, and the succeeding game ball becomes unable to reach the game area PE. The guide passage 103 is returned (a so-called foul ball or the like is generated). The generation of such a foul ball is not preferable because it hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In particular, in the configuration in which the prevention device 106b has the movable body 301b and the game ball hits the movable body 301b to switch to the blocking state / allowable state, the game ball that has already reached the game area PE is the movable body 301b. On the other hand, by hitting from the side opposite to the launch direction of the game ball, the switching from the blocked state to the allowable state of the movable body 301b is hindered. This can be a factor in the occurrence of the return ball described above.

In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, if the ball return prevention mechanism 106 (specifically, the right side prevention device 106b) does not function well due to the influence of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball It will flow into the game area PE (specifically, the right route) from a position in the middle of the route reaching the right side prevention device 106b via the specific area SE. As a result, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed, and the smooth progress of the game can be ensured.

In addition, the game ball that could not pass through the right side prevention device 106b due to reasons such as insufficient rate of fire is also guided to the left route through the specific area SE. As described above, even when the operation is not performed well at the time of adjusting the rate of fire or the like, it is possible to preferably suppress the preceding game ball from becoming a factor that hinders the movement of the subsequent game ball.

The game ball that has flowed into the game area PE (specifically, the guide passage in the right route) via the specific area SE is a flow path (right route) through which the game ball that has flowed into the game area PE without passing through the specific area SE flows down. Merge into the guide passage). As a result, it is possible to suppress the existence of the specific region SE from acting disadvantageously for the player or the like. In particular, the player expects the game ball that has reached the right route in the specific area SE by leaving the merging part as the upstream part of the right route and leaving room for the ball to enter the ball entry part such as the operating port 83. It is possible to preferably avoid fading.

When the above-mentioned collision of the preceding game balls prevents the movable body 301b from switching to the allowable state, the movable body 301b (guidance unit 308) guides the movable body 301b to the specific region SE. As a result, the game ball subject to the passage restriction can be smoothly separated from the passing area TE, and it is possible to preferably prevent the game ball from interfering with the subsequent movement of the game ball. In particular, by imparting a function as a guide portion to the protruding piece that functions as a ball receiving portion, it is possible to simplify the configuration related to ball return prevention.

When the movable body 301b (induction unit 308) is in the blocking state, the inclination with respect to the horizontal direction is larger than when the movable body 301b is in the allowable state. That is, it is closer to vertical than in the allowable state. According to such a configuration, the game ball that could not pass through the right side prevention device 106b can be quickly moved to the specific area SE by utilizing the own weight of the game ball. That is, it is possible to preferably suppress that the presence of the guiding portion 308 becomes a factor that reduces the moving speed of the game ball toward the specific region SE.

The game ball that has reached the prevention device 106b under the condition that the switching of the prevention device 106b from the blocking state to the permissible state is hindered cannot move any further in the same moving direction. Here, when the game ball hitting the protruding piece 303 (corresponding to the "ball receiving portion") bounces back to the exit portion 105 of the guidance passage 103, the game ball tends to be a factor that hinders the subsequent movement of the game ball. .. In this respect, in the present embodiment, when the projecting piece 303 is in the blocking state, the ball receiving surface portion 304 of the protruding piece 303 faces a portion different from the exit portion of the guide passage 103 (specifically, the outer rail 102). Therefore, it is possible to preferably prevent the game ball that bounces off the ball receiving surface portion 304 from moving toward the guidance passage 103. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the function of suppressing the generation of the return sphere.

In particular, when the game ball that hits the ball receiving surface portion 304 bounces off, the momentum is weakened by hitting the outer rail 102. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress the extension of the period required for heading to the specific region SE due to the behavior of the game ball being disturbed. In addition, the following effects can be expected by suppressing the game ball from passing through the specific region SE vigorously. That is, even if the game ball passing through the specific region SE hits the ball receiving surface portion 304 again, the occurrence of an impact caused by the impact is suppressed, and the re-collision of the game ball becomes a factor that lowers the durability of the prevention device 106b and the like. Can be suppressed.

Further, both the prevention devices 106a and 106b in the present embodiment have a common configuration, and it is preferable to complicate the manufacturing process and increase the cost due to the complicated structure of the ball return prevention mechanism 106. It is possible to suppress it.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the discharge of the game ball that could not pass through the right side prevention device 106b is delayed, and the next game ball reaches the right side prevention device 106b before the game ball passes through the specific area SE. However, one of the features is that the device is devised to prevent the passage of the right side prevention device 106b of the next game ball from being obstructed. Therefore, the ball return prevention mechanism 106A according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit 80A showing the ball return prevention mechanism 106A and its peripheral configuration in the second embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a case where the operation of the right side prevention device 106bA is hindered. It is the schematic which shows the movement of the game ball of. The main configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 106A in this embodiment is the same as that of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description will be incorporated for these similar configurations, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the left side prevention device 106a is common to the first embodiment, and a part of the configuration of the right side prevention device 106bA, specifically, the configuration related to the holder 311bA is characteristic. It has become. Specifically, in the holder 311b shown in the first embodiment, the standing portion 314b is formed so as to face the main body portion 305b of the movable body 301b from the side opposite to the outer rail 102. On the other hand, the holder 311bA shown in the present embodiment is different in the configuration in that the standing portion 314bA is formed so as to surround the main body portion 305b of the movable body 301b.

The upright portion 314bA has a substantially annular shape, and a slit for the protruding piece 303b is formed in a part thereof. The protruding piece 303b protrudes from the region surrounded by the upright portion 314bA through this slit. In other words, in the movable body 301, the portion other than the protruding piece 303b (main body portion 305b) is housed in the area surrounded by the standing portion 314bA. With such a configuration, the game ball is located on the side opposite to the protruding piece 303b with respect to the main body portion 305b of the movable body 301b, specifically, the rotation center portion, while ensuring the function of the protruding piece 303b as a ball receiving portion. Avoids contact with the located part.

In the standing portion 314bA, a predetermined gap is formed between the opposing portion 317b facing the flat surface portion 306b of the main body portion 305b and the flat surface portion 306b. As a result, in the region surrounded by the standing portion 314bA, an operating region when the movable body 301b (specifically, the main body portion 305b) rotates is secured.

In the first embodiment, the flat surface portion 306b of the main body portion 305b constitutes the guiding portion 308b that guides the game ball to a specific region together with the ball receiving surface portion 304b of the protruding piece 303b. The guide portion 308bA in the above is composed of a ball receiving surface portion 304b and an upright portion 314bA (specifically, an opposing portion 317bA).

The upper surface of the facing portion 317bA is inclined so as to descend toward the specific region SE, so that the game ball placed on the facing portion 317bA is prevented from staying in the place. The facing portion 317bA faces the outer rail 102, and is formed so that the distance from the outer rail 102 is larger than twice the diameter of the game ball. In other words, a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball is secured between the passing region TE and the ball.

More specifically, the clearance dimension between the flat surface portion 306a and the outer rail 102 of the left side prevention device 106a is set to be larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball and smaller than twice the diameter dimension of the game ball. On the other hand, the clearance dimension between the right side prevention device 106bA, the flat surface portion 306b (opposing portion 317bA), and the outer rail 102 is set to be larger than twice the diameter dimension of the game ball.

Here, the actual movement of the game ball will be described with reference to FIG. 8B. Note that FIG. 8B shows the timing after the case where the passage of the right side prevention device 106bA of the succeeding game ball is hindered by the influence of the preceding game ball (see, for example, FIG. 7B). ..

When the game ball arriving in advance of the game area PE obstructs the passage of the right side prevention device 106bA of the subsequent game ball B1, the game ball B1 is specified as in the first embodiment. It will be guided toward the region SE. Here, if the game ball B1 is discharged later, the subsequent game ball B2 may pass through the left side prevention device 106a and reach the right side prevention device 106bA. Such an event occurs, for example, when the game ball B1 is sandwiched between the outer rail 102 and the tip of the projecting piece 303b and temporarily stops moving while resting on the projecting piece 303b. obtain.

Under this circumstance, if the game ball B1 is placed on the flat surface portion 306b of the movable body 301b, the movable body 301b is pushed downward by the weight of the game ball B1. In this case, the game ball B1 becomes a resistance that prevents the movable body 301b from being switched to the allowable state. If the resistance is generated when the subsequent game ball B2 hits the protruding piece 303b, there is a high possibility that the movable body 301b cannot properly switch to the allowable state and the game ball B2 cannot pass through.

In this respect, in the present embodiment, since the game ball B2 moves along the ball receiving surface portion 304b → the facing portion 317bA, it does not come into contact with the main body portion 305b (plane portion 306b). That is, it is avoided that the game ball B1 becomes a factor that hinders the switching of the movable body 301b to the allowable state. Therefore, even if the discharge of the game ball B1 is excessively delayed, the subsequent game ball is also prevented from passing through the right side prevention device 106bA, which causes a secondary inconvenience. Can be suppressed.

Further, the game ball B1 moving along the facing portion 317bA deviates from the passing region TE of the game ball along the outer rail 102. Therefore, at least when the succeeding game ball B2 is moving along the outer rail 102 (when passing through the passing region TE), the collision between the game ball B2 and the game ball B1 is avoided. Therefore, it is avoided that the game ball guided by the facing portion 317bA becomes a factor that directly hinders the movement of the game ball B2.

The upright portion 314 of the left side prevention device 106a is located on the extension of the facing portion 317bA. Therefore, even if the game ball B2 guided by the facing portion 317b heads toward the left side prevention device 106a vigorously, it is possible to prevent the game ball B2 from hitting the movable body 301a of the left side prevention device 106a.

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

The game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 and reaching the game area PE via the guiding passage 103 is prevented from returning to the guiding passage 103 path by the ball return prevention mechanism 106A. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game.

In particular, with respect to the rotary movable body 301b shown in the present embodiment, if the game ball hits the ball receiving surface portion 304b, it rotates in the clockwise direction and switches from the regulated state to the allowable state, but the rotation center CL is tentatively When the game ball hits the portion opposite to the ball receiving surface portion 304b (main body portion 305b), the movable body 301b is prevented from rotating in the clockwise direction, or the movable body 301b is counterclockwise. It becomes a factor to rotate in the clockwise direction. That is, if the game ball that has reached the ball return prevention mechanism 106A first cannot pass through the ball return prevention mechanism 106A (right side prevention device 106bA) successfully, the game ball becomes a factor that hinders the passage of the subsequent game ball. Can be. This is not preferable because it hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, even if the preceding game ball cannot pass through the ball return prevention mechanism 106A (specifically, the right side prevention device 106bA) due to factors such as lack of momentum. Is a factor that hinders the movement of the movable body 301b (switching from the allowable state to the regulated state) when the subsequent game ball reaches the movable body 301b. Therefore, the smooth progress of the game can be guaranteed.

The facing portion 371bA as the "blocking means" is formed in the shape of a wall facing the main body portion 305b with a gap, thereby occupying the facing portion 371bA (standing portion 314bA) while ensuring the above-mentioned blocking function. It is possible to suppress unnecessary expansion of the area.

Even when the subsequent game ball reaches the right side prevention device 106aA in a situation where the contact portion 371bA prevents the game ball from hitting the main body portion 305bA, the game ball blocked by the facing portion 371bA (for example, It is possible to prevent the gaming ball (on the opposing portion 371bA) from interfering with the subsequent gaming ball. As a result, even if the succeeding game ball is fired at a short firing interval, it is possible to prevent the preceding game ball from becoming an obstacle and hindering the passage of the succeeding game ball.

The facing portion 317bA is provided with a function of guiding the game ball that has reached the facing portion 371bA to the side away from the ball receiving surface portion 304b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has reached the right side prevention device 106bA from moving to the ball receiving surface portion 304b side again. As a result, it is possible to prevent the movable body 301bA from rotating in the clockwise direction due to being pushed by the game ball or the like, and it is possible to preferably suppress a decrease in the original regulation function of the ball return prevention mechanism 106A.

In the present embodiment, by arranging the right side prevention device 106bA away from the outer rail 102, it is possible to reduce the restriction on the adjustment width of the arrival position of the launched game ball. However, if they are simply arranged away from each other, the period required for the game ball that could not pass through the right side prevention device 106aA to be discharged from between the right side prevention device 106aA and the outer rail 102 becomes longer, and the subsequent game There is a possibility that the ball and the preceding game ball collide with each other in front of the right side prevention device 106aA. That is, by arranging the right side prevention device 106bA away from each other, there arises a problem that collisions between game balls are likely to occur.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, here, the gap between the right side prevention device 106bA and the outer rail 102 is made larger than twice the diameter dimension of the game ball. As a result, even if the time required for discharging the game ball that could not pass through the right side prevention device 106bA becomes long, the game ball is in a state where the preceding game ball leaves the passing region TE and reaches the facing portion 317bA. Can be prevented from becoming a factor that hinders the subsequent movement of the game ball.

In particular, the facing portion 317bA is inclined so that the interval becomes larger toward the upstream side of the passing region TE than parallel to the passing region TE, and is separated from the passing region TE by the time the subsequent game ball arrives. It is devised so that the amount is large. This makes it possible to more preferably exert the above effect.

In the present embodiment, the two prevention devices 106a and 106bA are used in combination, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the left side prevention device 106a may be omitted, or the left side prevention device 106a may be provided with a configuration corresponding to the facing portion 317bA, and the right side prevention device 106bA may be omitted. In the latter case, the game ball that could not pass through the left side prevention device 106a will return to the guidance passage 103. Therefore, the distance between the outer rail 102 and the inner rail 101 is made larger than twice the diameter of the game ball at least in the downstream portion including the exit portion 105 of the guidance passage 103, and the reversing game ball and the subsequent game It is preferable to have a configuration that suppresses interference with the sphere.

<Third embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, a plurality of prevention devices are used in combination, but in the present embodiment, the configuration is different in that the above-mentioned foul ball generation is suppressed by using one prevention device. Hereinafter, the ball return prevention mechanism 106B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit 80B showing the ball return prevention mechanism 106B and its peripheral configuration. Since the detailed configuration of the prevention device is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description will be incorporated.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ball return prevention mechanism 106B (prevention device) is arranged on the extension of the inner rail 101. Here, the ball return prevention mechanism 106B is arranged apart from the tip of the inner rail 101 so as to form a gap. This gap (specifically, the gap in the extension direction of the inner rail 101) is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball, and is configured so that the game ball can pass through the gap. That is, in each of the above embodiments, a passing area through which the game ball can pass is provided between the two prevention devices, but in the present embodiment, the game ball is provided between the inner rail 101 and the ball return prevention mechanism 106B. A specific region SEB that can be passed through is provided. The clearance dimension between the inner rail 101 and the ball return prevention mechanism 106B in the horizontal direction is also set to be larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball. This suppresses the game ball from interfering with the inner rail 101 when passing through the specific area SEB, and suppresses the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball when passing through the specific area SEB. This is a preferable configuration in order to suppress the movement of the game ball so as to cross the specific area SEB and to prevent the game ball from being unsuccessfully moved (falling) in the specific area SEB.

The specific region SEB is arranged at a position that does not vertically overlap with the guide passage formed by the upper surface of the center frame 95. More specifically, the exit portion 105 of the guidance passage 103 and the ball return prevention mechanism 106B are arranged so that the specific region SEB is located above the change position where the left route changes from the horizontal passage to the vertical passage.

In this way, by providing the specific region SEB, it is possible to prevent the game ball flowing down the guide passage from flowing back through the specific region SEB and flowing into the outlet portion 105. Further, in the present embodiment, the game nail 93 is arranged so as to guide the game ball flowing down the guide passage (horizontal passage) to the vertical passage, and it is more preferable that the game ball jumps into the exit portion 105. It is suppressed to.

Here, with reference to the schematic view of FIG. 10, the flow-down mode of the game ball when the movement of the movable body 301 of the ball return prevention mechanism 106B (prevention device) is hindered will be described.

The game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 due to the launch operation performed by the player reaches the left route of the game area PE through the guidance passage 103 → the ball return prevention mechanism 106B.

As shown in FIG. 10A → FIG. 10B, the game ball B1 that has reached the game area PE hits the game nail 93 and bounces off toward the ball return prevention mechanism 106B, and the ball return prevention mechanism 106B is movable. When the body 301 (specifically, the protruding piece 303) collides with the ball from the side opposite to the launch direction of the game ball, the game ball B1 is a factor that prevents the ball return prevention mechanism 106B from switching to the allowable state. Become. More specifically, when the projecting piece 303 is pushed in the counterclockwise direction by the game ball, a drag force that hinders the rotation of the movable body 301 in the clockwise direction is generated. Further, when the game ball B1 is located in the operating region through which the projecting piece 303 passes when switching to the allowable state, the game ball B1 becomes an obstacle to hinder the movement of the movable body 301.

In this way, the subsequent game ball B2 launched after a predetermined interval period (0.6 sec) reaches the ball return prevention mechanism 106B in a state where the switching of the ball return prevention mechanism 106B to the allowable state is prevented. Then, more specifically, when the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 face each other with the protruding piece 303 sandwiched between them, the game ball B2 cannot pass through the specific position related to the ball return prevention mechanism 106B and goes in the same direction further. Will be hindered from moving. That is, the inflow route to the game area PE (left route) via the ball return prevention mechanism 106B is closed.

As shown in FIG. 10B → FIG. 10C, the game ball B1 that hinders the operation of the ball return prevention mechanism 106B falls downward as it is and reaches the left route. On the other hand, the game ball that could not pass through the ball return prevention mechanism 106B moves in the following manner.

As described above, the ball receiving surface portion 304 of the protruding piece 303 faces the outer rail 102 side, and the game ball that collides with the ball receiving surface portion 304 is pressed against the outer rail 102, so that the kinetic energy is released. It is distributed to the rail 102 and the ball return prevention mechanism 106B. In particular, the game ball B2 is sandwiched between the projecting piece 303 and the outer rail 102, so that the moving speed is temporarily reduced to 0 or almost 0.

In this way, the game ball B2 that has lost its momentum flows down (falls) along the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the main body portion 305 (specifically, the flat surface portion 306) that incline downward toward the specific region SEB. As a result, the game ball B2 passes through the specific region SEB and flows into the left route.

Since the portion directly below the specific region SEB is a non-arranged region in which the game nail 93 is not arranged, the game ball B2 that has passed through the specific region SEB flows down as it is toward the vertical passage. Further, since the specific area SEB is also a non-arranged area such as the game nail 93, the game ball can be smoothly moved from the passing area TE to the specific area SE to the left route.

In this way, by arranging the ball return prevention mechanism 106B away from the position close to the exit portion 105, it is possible to suppress the compression of the game area PE around the exit portion 105. In the first place, as described in the first embodiment, if the variable display unit 86 is increased in size, the center frame 95 is increased in size accordingly. At this time, the space between the corner of the center frame and the guide rail 100 is easily affected by the increase in size.

In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, by arranging the ball return prevention mechanism 106B away from the exit portion 105 near the corner of the center frame 95, the ball return prevention mechanism 106B is arranged and operated. It is possible to prevent the securing of the game area from becoming a factor that locally presses the PE in the game area, and to minimize the above-mentioned influence.

<Another form>
In order to suppress the generation of foul balls by using the ball return prevention mechanism 106 (prevention device) as shown in each of the above embodiments, the ball return prevention mechanism 106 may have the following configuration. Hereinafter, various examples (modifications) using the ball return prevention mechanism 106 will be described with reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 11 and 12.

<Example 1>
As shown in FIG. 11A, the ball return prevention mechanism 106C regulates the collision of the game ball with the movable body 301 (protruding piece 303) from the game area PE side, or the operation of the movable body 301 (protruding piece 3030). A regulatory unit may be provided to regulate the inflow of game balls into the area.

Specifically, the mounting base 312C of the holder 311C is formed with a wall portion 318 facing the protruding piece 303 from the game area PE side (opposite side to the outer rail 102). The wall portion 318 faces the projecting piece 303 with a gap, and the operating area of the movable body 301 is secured. However, this gap is suppressed to the extent that the game ball cannot flow in.

Even when the game ball B1 that has reached the game area PE in advance hits the game nail 93 or the like and bounces toward the ball return prevention mechanism 106C, before the game ball B1 reaches the protruding piece 303 of the movable body 301. Will hit the wall portion 318. As a result, it is possible to prevent the protruding piece 303 from being pushed by the game ball B1 or the movement of the movable body 301 being hindered by the game ball B1 being positioned in the operating region of the protruding piece 303. As a result, the subsequent game ball B2 is prevented from becoming a foul ball due to the influence of the game ball B1.

In this way, by restricting the game ball from hitting the movable body 301 (protruding piece 303C) from the game area PE side in the first place, the generation of foul balls can be suppressed by a simple configuration. According to such a configuration, it is not always necessary to use a plurality of configurations corresponding to the prevention devices in combination, and the occupied area of the ball return prevention mechanism 106C can be suitably reduced.

In the first embodiment, the wall portion 318C (corresponding to the “regulatory portion”) is formed on the mounting base 312C, but the wall portion 318C does not necessarily have to be formed on the mounting base 312C. A configuration corresponding to the wall portion 318C may be provided separately from the mounting base 312C.
Further, in the present embodiment, the wall portion 318C has a length of about half of the projecting piece 303 to cover a part of the projecting piece 303, but the length (width) of the wall portion 318C is set to the projecting piece 303. It is also possible to make the length equal to that of the above and to cover the entire protruding piece 303.

<Example 2>
As shown in FIG. 11B, a configuration corresponding to the “inflow portion” may be provided at an intermediate position of the guide passage 103.

Specifically, in the inner rail 101D, an open portion 101aD opened downward is formed in a portion above the center frame 95 (guide passage). The open portion 101aD is located above the portion of the inner rail 101D that is convex to the side (left side), and is formed so that the width thereof is larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball.

As described above, the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 reaches the exit portion 105D of the guidance passage 103D by moving along the outer rail 102. On the other hand, when the game ball that has reached the ball return prevention mechanism 106D cannot pass through the ball return prevention mechanism 106D, it is guided to the inner rail 101D by the guiding portion 308 of the movable body 301.

For example, when the game ball B1 that has reached the game area PE in advance prevents the ball return prevention mechanism 106D from switching to the allowable state, the subsequent game ball B2 passes through the guide unit 308 and the inner rail 101D. Is reached, and the guide passage 103D is reversed.

Here, at least above the portion of the inner rail 101D that is convex to the side, the game ball B2 moves along the inner rail 101D. The game ball B2 that has moved on the inner rail 101D along the inner rail 101D will flow into the game area PE through the open portion 101aD. As a result, interference between the game ball B2 and the game ball B2 following the game ball B2 is avoided, and the generation of foul balls is suppressed.

Here, the game ball that has reached the game area PE through the open portion 101aD joins the guide passage, so that the possibility that the game ball enters the ball entry portion to the operating port 83 or the like can be left. Even if the inflow of the game ball through the opening 101aD occurs contrary to the player's intention, it is suppressed that it becomes a factor that gives a disadvantage to the player.

Further, in the guide passage formed by the center frame 95, the portion below the opening portion 101aD is a non-arranged region of the game nail 93. As a result, it is possible to prevent the movement of the game ball that has fallen through the opening portion 101aD from being unnecessarily delayed, and to avoid interference between the game ball and the subsequent game ball.

The open portion 101aD is provided with a flange portion that projects downward from the inner rail 101D. Although there is a height difference between the left and right ends of the open portion 101aD, the inflow of the game ball from the game area PE side to the open portion 101aD is restricted by these flange portions.

Here, a supplementary explanation of the relationship between the guide passage 103D and the passage region TE is set so that the guide passage 103D has a wider passage width than the passage region TE. By utilizing such a margin, even if there is a delay in the game ball moving from the ball return prevention mechanism 106D → the inner rail 101D → the opening portion 101aD, that is, the subsequent game ball is the opening portion 101a. Even if the entire preceding game ball is not inside the open portion 101aD at the timing of reaching (even if a part of the game ball is protruding into the guidance passage 103D), the subsequent game ball is succeeding. It is possible to suppress interference with the game ball. Thereby, the variation in the behavior of the game ball can be preferably tolerated.

<Example 3>
In the ball return prevention mechanism 106E shown in FIG. 12A, the postures of the left and right prevention devices 106a and 106b are different. Specifically, the right side prevention device 106b is raised and arranged so as to be closer to the vertical than the left side prevention device 106a.

With such an arrangement, the guiding direction by the guiding portion 308 can be brought closer to the vertical direction, and the game ball that could not pass through the right side prevention device 106b can be quickly separated from the passing region TE. As a result, interference between the game ball that could not pass through the right side prevention device 106b and the subsequent game ball can be more preferably suppressed.

Since the inclination of the specific region SEE approaches vertical, the period required for the game ball flowing down (falling) due to its own weight to pass through the specific region SEE can be shortened, and the game ball is in the allowable state of the right side prevention device 106b. It is possible to suppress the factors that hinder the switch to.

Further, in the above configuration, the main body portion 305b (planar portion 306b) of the movable body 301b bears a part of the right wall of the specific region SEE. In this case, the game ball passing through the specific region SE can also be a factor that hinders the switching of the movable body 301b to the allowable state. However, this is a case where the moving direction of the game ball that E-falls in the specific area SE is close to the vertical direction, so that the subsequent game ball pushes the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the movable body 301 rotates clockwise. However, even if it acts to change the trajectory of the game ball falling in the specific region SEE, the game ball hinders the subsequent movement of the game ball (switching to the allowable state of the right side prevention device 106b). It does not become a resistance. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

In particular, the movable body 301b is configured so that the distance from the central axis CLb to the tip (lower end) of the flat surface portion 306b is smaller than the distance from the central axis CLb to the tip (upper end) of the ball receiving surface portion 304b. Has been done. More specifically, the distance to the contact position of the ball receiving surface portion 304b where the game ball moving along the passing region TE hits is larger than the distance from the central axis CLb to the tip (lower end) of the flat surface portion 306b. It is configured in. As a result, even if the game ball passing through the specific region SEE easily interferes with the movement of the movable body 301b, it is possible to preferably prevent the resistance from increasing.

The inclination of the flat surface portion 306b in the allowable state is configured so that the standing portion 314a of the left side prevention device 106a is located on the extension of the flat surface portion 306b. Therefore, even if the trajectory of the game ball passing through the specific region SE changes due to the switching of the right side prevention device 106b to the allowable state, the game ball switches to the allowable state of the left side prevention device 106a. It is possible to suppress the factors that hinder it.

By the way, by bringing the posture of the prevention device 106b closer to the vertical, the responsiveness related to the switching from the allowable state to the blocking state due to its own weight is lowered. Therefore, in consideration of such circumstances, it is preferable to use a spring in the prevention device 106b as an urging means for urging the movable body 301b to a position in which the movable body 301b is in a blocking state. However, the spring may be settled due to repeated elastic deformation. Therefore, in order to suppress the contribution rate to the spring and realize the steady operation, it is preferable to use the own weight of the movable body 301b and the elastic force due to the spring together.

<Example 4>
When using a plurality of prevention devices in combination, it is not always necessary to make both prevention devices common, and a part of the configuration may be different.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the right side prevention device 106bF is arranged so as to be side by side with the left side prevention device 106a, and the protrusion amount of the protrusion piece 303bF is increased in order to allow such a change in arrangement. It is also possible to do. That is, although the shape of the movable body 301bF (specifically, the protruding piece 303bF) is changed due to the change in the arrangement, the holders 311a and 311b are common. Hereinafter, new effects caused by the change in arrangement and the difference in the shape of the movable body 301bF will be described.

As described above, the configuration in which a plurality of prevention devices are used in combination is excellent in suppressing the generation of foul spheres. However, the presence of the right side prevention device 106bF can be a factor that increases the restriction on the landing position of the launched game ball and limits the substantial adjustment amount of the launch operation of the game ball. This makes it difficult to adjust the firing operation in order to advance the game as much as possible (for example, to increase the probability of entering various ball entry portions as much as possible). This is preferable in limiting technical intervention and reducing inequality among players. However, if the restriction on the amount of adjustment becomes stronger and the room for technical intervention is reduced, it may lead to monotonousization of the game and cause a decrease in the motivation for the game.

In this respect, with respect to the right movable body 301bF shown in this embodiment, the maximum rotation angle at the time of switching from the blocking state to the permissible state is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the right movable body 301bF has the central axis CLb. The amount of displacement of the tip of the protruding piece 303bF (ball receiving surface portion 304bF) when rotated as the center is larger than that of the above embodiment. That is, by setting the total length of the protruding piece 303bF to be long, the amount of displacement at the rotating tip is devised to be as large as possible. As a result, restrictions on the landing position of the game ball that has passed through the right side prevention device 106bF are suppressed, and the occurrence of the above inconvenience is suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, by arranging the right side prevention device 106bF so as to be side by side with the left side prevention device 106a, the entire movable body 301a (specifically, the protruding piece 303a) of the left side prevention device 106a is laterally (right side). ) Is covered. As a result, the game ball is prevented from reaching the protruding piece 303a of the left movable body 301a by bypassing the right side prevention device 106bF, and the function as a barrier for the left side prevention device 106a provided to the right side prevention device 106bF is strengthened. It is possible to do.

In this embodiment, the total length of the right-side protruding piece 303bF is increased to reduce the restrictions on the firing adjustment, but in such a configuration, the right-side movable body 301bF returns from the allowable state to the blocking state. Becomes difficult. Therefore, as a countermeasure, the thickness of the right-side protruding piece 303bF may be reduced (for example, thinner than the left-side protruding piece 303a) to ensure the weight balance. Further, the main body portion 305bF of the right movable body 301bF may be made heavier (for example, heavier than the main body portion 305a of the left movable body 301a) to ensure the weight balance. Instead of guaranteeing the weight balance by adjusting the weight described above → guaranteeing the function of returning to the blocked state, an urging member such as a spring may be used separately to secure the function of returning to the blocked state. .. Regarding the right side prevention device 106bF, it is also possible to use both an urging function such as a spring and a return function by its own weight.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, the movable body of the ball return prevention mechanism rotates along the front surface of the game area forming body to switch the ball return prevention mechanism to the blocking state / allowable state. Then, the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism is different from those embodiments. Therefore, the ball return prevention mechanism 106G in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 13 (a) is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit 80G showing the ball return prevention mechanism 106G and the configuration related thereto in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 13 (b) is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 13 (a). It is a partial sectional view. In addition, it should be noted
As shown in FIG. 13, the ball return prevention mechanism 106G includes a movable body 301G and a holder 311G that rotatably holds the movable body 301G, and the holder 311G is fixed to the guide rail 100 to provide a gaming area. It is integrated with the forming body 80aG. The holder 311G has a pair of facing wall portions 312G facing the inner rail 101 and the outer rail 102 from the side opposite to the guide passage 103. The front end portion of the facing wall portion 312G extends forward (glass panel 23) side of the rails 101 and 102, and the flat plate portion 314G is formed so as to straddle the extending portion.

The flat plate portion 314G faces the front surface of the game area forming body 80a with the guide passage 103 interposed therebetween. An open portion opened on the same side as the outlet portion 105 of the guide passage 103 is formed in the flat plate portion 314G, and the shaft pin 313G is fixed to this open portion so as to be parallel to the front surface of the game area forming body 80a. There is.

A bearing portion 302G through which the shaft pin 313G is inserted is formed in the movable body 301G, and when the shaft pin 313G and the bearing portion 302g engage with each other, the movable body 301G moves in the thickness direction of the game area forming body 80a ( It can rotate in the front-back direction). That is, the movable body in each of the above embodiments is configured to be displaced while maintaining a constant distance from the game area forming body, whereas the movable body 301G shown in the present embodiment is configured to be displaced while maintaining a constant distance from the game area forming body. It differs in that it is configured to be displaced so that the distance from 80a changes.

The movable body 301G has a substantially flat plate shape facing the front surface of the game area forming body 80aG, and extends in the extension direction of the guidance passage 103 (the direction intersecting the central axis CL of the shaft pin 313G). The bearing portion 302G is formed at one end of the movable body 301G in the longitudinal direction, and this one end serves as a rotation base end.

The rotating tip of the movable body 301G protrudes into the passing region TE, and the clearance dimension with the front surface of the gaming region forming body 80aG is smaller than the diameter dimension of the gaming ball. In this state, the movement of the game ball from the guidance passage 103 (exit portion 105) to the game area PE is allowed, while the movement of the game ball from the game area PE to the guidance passage 103 is blocked. This state is the blocking state of the main ball return prevention mechanism 106G.

The ball return prevention mechanism 106G is provided with an urging member (specifically, a spring) that urges the movable body 301G to maintain the blocking state, and a stopper that prevents the movable body 301G from rotating further. However, the illustration of these various configurations is omitted.

When the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 reaches the ball return prevention mechanism 106G, the game ball of the movable body 301G (specifically, an extension portion 303G extending toward the tip of rotation from the central axis CL). It hits the inner surface (ball receiving surface portion 304G). When the ball receiving surface portion 304G is pushed toward the glass panel 23 side by the game ball, the movable body 301G rotates against the urging force of the urging member. As a result, the gap between the rotating tip portion and the front surface of the game area forming body 80aG is expanded so as to be larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball. This state is the allowable state in the main ball return prevention mechanism 106G.

By switching the ball return prevention mechanism 106G from the blocking state to the allowable state, the inflow of the game ball from the guidance passage 103 to the game area PE is allowed, and after the game ball passes through the ball return prevention mechanism 106G, the urging member The urging force causes the movable body 301G to return from the allowable state to the blocked state.

Here, with reference to FIG. 14, the relationship between the extension portion 303G and the glass panel 23 when the ball return prevention mechanism 106G (movable body 301G) is in the blocking state will be supplementarily described. FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 13B showing the movable body 301G and its surroundings.

When the ball return prevention mechanism 106G is in the blocking state, the operating region ME of the extension portion 303G is secured between the outer surface (front surface) of the extension portion 303G and the glass panel 23. As described above, when the ball return prevention mechanism 106G switches from the blocking state to the permissible state, the extending portion 303G of the movable body 301G pushed by the game ball separates from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aG and the operating region. It will be evacuated to ME.

Here, the distance dimension X3 between the extending portion 303G and the rear surface of the glass panel 23 is set to be smaller than the radial dimension R of the game ball. The game ball is basically set to move along the front surface of the game area forming body 80aG, but even if it moves along the glass panel 23, it flows into the above-mentioned operating area ME. Will be avoided. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball from entering the operating region ME and hindering the rotation of the movable body 301G.

Further, even if the game ball hits both the extension portion 303G and the glass panel 23, the contact position of the extension portion 303G with respect to the game ball is on the front side of the center position of the game ball. Therefore, when the movable body 301G rotates with the switching from the blocking state to the permissible state, it is possible to preferably avoid the support of the game ball.

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

The game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 and reaching the game area PE via the guiding passage 103 is prevented from returning to the guiding passage 103 by the ball return prevention mechanism 106G. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the ball return prevention mechanism 106G is arranged in the game area PE, the game ball that has reached the game area PE bounces off a game part such as a game nail 93 and is from the side opposite to the guidance passage 103, for example. The possibility of collision with the ball return prevention mechanism 106G (movable body 301G) cannot be denied. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the ball return prevention mechanism 106G becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the ball return prevention mechanism 106G is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area PE cannot reach the game area PE, and the succeeding game ball becomes unable to reach the game area PE. The guide passage 103 is returned (a foul ball or the like is generated). The generation of such a foul ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

Since the game ball that has reached the game area PE moves along the front surface of the game area forming body 80aG, if the movable body 301G also moves along the front surface of the game area forming body 80aG, the game ball moves. Hitting the movable body 301G tends to be a factor that affects the operation of the movable body 301G. Therefore, in the ball return prevention mechanism 106G shown in the present embodiment, the movable body 301G is displaced back and forth (in the thickness direction of the game area forming body 80aG) to switch between the allowable state and the blocking state. With such an operation mode, even if the game ball hits the movable body 301G from the game area PE side, it is possible to preferably suppress the influence of the game ball from acting so as to prevent the switching to the allowable state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned event and preferably exert the blocking function by the ball return prevention mechanism 106G.

The gap formed between the game area forming body 80aG and the glass panel 23 is limited. Therefore, in the above-described operation mode, it is difficult to secure an occupied area such as an operation gap of the movable body 301G as compared with a configuration in which the movable body is displaced along the front surface of the game area forming body 80a, for example. Further, with respect to the movable body, since the game balls collide with each other each time the game balls are launched, it is necessary to devise durability such as mitigating the impact generated by the collision. Here, if the movable body 301G is a rotary type, when the game ball collides with the movable body 301G, the movable body 301G escapes by rotating, so that the drag force (resistance) generated at the time of collision is minimized. be able to. In particular, when the movable body 301G is a rotary type, increasing the distance from the rotation center CL to the collision position of the game ball can suitably contribute to the reduction of the drag force. Therefore, by making the operation mode of the movable body 301G a rotary type, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the occupied area related to the movable body 301G while effectively releasing the impact when the game ball hits.

As shown in the present embodiment, the game hitting the movable body 301G by arranging the movable body 301G on the side opposite to the game area forming body 80aG (glass panel 23 side) across the guide passage 103. It is possible to suppress the change of the trajectory of the sphere toward the glass panel 23. As a result, the game ball bounced off the movable body 301G can be prevented from hitting the glass panel 23, and the glass panel 23 can be suitably protected.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the ball return prevention mechanism 106 shown in each of the above embodiments, the blocking state is switched to the permissible state by the pressing force accompanying the collision of the game ball, and the permissible state is changed to the permissible state by the urging force of the urging member or the own weight. However, in the present embodiment, the configuration related to the switching between the blocking state and the permissible state is different from those of the ball return prevention mechanism 106. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the ball return prevention mechanism 106 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration and the like according to the fifth embodiment.

The ball return prevention mechanism 106H includes a drive unit 321H that switches the movable body 301 into a blocking state / an allowable state. The drive unit 321H is composed of a solenoid, and its output shaft is connected to the movable body 301. When the output shaft of the solenoid is displaced, the posture of the movable body 301 changes accordingly.

The drive unit 321H is electrically connected to the main control device 162, and switching between excitation and non-excitation is performed based on a signal from the main control device 162. When the drive unit 321H is in the excited state, the output shaft is displaced and the movable body 301 is switched from the blocking state to the allowable state, and when the drive unit is in the non-excited state, the output shaft is urged by the coil spring built in the solenoid. The movable body 301 switches from the allowable state to the blocking state as the vehicle returns to the standby position. As described above, the state of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H shown in the present embodiment depends on the operation of the drive unit 321H and the drive control by the main control device 162, and does not depend on the launched game ball.

The power for operating the movable body 301 by the drive unit 321H, the holding force for holding the movable body 301 in the allowable state, and the holding force for holding in the blocking state are individually set. Specifically, the power for operating the movable body 301 (specifically, the power for switching from the blocked state to the allowable state) is a drag force that hinders the movement if the game ball collides with the game area PE side. Even if it works, it is set large enough to exceed this drag. Further, when the movable body 301 is in the allowable state, the holding force for holding the movable body 301 in the allowable state is also pushed to the side where the movable body 301 is in the blocked state due to a collision of a game ball from the game area PE side. Even if it is done, it is set large enough to exceed the pressing force. On the other hand, the holding force for holding the movable body 301 in the blocking state (the urging force by the coil spring) is such that when the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 hits, the game ball is allowed to pass. It is suppressed.

(Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10H)
Here, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10H will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The MPU 402 is mounted on the main control board 401 provided in the main control device 162. The MPU 402 is a ROM 403 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 402, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 403 is executed. It is an element having a built-in RAM 404, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like. It should be noted that a configuration may be configured in which a part of the functions of the MPU 402, for example, the function of the ROM 403 and the function of the RAM 404 are provided as another element.

The MPU 402 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. A power failure monitoring board 405 provided in the main control device 162, a payout control device 242, various detection sensors 441a to 441e, and the like are connected to the input side of the MPU 402. A power supply / emission control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 405, and power is supplied to the MPU 402 via the power failure monitoring board 405. Further, as various detection sensors 441a to 441e, detection sensors provided in various prize-supporting ball-entry units (payout-compatible ball-entry units) such as the general prize-winning port 81, the variable winning device 82, the operating ports 83a and 83b, and the through gate 84. Are connected to each other, and based on the detection information (detection signal) from these detection sensors, the MPU 402 of the main control device 162 makes a winning determination (ball entry determination) for each ball entry portion. Further, in the MPU 402, the jackpot generation lottery is executed based on the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b, and the support generation lottery is executed based on the winning of the through gate 84.

A power failure monitoring board 405, a payout control device 242, and a notification / effect control device 140 are connected to the output side of the MPU 402. A prize ball command is output to the payout control device 242, for example, based on a prize-winning determination result for the prize-winning ball-winning portions such as the operating ports 83a and 83b described above. In this case, the command information storage area of the ROM 403 is referred to when the prize ball command is output. Then, when the winning to the general winning opening 81 is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when the winning to the variable winning device 82 is specified, 15 game balls are output. The prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the above is output, and when the winning to the upper operating port 83a is specified, the winning ball command corresponding to the payout of three game balls is output and the winning to the lower operating port 83b is specified. If this is the case, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

Various commands such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, an opening command, an ending command, a hold command, and a shift command are output from the main control device 162 to the notification / effect control device 140. In this case, the command information storage area of the ROM 403 is referred to when outputting these various commands. Details of these various commands will be described later. It should be noted that each of the above commands is configured as information on a predetermined number of bytes, and includes various information as information on the predetermined number of bytes.

Further, on the output side of the MPU 402, a variable winning drive unit that opens and closes the opening / closing door of the variable winning device 82, an electric accessory driving unit that opens and closes a movable piece of the electric accessory 91, and a main display of the main display unit 88. The parts are connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 401, and the MPU 402 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

That is, in the open / close execution mode, the drive control of the variable winning drive unit is executed in the MPU 402 so that the variable winning device 82 (large winning opening) is opened and closed. Further, when the support lottery for the electric accessory 91 is won, the drive control of the electric accessory drive unit is executed in the MPU 402 so that the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. In addition, the MPU 402 executes display control of the main display unit.

Further, an external output terminal plate 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 402, and through this external output terminal plate 213, the management control device (hall computer HC) on the game hall side is informed of the entry into various ball entry sections. Information about lottery results such as big hits and big hits is output. This makes it possible for the hall computer HC to grasp the state of the pachinko machine 10H and the like.

The power failure monitoring board 405 relays the main control board 401 and the power supply / emission control device 243, and the power failure monitoring board 405 has a DC stable 24 volt voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply / emission control device 243. The function to monitor is given. The payout control device 242 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 224 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

The power supply / launch control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a playground or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source, the operating power required for each of the main control board 401, the payout control device 242, etc. is generated, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. To do. Further, the power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when a predetermined launch condition is satisfied.

The notification / effect control device 140 includes a hold lamp unit 98 provided in the variable display unit 86, lamp units 26 to 28 provided in the front door frame 14, and a speaker unit based on various commands input from the main control device 162. It drives and controls 29 and the like, and also controls the display control device 450.

The display control device 450 executes the display control of the symbol display device 87 based on the command input from the notification / effect control device 140. In this case, in the notification / effect control device 140, based on various commands input from the main control device 162, the variation display mode of the symbol in the symbol display device 87 (for example, the presence / absence of reach occurrence and the content of the reach effect), the symbol The outline of the stop display mode (the type of combination of symbols that are finally stopped and displayed at the end of the variable display) and the final display mode by the combination of the stop-displayed symbols are specified.

(About various counters)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10H configured as described above will be described.

The MPU 402 uses various counter information during the game to perform a jackpot generation lottery, setting the display of the main display unit, setting the outline of the symbol display of the symbol display device 87, setting the display of the main display unit (display unit for the operating port), and the like. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 16, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery for the occurrence of jackpots and the jackpot type such as the normal jackpot result and the probability variation jackpot result are used. The jackpot type counter C2 to be used, the reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when the symbol display device 87 deviates and fluctuates, the random number initial value counter CINI used to set the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the main display unit. A result display unit for the operation port and a fluctuation type counter CS for determining the fluctuation display time in the symbol display device 87 are used. Further, the electric accessory opening counter C4 used for the lottery as to whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b is set to the electric service open state is used.

Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time the counter is updated, and the counter returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 431 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 404. In the lottery counter buffer 431, the information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored as a reserved ball as acquisition information storage means when a prize is generated in the operating ports 83a and 83b. It is stored in area 432.

The holding ball storage area 432 includes a holding area RE for the operating port and an execution area AE. The holding area RE includes a holding area Ra (first area Ra1 to fourth area Ra4) for the upper working port 83a and a holding area Rb (first area Rb1 to fourth area Rb4) for the lower working port 83b. , Each numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer 431 according to the winning history of the operating ports 83a and 83b is one of the pending information. It is stored in areas Ra1 to Ra4 and Rb1 to Rb4. By providing eight Ra1 to Ra4 and Rb1 to Rb4 in this way, the entry history of the game ball into the upper operating port 83a and the lower operating port 83b is four, that is, to the operating ports 83a and 83b, respectively. Up to a total of 8 winning histories are stored on hold. Further, the reserved ball storage area 432 is provided with a total reserved number storage area, and the reserved ball storage area is acquired and stored based on the entry of the ball into the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b. Information for specifying the number of stored information is stored.

The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first areas Ra1 and Rb1 of the hold area RE when starting the variable display of the main display unit, and is executed at the start of one game. Based on various numerical information stored in the area AE, a hit / fail judgment or the like is performed.

More specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to add 1 in order within the range of 0 to 299, reach the maximum value (that is, 299), and then return to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 299). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and when a game ball wins a prize in the operating ports 83a and 83b, more specifically, at the timing when the game ball flowing into the operating ports 83a and 83b is detected by the detection sensors 441d and 441e. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404.

The value of the random number that wins the jackpot is stored as a hit / miss table (win / miss information group) in the hit / miss table storage area as the hit / miss information group storage means in the ROM 403. Here, the contents of the pass / fail table will be described.

In the pass / fail table, the address information consisting of binary information and the jackpot numerical information also consisting of binary information are set in a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, the address information is represented by a decimal number and 10 types of "1" to "10" are set, and the jackpot numerical information is represented by a decimal number "7", "36", "67". , "100", "131", "164", "195", "223", "241", "272" are set, and these address information and jackpot numerical information are one-to-one. It is associated. The numerical value of each jackpot numerical information is included in "0" to "299", which is a numerical range of random number information that can be updated by the jackpot random number counter C1.

Here, in the pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery modes in the winning / losing lottery means. The number of jackpot numerical information referred to in the low-probability mode is different from the number of jackpot numerical information referenced in the high-probability mode, and the former is smaller than the latter. Specifically, in the low probability mode, only the jackpot numerical information whose address information is "1" is referred to in the winning / failing lottery, and in the high probability mode, the jackpot numerical information corresponding to all the address information is referred to in the winning / losing lottery. Seen. That is, in the low-probability mode, there is one numerical information that wins the jackpot, and in the high-probability mode, there are ten more than in the low-probability mode. As a result, the probability of winning a big hit in the low probability mode is 1/300, whereas the probability of winning a big hit in the high probability mode is 1/30, and the high probability mode is a big hit than the low probability mode. The probability of winning is high. If the winning probability of the high probability mode is higher than that of the low probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary.

The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 29, reach the maximum value (that is, 29), and then return to 0. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and when a game ball wins a prize in the operating ports 83a and 83b, more specifically, at the timing when the game ball flowing into the operating ports 83a and 83b is detected by the detection sensors 441d and 441e. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404.

The distribution destination of the game result for the jackpot type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the distribution table storage area as the distribution information group storage means in the ROM 403. Then, a normal jackpot result and a probability variation jackpot result are set as such distribution destinations.

If the normal jackpot result or the probability variation jackpot result is won, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode. After the open / close execution mode related to the normal jackpot result is completed, the winning / losing lottery mode becomes the low probability mode, and after the support mode shifts, the number of games is high until the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) is reached. Enters frequency support mode. After the end reference number of times (specified number of times) has elapsed, the state shifts to the normal game state corresponding to the low probability mode and the low frequency support mode. After the opening / closing execution mode related to the probability variation jackpot result is completed, the winning / losing lottery mode becomes the high probability mode, and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode until the next jackpot result.

The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 238, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and when a game ball wins a prize in the operating ports 83a and 83b, more specifically, at the timing when the game ball flowing into the operating ports 83a and 83b is detected by the detection sensors 441d and 441e. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404. Then, it is decided whether or not to generate the reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 403. However, in the game round that shifts to the open / close execution mode, the MPU 402 determines the reach generation regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each game state, but may be set individually according to the game state. For example, when the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display may be set to be larger than that in the low frequency support mode.

Here, the reach display (reach state) includes a symbol display device 87 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of a symbol (picture), and the opening / closing execution mode of the variable winning device 82 is a high-frequency winning mode. In the game machine in which the stop display result after the variable display is the special display result, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 87 is started. This is a display state for the player to think that the display state is a variable display state in which the special display result is likely to occur before the display is performed.

In other words, by stopping and displaying some of the symbols among the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display screen 87a of the symbol display device 87, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high frequency winning mode can be obtained. It is a display state in which a combination of reach symbols that may be established is displayed, and in that state, the symbols are variablely displayed in the remaining symbol rows.

More specifically, as a preliminary step to end the variable display of the symbol, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high frequency winning mode is placed on the preset effective line in the display screen 87a of the symbol display device 87. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of reach symbols that may be established, and in a situation where the reach line is formed, a variable display of symbols is performed by the final stop symbol sequence.

The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 198, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 402 to determine the variation display time in the main display unit and the variation display time of the symbol in the symbol display device 87. The variation type counter CS is updated once each time the normal processing described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal processing. Then, when the symbol display device 87 determines the fluctuation pattern at the start of fluctuation of the symbol, the buffer value of the fluctuation type counter CS is acquired.

When determining the fluctuation display time in the symbol display device 87 or the main display unit (specifically, the result display unit for the operating port), the buffer value of the reach random number counter C3 and the fluctuation type counter CS, and the display time table storage area of the ROM 403 are used. Referenced. Further, in the MPU 402, the stop result in the result display unit for the operation port is determined by using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE. The stop result determination table stored in the ROM 403 is used.

The electric accessory release counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 249, reach the maximum value (that is, 249), and then return to 0. The electric accessory opening counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in the electric service holding area 433 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 84. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 91 to the open state according to the value of the stored electric accessory opening counter C4. For example, if C4 = 0 to 199, the electric accessory 91 is controlled to the open state, and if C4 = 200 to 249, the electric accessory 91 is not controlled to the open state.

(About various processes executed by the main controller 162)
Next, the timer interrupt processing and the normal processing executed in order to advance the game in each game time by the MPU 402 in the main control device 162 will be described. In the MPU 402, in addition to the timer interrupt processing and the normal processing, the main processing activated when the power is turned on and the NMI interrupt processing activated by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal) are executed. , The description of these various processes will be omitted.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is periodically started by the MPU 402 (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec).

In step S101, reading processing of various winning detection sensors is executed. That is, the state of various winning detection sensors connected to the main control device 162 is read, the state of the winning detection sensor is determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is saved.

After that, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404.

In the following step S103, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum values, they are cleared to 0, respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404.

In the following step S104, a winning process for thru accompanying the winning of the thru gate 84 is executed. In the through winning process, it is determined whether or not the through gate winning detection flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404, and if the flag is stored, it is stored in the electric service holding area. The value of the electric accessory release counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electric service holding area on condition that the number of stored accessory holdings is less than 4. Further, the notification / effect control device 140 is subjected to a process for lighting the hold lamp unit 98 of the variable display unit 86 corresponding to the number of hold storages. When the winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage areas 435, the winning detection flag for the through gate is deleted and the winning process for the through gate is completed.

After executing the winning process for the through gate in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, and in the step S105, the winning process for the operating port accompanying the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b is executed, and the timer interrupt process ends. To do.

Here, the winning process for the operating port will be described. In the winning process for the operating port, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (winning) the upper operating port 83a. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the upper operating port 83a, a prize ball command for paying out three game balls is set in the payout control device 242.

Subsequently, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the upper operating port 83a to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC grasps that the ball has entered the upper operating port 83a. After that, information acquisition processing for storing each value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the jackpot type counter C2 is performed, and the main winning process is completed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the upper operating opening 83a has not won a prize, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (winning) the lower operating opening 83b. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the lower operating port 83b, a prize ball command for paying out four game balls is set in the payout control device 242. The prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 242 by the external output process S401 of the normal process described later.

Subsequently, an external signal setting process is performed so as to output information indicating that the game ball has entered the lower operating port 83b to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC grasps that the ball has entered the lower operating port 83b. After that, the information acquisition process is performed, and the main winning process is completed.

In the information acquisition process, each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variable type counter CS updated in the above process is set to the first of the free storage area areas of the operation port hold area RE. Store in the storage area of.

If there is no ball in any of the upper operating port 83a and the lower operating port 83b, the main winning process is terminated as it is.

(Normal processing)
Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started when the power is turned on is executed, and in the normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processes of steps S201 to S207 are executed as periodic processes having a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processes of steps S210 and S211 are executed in the remaining time.

In the normal processing, first, the external signal output processing is executed in step S201. In the external signal output process of step S201, output data such as a timer interrupt process or a command set in the previous normal process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence or absence of the prize ball command is determined, and if the prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 242. In addition, if various commands such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, and other effects commands, a hold command, and a shift command, which will be described later, are set, they are transmitted to the notification / effect control device 140. To do.

Next, in step S202, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404.

In the following step S203, a game time control process for controlling the game in each game time is executed. In this game time control process, a jackpot determination, a setting of a symbol variation display by the symbol display device 87, a display control of a main display unit, and the like are performed.

After executing the game times control process in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204 to execute the game state transition process. By this game state transition process, the game state is changed to the open / close execution mode (big hit game state: special game state), high probability mode and high frequency support mode (high probability game state), low probability mode and high frequency support mode (time saving game state). ), Low probability mode and low frequency support mode (low probability game state). The high-probability gaming state, the time-saving gaming state, and the low-probability gaming state are collectively referred to as the normal gaming state with respect to the special gaming state corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode.

In the following step S205, an electric service support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 91 attached to the lower operating port 83b is executed. In this electric service support process, the electric service is released depending on whether or not the electric service 91 is opened by using the numerical information acquired from the electric service release counter C4 stored in the electric service holding area 433 of the RAM 404. In addition to the lottery, if the electric accessory is won in the open state, the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. In addition, the display control of the accessory display unit is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric service open lottery.

As described above, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are set as the support modes by the electric accessory 91, and the game state transition process shifts to either support mode. Through this process, when the high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404, the high-frequency support mode is set, and when the flag is not set, the low-frequency support mode is set.

In the electric service support process, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Then, in the case of the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 91 is in the open state is set more than in the case of the low-frequency support mode, and once the electric accessory 91 is in the open state. Set a long opening time. Further, in the high frequency support mode, when the electric accessory open state is won and the electric accessory 91 is opened a plurality of times, the next open state is started after the one open state is completed. The closing time is set to be shorter than the one-time opening time.

By the way, when the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode even if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404.

After that, the ball return prevention mechanism drive control process is executed in step S206, and the game ball launch control process is executed in the following step S207.

After executing the processes of steps S201 to S207, it is determined in step S208 whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. If it is determined in step S208 that the power failure flag is stored, it means that the power supply has been cut off, so the power failure processing in step S212 and subsequent steps is executed. Specifically, in step S212, the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, then in step S213, the RAM determination value is calculated and saved, and in step S214, access to the RAM 404 is prohibited, and then the power supply is completely shut off. And continue the infinite loop until the process cannot be executed.

If a negative determination is made in step S208, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S209, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the previous normal process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is reached.

That is, in step S210, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is added by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 404. Further, in step S211, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is added by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum value, the counter values are cleared to 0. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 404.

Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S207 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and fluctuates. Therefore, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, and similarly. The variable type counter CS can also be updated at random.

In the pachinko machine 10H shown in the present embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is configured to switch from the blocking state to the permissible state at a predetermined well-known state (details are the same as the firing cycle of the game ball described later: 0.6 sec). When the launch operation of the game ball is performed, the function of adjusting the launch timing of the game ball so that the game ball is launched according to the movement of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is provided. It is one of the features. Therefore, the configuration for realizing the function will be described below.

To explain again with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 15, the power supply / emission control device 243 includes a power supply / emission control board 501. The power / launch control board 501 is provided with an input / output port that functions as a connection with other gaming devices. A game ball launch handle 41 is connected to the input side of the input / output port. Specifically, a touch sensor 42 for detecting that the game ball launch handle 41 is touched by the player, a variable resistor 43 for detecting the amount of rotation of the game ball launch handle 41, and the like. Even when the game ball launch handle 41 is operated by the player, a stop switch 44 which is operated to stop the launch of the game ball is connected. The solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 and the ball feeding device 113 are connected to the output side of the input / output port, and these solenoids 111 and the ball feeding device 113 are driven and controlled by the power supply / firing control device 243. ing.

A main control device 162 is connected to the input / output port. The detection signals from the touch sensor 42 and the stop switch 44 are input to the main control device 162 via the power supply / emission control device 243. Although the details will be described later, the main control device 162 is configured to set whether or not to launch based on these signals, and input a signal to that effect to the power supply / launch control device 243. The power supply / launch control device 243 controls the drive of the game ball launch mechanism 110 based on the information from the main control device 162 and the game ball launch handle 41.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19, the ball return prevention mechanism drive control process (step S206 of FIG. 18) executed as a part of the normal process by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162 will be described.

(Ball return prevention mechanism drive control processing)
In the ball return prevention mechanism drive control process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not a drive signal is output to the drive unit 321H of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H. That is, it is determined whether or not the drive unit 321H is in the excited state. If a negative determination is made in step S301, that is, if it is determined that the drive unit 321H is not in the excited state, the process proceeds to step S302. In step S302, it is determined whether or not the value of the first timer counter TC1 provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404 is “0”. The first timer counter TC1 is a counter for determining the timing for starting the output of the drive signal and the timing for ending the output of the drive signal.

If it is determined that the value of the first timer counter TC1 is not "0", the main drive control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the first timer counter TC1 is "0", the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the drive signal output start process is executed. As a result, the drive unit 321H switches from the non-excited state to the excited state, and the ball return prevention mechanism 106H switches from the blocking state to the allowable state.

After executing the start process of step S303, "100" (corresponding to 0.2 sec) is set in the first timer counter TC1 in step S304, and the main drive control process is ended. The value of the first timer counter TC1 is subtracted by "1" each time the timer interrupt process is executed. When the above-described power failure processing is executed, the value of the first timer counter TC1 is cleared to "0".

Returning to the description of step S301, if an affirmative determination is made in step S301, that is, if it is determined that the drive signal is being output, the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, it is determined whether or not the first timer counter TC1 is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S305, that is, if it is determined that it is not yet the timing to stop the output of the drive signal, the main drive control process is terminated as it is.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S305, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the output stop processing of the drive signal is executed. As a result, the drive unit 321H switches from the excited state to the non-excited state, and the ball return prevention mechanism 106H switches from the allowable state to the blocking state.

After executing the stop process in step S306, "200" (corresponding to 0.4 sec) is set in the first timer counter TC1 in step S306 to end the drive control process. The value of the first timer counter TC1 is subtracted by "1" each time the timer interrupt process is executed. When the above-mentioned power failure processing is executed, the value of the first timer counter TC1 is cleared to "0".

By the drive control process described in detail above, the switching between the blocking state and the permissible state is periodically repeated with a total of 0.6 sec from the blocking state of 0.4 sec to the permissible state of 0.2 sec as one cycle. Here, the timing at which the launch operation of the game ball is performed is arbitrary. In a configuration in which the firing cycle of the game ball and the switching cycle of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H match, the launched game ball may be blocked by the ball return prevention mechanism 106H depending on the launch timing of the game ball. There is a possibility that the ball return prevention mechanism 106H will be reached. In this case, the ball return prevention mechanism 106H prevents the launched game ball from reaching the game area PE.

In consideration of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience is suppressed by adjusting (setting) the launch timing of the game ball according to the state of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H. Is one of the features. Hereinafter, processing related to the launch of the game ball will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 and 21. First, a game ball launch control process (step S207 in FIG. 18) executed by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162 will be described with reference to FIG. The game ball launch control process is a process that is started every time the normal process is executed.

(Processing for game ball launch control)
In the game ball launch control process, it is determined in step S401 whether or not the condition satisfying signal is at the HI level. Specifically, the determination in step S401 is performed based on the condition satisfaction signal input from the power supply / emission control device 243.

When the player is touching the game ball launch handle 41, the HI level signal is input from the touch sensor 42 to the power / launch control device 243, and when the launch stop operation is not performed, the power is supplied from the stop switch 44. The LOW level signal is input to the launch control device 243. Then, on the condition that the HI level signal is input from the touch sensor 42 and the LOW level signal is input from the stop switch 44 in the power supply / emission control device 243, the HI level signal is sent to the main control device 162 as a condition satisfying signal. It is configured to be output. Further, in the power supply / firing control device 243, when the HI level signal is input from the touch sensor 42 and the LOW level signal is not input from the stop switch 44, the LOW level signal is output to the main control device 162 as a condition satisfaction signal. It is configured to be. The MPU 402 of the main control device 162 determines in step S401 based on this condition satisfaction signal.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S401, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, it is determined whether or not the firing permission state has already been established. If an affirmative determination is made in step S402, the game ball launch control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S402, the firing permission state is set in the following step S403. Specifically, the firing permission flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404.

After that, the output state of the launch permission signal is set to the HI level based on the fact that the launch permission flag is stored in step S404, and the game ball launch control process is terminated. The main control device 162 shown in the present embodiment is connected to the power supply / launch control device 243, and the launch permission signal is input to the power supply / launch control device 243. The power supply / launch control device 243 launches the game ball based on the launch permission signal being at the HI level.

Returning to the description of step S401, if a negative determination is made in step S401, that is, if the condition satisfying signal is at the LOW level, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the firing permission state is released. Specifically, when the firing permission flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404, it is deleted, and when the firing permission flag is not stored, the firing permission flag is maintained as it is. After executing the process of step S405, the process proceeds to step S406.

In step S406, the output state of the launch permission signal is set to the LOW level based on the fact that the launch permission flag is not stored, and the game ball launch control process is terminated. The power supply / launch control device 243 avoids launching the game ball based on the launch permission signal being at the LOW level.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 21, the launch control unit 502 of the power supply / launch control device 243 executes the operation periodically (specifically, the same cycle as the normal process in the MPU 402 of the main control device 162: 0.4 msec cycle). The firing control process to be performed will be described.

(Launch control process)
In the launch control process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the launch is permitted. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the launch permission signal from the main control device 162 is at the HI level. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S502. In step S502, it is determined whether or not it is time to launch the game ball. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the launch flag is stored in the launch control unit 502.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the drive signal output process is executed for the solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110, whereby the solenoid 111 is excited and the game ball is launched. At this time, the details of the firing intensity of the game ball will also be determined by the setting process described later.

After executing the process of step S503, or when a negative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S504. After resetting the firing timing in step S504, the main firing control process ends. Specifically, the stored firing flag is cleared.

Returning to the description of step S502, if a negative determination is made in step S502, that is, if it is determined that it is not the firing timing, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, it is determined whether or not the firing timing has already been set. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the firing timing counter stored in the firing control unit 502 is other than "0".

If a negative determination is made in step S505, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, a process of grasping the launch intensity of the game ball is performed based on the information from the variable resistor 43 of the game ball launch handle 41. After that, after executing the firing timing setting process in step S507, the main firing control process is terminated.

Here, the firing timing setting process will be described. In the firing timing setting process, the timing at which the game ball should be fired is determined based on the operating condition of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H and the firing intensity of the game ball. That is, when the game ball is launched with the specified firing intensity, the period required for the game ball to reach the game ball launch mechanism 110 → ball return prevention mechanism 106H is uniquely determined, and this period and the ball The launched game ball passes through the ball return prevention mechanism 106H while the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is in the allowable state with reference to the period until the return prevention mechanism 106H is next switched to the allowable state. As described above, the firing timing (specifically, the value of the firing timing counter stored in the firing control unit 502) is set. For example, when the game ball should be launched after 0.2 sec, "50" is set in the launch timing counter.

The value of the firing timing counter is subtracted by "1" each time the firing control process is activated. When the power of the pachinko machine 10H is turned off, the value of the firing timing counter is forcibly cleared to "0".

Returning to the description of step S505, if an affirmative determination is made in step S505, that is, if the firing timing has already been set, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, it is determined whether or not the firing timing has come. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the firing timing counter becomes "0". If a negative determination is made in step S508, the main launch control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S509, that is, when the value of the firing timing counter is "0", the firing flag is stored and the main firing control process is terminated.

In the present embodiment, the signal from the stop switch 44 of the game ball launch handle 41 is added to determine whether or not the launch is permitted by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162, but the configuration is not necessarily limited to this. It's not a thing. For example, the main control device 162 may be configured to input information from the touch sensor 42, and may be configured to entrust the function related to the determination of whether or not to launch based on the information from the stop switch 44 to the power supply / launch control device 243.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the launch timing of the game ball is determined according to the state of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H, which is driven and controlled by the main control device 162. For example, the launch timing can be determined by configuring the main control device 162 to output information indicating that fact to the power supply / launch control device 243 each time the drive control of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is performed. Is. However, in such a configuration, the load related to the launch control of the main control device 162 becomes large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following measures are taken to eliminate such inconvenience.

Specifically, the launch control unit 502 of the power supply / launch control device 243 is provided with a second timer counter TC2 corresponding to the first timer counter TC1 provided in various counter areas 434 of the main control device 162. .. When the power of the pachinko machine 10H is turned on and the start processing of the pachinko machine 10H is executed, the synchronization processing of the first timer counter TC1 and the second timer counter TC2 is executed. While the upper limit of the first timer counter TC1 is configured to correspond to the period during which the blocking state is set, the upper limit of the second timer counter TC2 is maintained during the period during which the blocking state is maintained and the allowable state. It is configured to correspond to the combined period. Further, the update cycle (subtraction cycle) of the second timer counter TC2 is the same as that of the first timer counter TC1.

That is, the value of the second timer counter TC2 = "upper limit" to "predetermined value" corresponds to the ball return prevention mechanism 106H being in an allowable state, and the value of the second timer counter TC2 = "predetermined value". "0" corresponds to the ball return prevention mechanism 106H being in a blocking state. Therefore, in the launch control unit 502, by referring to the value of the second timer counter TC2, it is possible to acquire substantially the same information as when the first timer counter TC1 is referred to.

The ball return prevention mechanism 106H can be switched between the blocking state and the permissible state, but when setting the firing timing, more detailed information (for example, how long has passed since the permissible state was reached, etc.) ) Is preferable. Therefore, by using the second timer counter TC2 that synchronizes with the first timer counter TC1, it is possible to finely adjust the firing timing.

In a configuration in which the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is electrically operated and periodically switched to a blocking state / an allowable state, the function of preventing the ball return may be deteriorated due to a longer period of the allowable state. In this respect, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the game ball can reach the ball return prevention mechanism 106H aiming at the allowable period. Then, in that case, by taking into account what kind of situation the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is in in the flow of a series of switching, it is possible to more accurately grasp the preferable arrival timing. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the allowable state unnecessarily long in consideration of the variation in the firing timing and the like, and it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience.

Here, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 22, the flow of the game ball launch operation → the game ball launch will be illustrated.

The ball return prevention mechanism 106H, which is in the blocked state at the timing of t1, switches from the blocked state to the allowable state at the timing of t2 when 0.6 sec has elapsed. Then, after switching to the permissible state, the permissible state is maintained until the timing of t3 when 0.2 sec elapses. After that, the switching between the blocking state and the permissible state is repeated at regular intervals.

When the launch operation of the game ball is performed at the timing of t4 after the timing of t3 when the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is in the blocked state, the game ball is not launched immediately at this timing, but is launched slightly. The timing will be delayed. Specifically, the launching solenoid 111 is excited at the timing of t5 after the timing of t4, and the game ball is launched.

The launched game ball is guided by the guidance rail 100 (guidance passage 103), and moves in the order of the entrance portion 104 → the exit portion 105 → the ball return prevention mechanism 106H of the guidance passage 103. Since the structure passes through such a movement path, a certain time lag occurs before the launched game ball reaches the ball return prevention mechanism 106H. Then, as described above, this time lag changes according to the amount of operation (rate of fire, rate of fire) of the rotation operating member. That is, if the amount of operation is large and the rate of fire is high, the time lag becomes small, and if the amount of operation is small and the rate of fire is low, the time lag becomes large.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, the period (time lag) required for the launched game ball to reach the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is about 0.2 sec. Therefore, if the game ball is launched as it is at the timing of t4, when the game ball reaches the ball return prevention mechanism 106H, the ball return prevention mechanism 106H remains in the blocked state, and the game ball returns to the same ball. It will collide with 106H.

In this respect, in the present embodiment, the launch timing is delayed so that the arrival timing of the game ball is the timing when the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is in the allowable state (specifically, the middle of the period in which the ball return prevention mechanism is in the allowable state). Will be done. As a result, the game ball is launched at the timing of t5 after the timing of t4 when the launch operation is performed as described above.

At the timing of t6 after the game ball is launched, the ball return prevention mechanism 106H switches from the blocking state to the allowable state, and the launched game ball is at the timing of t7 when the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is in the allowable state. It passes through the ball return prevention mechanism 106H. The ball return prevention mechanism 106H returns to the blocked state at the timing of t8 after the game ball has passed.

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

The game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 and reaching the game area PE via the guidance passage 103 is prevented from returning to the guidance passage 103 by the ball return prevention mechanism 106H. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is arranged in the game area PE, the game ball that has reached the game area PE bounces off a game part such as a game nail 93 and is from the side opposite to the guidance passage 103, for example. The possibility of colliding with the ball return prevention mechanism 106H cannot be denied. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that should have originally reached the game area PE cannot reach the game area PE, and the succeeding game ball becomes unable to reach the game area PE. The guide passage 103 is returned (a foul ball or the like is generated). The generation of such a foul ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this respect, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the movement of the movable body 301 constituting the ball return prevention mechanism 106H does not depend on the momentum of the launched game ball. Therefore, even if the preceding game ball hits the movable body 301 from the game area PE side to hinder the movement of the movable body 301 as described above, the movable body 301 itself is affected by the driving force from the driving unit 321H. Because it operates, it is possible to push away the obstructive game ball. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

The timing at which the launch operation is performed by the player is arbitrary. Therefore, when the game ball is launched regardless of the movement of the movable body 301 in the configuration in which the movable body 301 operates in a predetermined cycle, the game ball hits the movable body 301 and reaches the game area PE. There is a possibility that it cannot be done. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the launch timing of the game ball is set according to the switching state of the movable body 301, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

For example, contrary to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to switch the movable body 301 from the blocking state to the permissible state according to the firing operation of the game ball. However, the period required from the launch of the game ball to the arrival at the movable body 301 is often extremely short, and such a configuration causes inconveniences such as the switching of the movable body 301 not being in time. Such inconvenience causes new problems such as improvement of the operating speed and responsiveness of the movable body 301. Therefore, it is preferable that the launch timing of the game ball is set according to the movement of the movable body 301 as shown in the present embodiment.

As described above, the rate of fire of the game ball changes according to the amount of operation of the rotation operating member. If the firing timing is uniquely determined in consideration of the lower and upper limits of the rate of fire, it is expected that the period for maintaining the ball return prevention mechanism 106H in the allowable state will be extended. This is not preferable because the game ball ejected into the game area PE can easily cause the inconvenience of avoiding (passing through) the ball return prevention mechanism 106H and returning to the guidance passage 103. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the firing timing is corrected according to the amount of operation, so that the ball returns without being unnecessarily maintained in the allowable state as described above. The period during which the prevention mechanism 106H is in the allowable state can be shortened as much as possible. Therefore, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

<Sixth Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 106 has two prevention devices 106a and 106b, and the movable bodies 301a and 301b constituting the prevention devices 106a and 106b operate independently and independently. did. On the other hand, the reversal prevention mechanism shown in the present embodiment is characterized in that the movable bodies constituting the two prevention devices are interlocked to give a correspondence to the movements of the prevention devices. I'm trying. Hereinafter, the ball return prevention mechanism 106K in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27. FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged view of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K and the game board unit 80K showing the peripheral structure thereof, FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 106K and its peripheral structure, and FIG. 25 is removed from the game board unit 80K. A perspective view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 106K in the state, FIG. 26 (a) is a side view of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K, FIG. 26 (b) is a plan view of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K, and FIG. 27 is a ball return prevention mechanism 106K. It is an exploded perspective view of. In FIG. 26, for convenience of explanation, the configuration related to the ball return prevention mechanism 106K is schematically indicated by a two-dot chain line.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the game area forming body 80aK, the portion located near the exit portion 105 of the guidance passage 103, specifically, the portion located on the extension of the guidance passage 103, is aligned with the guidance rail 100 (outer rail 102). An elongated elongated hole 85K is formed. The elongated hole 85K penetrates in the thickness direction of the game region forming body 80aK, and the ball return prevention mechanism 106K is attached to the elongated hole 85K from the back surface side of the gaming region forming body 80aK. The ball return prevention mechanism 106K prevents the game ball moving from the guidance passage 103 to the game area PE from returning to the guidance passage 103.

The ball return prevention mechanism 106K has two prevention devices 106aK and 106bK arranged along the outer rail 102, that is, arranged side by side on the movement path of the game ball along the outer rail 102. Become. Specifically, the left movable body 601a as the "first movable body" constituting the left side prevention device 106aK, the right movable body 601b as the "second movable body" constituting the right side prevention device 106bK, and these movable bodies. It has a holder 611 for holding 601a and 601b, and the holder 611 is integrated with the game area forming body 80aK by engaging with the elongated hole 85K. The two movable bodies 601a and 601b have the same basic configuration, but the configurations related to the link mechanism described later are different. Therefore, when the two are described separately, the movable bodies 601 are referred to as movable bodies 601a and 601b as necessary.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, the holder 611 is formed by combining two holder configurations, and the movable body 601 is held in a state of being sandwiched between the holder constructs. The holder 611 is provided with a flat plate-shaped mounting base 612 that functions as a mounting portion for the game area forming body 80aK, and a housing portion 613 that is provided upright from the mounting base 612 and can accommodate the movable body 601. As shown in FIG. 26A, the accommodating portion 613 is open to the side opposite to the mounting base 612 (front of the game machine) and has a tubular shape (annular shape) with the mounting base 612 as the bottom, and is mounted. The tip portion (open portion 616) of the accommodating portion 613 is formed so as to be positioned on the same plane as the front surface of the game region forming body 80aK in a state where the base 612 is fixed to the game region forming body 80aK.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 26 (b), a part of the elongated hole 85K is formed so as to overlap the guide rail 100 (specifically, the outer rail 102) in the front-rear direction, and is accommodated in this overlapping position. The tip edge (tip portion) of the portion 613 is located. That is, a part of the accommodating portion 613 faces the guide rail 100 from the rear side in the thickness direction of the game area forming body 80aK. As described above, the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 moves along the latter of the inner rail 101 and the outer rail 102. The arrangement of the outer rail 102 and the elongated hole 85K so as to overlap each other in the front-rear direction as described above is a device for bringing the movable body 601 and the outer rail 102 closer to each other in consideration of the thickness of the holder 611 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 26, the movable body 601 is a ball receiving surface portion 604 formed so as to cover at least a part of the opening portion 661 formed in the accommodating portion 613 so as to face the front side of the game area forming body 80aK. And a base portion 602 that is erected from the ball receiving surface portion 604 to the back side of the accommodating portion 613. The base portion 602 extends in the parallel direction of the prevention devices 106aK and 106bK described above, and is parallel to the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK at the end portion of the base portion 602 on the exit portion 105 side of the guidance passage 103. The shaft portion 603 formed in this way is formed. The shaft portion 603 intersects the parallel arrangement direction, and the movable body 601 can rotate about the shaft portion 603 by engaging the shaft portion 603 with the bearing portion 614 formed on the holder 611. It is held.

The base portion 602 of the movable body 601 is formed with a guide pin 605 projecting in the same direction as the shaft portion 603, and the guide pin 605 is inserted into a guide groove 615 formed in the holder 611 (accommodation portion 613). There is. The guide groove 615 has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the movable body 601, and the rotation range of the movable body 601 is defined by the guide groove 615.

When the guide pin 605 is in contact with the end of the guide groove 615 on the front side (open portion 616 side), the amount of protrusion of the ball receiving surface portion 604 from the accommodating portion 613 is maximized, and the back side (mounting) of the guide groove 615. When the guide pin 605 is in contact with the end of the base (612 side), the amount of protrusion of the ball receiving surface portion 604 from the accommodating portion 613 is the minimum (specifically, “0”). In the following description, the position where the protrusion amount of the ball receiving surface portion 604 is maximum, that is, the position where the gap with the glass panel 23 is minimized is defined as the "maximum protrusion position" of the movable body 601 and the protrusion amount of the ball receiving surface portion 604 is the minimum. That is, the position where the gap with the glass panel 23 is maximized is referred to as the "retracted position" of the movable body 601.

The movable body 601 is configured such that the protruding amount thereof is larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball in a state where the movable body 601 is arranged at the maximum protruding position. However, the function of preventing the passage of the game ball is not necessarily limited to this. It is sufficient if the gap with the glass panel 23 is configured to be smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. For example, the protrusion amount in the state of being arranged at the maximum protrusion position is smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. It is also possible to configure it as follows.

With respect to the ball receiving surface portion 604, the inclination angle with respect to the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK changes at an intermediate position thereof. Specifically, when the movable body 601 is arranged at the maximum protruding position, it is bent so that the inclination angle on the rotation base end side is smaller than the inclination angle on the rotation tip side. This is a device for reducing the initial resistance when the game ball hits the ball receiving surface portion 604 and suppressing the lifting of the game ball from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK that receives the reaction force from the ball receiving surface portion 604. ..

In the state where the movable body 601 is arranged at the maximum protruding position, the separation distance between the opening portion 616 and the ball receiving surface portion 604 becomes large, and a gap through which the game ball can flow is created between the two. If the game ball enters this gap, it may become a factor that hinders the rotation of the movable body 601 toward the retracted position. Therefore, the movable body 601 shown in the present embodiment is devised to prevent such a game ball from entering. Specifically, the base portion 602 extends along the ball receiving surface portion 604 in a radial manner, and the end portion on the rotation tip side (rotation tip portion 606) is configured to fill a part of the gap. ing.

In order to improve the responsiveness of the movable body 601 related to the movement from the maximum protruding position to the retracted position, it is preferable to reduce the weight of the movable body 601 as much as possible. Therefore, instead of filling the entire gap as described above, if a part of the gap is filled with the rotating tip portion 606 of the base portion 602, the responsiveness is improved by weight reduction and the above-mentioned inconvenience is avoided. Can be suitably compatible with each other.

The rotation tip portion 606 of the base portion 602 has an arc shape with the rotation center of the movable body 601 as the base end. Although the details will be described later, such a shape suppresses the stress generated when the game ball hits the rotating tip portion 606 from acting to promote the rotation of the movable body 601. ing.

Here, in the ball return prevention mechanism 106K shown in the present embodiment, the two movable bodies 601a and 601b are connected by a link mechanism (corresponding to the "connecting means"), and the left side movable body 601a and the holder 611 are left movable. The "left side prevention device 106aK" composed of the holding portion of the body 601a and the "right side prevention device 106bK" composed of the holding portion of the right movable body 601b in the right movable body 601b and the holder 611 are interlocked with each other. There is. In the present embodiment, the two movable bodies 601a and 601b are held by the holder 611 of 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the holder for the left movable body 601a and the right movable body 601b are used. Holders may be provided separately.

As shown in FIG. 27, the right movable body 601b is formed with an arm portion 607b extending to the opposite side of the base portion 602b with the shaft portion 603b interposed therebetween. A shaft pin 608b is provided at the tip of the arm portion 607b, and the shaft pin 608b is inserted into a link groove 609a formed in the base portion 602a of the left movable body 601a. The link mechanism is composed of the arm portion 607b (shaft pin 608b) and the link groove 609a.

As shown in FIG. 26A, the link groove 609a extends in the juxtaposed direction of both movable bodies 601a and 601b, and allows the shaft pin 608b to be displaced along the link groove 609a. When the left movable body 601a retracts from the maximum protruding position to the retracted position, the shaft pin 608b is pushed rearward by the link groove 609a, and the arm portion 607b tilts backward following the left movable body 601aK. As a result, the right movable body 601b rotates, and the base portion 602b (ball receiving surface portion 604b) protrudes from the open portion of the accommodating portion 613. On the other hand, when the right movable body 601b retracts from the maximum protruding position to the retracted position, the link groove 609a is pushed forward by the shaft pin 608b, and the base portion 602a follows the right movable body 601bK. Lean forward. As a result, the left movable body 601aK rotates, and the base portion 602a (ball receiving surface portion 604a) protrudes from the open portion of the accommodating portion 613.

As described above, in the link mechanism shown in the present embodiment, the operation modes of the two prevention devices 106aK and 106bK are associated with each other so that the operation of the left movable body 601a and the operation of the right movable body 601b have an opposite relationship. Is going.

Here, the relationship between the ball receiving surface portion 604b of the right movable body 601b and the arm portion 607b (shaft pin 608b) will be supplementarily described. In the ball receiving surface portion 604b, the distance from the rotation center of the right movable body 601b to the end on the rotation base end side is shorter than the distance from the rotation center to the shaft pin 608b, and from the rotation center. The distance to the end on the rotation tip side is longer than the distance from the rotation center to the shaft pin 608b. According to such a configuration, the following effects are obtained in combination with the fact that the inclination angle of the ball receiving surface portion 604 on the rotation base end side is gentle and the inclination angle on the rotation tip side is tight. That is, when the portion having a relatively small inclination angle is pushed by the game ball, the left movable body 601a can be quickly pushed up by the force, which contributes to the improvement of responsiveness. On the other hand, when the portion having a relatively large inclination angle is pushed by the game ball, the right movable body 601b has a movement toward the retracted position, but the game ball that has generated such a movement. Is assumed to have weakened slightly. Therefore, as described above, when the game ball approaches the rotating tip portion of the ball receiving surface portion 604b, the responsiveness is lowered, but the left movable body 601a is easily pushed up even with a small force. This makes it possible to efficiently operate the left movable body 601a.

Further, the positions of the connection points of the two movable bodies 601a and 601b by the link mechanism change so as to straddle the virtual plane including the rotation center portion of the left movable body 601a and the rotation center portion of the right movable body 601b. It is configured as follows. By setting the operation path in this way, the displacement amount of the connection points in the juxtaposed direction of both movable bodies 601a and 601b is reduced with respect to the displacement amount of the connection points in the haunting direction. This contributes to the miniaturization of the link mechanism and thus the ball return prevention mechanism 106K. Further, the configuration in which the connection portion is changed so as to straddle the virtual plane has a technical significance that the transmission loss can be reduced when the kinetic energy of the game ball is used for interlocking the movable body.

According to the link mechanism described in detail above, when the left movable body 601a is arranged in the maximum protruding position (blocking state), the right movable body is arranged in the retracted position (allowable state), and the right movable body 601b Is arranged in the maximum protruding position (blocking state), the left movable body 601a is arranged in the retracted position (allowable state). The state in which the left side prevention device 106a is in the blocking state and the right side prevention device 106b is in the allowable state is the standby state of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K.

Hereinafter, the movement of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K with the passage of the game ball will be described with reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 28 and 29.

As shown in FIG. 28A, when the ball return prevention mechanism 106K is in the standby state, the amount of protrusion X5 from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK of the left movable body 601a (ball receiving surface portion 604a) is a game. It is larger than the diameter dimension D of the ball, and the gap dimension X6 between the left movable body 601a (ball receiving surface portion 604a) and the glass panel 23 is smaller than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. On the other hand, the right movable body 601b is arranged at the retracted position so that the game area forming body 80a does not protrude from the front surface. That is, in the standby state, the left side prevention device 106aK of the two prevention devices 106aK and 106bK regulates the return of the game ball flowing into the game area PE to the guidance passage 103. In this way, by intentionally arranging the right movable body 601b in the retracted position in the standby state, the chance that the game area PE is pressed by the right movable body 601b is reduced. In this state, the game ball cannot pass through the gap formed between the left movable body 601a and the tip end portion of the inner rail 101. As a result, the ball return prevention mechanism 106K is avoided to prevent the game ball from returning from the game area PE to the guidance passage 103. Incidentally, the tip of the inner rail 101 is located at a position vertically aligned with the left movable body 601a (for example, when the left movable body 601a is arranged at the maximum protruding position, the left movable body 601a (ball receiving surface portion 604a). Even if it is extended to a position that is vertically aligned with the tip portion or a position that is vertically aligned with the tip portion of the left movable body 601a (ball receiving surface portion 604a) when the left movable body 601a is arranged in the retracted position). Good.

As shown in the first embodiment or the like, it is also possible to allow the game ball to flow out from between the exit portion of the guidance passage 103 and the ball return prevention mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 28A → FIG. 28B, when the game ball reaches the left movable body 601a (ball receiving surface portion 604a), the ball receiving surface portion 604a is pushed to the back (rear of the game machine) by the game ball. Is done. When the ball receiving surface portion 604a is pushed, the left movable body 601a rotates, and the protrusion amount X5 decreases. As a result, the gap dimension X6 with the glass panel 23 becomes large. The right movable body 601b rotates following the movement of the left movable body 601a, and the right movable body 601b protrudes from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK.

Strictly speaking, in the standby state, the ball receiving surface portion 604b of the right movable body 601b is slightly retracted from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK, but the ball receiving surface portion 604a of the left movable body 601a. The ball receiving surface portion 604b of the right movable body 601b protrudes from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK at the timing before moving from the portion where the inclination angle is set to be small to the portion where the inclination angle is set to be large. ..

As shown in FIG. 28 (b) → FIG. 28 (c), as the rotation of both movable bodies 601a and 601b progresses, the right movable body 601b, which has been allowed to pass the game ball until then, is also a game area forming body. The amount of protrusion X7 from the front surface of 80aK increases. As a result, the right movable body 601b is also switched to a blocking state in which the passage of the game ball is blocked. That is, the reversion of the game ball is temporarily prevented by both the two prevention devices 106aK and 106bK.

As shown in FIG. 28 (c) → FIG. 29 (d), when the left movable body 601a rotates so as to be pushed away by the game ball and the left side prevention device 106aK switches from the blocked state to the allowable state, the left side is concerned. The game ball can pass between the movable body 601a and the glass panel 23. When the game ball that has passed through the left movable body 601a reaches the right movable body 601b, the object pressed by the game ball moves from the ball receiving surface portion 604a of the left movable body 601a to the ball receiving surface portion 604b of the right movable body 601b. In this state, the passage restriction by the left movable body 601a is released, and the function of preventing the game ball from returning from the game area PE to the guidance passage 103 depends on the right movable body 601b.

After that, as shown in FIG. 29 (d) → FIG. 29 (e), the ball receiving surface portion 604b of the right movable body 601b is pushed, so that the right movable body 601b retracts from the maximum protruding position to the retracted position. start. In line with this, the left movable body 601a starts rotating from the retracted position to the maximum protruding position.

Strictly speaking, when the left movable body 601a is arranged in the retracted position, the ball receiving surface portion 604a of the left movable body 601a is slightly retracted from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK. However, before moving from the portion where the inclination angle is set small in the ball receiving surface portion 604b of the right movable body 601b to the portion where the inclination angle is set large, the ball receiving surface portion 604a of the left movable body 601a is the game area forming body 80aK. It will protrude from the front of.

As the protrusion amount X7 of the right movable body 601b decreases, the protrusion amount X5 of the left movable body 601a increases accordingly. As a result, the gap dimensions X6 and H8 between the two movable bodies 601a and 601b and the glass panel 23 are both smaller than the diameter dimension D of the game ball, and both the left and right movable bodies 601a and 601b again guide the passage from the game area PE. The reversion of the game ball to 103 will be restricted.

As shown in FIG. 29 (e) → FIG. 29 (f), the gap dimension between the right movable body 601b and the glass panel 23 is reduced by reducing the protrusion amount X7 of the right movable body 601b so as to be pushed away by the game ball. X8 is larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. In this way, by switching the right side prevention device 106bK from the blocking state to the permissible state, the passage of the game ball of the right side prevention device 106bK is permitted. As a result, the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 flows into the game area PE via the left side prevention device 106aK → the right side prevention device 106bK.

Here, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 30, the operation timing of each of the prevention devices 106aK and 106bK (movable bodies 601a and 601b) will be supplementarily described.

At the timing of ta1 when the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 reaches the ball return prevention mechanism 106K, the left movable body 601a pushed by the game ball starts rotating from the maximum protrusion position to the evacuation position. To do. Along with this, the right movable body 601b arranged at the retracted position starts rotating toward the maximum protruding position. When the right movable body 601b protrudes from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK, the right movable body 601b hinders the movement of the game ball from the game area PE toward the left movable body 601a (FIG. 28 (b). )reference). Considering that the game ball moves along the front surface of the game area forming body 80a even when the gap size X8 between the right movable body 601b and the glass panel 23 is larger than the diameter size D of the game ball. The protrusion of the right movable body 601b helps to prevent the game ball from returning.

If the right movable body 601b is slightly protruding, the game ball can hit the rotating tip portion 606b (see FIG. 26 and the like) of the right movable body 601b. Here, since the rotating tip portion 606b has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the right movable body 601b, the collision of the game ball with the rotating tip portion 606b hinders the rotation of the left movable body 601a. It is possible to suppress the generation of drag. As a result, the interlocking of the left and right movable bodies 601a and 601b is suitably ensured.

When the rotation of the left movable body 601a pushed by the game ball moving toward the game area PE and the rotation of the right movable body 601b following the left movable body 601a proceed, the right movable body 601b and the glass panel The gap dimension X8 with the 23 is smaller than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. As a result, the right side prevention device 106bK switches from the allowable state to the preventive state. At this timing, the gap dimension X6 between the left movable body 601a and the glass panel 23 is still smaller than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. That is, the switching from the allowable state of the right side prevention device 106bK to the blocking state is executed under the condition that the left side prevention device 106aK is in the blocking state.

After that, as the rotation of the left movable body 601a progresses, the gap dimension X6 between the left movable body 601a and the glass panel 23 becomes larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball at the timing of ta3. As a result, the left side prevention device 106aK switches from the blocking state to the permissible state. That is, switching from the blocking state of the left side prevention device 106aK to the permissible state is executed in a situation where the right side prevention device 106bK is in the blocking state.

However, even if the left side prevention device 106aK is in the allowable state, the game ball does not immediately separate from the left movable body 601a, and the game ball moves toward the right movable body 601b to rotate the left movable body 601a. The movement continues. Then, at the timing of ta4 when the game ball leaves the left movable body 601a, the left movable body 601a reaches the retracted position and the right movable body 601b reaches the maximum protruding position.

A slight gap is provided between the left movable body 601a (specifically, the ball receiving surface portion 604a) and the right movable body 601b (specifically, the ball receiving surface portion 604b). Therefore, while passing through this gap (timing of ta4 to timing of ta5), changes in posture of both movable bodies 601a and 601b are restricted, the left movable body 601a is in the retracted position and the right movable body 601b is in the maximum protruding position. Will be maintained at. The details will be described later, but even if the movement of the game ball is hindered by providing such a space (specific area), the game ball falls downward from the specific area SEK and the ball. It will be smoothly discharged from the return prevention mechanism 106K.

When the game ball moves from the left movable body 601a to the right movable body 601b at the timing of ta5, the right movable body 601b pushed by the game ball starts rotating from the maximum protruding position to the retracted position. Along with this, the left movable body 601a arranged at the retracted position starts rotating toward the maximum protruding position. When the left movable body 601a protrudes from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK, the left movable body 601a hinders the movement of the game ball toward the exit portion 105 of the guidance passage 103 (FIG. 29 (e)). reference). Considering that the game ball moves along the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK even when the gap size X6 between the left movable body 601a and the glass panel 23 is larger than the diameter size D of the game ball. The protrusion of the left movable body 601a helps prevent the game ball from reversing.

If the left movable body 601a is slightly protruding, the game ball can hit the rotating tip portion 606a (see FIG. 26 and the like) of the left movable body 601a. Here, as described above, since the rotating tip portion 606a has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the left movable body 601a, the right movable body 601b is caused by the collision of the game ball with the rotating tip portion 606a. It is possible to suppress the generation of drag force that hinders the rotation of the body. As a result, the interlocking of the left and right movable bodies 601a and 601b is suitably ensured.

When the rotation of the right movable body 601b pushed by the game ball moving toward the game area PE and the rotation of the left movable body 601a following the right movable body 601b proceed, the left movable body 601a and the glass panel The gap dimension X6 with the 23 is smaller than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. As a result, the left side prevention device 106aK switches from the allowable state to the preventive state. At the timing of this ta6, the gap size X8 between the right movable body 601b and the glass panel 23 is still smaller than the diameter size D of the game ball. That is, the switching from the allowable state of the left side prevention device 106aK to the blocking state is executed under the condition that the right side prevention device 106bK is in the blocking state.

After that, as the rotation of the right movable body 601b progresses, the gap dimension X8 between the right movable body 601b and the glass panel 23 becomes larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball at the timing of ta7. As a result, the left side prevention device 106aK switches from the blocking state to the permissible state. That is, the switching from the blocking state of the right side prevention device 106bK to the permissible state is executed in a situation where the left side prevention device 106aK is in the blocking state.

However, even if the right side prevention device 106bK is in the allowable state, the game ball does not immediately separate from the right movable body 601b, and the game ball moves toward the game area PE (in the extension direction of the guidance passage 103). As a result, the rotation of the right movable body 601b is continued. Then, at the timing of ta8 when the game ball is separated from the right movable body 601b, the right movable body 601b reaches the retracted position and the left movable body 601a reaches the maximum protruding position. As a result, the ball return prevention mechanism 106K returns to the standby state.

Next, a mode of preventing backtracking by the ball return prevention mechanism 106N shown in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic view of FIG. 31. FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing the state of prevention of reversion. In the group of FIG. 31 (a), the state before the succeeding game ball B2 passes through the left side prevention device 106aK is shown, and in the group of FIG. 31 (b), the subsequent game The state after the sphere B2 has passed the left side prevention device 106aK is shown.

As shown in FIG. 31 (a), when the preceding game ball B1 flows into the game area PE through the ball return prevention mechanism 106K and then reflects off the game nail 93 or the like and bounces back to the ball return prevention mechanism 106K side. When the game ball B1 hits the right movable body 601bK, the movement of the game ball B1 to the left movable body 601aK side is hindered. That is, the right movable body 601bK functions as a barrier for the left movable body 601aK, and it is avoided that the preceding game ball B1 becomes a factor that hinders the passage of the left side prevention device 106aK of the subsequent game ball B2. Further, the collision between the preceding game ball B1 and the succeeding game ball B2 is also avoided. At this time, with respect to the subsequent game ball B2, after the momentum is killed, the subsequent game ball B2 is quickly removed from the extension of the guidance passage 103, so that the subsequent game ball B2 moves along the outer rail 102. It is also suppressed that it is hindered by B1.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 31B, the subsequent game ball B2 can move to the right at the timing when it passes through the left side prevention device 106aK and reaches the area (specific area) between the two movable bodies 601aK and 601bK. When the game ball B1 preceding the body 601bK bounces off, the preceding game ball B1 collides with the rotating tip portion 606b of the right movable body 601b and leaves the extension of the guidance passage 103 as it is. As a result, the collision between the preceding game ball B1 and the succeeding game ball B2 is avoided.

As described above, the rotation tip portion 606bK of the right movable body 601bK has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the right movable body 601bK. Therefore, assuming that the game ball B2 collides with the rotation tip portion 606bK, the stress generated by the collision is transmitted to the shaft portion 603bK and the bearing portion 614bK constituting the rotation center portion, and is the driving force for rotating the right movable body 601bK. Is avoided. However, there is a possibility that the game ball B2 is caught by the tip of the ball receiving surface portion 604b, and in such a case, it is assumed that the above situation may occur.

If the movement of the right movable body 601bK to the retracted position is hindered, it becomes difficult for the subsequent game ball B2 to pass through the right prevention device 106bK. In this case, the subsequent game ball B2 falls into the game area PE through the specific area and is discharged from the ball return prevention mechanism 106K. As a result, it is suppressed that the game ball B2 becomes a factor that hinders the movement of other game balls following the game ball B2.

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

The game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 and reaching the game area PE via the guidance passage 103 is prevented from returning to the guidance passage 103 by the ball return prevention mechanism 106K. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game.

Here, in the configuration in which the return of the game ball is avoided by the reverse return prevention mechanism, the presence of the movable body constituting the reverse return prevention mechanism and other configurations associated therewith can be a factor that presses the game area PE. In the ball return prevention mechanism 106K shown in the present embodiment, the movable body 601 is displaced in the thickness direction of the game area forming body 80aK (for example, the front-rear direction in the game machine) to prevent the ball return prevention mechanism 106K. The configuration is such that 106bK switches to the allowable state / regulated state. As a result, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the occupied area of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K and suppress the pressure on the game area PE described above. Further, since the movable bodies 601aK and 601bK are not configured to affect the appearance of the game machine in the first place, the noticeable movement of the movable bodies may be a factor that gives the player an impression that it is bothersome. In this respect, the configuration in which the movable bodies 601aK and 601bK are displaced in the thickness direction of the game area forming body 80aK is also advantageous in making the movements of the movable bodies 601aK and 601bK inconspicuous.

The ball return prevention mechanism 106K shown in the present embodiment is arranged on the former side of the two configurations (the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK and the back surface of the glass panel 23) for partitioning the game area PE, and is outside. It is located behind the movement path of the game ball along the rail 102. As a result, it is possible to prevent the movable body 601 and the holder 611 constituting the ball return prevention mechanism 106K from becoming a factor that hinders the visibility of the game ball, and while enjoying the benefits of the ball return regulation, the resulting game ball. The decrease in visibility can be suitably suppressed.

In particular, the holder 611 as a "holding portion" for holding the movable body 601 is embedded in the elongated hole 85K formed in the game area forming body 80a, and the protrusion from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a is avoided. ing. As a result, it is suppressed that the configuration (holder 611) related to the holding of the movable body 601 becomes a factor of pressing the game area PE.

As described above, the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 moves along the outer rail 102. Therefore, it is preferable that the ball return prevention mechanism 106K is arranged as close to the outer rail 102 as possible. In this respect, by avoiding the protrusion of the holder 611 from the game area forming body 80a, the overlap with the outer rail 102 in the front-rear direction is allowed, and the ball return prevention mechanism 106K is arranged at a position close to the passage path. Is possible. Further, since the interference between the inner rail 101 and the ball return prevention mechanism 106K (holder 611) can be avoided, the ball return prevention mechanism 106K can be suitably brought closer to the outlet portion 105 of the guidance passage 103. As a result, the guide rail 100 forming the "ball passage" and the ball return prevention mechanism 106K can be suitably coexisted. It is advantageous to embed the holder 611 in the game area forming body 80aK in order to improve the appearance of the game board unit 80K.

When the elongated hole 85K as the "accommodation portion" is formed in the game area forming body 80aK, a recessed portion (open portion) is formed on the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK. The existence of such a notched portion can be a factor in disturbing the behavior of the game ball. Therefore, by supplementing such a recessed portion with the ball return prevention mechanism 106K, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball caused by the above-mentioned effect of suppressing the pressure of the game area PE and the like. .. Incidentally, the open portion 616 of the holder 611 is also covered by the ball receiving surface portion 604 of the movable body 601, and the movable body 601 suppresses that the open portion 616 causes disturbance of the behavior of the game ball. Has been done.

Here, in the prevention devices 106aK and 106bK, the movable bodies 601a and 601b are retracted into the accommodating portion 613 when the allowable state is switched to the regulated state, and the movable bodies 601a and 601b are retracted with respect to the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK. It will be placed in the desired position. By suppressing the protrusion of the movable bodies 601a and 601b in this way, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball when passing through the ball return prevention mechanism 106K.

By stabilizing the behavior of the game ball toward the game area PE by the various configurations described in detail above, for example, contact between the game ball and the glass panel 23 is avoided, the glass panel 23 is protected, and the tapping sound is reduced. Can contribute to such things. Further, by stabilizing the behavior of the game ball, it is possible to suitably suppress variations in speed and the like in each launch of the game ball.

The movable body 601 shown in the present embodiment is displaced so as to intersect the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK as the prevention devices 106aK and 106bK are switched between the blocking state and the permissible state. The operating areas of the movable bodies 601a and 601b are secured by utilizing the thickness of the body 80aK. By securing the operating region in this way, it is possible to prevent the operating region from being bulked in the plane expanding direction of the game region forming body 80aK.

The ball return prevention mechanism 106K has both a left side prevention device 106aK and a right side prevention device 106bK, and one is switched from the blocking state to the permissible state and the other is switched from the permissible state to the blocking state. For the type of "regulatory means" in which the blocking state / allowable state is switched by the movement of the movable bodies 601a and 601b, reversion may be allowed while the movable body is in the allowable state. Therefore, when one of the two prevention devices 106aK and 106bK is in the allowable state, the other is in the blocking state, so that the weak points of each other can be compensated for and the ball returns. Further improvement of the blocking function has been realized.

Regarding the ball return prevention mechanism 106K, a state in which the left side prevention device 106aK is in the blocking state and the right side prevention device 106bK is in the allowable state is set as the standby state. That is, the right side prevention device 106bK is basically maintained in an allowable state except for the timing at which the game ball passes. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the right side prevention device 106bK from being unnecessarily maintained in the blocking state. Therefore, even if a prevention device of a type in which the occupied area on the front side of the game area forming body 80aK is increased due to the blocking state is adopted, the opportunity that the game area PE is pressed by the presence of the prevention device is preferable. Can be reduced.

When the game ball that has reached the ball return prevention mechanism 106K passes through the left side prevention device 106aK, the movable body 601a of the left side prevention device 106aK is pushed backward from the game machine, so that the movable body 601a is retracted from the maximum protrusion position. Move to. Along with this, the movable body 601b of the right side prevention device 106bK moves from the retracted position to the maximum protruding position. On the other hand, when passing through the right side prevention device 106bK, by pushing the movable body 601b of the right side prevention device 106bK to the rear of the game machine, the movable body 601b moves from the maximum protruding position to the retracted position. Along with this, the movable body 601a of the left side prevention device 106aK moves from the retracted position to the maximum protruding position. As described above, according to the configuration in which the two prevention devices 106aK and 106bK are alternately put into the blocking state (allowable state) by using the pressing force of the game ball, the driving force for switching the states of the prevention devices 106aK and 106bK. Since there is no need for a driving means or the like to generate the ball return prevention mechanism 106K, it can contribute to simplification of the configuration related to the ball return prevention mechanism 106K. Further, considering that the rate of fire of the game ball can be adjusted according to the operation of the player, the state switching speeds of the above two prevention devices 106aK and 106bK are proportional to the rate of fire of the game ball. The followability to the adjustment function can be ensured by a simple configuration.

Further, by returning the left side prevention device 106aK to the blocking state before the right side prevention device 106bK becomes the allowable state, the game ball or the like that could not pass through the right side prevention device 106bK successfully passes through the left side prevention device 106aK. Returning to the guidance passage 103 can be preferably suppressed.

When the game ball passes in the order of the left side prevention device 106aK → the right side prevention device 106bK, the ball return prevention mechanism 106K returns to the standby state. As a result, it is possible to prepare for the arrival of the next game ball and to cope with repeated launches of the game ball. As described above, if the same state is reproduced each time the game ball is launched, it is possible to preferably suppress the variation in the movement speed reduction of the game ball due to the passage of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K.

In the configuration in which the kinetic energy of the game ball is diverted to the state switching of the prevention devices 106aK and 106bK by using the link mechanism, the kinetic energy of the game ball is reduced by passing through the ball return prevention mechanism 106K, and the movement of the game ball The speed will decrease. Such a large decrease in speed can be a factor that makes it difficult to reach the game ball at the target position. Here, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the connecting portion moves so as to cross the virtual plane connecting the two rotation centers. According to this configuration, the transmission efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where the moving range of the connecting portion is limited to one side of the virtual plane. Further, by reducing the drag force when the movable bodies 601a and 601b are displaced, it is possible to suppress the reaction force applied to the game ball from the movable body and suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball.

As described above, in the configuration in which the two movable bodies 601a and 601b are interlocked, if the movement of one is hindered, the influence is extended to the other. Therefore, in order to ensure the operation of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K as a whole, it is necessary to pay attention so that one movement is not hindered by the other. For example, in the configuration having the rotary movable bodies 601a and 601b as described above, the rotation may be hindered by the game ball entering the operating region.

In particular, when the ball receiving surface portions 604a and 604b constituting the movable bodies 601a and 601b have a plate shape, they are placed between the ball receiving surface portions 604a and 604b and the open portion 616 of the holder 611 to be arranged due to the displacement. There will be a gap. If the preceding game ball enters this gap, the displacement of the movable bodies 601a and 601b when the succeeding game ball arrives may be hindered. When such circumstances are taken into consideration, for example, the displacement amount of the movable bodies 601a and 601b can be reduced, and the thickness of the ball receiving surface portions 604a and 604b can be increased. However, if such measures are taken, the weight of the movable bodies 601a and 601b increases, and a new problem arises regarding responsiveness when switching between the blocking state and the allowable state. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the base portions 602a and 602b (specifically, the rotating tip portions 606a and 606b) provided so as to stand up from the ball receiving surface portions 604a and 604b are inserted into the gap. If the configuration is such that it functions as a blocking means for preventing the entry of the above-mentioned new problems, it is possible to realize a practically preferable configuration.

In the present embodiment, the arm portion 607b of the right movable body 601b exists in the gap between the left movable body 601a and the open portion 616, so that the game ball can be suppressed from entering the gap. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has passed through the left side prevention device 106aK from hindering the movement of the movable body 601aK and thus the subsequent game ball.

In particular, it is assumed that the movable body 601b on the right side has a wider exposed portion to the game area PE side than the movable body 601a on the left side, and the chances of contact with the preceding game balls increase. If the movement of the movable body 601b on the right side is hindered by the preceding game ball, there is a concern that the presence of the movable body 601b may be an obstructive factor that hinders the state switching of the entire ball return prevention mechanism 106K. In this respect, the rotating tip portion 606b (606a) of the base portion 602b (602a) to which the function of the base portion 602b (602a) is provided has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the movable body 601b (601a). .. Therefore, when the game ball hits the rotation tip portion 605b of the movable body 601b from the guide destination of the game ball, the pressing force is transmitted to the rotation center of the movable body 601b, and the pressing force is transmitted. It is possible to avoid acting to rotate the movable body 601b. As a result, even if the preceding game ball collides with the movable body 601b, it can be suppressed that it hinders the rotation of the movable body 601b, and it becomes a factor that hinders the rotation of the left movable body 601a. It can also be suppressed.

In the configuration in which the pressing force of the game ball is converted into the power of another movable body by the above link mechanism, it is assumed that the behavior of the game ball is likely to be disturbed due to the increased drag. In particular, in the configuration in which the amount of protrusion from the game area forming body 80aK changes, the game ball floats from the front surface of the game area forming body 80aK, so that the game ball interferes with the glass panel 23 covering the game area forming body 80bK. It is more likely to occur. In this regard, in the movable bodies 601a and 601b shown in the present embodiment, the inclination angle of the contact surface is small at the initial timing when the game ball hits the ball receiving surface portions 604a and 604b, so that the drag force can be reduced. it can. On the other hand, after the rotation has progressed to some extent, an inertial force acts on the movable bodies 601a and 601b, so that the movable bodies 601a and 601b can be operated with a relatively small pressing force. Therefore, even if the inclination angle of the contact surfaces of the ball receiving surface portions 604a and 604b is increased to promote the rotation of the movable bodies 601a and 601b, it is possible to prevent the drag force from becoming excessive. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the posture change during rotation while suppressing the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball.

<Another form>
In order to suppress the generation of foul balls by using the ball return prevention mechanism 106K (prevention device) as shown in the sixth embodiment, the configuration related to the ball return prevention mechanism 106K is changed as follows. It is also possible.

<Example 1>
In the ball return prevention mechanism 106K, the operation of one of the two movable bodies 601a and 601b is followed by the operation of the other. Here, the movable body is such that the left side prevention device 106aK is in the blocking state and the right side prevention device 106bK is in the allowable state by using an urging means such as a spring member, that is, the ball return prevention mechanism 106K is in the standby state. It may be configured to urge 601aK and 601aK.

Specifically, the left movable body 601a may be urged by a spring member (push spring or pull spring) so as to be blocked, or the right movable body 601b may be urged by a spring member (push spring or pull spring). It may be configured to be urged so as to be in an allowable state. Since both movable bodies 601a and 601b are connected by an arm portion 607 (shaft pin 608) and a link groove 609, by urging one of the movable bodies 601a and 601b, the effect extends to the other. Become. It is also possible to use the spring member for the left movable body 601a and the spring member for the right movable body 601b together.

The left movable body 601a and the right movable body 601b may be connected by the spring member 1 and urged together so that the left movable body 601a is in the blocking state and the right movable body 601b is in the allowable state.

In this way, by using the urging force of the urging means as a power source at the time of return to assist (support) the return operation of the movable body 601K, the fluttering of the movable body 601 can be suppressed and the movable body 601K in the standby state can be suppressed. It is possible to suppress the variation in the posture of. Therefore, by using the urging means, the function imparted to the ball return prevention mechanism 106K can be stably exhibited.

<Example 2>
As shown in the schematic view of FIG. 32 (a), it is also possible to use a weight to assist the return operation. Specifically, the weight 622 is attached to the movable body 601L (specifically, a portion deviated from the rotation center) via the wire 621. Under the situation where the left movable body 601aL is in the blocking state and the right movable body 601bL is in the allowable state, the weight 622 stands by at the lower limit position, the left movable body 601aL is in the allowable state, and the right movable body 601bL is in the blocking state. As a result, the weight 622 rises to the upper limit position against gravity following such movement. When the weight raised in this way is lowered to the lower limit position by its own weight, the left movable body 601aL can be switched to the blocking state and the right movable body 601bL can be switched to the permissible state according to the operation of the weight 622. Is. That is, it is also possible to use such a weight 622 as a "bringing means".

When the urging means shown in <Example 1> and <Example 2> is mainly used, it is not always necessary to use the link mechanism together. For example, it is possible to omit the link mechanism and secure the driving force for returning the movable body 601 to the blocking state (standby state) by the urging force by the urging means.

<Example 3>
In the sixth embodiment, the two movable bodies 601a and 601b are structurally connected by using a link mechanism so that the two movable bodies 601a and 601b are interlocked with each other via the link mechanism. As a result, if the two movable bodies 601a and 601b can be interlocked with each other, the specific configuration may be arbitrarily changed.

For example, regarding the ball return prevention mechanism 106M shown in the schematic view of FIG. 32 (b), the holder 611M has a detection sensor 625a for detecting the state (position) of the left movable body 601aM and a state (position) of the right movable body 601bM. A detection sensor 625b for detecting the above is arranged. The detection sensors 625a and 625b are connected to the main control device 162, and in the main control device 162, each movable body 601aM and 601bM is in any state based on the detection information (detection signal) from these detection sensors 625a and 625b. It is possible to grasp whether it is.

Further, the holder 611M is provided with a solenoid 626a forming a "driving means" for the left movable body 601aM and a solenoid 626b forming a "driving means" for the right movable body 601bM. These solenoids 626a and 626b are connected to the main control device 162 and are driven based on the drive signal from the main control device 162 (switching between the excited state and the non-excited state).

In the MPU 402 of the main control device 162, the attitude control process for the movable bodies 601aM and 601bM is executed based on the detection information from the detection sensors 625a and 625b. Specifically, when the detection information indicating that the left movable body 601aM has been switched to the allowable state is input from the detection sensor 625a, a drive signal is output to the solenoid 626b. As a result, the right movable body 601bM switches from the allowable state to the blocking state. Next, when the detection information indicating that the right movable body 601bM has switched from the allowable state to the blocking state is input from the detection sensor 625b, a drive signal is output to the solenoid 626a. As a result, the left movable body 601aM switches from the allowable state to the blocking state. As a result, the return to the standby state before the game ball passes is completed.

The output period of the drive signal is set to be such that the attitude control by the solenoid 626b is completed.

When relating the movements of the two movable bodies 601aM and 601bM, a part of the kinetic energy of the game ball is converted into the kinetic energy for the movable body 601aM and the kinetic energy for the movable body 601bM. It is assumed that the momentum of the game ball is likely to weaken. That is, when the two movable bodies 601aM and 601bM are connected by the link mechanism, not a little power loss of the game ball occurs.

In this respect, in the configuration shown in this modification, the movement of one movable body can be used as a trigger for the movement of the other movable body, and the movement resistance of the movable body caused by the movement can be suppressed as small as possible. Thereby, the combined use of a plurality of movable bodies can be preferably promoted. Further, reducing the motion resistance of the movable body is also advantageous in improving the responsiveness by making the movement of the movable body light when the game ball collides.

<7th Embodiment>
In the ball return prevention mechanism 106K shown in the sixth embodiment, the state in which the left side prevention device 106aK is in the blocking state and the right side prevention device 106bK is in the allowable state is set as the standby state of the ball return prevention mechanism 106K. However, in the ball return prevention mechanism 106N shown in the present embodiment, the state in which both the left side prevention device 106aN and the right side prevention device 106bN are in the blocking state is set to be the standby state of the ball return prevention mechanism 106N. The configuration is different from that of the ball return prevention mechanism 106. Hereinafter, the ball return prevention mechanism 106N according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic view of FIG. 33. The description of the configuration common to the ball return prevention mechanism 106K shown in the sixth embodiment will be referred to.

At the bottom (mounting base 612N) of the holder 611N constituting the ball return prevention mechanism 106N, the portion facing the base portion 602 of the left movable body 601aN stands up from the mounting base 612N on the same side as the accommodating portion 613N. A support column 617aN is formed. The amount of standing of the support column 617aN is set so that the tip portion thereof is aligned side by side with the front end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 33) of the link groove 609aN. A spring member 618aN (corresponding to "biasing means") is attached to the tip portion of the support column 617aN so as to connect the support column 617aN and the guide pin 605aN. The spring member 618aN is in a state of being slightly extended from the natural state, and the guide pin 605a is pressed against the end portion (the end portion on the open portion side) of the guide groove 615aN by the urging force of the spring member 618aN. As a result, the left movable body 601aN is maintained in the blocked state.

In the ball return prevention mechanism 106N shown in the present embodiment, the arm portion (shaft pin) and the link groove constituting the link mechanism are omitted, and the left and right movable bodies 601aN and 601bN are avoided from interlocking with each other. As a result, the left movable body 601aN and the right side movable body 601bN are configured to operate independently and independently.

In accordance with such a change, the right movable body 601bN is shared with the left movable body 601aN, and the support column 617bN and the spring member 618bN provided separately have the same configuration as the support column 617aN and the spring member 618bN. It has become. The left movable body 601aN is also maintained in a blocked state by the urging force of the spring member 618bN. That is, both the left movable body 601aN and the right side movable body 601nN are maintained in the blocking state, and this state is set to be the standby state of the ball return prevention mechanism 106N.

Next, the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism 106N will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35. FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the movements of the movable bodies 601aN and 601bN, and FIG. 35 is a timing chart showing the operation flow of the ball return prevention mechanism 106N.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 reaches the ball return prevention mechanism 106N through the guidance passage 103. As shown in FIGS. 34 (a) to 34 (b), when the game ball reaching the ball return prevention mechanism 106N hits the ball receiving surface portion 604aN of the left movable body 601aN, the ball receiving surface portion 604aN is on the back side of the accommodating portion 613N. By being pushed (rearly), the left movable body 601aN retracts into the holder 611N against the urging force of the spring member 618aN. Along with this retreat, the spring member 618aN stores a restoring force for returning the left movable body 601aN to the blocking state (maximum protruding position).

As shown in FIG. 34 (b) → FIG. 34 (c), the left movable body 601aN is displaced to the maximum retracted position and switched from the blocking state to the allowable state, so that the game ball colliding with the left movable body 601aN is on the left side. It passes through the movable body 601aN and moves to the right movable body 601bN. After that, the left movable body 601aN returns from the allowable state to the blocking state by the restoring force stored in the spring member 618aN.

As shown in FIGS. 34 (a) to 34 (c), the right movable body 601bN is in a blocking state even before the game ball reaches the right movable body 601bN. Therefore, the game ball that has reached the right movable body 601bN hits the ball receiving surface portion 604bN of the right movable body 601bN. As shown in FIG. 34 (c) → FIG. 34 (d), the ball receiving surface portion 604bN is pushed to the back side (rear side) of the accommodating portion 613N, so that the right movable body is a holder against the urging force of the spring member 618bN. Retreat into 611N. Along with this retreat, the spring member 618bN is stored with a restoring force for returning the right movable body 601bN to the blocking state (maximum protruding position).

The right movable body 601bN is displaced to the retracted position and the right side prevention device 106bN switches from the blocking state to the allowable state, so that the game ball that collides with the right movable body 601bN passes through the right movable body 601bN and reaches the game area PE. ..

As shown in FIG. 34 (d) → FIG. 34 (a), after the game ball has passed, the right side prevention device 106bN returns from the allowable state to the blocking state by the restoring force stored in the spring member 618bN. .. As a result, the ball return prevention mechanism 106N is put into a standby state before the subsequent game ball reaches the ball return prevention mechanism 106N.

Here, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 35, the operation timings of the movable bodies 601aN and 601bN will be supplementarily described.

In the present embodiment, the overlap between the period in which the left side prevention device 106aN is in the blocking state and the period in which the right side prevention device 106bN is in the blocking state is avoided. Specifically, the left side prevention device 106aN switches from the blocking state to the allowable state while the right side prevention device 106bN is maintained in the blocking state. The period until the game ball that has passed through the left side prevention device 106aN in the allowable state starts pushing the right side prevention device 106bN, that is, the game ball passes through the gap (specific area SEN) between both prevention devices 106aN and 106bN. Using the period, at the tb4 timing immediately before the right side prevention device 106bN is started to be pushed by the game ball, the left side prevention device 106aN (left movable body 601aN) is slightly on the front surface of the game area forming body 80aN (open portion of the holder 611N). ) Protruding. As a result, the return of the game ball that has passed through the left side prevention device 106aN to the guidance passage 103 side is prevented. At this timing, the clearance dimension between the left movable body 601aN and the glass panel 23 is still larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball, but the movement of the game ball toward the game area PE is the game area forming body 80aN. It is done along the front of the. Under such circumstances, even if the protrusion amount of the left movable body 601aN is relatively small, the reversion of the game ball is preferably suppressed.

After that, the left side prevention device 106aN returns to the blocking state at the timing of tb5 before the timing of tb7 when the right side prevention device 106bN is pushed by the game ball and switches from the blocking state to the allowable state. That is, the switching of the blocking state → allowable state → blocking state of the left side prevention device 106aN is completed while the right side prevention device 106bN is maintained in the blocking state.

After that, the right movable body 601bN recedes, and the right prevention device 106bN switches from the blocking state to the permissible state at the timing of tb7. As a result, the game ball passes through the right side prevention device 106bN. At the timing of tb8 when the game ball has passed, the right movable body 601bN starts returning to the maximum protruding position, and while the left side prevention device 106aN is maintained in the blocked state (until the subsequent game ball arrives). The return of the right side prevention device 106bN to the blocked state is completed. That is, the switching from the blocking state to the permissible state to the blocking state of the right side prevention device 106bN is completed while the left side prevention device 106aN is maintained in the blocking state.

Next, a mode of preventing backtracking by the ball return prevention mechanism 106N shown in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic view of FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing a state of prevention of reversion.

As shown in FIG. 36A, when the preceding game ball B1 flows into the game area PE through the ball return prevention mechanism 106N and then reflects off the game nail 93 or the like and bounces back to the ball return prevention mechanism 106N side. By hitting the right movable body 601bN, the game ball B2 is prevented from moving to the left movable body 601aN side. That is, the right movable body 601bN functions as a barrier for the left movable body 601aN, and the operation of the left movable body 601aN accompanying the passage of the subsequent game ball B2 is guaranteed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 36B, the right movable body 601bN is reached at the timing when the subsequent game ball B2 passes through the left movable body 601aN and reaches the specific region SEN between the two movable bodies 601aN and 601bN. When the game ball B1 preceding the above bounces off, the movement of the right movable body 601bN may be hindered by the game ball B1. The rotating tip portion 606bN of the right movable body 601bN has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the right movable body 601bN, similarly to the rotating tip portion 606bK shown in the sixth embodiment. Therefore, assuming that the game ball B2 collides with the rotation tip portion 606bN, the stress generated by the collision is transmitted to the shaft portion 603bN and the bearing portion 614bN constituting the rotation center portion, and is the driving force for rotating the right movable body 601bN. Is avoided. However, there is a possibility that the game ball B2 may be caught by the tip of the ball receiving surface portion 604N, and in such a case, it is assumed that the above situation may occur.

If the movement of the right movable body 601bN to the retracted position is hindered, it becomes difficult for the subsequent game ball B2 to pass through the right prevention device 106bN. In this case, the subsequent game ball B2 falls into the game area PE through the specific area SEN and is discharged from the ball return prevention mechanism 106N. As a result, it is suppressed that the game ball B2 becomes a factor that hinders the subsequent movement of the game ball.

According to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the movable body 601bN of the right side prevention device 106bN can be made to stand by at the maximum protrusion position at a timing before the game ball passes through the left side prevention device 106aN. Therefore, when the game ball moves from the left side prevention device 106aN to the right side prevention device 106bN, it is possible to suppress an event in which the game ball collides with the movable body 601bN moving toward the maximum protrusion position. As a result, when the game ball hits the movable body 601bN, it is possible to prevent the reaction force applied to the game ball from becoming excessively large.

Further, the right side prevention device 106bN can be used as a barrier for the left side prevention device 106aN, and the chance that the operation of the left side prevention device 106aN is hindered by the game ball that has flowed into the game area PE in advance can be suitably reduced. ..

<Another form>
As shown in the seventh embodiment, in order to suppress the generation of foul balls by using the ball return prevention mechanism 106N (prevention device) composed of a plurality of prevention devices 106aN and 106bN, the ball return prevention mechanism 106N is used. It is also possible to change the configuration as follows.

<Example 1>
In constructing the ball return prevention mechanism 106N by using the plurality of movable bodies 601aN and 601bN, the movable body 301 of the type shown in the first embodiment and the like (operates along the front surface of the game area forming body 80a). A type of movable body) and a type of movable body 601N (a type of movable body that operates so as to intersect the front surface of the game area forming body 80a) shown in the seventh embodiment or the like can be used in combination. Is.

In this case, for example, the movable body on the left side (the side closer to the exit portion 105 of the guidance passage 103) is the movable body of the type shown in the first embodiment or the like, and the movable body on the right side (the side far from the exit portion 105) is used. By using the movable body of the type shown in the seventh embodiment or the like, it is possible to improve the reversion prevention function and preferably suppress the compression of the game area PE due to the improvement.

<Example 2>
In the ball return prevention mechanism 106N, both movable bodies 601aN and 601bN are configured to retreat to the back side of the game area forming body 80aN as the game ball passes, but the movable body 401N of the type shown in the present embodiment is used. It is also possible to construct a reversion prevention mechanism in combination with the movable body 301G (movable body of the type that advances with the passage of the game ball) of the type shown in the fourth embodiment.

In this case, for example, the movable body on the left side (the side closer to the exit portion 105) is the movable body of the type shown in the fourth embodiment, and the movable body on the right side (the side far from the exit portion 105) is the movable body of the seventh embodiment. The movable body of the type shown in the embodiment may be used, or the movable body on the left side (the side closer to the exit portion 105) may be the movable body of the type shown in the seventh embodiment, and the movable body on the right side (the side far from the exit portion 105). The movable body of the above may be the type of movable body shown in the fourth embodiment.

Here, when the stabilization of the behavior of the game ball and the protection of the glass panel 23 are taken into consideration, it is preferable to suppress the lifting of the game ball from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a. When the movable body operates in the thickness direction of the game area forming body 80a, the trajectory of the game ball that collides with the movable body may change slightly due to the reaction force from the movable body. Therefore, in the latter case of the above two combinations, the trajectory of the game ball that has changed by hitting the movable body on the upstream side in the moving direction of the game ball is corrected by the movable body on the downstream side (to suppress the floating of the game ball). And fix it). As described above, the combination of the latter has technical significance.

<Example 3>
In the seventh embodiment, the game ball is discharged through the specific region SEN formed between the movable bodies 601aN and 601bN. However, for example, by making the two movable bodies 601aN and 601bN close to each other, the game balls are discharged. The pressure on the game area PE can be suitably suppressed. In such a configuration, for example, by delaying (delaying) the return speed of the left movable body 601aN, the operating area of the left movable body 601aN is utilized as a passage area for discharging the game ball. That is, by imparting the same function as the specific region SEN to the operating region, both movable bodies 601aN and 601bN can be brought close to each other while ensuring the function of ejecting the game ball from the reversion prevention mechanism. As a result, the above-mentioned problem related to the compression of the gaming area PE can be suitably solved.

<Other embodiments>
The content is not limited to the description of each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows, for example. By the way, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above-described embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above-described embodiments. Further, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or a part of the various configurations shown in each of the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effect to be exerted) of each configuration to be combined is guaranteed. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration consisting of a combination of embodiments, or may be partially or wholly applied in combination.

(1) In the first embodiment, the right side prevention device 106b as the "first regulation means" and the left side prevention device 106a as the "second regulation means" are formed in a specific region between the two. The SEs (corresponding to the "inflow portion") are arranged apart so that the game ball can pass through. In the arrangement of both prevention devices 106a and 106b, the intervals were set in consideration of the case where the left side prevention device 106a is in the allowable state. That is, even when the left side prevention device 106a is in the allowable state, a margin is added to the distance between the two prevention devices 106a and 106b so that the game ball can pass through the specific region SE. It is also possible to eliminate such a margin and arrange both prevention devices 106a and 106b closer to each other. Thereby, by using the plurality of prevention devices 106a and 106b together, it is possible to preferably suppress the reduction of the landing range of the launched game ball.

Further, in the first embodiment, the right side prevention device 106b is in an allowable state in configuring the game ball to pass through the specific region SE formed between the two prevention devices 106a and 106b. Considered the case. That is, even when the right side prevention device 106b is in the allowable state, a margin is added to the distance between the two prevention devices 106a and 106b so that the game ball can pass through the specific region SE. It is also possible to eliminate such a margin and arrange both prevention devices 106a and 106b closer to each other. Thereby, by using the plurality of prevention devices 106a and 106b together, it is possible to preferably suppress the reduction of the landing range of the launched game ball.

In a situation where the game ball that has reached the game area PE in advance hits the movable body 301b and the passage of the right side prevention device 106b of the subsequent game ball is blocked, both the prevention devices 106a and 106b are blocked. Therefore, it is assumed that it is extremely rare that both the prevention devices 106a and 106b are in the allowable state. In consideration of such circumstances, even if one of the above two margins is eliminated, the function of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 will not be extremely deteriorated. If the two margins are eliminated, the distance between the two prevention devices 106a and 106b can be further shortened, and the effect related to the landing range can be more prominently exhibited.

(2) When the game ball flowing into the specific area SE without passing through the right side prevention device 106b hits the left side prevention device 106a (particularly the movable body 301a), the switching of the left side prevention device 106a to the allowable state is hindered. Therefore, there is a possibility that the passage of the left side prevention device 106a of the subsequent game ball becomes impossible or difficult. In view of such circumstances, a practically preferable configuration can be realized by providing means for preventing the game ball that has reached the specific region SE from hitting the movable body 301a of the left side prevention device 106a. For example, it is preferable to provide a wall portion or the like facing the movable body 301a from the side opposite to the outlet portion 105 (right side prevention device 106b side). By preventing the game ball heading for or passing through the specific area SE from hitting the movable body 301a by the wall portion, the occurrence of the above-mentioned secondary inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

(3) In the second embodiment, the main body 305b is surrounded by the standing portion 314bA provided on the right side prevention device 106bA, so that the game ball that cannot pass through the right side prevention device 106bA can pass through the main body 305b. Avoided hitting. However, in order to exert such an effect, it is sufficient that the main body portion 305b has a portion corresponding to the facing portion 317bA facing from the outer rail 102 side or the outlet portion 105 side, and the main body portion 305b is not necessarily provided by the standing portion 314bA. There is no need to surround.

(4) In the third embodiment, the guide passage 103 is located above the portion where the flow direction of the game ball changes from the diagonally horizontal direction to the vertical direction in the left route formed in the game area PE. The outlet portion 105 is arranged. As a result, even if the exit portion 105 and the ball return prevention mechanism 106B are separated from each other, the game ball in the game area PE is prevented from returning to the guidance passage 103 through the separated portion. If it is possible to prevent the game ball from returning to the guidance passage 103 through the separation portion, the position of the exit portion of the guidance passage 103 may be arbitrarily changed.

For example, if it is possible to prevent the game ball flowing down the left route from flowing into the outlet portion 105 through the gap by arranging the game nail 93 or the like, the exit portion 105 of the guidance passage 103 is more than the changing portion. It is also possible to place it on the lower side.

(5) In the fourth embodiment, the length of the protruding piece 303 is set so that the game ball does not flow into the gap (moving gap of the movable body 301) formed between the movable body 301 and the glass panel 23. Stipulated. However, if such a technical idea can be realized, it is not always necessary to depend on the shape of the protruding piece 303. For example, if an elastically deformable member (pad or spring member) or the like is arranged in the operating gap, the inflow of the game ball into the operating gap is ensured by the member while ensuring the restoring force from the allowable state to the blocking state. It can be avoided.

(6) In the fourth embodiment, the movable body 301G is a rotary type, but it is sufficient if it can be displaced at least in the direction intersecting the game area forming body 80a, and its operation mode is limited to the rotary type. It is not something that is done. For example, it can be a sliding type. However, since the gap between the game area forming body 80a and the glass panel 23 is limited, the occupied area such as the operating gap is secured as compared with the configuration in which the movable body is displaced along the front surface of the game area forming body 80a. Becomes difficult. In view of such a situation, setting the motion mode of the movable body to be rotary has technical significance such as suppressing the expansion of the occupied area while effectively releasing the impact when the game ball hits.

(7) In the fourth embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 106G is arranged at a position closer to the glass panel 23 among the game area forming body 80a and the glass panel 23, but the ball return prevention mechanism 106G is provided in the game area. It is also possible to dispose of it at a position closer to the forming body 80a. Specifically, it can be arranged in a recess or the like formed in the game area forming body 80a in a state of being inverted back and forth.

However, in such a configuration, a force that lifts the game ball that hits the movable body 301G from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a is applied, causing displacement toward the glass panel 23 side. In order to suppress the lifting of the game ball from the game area forming body 80a and move the game ball along the game area forming body 80a, as shown in the fourth embodiment, the movable body 301G is a glass panel. It is preferable that the configuration is arranged closer to 23.

(8) In the fourth embodiment, the target of mounting the ball return prevention mechanism 106G is the guide rail 100. However, in such a mounting mode, the ball return prevention mechanism 106G and the guide rail 100 are attached. It is preferable to interpose a cushioning member such as a cushion between them. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress the vibration when the ball return prevention mechanism 106G is operated from propagating to the induction rail 100. In consideration of the propagation of such vibration, it is possible to attach the ball return prevention mechanism 106G to the game area forming body 80a as in the other embodiments.

(9) The guiding portion 308 so that the flow direction of the game ball when passing through the specific region SE as the "inflow portion" is, for example, a direction (approximately vertical direction) intersecting the parallel direction of the prevention devices 106a and 106b. However, the guiding direction of the game ball by the guiding unit 308 is not limited to the above direction. For example, in order to shorten the period required for passing through the specific region SE, the flow direction of the game ball passing through the specific region SE may be set to be the vertical direction.

(10) In the above embodiment, the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the flat surface portion 306 form a guiding portion 308 that guides the game ball to the specific region SE, but the function as the guiding portion 308 is performed by the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the flat surface portion 306. It is also possible to make it exhibit by any of the above.

As shown in the above embodiment, setting the angle formed by the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the flat surface portion 306 to be an obtuse angle has a certain technical significance in smoothly guiding the game ball. Here, in order to shorten the required period when passing through the specific region SE and to bring the moving direction of the game ball closer to the vertical direction, it is preferable to further increase the angle formed by the ball receiving surface portion 304 and the flat surface portion 306. Specifically, it may be configured to be larger than 180 degrees. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball from moving from the ball receiving surface portion 304 to the flat surface portion 306, and to preferably suppress the deceleration of the game ball at the boundary position between the two. In addition, this configuration is also advantageous in bringing the flow direction of the game ball closer to the vertical direction when passing through the specific region SE as shown in the above-mentioned modification (9).

(11) In each of the above embodiments, the position of the center of gravity of the movable body 301 and the position of the shaft support (center of rotation) are shifted to promote the return of the movable body 301 to the blocked state due to its own weight. The means for generating the driving force for returning to the state is not limited to the own weight of the movable body 301. For example, the elastic force of a spring or the like or the magnetic force of a magnet or the like may be used as a driving force. It is also possible to apply the above-mentioned various configurations related to the return to the blocked state in combination with each other.

(12) In the above embodiment, the main configurations and operation modes of the prevention devices 106a and 106b are standardized, but it is not always necessary to standardize the configurations and operation modes of the prevention devices. For example, one of the prevention devices is composed of a leaf spring, and when the game ball hits the leaf spring and the leaf spring is elastically deformed, the state is switched from the blocking state to the permissible state, and the force related to the return to the blocking state. It is also possible to have a configuration in which is stored.

(13) In the above embodiment, the left side prevention device 106a and the right side prevention device 106b are provided separately, but these prevention devices 106a and 106b can be integrated into one unit. For example, the holders 311a and 311b constituting the prevention devices 106a and 106b may be integrally molded. That is, for example, as shown in the sixth embodiment and the seventh embodiment, it is possible to attach a plurality of movable bodies to one base member.

The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the movable body 301 is attached with the holder 311 interposed therebetween, and the configuration corresponding to the movable body 301 can be directly attached to the game area forming body 80a.

(14) In the fifth embodiment, the signal of the touch sensor 42 or the like is input to the main control device 162 via the power supply / emission control device 243, but the signal of the touch sensor 42 or the like is directly input to the main control device 162. It is also possible to configure the input to the control device 162. Further, the function of setting the launch timing of the game ball may be transferred from the power supply / launch control device 243 to the main control device 162.

(15) In the fifth embodiment, the main control is performed by synchronizing the first timer counter TC1 provided in the main control device 162 and the second timer counter TC2 provided in the power supply / firing control device 243. The configuration is such that the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H driven and controlled by the device 162 and the operation mode of the game ball launch mechanism 110 driven and controlled by the power supply / launch control device 243 are related to each other. As long as the game ball can be launched according to the movement of the prevention mechanism 106H, the specific configuration may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the main control device 162 is configured to transmit information on the movement of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 to the power supply / launch control device 243 as appropriate or at any time, and the power supply / launch control device 243 is configured to prevent the ball return based on the transmitted information. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the state of the mechanism 106 is grasped → the firing timing is set.

However, when consideration is given to the control load and the improvement of responsiveness of both control devices 162 and 243, the operation mode of the ball return prevention mechanism 106H depends on the main control device 162 as shown in the above embodiment. It is preferable to have a configuration that can be grasped without doing so. The same technical idea is realized by, for example, providing a detection sensor that detects the movement of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 and inputting information (signal) from the detection sensor to the power supply / launch control device 243 to grasp the same technical idea. Although it is possible, in order to suppress the complication of the structure and simplify the configuration attached to the game region forming body 80a, the configuration shown in the above embodiment is preferable.

(16) In the fifth embodiment, the launch timing of the game ball is set according to the movement of the ball return prevention mechanism 106 provided in the game area PE, but the ball is arranged in the game area PE. In embodying the technical idea of setting the launch timing of the game ball according to the movement of the movable body, the configuration that serves as a reference when setting the launch timing may be a configuration other than the ball return prevention mechanism 106. It is possible.

For example, when a ball feeding device that operates at a predetermined cycle or a predetermined timing is provided, it is possible to set the launch timing of the game ball according to the movement of the ball feeding device. .. More specifically, when the ball feeding device has a movable stage on the upstream side (upper side) of the operating port 83 that allows the game ball to move toward the operating port 83, this stage. It is also possible to set the launch timing of the game ball according to the movement of the game ball.

(17) In the sixth and seventh embodiments, the two prevention devices 106a and 106b are used in combination, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, it is possible to omit any one of these prevention devices 106a and 106b. In particular, as shown in the modified example of the sixth embodiment, if the configuration is such that the return from the allowable state to the regulated state is performed by using an urging means such as a spring, the return to the above-mentioned link mechanism is performed. You can also eliminate the dependency.

(18) In the fourth, sixth, and seventh embodiments, the movable bodies 301G and 601 are rotatably held, but the portion where the game ball from the guide passage 103 comes into contact is the game area. In order to realize a configuration in which the formed body 80a is displaced in the thickness direction, it is possible to make these movable bodies 301G and 601 a sliding type instead of a rotating type.

(19) In the fourth, sixth, and seventh embodiments, the posture changes due to the rotation of the movable bodies 301G and 601. As a result, the ball receiving surface portions 304 and 604 of the game area forming body 80a. The configuration is such that the displacement is in the thickness direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the ball receiving surface portions 304 and 604 may be displaced by the deformation (elastic deformation) of the movable bodies 301G and 601, or the posture may be changed by the deformation (elastic deformation) of the ball receiving surface portions 304 and 604 themselves. It may be configured to be used.

(20) The ball receiving surface portion 604 shown in the sixth and seventh embodiments is bent so as to change the inclination angle at the intermediate position, but the movable body 601 accompanying the passage of the game ball When consideration is given to the efficiency of the movement of the ball, the ball receiving surface portion 604 is set so that the inclination gradually increases from the front side to the back side in the moving direction of the game ball (to the back side of the game area forming body 80a). It is also possible to form a curved surface that is curved (so that it is convex). However, when making such a change, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the moving component that moves away from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a when the game ball leaves the ball receiving surface portion 604.

(21) In the sixth and seventh embodiments, the movable body 601 is attached to the game area forming body 80a via the holder 611 as the "holding portion", but the present invention is not limited to this. , The movable body 601 can be directly attached to the game area forming body 80a.

(22) In the sixth and seventh embodiments, when the movable body 601 is arranged in the retracted position, the ball receiving surface portion 604 is located behind the front surface of the game area forming body 80a. The ball receiving surface portion 604 may be configured to be aligned with the front surface of the game area forming body 80a in a state of being arranged in the retracted position, or slightly projecting from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a. It does not deny the composition to be done.

(23) In each of the above-described embodiments, the reverse return prevention mechanism 106 is configured to return to the state before the passage when the game ball passes through the reverse return prevention mechanism 106. It is not limited to the passage of "106". For example, it is also possible to configure the reverse return prevention mechanism 106 to return to the state before the passage when the game ball that has passed through the reverse return prevention mechanism 106 reaches a predetermined position in the game area PE.

For example, a ball receiving portion where the game ball hits is provided at a predetermined position of the game area PE (specifically, on a passage path through which the game ball flowing into the game area PE from the guidance passage 103 passes). When the game ball hits the ball receiving portion, the reversal prevention mechanism 106 may be configured to return to the state before the game ball passes, triggered by the collision.

(24) In each of the above embodiments, the ball return prevention mechanism 106 returns to the state before passing when the game ball passes through the ball return prevention mechanism 106, but the present invention is limited to this. is not it. The game ball that triggers the return is not limited to this, and may be a game ball that precedes the game ball or a game ball that follows the game ball.

For example, it is also possible to configure the ball return prevention mechanism 106 to return to the state before passing when the game ball preceding the game ball reaches a predetermined position in the game area PE after the game ball has passed. is there. Further, it is also possible to configure the reversal prevention mechanism 106 to return to the state before passing when the game ball following the game ball reaches a predetermined position in the guidance passage 103.

The configuration for realizing such a return operation may be the link mechanism shown in the sixth embodiment or the like, or an actuator such as a sensor and a motor arranged at the predetermined location may be used. It may be configured to be used.

The game ball that precedes the game ball is not limited to the game ball that is one ahead, but may be a game ball that is two or three or more ahead. Further, the subsequent game ball with respect to the corresponding game ball is not limited to only one game ball after one, and may be two or three or more game balls after.

(25) Another type of pachinko machine different from the above embodiment, for example, a pachinko machine in which the electric accessory is opened a predetermined number of times when the game ball enters a specific area of the special device, or a game ball in a specific area of the special device. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine, which is a big hit when a right is entered, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arrange ball machine, a game machine such as a sparrow ball, and the like.

<About the invention group extracted from each of the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing the effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for the sake of easy understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiment are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the parentheses or the like.

The following feature A group is described as follows: "For a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed, a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball when a launching operation is performed by a player, and a launching means. Some are equipped with a ball passage that guides the played ball to the game area. If the game ball or the like that has reached the game area returns to the ball passage, the game ball reaches the game area of the subsequent game ball. Therefore, the exit portion of the ball passage allows the inflow of the game ball from the ball passage to the game area, while the return ball such as the inflow of the game ball from the game area into the ball passage is generated. Regarding the background technology that "a configuration for regulating the generation of return balls is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1)", "However, in the configuration for restricting the generation of return balls, the structure is still improved in order to secure its function. It was made with the problem that the invention "There is room for."

<Feature A group>
Features A1. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It is provided in the game area and is provided with a regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106, 106A to 106N) for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
An inflow portion (specific region SE) in which the inflow of the game ball into the game area is permitted is formed at a position in the middle of the path where the game ball launched by the game ball launching means reaches the regulation means. A game machine characterized by that.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the regulating means is arranged in the game area, the game ball that has reached the game area bounces off the game parts such as the game nail (for example, the game nail 93) and the regulating means is repelled from the side opposite to the ball passage, for example. The possibility of colliding with is undeniable. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the regulatory means becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the regulating means is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area cannot reach the game area, and the succeeding game ball returns to the ball passage. (A so-called foul ball or the like is generated). Such reversion of the game ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, if the regulating means does not function well due to the influence of the preceding gaming ball, the succeeding gaming ball will pass from the middle position of the route to the regulating means through the inflow portion. It will flow into the game area. As a result, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed, and the smooth progress of the game can be ensured.

In addition, it is advisable to devise the position of the inflow portion so that the game ball that has flowed into the game area through the inflow part joins the flow path through which the game ball that has flowed into the game area through the ball passage → the regulating means flows down. As a result, it is possible to prevent the presence of the inflow portion from acting disadvantageously for the player or the like. For example, the above-mentioned regulatory means and the inflow portion may be arranged side by side.

Feature A2. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It is provided in the game area and is provided with a regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106, 106A to 106N) for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the exit portion of the ball passage.
The regulating means is arranged apart from the outlet portion so as to form a gap through which the game ball can pass between the regulating means and the exit portion, and is arranged on the extension of the ball passage in the game area. A game machine characterized in that the game ball can be detached from a predetermined area through the gap.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the regulating means is arranged in the game area, the game ball that has reached the game area bounces off the game parts such as the game nail (for example, the game nail 93) and the regulating means is repelled from the side opposite to the ball passage, for example. The possibility of colliding with is undeniable. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the regulatory means becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the regulating means is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area cannot reach the game area, and the succeeding game ball returns to the ball passage. (A so-called foul ball or the like is generated). Such reversion of the game ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, if the regulating means does not function well due to the influence of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball is restricted to the exit portion (for example, the exit portion 105) of the ball passage. It will be separated from the predetermined area which is an extension of the ball passage through the gap with the means. As a result, it is possible to prevent the subsequent game ball from becoming a factor that hinders the subsequent movement of the game ball, and to ensure the smooth progress of the game.

Regarding this feature, "a game board in which a game area is formed, a game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on a launch operation by a player, and a game ball launched from the game ball launching means are used for the game. A ball passage that guides the player to the area and a regulating means that is provided in the game area and regulates the return of the game ball from the game area to the exit portion of the ball passage are provided, and the regulating means is the ball in the game area. It is located in a predetermined area that is an extension of the passage, and a gap through which the game ball can pass is formed between the exit portion and the regulation means, and the game ball flows out of the predetermined area through the gap. It is also possible to say, "A game machine characterized by being allowed."

Incidentally, the "gap" shown in this feature corresponds to the "inflow portion" shown in feature A1.

Feature A3. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A game ball formed by an outer first rail portion (outer rail 102) and an inner second rail portion (inner rail 101) facing each other with a gap through which the game ball can pass, and is launched from the game ball launching means. With a ball passage (guidance passage 103) leading to the game area
It is provided in the game area and is provided with a regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106, 106A to 106N) for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
The regulating means is located on an extension line of the second rail portion in the game area, and a gap through which the game ball can pass is formed between the end portion of the second rail portion and the regulating means. A game machine featuring.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the regulating means is arranged in the game area, the game ball that has reached the game area bounces off the game parts such as the game nail (for example, the game nail 93) and the regulating means is repelled from the side opposite to the ball passage, for example. The possibility of colliding with is undeniable. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the regulatory means becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the regulating means is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area cannot reach the game area, and the succeeding game ball returns to the ball passage. (A so-called foul ball or the like is generated). Such reversion of the game ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, if the regulating means does not function well due to the influence of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball is restricted to the exit portion (for example, the exit portion 105) of the ball passage. It will be separated from the predetermined area which is an extension of the ball passage through the gap with the means. As a result, it is possible to prevent the subsequent game ball from becoming a factor that hinders the subsequent movement of the game ball, and to ensure the smooth progress of the game.

Feature A4. The regulating means includes movable bodies (movable bodies 301, 301A to 301G, 601, 601L to 601N) that rotate along the front surface of the game board.
The movable body is formed with a ball receiving portion (protruding piece 303) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. When the game ball hits the ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the movable body rotates, the passage of the game ball at the regulated position is restricted from the regulated state of restricting the passage of the game ball at the regulated position by the regulating means. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A1 to the feature A3, which is configured to switch to an allowable allowable state.

As shown in this feature, in the configuration in which the regulation state / the allowable state is switched by hitting the game ball, the following inconveniences occur due to the regulation means being arranged in the game area. When the game ball that has already reached the game area hits the regulated means from the side opposite to the ball passage, the switching of the regulated means from the regulated state to the permissible state is hindered. This is not preferable because it causes the above-mentioned return ball to occur. If the technical idea shown in the feature A1 or the like is applied to a gaming machine provided with this kind of regulatory means, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

In combination with the feature A3, "a state in which a gap through which a game ball can pass is formed between the ball receiving portion and the first rail portion" is defined as an "allowable state" and "with the ball receiving portion". It is also possible to set the "state in which a gap through which the game ball can pass is not formed" with the first rail portion as the "regulated state".

Feature A5. The movable body is provided with a guide unit (guidance unit 308) that guides the game ball to the inflow portion when the game ball that has reached the regulation means through the ball passage does not pass through the regulation position. The gaming machine according to feature A4, which is characterized in that it is used.

Feature When the event shown in A4 etc. occurs and the switching of the regulating means to the allowable state is hindered, the game ball that could not pass through the position (regulated position) whose passage is restricted by the regulating means The movable body (guide portion) guides the inflow portion (gap). As a result, the game ball subject to the passage restriction can be smoothly separated, and it is possible to preferably prevent the game ball from interfering with the subsequent movement of the game ball.

Feature A6. The ball receiving portion is configured to function as a guide portion that guides the game ball to the inflow portion when the game ball that has reached the regulation means through the ball passage does not pass through the regulation position. The gaming machine according to feature A4, which is characterized in that it is used.

Feature When the event shown in A4 etc. occurs and the switching to the allowable state of the regulating means is hindered, the game ball that could not pass through the position (regulated position) whose passage is restricted by the regulating means It will be guided to the inflow portion (gap) by the movable body. As a result, the game ball subject to the passage restriction can be smoothly separated, and it is possible to preferably prevent the game ball from interfering with the subsequent movement of the game ball.

In particular, by making the ball receiving portion function as a guide portion, it is possible to simplify the configuration related to the regulating means while exerting the effects shown in the feature A1 and the like.

According to the configuration shown in the feature A5 or the feature A6, the game ball that could not pass through the regulated position by the regulating means due to reasons such as insufficient rate of fire is guided to the gaming area through the inflow portion. As described above, even when the operation is not performed well, it is possible to preferably suppress that the preceding game ball becomes a factor that hinders the movement of the subsequent game ball.

Incidentally, when the technical ideas shown in the features A4 to A6 are applied to the features A2 or A3, the "inflow portion" shown in the features A4 to A6 may be set to the "gap".

Feature A7. The guide portion has a planar shape extending in a predetermined direction, and when it is in the regulated state, it is an outlet portion (exit portion 105) of the ball passage as compared with the case where it is in the allowable state. The gaming machine according to feature A5 or feature A6, wherein the movable body and the movable body are configured to have a large inclination with respect to the parallel arrangement direction.

According to the feature A7, when the regulated state is set, the inclination of the guide portion with respect to the juxtaposed direction of the exit portion of the ball passage and the movable body becomes larger than when the allowed state is set. According to such a configuration, the game ball that could not pass through the restricted position can be quickly moved to the inflow portion (gap) by using the own weight of the game ball. That is, it is possible to preferably suppress that the presence of the guide portion is a factor that reduces the moving speed of the game ball toward the ball entry portion (gap).

Feature A8. The guide portion has a planar shape extending in a predetermined direction.
The movable body according to any one of the features A5 to A7, wherein the guide portion is configured to be vertically oriented when the regulating means is in the regulated state. Game machine.

According to the feature A8, when the game ball bounced off the regulating means leaves the area (predetermined area) located on the extension of the ball passage due to its own weight or the like, the movement of the game ball is preferably suppressed from being hindered by the movable body. be able to. As a result, it is possible to promote the rapid withdrawal of the game ball from the predetermined area.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "feature A4 to feature A7, wherein the movable body is configured so that the ball receiving portion is substantially vertical or vertical when the regulated state is set. It is also possible to say "the game machine described in any one of the above."

Feature A9. The movable body is characterized in that the ball receiving portion faces a region deviated from the exit portion of the ball passage in the game region when the regulated state is set. The gaming machine according to any one of A8.

A game ball that has reached the regulated means under a situation in which the switching of the regulated means from the regulated state to the permissible state is hindered cannot move any further in the same moving direction. Here, when the game ball hitting the ball receiving portion bounces back to the exit portion of the ball passage, the game ball returns to the ball passage and may hinder the launch of the game ball.

In this respect, according to this feature, when the ball receiving portion is in the regulated state, the ball receiving portion faces the direction (shifted direction) facing the exit portion of the ball passage. That is, the ball receiving portion is configured so as not to face the outlet portion. Therefore, it is possible to preferably prevent the game ball that bounces off the ball receiving portion from returning to the ball passage. As a result, it is possible to prevent the original function of the regulatory means (the function of suppressing the generation of return spheres) from deteriorating.

Feature A10. A rail portion (outer rail 102) provided upright from the front surface of the game board is provided, and a region along the rail portion is the predetermined region.
The game according to any one of features A4 to A9, wherein the movable body is configured such that the ball receiving portion faces the rail portion when the regulated state is set. Machine.

A game ball that has reached the regulated means under a situation in which the switching of the regulated means from the regulated state to the permissible state is hindered cannot move any further in the same moving direction. Here, if the game ball that hits the ball receiving portion bounces back to the exit portion of the ball passage, the game ball may interfere with the subsequent launch of the game ball. In this respect, according to this feature, when the ball is in a regulated state, the ball receiving portion faces away from the exit portion of the ball passage. That is, the ball receiving portion is configured so as not to face the outlet portion. Therefore, it is possible to preferably prevent the game ball that bounces off the ball receiving portion from heading toward the ball passage side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the original function of the regulatory means (the function of suppressing the generation of return spheres) from deteriorating.

In particular, when the game ball that hits the ball receiving portion bounces off, the momentum is weakened by hitting the rail portion. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress the extension of the period required for heading to the inflow portion due to the behavior of the game ball being disturbed. In addition, by suppressing the game ball from passing through the inflow portion vigorously, even if the game ball passing through the inflow portion hits the regulatory means again, the occurrence of an impact caused by the impact is suppressed, and the game ball re-collides. Can be suppressed from becoming a factor that reduces the durability of the regulatory means.

Feature A11. In the area below the inflow portion in the game region, a flow path of the game ball is formed so as to cross the inflow portion.
The movable body is provided with a guide unit (guidance unit 308) that guides the game ball to the inflow portion when the game ball that has reached the regulation means through the ball passage does not pass through the regulation position. Has been
The game ball guided by the guide unit is set to any one of the feature A4 to the feature A10, which is configured to join the flow path toward the downstream side of the flow path. The game machine described.

According to the feature A11, the game ball that reaches the flow path through the inflow portion moves at least toward the downstream side of the flow path. Even if the game balls from the upstream side (for example, the game ball that triggered the inflow to the inflow part) and the game balls interfere with each other on the flow path, the flow path is given to the game ball passing through the inflow part. Since the moving component that goes back is not added, the occurrence of ball clogging or the like can be suitably suppressed.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature may be "a configuration in which a component facing the downstream side of the flow path is provided in the flow direction of the game ball passing through the inflow portion through the guide portion".

Feature A12. In the area below the inflow portion in the game region, a flow path of the game ball is formed so as to cross the inflow portion.
The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A1 to the feature A11, wherein a predetermined region directly below the inflow portion in the flow path is a non-arranged region in which game parts are not arranged. ..

According to the feature A12, the portion directly below the inflow portion (gap) is a non-arranged region of game parts such as game nails. As a result, it is possible to prevent the movement of the game ball through the inflow portion from being hindered by the game parts. Further, when the game ball passing through the inflow portion joins the flow-down path, even if it interferes with the game ball flowing down the flow-down path, it can be suitably suppressed that it causes ball clogging or the like.

Feature A13. The regulating means includes movable bodies (movable bodies 301, 301A to 301G, 601, 601L to 601N) that rotate along the front surface of the game board.
The movable body is formed with a ball receiving portion (protruding piece 303) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. When the game ball hits the ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the movable body rotates, the restricted state that restricts the passage of the game ball is switched to the allowable state that allows the passage of the game ball.
In the restricted state, the portion (main body portion 305) of the movable body that extends to the opposite side of the ball receiving portion with the rotation center of the movable body sandwiched is smaller in inclination with respect to the vertical line than the ball receiving portion. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A1 to the feature A12, which is characterized by being configured in.

As shown in this feature, in the configuration in which the regulation state / the allowable state is switched by hitting the game ball, the following inconveniences occur due to the regulation means being arranged in the game area. When the game ball that has already reached the game area hits the regulated means from the side opposite to the ball passage, the switching of the regulated means from the regulated state to the permissible state is hindered. This is not preferable because it causes the above-mentioned return ball to occur. If the technical idea shown in the feature A1 or the like is applied to a gaming machine provided with this kind of regulatory means, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

In particular, in the movable body, the extending portion (for example, the portion to which the function as a weight is given) extending to the opposite side of the ball receiving portion across the rotation center of the movable body has a greater inclination with respect to the vertical line than the ball receiving portion. It is configured to be smaller. Therefore, when the game ball that hits the ball receiving portion falls along the ball receiving portion, it is suppressed that the movement of the game ball is hindered by the extending portion, and the gap (inflow) of the game ball is suppressed. It can contribute to the smooth movement through the department). That is, it is possible to preferably suppress that the presence of the extending portion becomes a factor that hinders (decelerates) the movement of the game ball.

Regarding the movable body shown in this feature, "the movable body has a ball receiving portion (protruding piece) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. 303) and an extension portion (main body portion 305) extending to the side opposite to the ball receiving portion are formed, and the center of gravity of the movable body is closer to the extension portion than the rotation center portion of the movable body. The game ball is allowed to pass by hitting the ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and rotating the movable body against the weight of the extending portion. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the state is switched to a regulated state that regulates the passage of the game ball.

Feature A14. The regulating means includes movable bodies (movable bodies 301, 301A to 301G, 601, 601L to 601N) that rotate along the front surface of the game board.
The movable body is formed with a ball receiving portion (protruding piece 303) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. When the game ball hits the ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the movable body rotates, the restricted state that restricts the passage of the game ball is switched to the allowable state that allows the passage of the game ball.
The movable body is provided with a blocking means for preventing the game ball from hitting a portion of the movable body opposite to the ball receiving portion across the rotation center portion of the movable body from the ball passage side. The gaming machine according to any one of feature A1 to feature A13.

If the preceding game ball hits the movable body and the switching from the regulated state to the permissible state is hindered, the succeeding game ball may not be able to pass through the regulated means. As shown in the feature A1 and the like, the game ball (corresponding game ball) that could not pass in this way becomes the opposite side to the ball receiving part when moving toward the inflow part or passing through the inflow part, for example. If the part is pushed, when the subsequent game ball reaches the regulatory means, the switching to the allowable state is prevented again, and a secondary inconvenience may occur (normal game ball launch is hindered in a chain reaction). It will be). Such an inconvenience is likely to occur when the period required for discharging the game ball is extended due to the game ball leaning in a predetermined area on the extension of the ball passage.

In this respect, according to this feature, since the game ball is prevented from coming into contact with the portion opposite to the ball receiving portion across the rotation center of the movable body from the ball passage side, the corresponding game ball is a regulating means. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience by avoiding a factor that hinders the switching to the permissible state. In particular, the behavior of the game ball is not uniformly determined and may vary each time. In this feature, it is possible to allow such variations in behavior and preferably exert the effects shown in feature 1 and the like.

Feature A15. The regulating means is a first regulating means (prevention devices 106b, 601b on the right side).
At the exit portion of the ball passage, second regulating means (prevention devices 106a, 601a on the left side) for restricting the return of the game ball from the game area to the exit portion are provided.
The feature A1 characterized in that the inflow portion is formed by arranging the first regulating means and the second regulating means apart from each other so that a game ball can pass between the regulating means. The gaming machine according to any one of the features A14.

According to the feature A15, the game ball launched from the game ball launching means passes through the second regulating means → the first regulating means in the process of reaching the game area through the ball passage (exit portion). Here, as shown in the feature A1 and the like, the movement of the first regulating means is hindered by the game ball bouncing off the game parts such as the game nails arranged in the game area hitting the first regulating means. Even in this case, the game ball that has reached the first regulation means via the second regulation means passes between the two regulation means and falls downward. That is, it is possible to prevent the game ball from returning to the ball passage while allowing the subsequent game ball to flow into the game area from the ball passage.

However, if there is a gap between the two regulatory means that allows the passage of the game ball, the game ball that bounces off the game parts such as the game nail may avoid the first regulatory means and head toward the exit portion. Remain. In this regard, even if such an event occurs, the inflow of the game ball to the exit portion is avoided by the second regulatory means. Thereby, the effect shown in the feature A1 and the like can be further strengthened.

Feature A16. The gaming machine according to feature A15, wherein a game nail is not arranged between the first regulating means and the second regulating means.

According to the feature A16, when the game ball that could not successfully pass the regulated position in the second regulating means falls (flows down) along the second regulating means, the game ball is smoothly separated from between the two regulating means. Can be made to. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress that the game ball becomes a factor that hinders the movement of the subsequent game ball.

Feature A17. The second regulating means includes a second movable body (left movable body 301a, 601a) that rotates along the front surface of the game board.
The second movable body is formed with a second ball receiving portion (left protruding piece 303a) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the second movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. Then, when the game ball hits the second ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the second movable body rotates, the state of restricting the passage of the game ball is changed to the allowable state of allowing the passage of the game ball. It is configured to switch,
The first regulating means is arranged so that at least a part of the first regulating means faces the second ball receiving portion of the second regulating means from the side opposite to the exit portion of the ball passage. The gaming machine according to feature A15 or feature A16, which is characterized in that it is

When a game ball that has reached the game area hits a game nail or the like and bounces off, it avoids (bypasses) the first regulating means and becomes the second regulating means (specifically, the second ball receiving portion of the second movable body). When it reaches, the effect of providing the inflow part will not be exhibited well in the first place. That is, if the game ball hits the second ball receiving portion from the side opposite to the exit portion, the passage of the subsequent game ball by the second regulating means is hindered, and the above-mentioned foul ball is generated. .. In this respect, according to this feature, the first regulatory means can be used as a barrier for the second regulatory means. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A18. The first regulating means is a first holder (right side holder 311b) that holds the first movable body (right side movable body 301b, 601b) and the first movable body so as to be rotatable along the front surface of the game board. )
The first movable body has a first ball receiving portion (right projecting piece 303b) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the first movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. A first extending portion (main body portion 305b) extending to the side opposite to the first ball receiving portion is formed, and the center of gravity of the first movable body is closer to the extending portion than the rotation center portion of the movable body. The game ball is configured to be such that the game ball hits the first ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the first movable body rotates against the weight of the extending portion. It is configured to switch from the regulated state that regulates the passage of the game ball to the allowable state that allows the passage of the game ball.
The first regulating means is configured such that the extending portion is below the first ball receiving portion in the regulated state, and at least a part of the first holder or the extending portion is the second. The gaming machine according to feature A17, wherein the ball receiving portion is arranged so as to face the ball receiving portion from the side opposite to the exit portion of the ball passage.

As shown in the feature A17, in the configuration in which the first regulating means is used as a barrier for the second regulating means, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed, but the game ball easily hits the first regulating means. .. In the first place, the situation where the inflow part is frequently used is not preferable in view of the fact that the inflow part functions as a backup when the operation of the first regulating means is not performed well.

In this regard, according to this feature, the first regulating means is provided with a configuration in which the second regulating means is protected by a portion (extending portion or the first holder) other than the first ball receiving portion of the first regulating means. 2 It is possible to suitably suppress the inconvenience caused by using it as a barrier for regulatory means.

Feature A19. The first regulating means includes a first movable body (right movable bodies 301b, 601b) that rotates along the front surface of the game board.
The first movable body is formed with a first ball receiving portion (right protruding piece 303b) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the first movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. Then, when the game ball hits the first ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the first movable body rotates, the state of restricting the passage of the game ball is changed to the allowable state of allowing the passage of the game ball. It is configured to switch,
The second regulating means includes a second movable body (left movable body 301a, 601a) that rotates along the front surface of the game board.
The second movable body is formed with a second ball receiving portion (left protruding piece 303a) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the second movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. Then, when the game ball hits the second ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the second movable body rotates, the state of restricting the passage of the game ball is changed to the allowable state of allowing the passage of the game ball. It is configured to switch,
The ball receiving portion is configured to function as a guide portion that guides the game ball to the inflow portion when the game ball that has reached the regulating means through the ball passage does not pass through the regulated position. And
The inclination of the first ball receiving portion when the first regulating means is in the regulated state is larger than the inclination of the second ball receiving portion when the second regulating means is in the regulated state. The gaming machine according to any one of feature A15 to feature A18, which is characterized by having a configuration close to vertical.

If the succeeding game ball cannot pass through the first regulatory means due to the influence of the preceding game ball, etc., the game ball (corresponding game ball) should be quickly separated from the predetermined area which is an extension of the ball passage. Is preferable. Here, the first ball receiving portion constituting the first regulating means is provided with a function of guiding the corresponding game ball to the inflow portion, and the first ball receiving portion is provided from the second ball receiving portion. Is almost vertical. As a result, when the game ball moves along the second ball receiving portion, it can be suitably accelerated by utilizing the own weight of the game ball. Therefore, it is possible to quickly move the game ball to the inflow portion (gap), and the game ball can be suitably separated from the predetermined area before the next game ball reaches the first regulation means.

Feature A20. A center frame (center frame 95) provided below the first regulating means and projecting from the front surface of the game board is provided.
In the game area, a guide passage for guiding the game ball is formed by the upper surface of the center frame.
The downstream end of the guide passage is located below the second regulating means.
The inclination of the guide passage of the first ball receiving portion with respect to the passage direction when the first regulating means is in the regulated state is the second when the second regulating means is in the regulated state. The gaming machine according to feature A19, wherein the ball receiving portion is configured to have a large inclination with respect to the passage direction.

According to the feature A20, the center frame and the second regulation are made by bringing the inclination of the second ball receiving portion closer to the passage direction of the guide passage in the portion on the downstream side in the passage direction of the guide passage, that is, in the vicinity of the exit portion of the ball passage. The distance to the means can be preferably secured. As a result, it is possible to prevent the presence of the second regulating means in the downstream portion of the guide passage from causing excessive pressure on the guide passage.

On the other hand, by increasing the inclination of the first ball receiving portion in the portion on the upstream side of the guide passage, that is, the portion away from the exit portion of the ball passage, the discharging function of the game ball can be strengthened. Further, as described above, when the first regulating means is used as a barrier for the second regulating means, the function as a barrier is preferably made by increasing the inclination of the first regulating means (first ball receiving portion). It can be demonstrated.

For the above reasons, even when a plurality of regulatory means are used in combination, the above-mentioned ball return can be performed while avoiding that it causes pressure on the flow area (guide passage) of the game ball in the game area. The regulatory function can be suitably exerted.

Feature A21. The first regulating means includes a first movable body (right movable bodies 301b, 601b) that rotates along the front surface of the game board.
The first movable body is formed with a first ball receiving portion (right protruding piece 303b) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the first movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. Then, when the game ball hits the first ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the first movable body rotates, the state of restricting the passage of the game ball is changed to the allowable state of allowing the passage of the game ball. It is configured to switch,
The second regulating means includes a second movable body (left movable body 301a, 601a) that rotates along the front surface of the game board.
The second movable body is formed with a second ball receiving portion (left protruding piece 303a) that extends in a specific direction from the rotation center of the second movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage. Then, when the game ball hits the second ball receiving portion from the ball passage side and the second movable body rotates, the state of restricting the passage of the game ball is changed to the allowable state of allowing the passage of the game ball. It is configured to switch,
A rail portion (outer rail 102) provided upright from the front surface of the game board is provided, and a region along the rail portion is the predetermined region.
The rotation center portion of the first regulating means is configured to be farther from the rail portion than the rotation center portion of the second regulating means.
The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A15 to the feature A20, wherein the first ball receiving portion is longer than the second ball receiving portion.

The launched game ball passes through the ball passage → the second regulating means → the first regulating means. Here, if a plurality of regulating means are used in combination, it is advantageous in that the various effects described above can be enjoyed. However, the position where the game ball leaves the regulating means shifts in the extension direction of the ball passage, so that the game ball lands. The adjustment range of the position is reduced. This is a factor that prevents the player from trying to advance the game in an advantageous manner by firing the game ball toward a desired position.

In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the second ball receiving portion constituting the second regulating means is lengthened, the distance from the center of rotation to the tip of the second ball receiving portion is increased, so that the same amount of rotation is obtained. Even so, the amount of displacement of the tip portion becomes large. As a result, it is possible to reduce the restriction on the adjustment range of the landing position of the game ball, and it is possible to preferably suppress the decrease in attractiveness of the game machine.

Feature A22. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It is provided in the game area and is provided with a regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106, 106A to 106N) for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
A game machine characterized in that a ball passing portion through which a game ball can flow from the ball passage into the game area is formed at an intermediate position of the ball passage.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the regulating means is arranged in the game area, the game ball that has reached the game area bounces off the game parts such as the game nail (for example, the game nail 93) and the regulating means is repelled from the side opposite to the ball passage, for example. The possibility of colliding with is undeniable. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the regulatory means becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the regulating means is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area cannot reach the game area, and the succeeding game ball returns to the ball passage. (A so-called foul ball or the like is generated). Such reversion of the game ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, if the regulating means does not function well due to the influence of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball is passed through the ball passing portion provided at the middle position of the ball passage. It will flow into the game area. As a result, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed, and the smooth progress of the game can be ensured.

Feature A23. The ball passage is formed by an outer first rail portion (outer rail 102) and an inner second rail portion (inner rail 101) facing each other with a gap through which a game ball can pass.
The first rail portion and the second rail portion are curved so as to be convex toward the side of the game machine.
The gaming machine according to feature A22, wherein the ball passing portion is arranged above the portion of the second rail portion that is convex toward the side of the gaming machine.

In the configuration in which the ball passage is formed by the first rail portion and the second rail portion, the game ball launched by the game ball launching means reaches the regulating means by moving along the first rail portion. Here, when the game ball goes backward in the ball passage without switching to the permissible state, the game ball moves along the second rail portion at least above the convex portion. .. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the ball passing portion is formed in the second rail portion, the effect shown in the feature A22 can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A24. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It has a movable body (movable bodies 301, 601) that is rotatably supported, and a permissible state that allows the passage of a game ball at the exit portion of the ball passage by rotating the movable body and the exit portion. It is equipped with a regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106, 106A to 106N) that switches to a regulated state that regulates the passage of a game ball.
The movable body is formed with a ball receiving portion (protruding piece 303) that extends in a specific direction from the center of rotation and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage, and the regulating means is the ball. When the game ball hits the receiving portion from the ball passage side, the regulated state is switched to the permissible state.
A gaming machine characterized in that the ball receiving portion is provided with a regulating portion that faces the ball receiving portion with a gap from the game area side and regulates a collision of a game ball from the game area side with the ball receiving portion.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the regulating means is arranged in the game area, the game ball that has reached the game area bounces off the game parts such as the game nail (for example, the game nail 93) and the regulating means is repelled from the side opposite to the ball passage, for example. The possibility of colliding with is undeniable. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the regulatory means becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the regulating means is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area cannot reach the game area, and the succeeding game ball returns to the ball passage. (A so-called foul ball or the like is generated). Such reversion of the game ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this respect, according to this feature, the collision of the game ball from the game area side to the ball receiving part is regulated by the regulation unit. As described above, if the ball receiving portion is protected from the collision of the game ball by the regulating portion, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A25. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
A state in which a movable body (movable body 301) is provided and the movable body is displaced to allow the passage of a game ball at the exit portion of the ball passage, and a regulated state in which the passage of the game ball at the exit portion is restricted. Equipped with a regulatory means (ball return prevention mechanism 106, 106A to 106N) that switches to
The movable body is a gaming machine characterized in that it is provided so as to be displaceable in the front-rear direction.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the regulating means is arranged in the game area, the game ball that has reached the game area bounces off the game parts such as the game nail (for example, the game nail 93) and the regulating means is repelled from the side opposite to the ball passage, for example. The possibility of colliding with is undeniable. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the regulatory means becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the regulating means is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area cannot reach the game area, and the succeeding game ball returns to the ball passage. (A so-called foul ball or the like is generated). Such reversion of the game ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

Since the game ball that has reached the game area moves along the front surface of the game board, if the movable body also moves along the front surface of the game board, the game ball hits the movable body. It tends to be a factor that affects the operation. Therefore, in the regulating means shown in this feature, the movable body is displaced back and forth (for example, in the thickness direction of the game board) to switch between the allowable state and the regulated state. With such an operation mode, even if the game ball hits the movable body from the game area side, it is possible to preferably suppress the influence of the game ball from acting so as to prevent the switching to the allowable state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned event and preferably exert the regulatory function by the regulatory means.

Feature A26. A gaming machine provided with a panel portion (glass panel 23) facing the front surface of the gaming board with a gap, and the gaming area can be visually recognized through the panel portion.
The movable body is supported so as to be rotatable back and forth.
The gaming machine according to feature A25, wherein the regulating means is configured to switch between the permissible state and the regulated state by rotating the movable body.

The gap formed between the game board and the panel portion is limited. For this reason, it becomes difficult to secure an occupied area such as an operating gap of the movable body as compared with a configuration in which the movable body is displaced along the front surface of the game board, for example. Further, with respect to the movable body, since the game balls collide with each other each time the game balls are launched, it is necessary to devise durability such as mitigating the impact generated by the collision. Here, if the movable body is a rotary type, when the game ball collides with the movable body, the movable body rotates and escapes, so that the drag force (resistance) generated at the time of collision can be minimized. .. In particular, when the movable body is a rotary type, increasing the distance from the center of rotation to the collision position of the game ball can suitably contribute to the reduction of the drag force. Therefore, by making the operation mode of the movable body a rotary type, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the occupied area related to the movable body while effectively releasing the impact when the game ball hits.

Feature A27. A gaming machine provided with a panel portion (glass panel 23) facing the front surface of the gaming board with a gap, and the gaming area can be visually recognized through the panel portion.
The movable body faces the game board or one of the panel portions with a passing area of the game ball sandwiched between them, and when the regulating means is in the permissible state, the gap between the movable body and the confronting target allows the passing of the game ball. It has a structure that changes to an acceptable size.
The movable body is described in feature A25 or feature A26, wherein the movable body is configured such that the gap between the game board and the other of the panel portion is smaller than the diameter of the game ball in the regulated state. Game machine.

According to the feature A27, there is no room for the game ball to enter the gap between the movable body and the confronting target, and it is possible to suppress the movement of the movable body from being hindered by the game ball entering the gap.

Feature A28. A gaming machine provided with a panel portion (glass panel 23) facing the front surface of the gaming board with a gap, and the gaming area can be visually recognized through the panel portion.
The movable body faces the game board with a passing region of the game ball sandwiched between them, and when the restricting means is in the allowable state, the gap between the movable body and the game board becomes large enough to allow the passage of the game ball. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A25 to the feature A27, which is characterized in that the configuration changes as described above.

According to the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to suppress the trajectory of the game ball hitting the regulating means (movable body) from changing in the direction toward the panel portion. As a result, the game ball that bounces off the movable body can be prevented from hitting the panel portion, and the panel portion can be suitably protected.

Feature A29. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It has a movable body (movable bodies 301, 601) rotatably supported and a drive unit (drive unit 321) for rotating the movable body, and the outlet portion of the ball passage is formed by the rotation of the movable body. A regulatory means (ball return prevention mechanism 106, 106A to 106N) that switches between a permissible state that allows the passage of the game ball in the above and a regulated state that restricts the passage of the game ball at the exit portion.
A gaming machine including a switching control means (main control device 162) for switching the regulation means to the permissible state by driving the drive unit.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game. However, in the configuration in which the regulating means is arranged in the game area, the game ball that has reached the game area bounces off the game parts such as the game nail (for example, the game nail 93) and the regulating means is repelled from the side opposite to the ball passage, for example. The possibility of colliding with is undeniable. In particular, if the flow area of the game ball in the vicinity of the regulatory means becomes small, it is assumed that the possibility of such a collision increases.

If the operation of the regulating means is hindered by the collision of the preceding game ball, the succeeding game ball that was originally supposed to reach the game area cannot reach the game area, and the succeeding game ball returns to the ball passage. (A so-called foul ball or the like is generated). Such reversion of the game ball is not preferable because it hinders the launch of the game ball and hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this respect, in the configuration shown in this feature, the movement of the movable body does not depend on the momentum of the launched game ball. Therefore, even if the preceding game ball hits the movable body from the game area side to hinder the movement of the movable body as described above, the movable body itself operates by the driving force from the driving unit. You can push away the disturbing game balls. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A30. The switching control means is configured to switch the regulating means to the permissible state at a predetermined cycle.
When the launch operation is performed, the launch timing setting means (power supply / launch control device 243) for setting the launch timing of the game ball by the game ball launch means according to the switching status by the switching control means is provided. The gaming machine according to feature A29, which is characterized in that it is used.

The timing at which the launch operation is performed by the player is arbitrary. Therefore, when the game ball is launched regardless of the movement of the movable body in a configuration in which the movable body (regulatory means) operates in a predetermined cycle, the game ball hits the movable body and reaches the game area. There is a possibility that it cannot be done. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the launch timing of the game ball is set according to the switching state of the movable body (regulatory means), the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Contrary to the configuration shown in this feature, it is also possible to switch the regulating means from the regulated state to the permissible state according to the firing operation of the game ball. However, the period required from the launch of the game ball to the arrival at the regulatory means is often extremely short, and such a configuration causes inconveniences such as the switching of the regulatory means not being made in time. Such inconvenience causes new problems such as improvement of the operating speed and responsiveness of the switching means. Therefore, it is preferable that the launch timing of the game ball is set according to the movement of the regulating means as shown in this feature.

Feature A31. It is equipped with an operating member that can be rotated when the game ball is launched and the firing speed of the game ball can be adjusted based on the amount of the rotation operation.
The gaming machine according to feature A30, wherein the firing timing setting means is configured to set the firing timing according to the amount of rotation of the operating member.

The rate of fire of the game ball changes according to the amount of rotation of the operating member. If the firing timing is uniquely determined in consideration of the lower and upper limits of the rate of fire, it is expected that the period for maintaining the ball return regulating means in the allowable state will be extended. This is not preferable because the game ball ejected into the game area can easily cause the inconvenience of returning to the ball passage by avoiding the ball return regulating means. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the firing timing is corrected according to the amount of rotation operation, so that the ball returns without being unnecessarily maintained in the allowable state as described above. The period during which the regulatory means are allowed can be shortened as much as possible. Therefore, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A32. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player, and
A movable body provided in the game area and operating in a predetermined mode,
A gaming machine characterized in that it includes a launch timing setting means for setting a launch timing of a game ball by the game ball launch means according to an operation mode of the movable body when the launch operation is performed. ..

According to the feature A32, the relationship between the movement of the movable body (particularly the one that may affect the movement of the game ball) provided in the game area and the launch timing of the game ball can be suitably improved. ..

Feature A33. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103, etc.) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to a predetermined area (upper part of the game area PE) in the game area, and
A regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106) for regulating the return of the game ball from the predetermined area to the ball passage is provided.
The regulating means comprises a movable body (movable body 301) that rotates along the front surface of the game board.
The movable body is formed with a ball receiving portion (protruding piece 303) that extends from the rotation center of the movable body and is hit by a game ball that has moved along the ball passage, and the regulating means is the ball receiving portion. When the ball hits the ball from the ball passage side and the movable body rotates, the state of restricting the passage of the game ball is switched to the allowable state of allowing the ball to pass.
The movable body has an extending portion extending to the side opposite to the ball receiving portion across the rotation center portion of the movable body.
A gaming machine characterized in that the extending portion is provided with a blocking means for preventing the gaming ball from hitting the extending portion from the ball passage side.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game.

In particular, with respect to the rotary movable body shown in this feature, if the game ball hits the ball receiving portion, it rotates in a predetermined direction and switches from the regulated state to the allowable state, but temporarily sandwiches the center of rotation and receives the ball. When the game ball hits the part (extended part) on the opposite side of the part, the movable body may be prevented from rotating in a predetermined direction, or the movable body may be rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. It becomes a factor to do. That is, if the game ball that has reached the regulation means first cannot pass through the regulation means well, the game ball may be a factor that hinders the passage of the subsequent game ball. This is not preferable because it hinders the smooth progress of the game.

In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, even if the preceding game ball cannot pass through the regulatory means due to factors such as lack of momentum, when the succeeding game ball reaches the movable body. It is possible to suppress the factors that hinder the movement of the movable body (switching from the allowable state to the regulated state). Therefore, the smooth progress of the game can be guaranteed.

Feature A34. The gaming machine according to feature A33, wherein the blocking means has a wall shape facing the extending portion from the ball passage side with a gap.

The blocking means shown in the feature A33 is formed in a wall shape facing the extending portion with a gap, thereby ensuring the above-mentioned blocking function and suppressing unnecessary expansion of the occupied area of the blocking means. Can be done.

Feature A35. The gaming machine according to feature A33 or feature A34, wherein a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball is formed between the ball passage and the blocking means.

According to the feature A35, even if the succeeding game ball reaches the regulation means in the situation where the hitting of the game ball to the extending portion is hindered by the blocking means, the game ball blocked by the blocking means. That is, it is possible to prevent the game ball hitting the blocking means from interfering with the subsequent game ball. As a result, even if the succeeding game ball is fired at a short firing interval, it is possible to prevent the preceding game ball from becoming an obstacle and hindering the subsequent game ball from reaching a predetermined area.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "a rail portion (outer rail 102) that is provided upright from the front surface of the game board and defines the ball passage, and the gap dimension between the rail portion and the blocking means is defined. The game machine according to feature A33, which is characterized in that it is larger than twice the diameter of the game ball. "

Feature A36. The game according to any one of the features A33 to A35, wherein the blocking means is provided with a function of guiding a game ball that has reached the blocking means to a side away from the ball receiving portion. Machine.

According to the feature A36, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has reached the blocking means from moving to the ball receiving portion side again. As a result, it is possible to prevent the movable body from rotating in a predetermined direction due to being pushed by the game ball or the like, and it is possible to preferably suppress a decrease in the original regulation function of the regulation means.

Feature A37. It has an inflow portion through which a game ball can flow from the ball passage to a region different from the predetermined region in the game region.
The gaming machine according to any one of the features A33 to A36, wherein the blocking means is configured to guide a game ball that has reached the blocking means to the inflow portion.

A game ball that cannot pass through the regulating means well will be kept away from the regulating means through the inflow section. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the game ball from becoming a factor that hinders the passage of the subsequent game ball by the regulating means.

Feature A38. The blocking means stands up along the front surface of the game board and is formed so as to surround the extending portion, and the blocking means prevents the game ball from hitting the extending portion from the predetermined area side. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature A33 to the feature A37.

When the regulating means (movable body) has an extension portion, the regulating means (movable body) can be switched from the regulated state to the allowable state by hitting the extending portion from the predetermined area side. There is sex. If the game ball switches to the permissible state at a timing other than the timing when it passes through the regulating means, it may cause a deterioration in the original function of the regulating means. However, as shown in this feature, by providing a blocking means so as to surround the regulating means. The occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Further, by forming the blocking means in a substantially annular shape, the stress generated due to the collision of the game balls or the like can be suitably dispersed, which can contribute to ensuring the durability of the blocking means.

Feature A39. The extension portion is formed so that the position of the center of gravity of the movable body is closer to the extension portion than the rotation center portion of the movable body.
One of the features A33 to A38, characterized in that the movable body is configured to return to the regulated state by its own weight when the blocking means is in the allowable state. Described gaming machine.

According to the feature A39, after the movable body is switched from the regulated state to the allowable state by the collision of the game ball with the ball receiving portion, the movable body returns to the permitted state by its own weight. With such a configuration, the influence of deterioration or the like due to the repeated operation of the regulatory means can be reduced. However, although the existence of such an extension portion is a preferable configuration for exerting the above effect, it is not a configuration for forcibly switching to the allowable state / blocking state and the game ball hits the extension portion. This can cause the movable body to rotate in an unintended direction.

Therefore, by applying the technical idea shown in the feature A33 or the like to the regulatory means shown in the present feature, the demerit of having the extending portion can be eliminated and a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

Regarding the configuration of "extending in a specific direction from the rotation center portion" shown in each of the above features, for example, a configuration extending in a direction along the front surface of the game board (extending in the radial direction from the rotation center portion). It is also possible to make it a configuration).

Each of the following groups B and C includes "a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, and a gaming ball launching means for launching a gaming ball when a launching operation is performed by a player. Some have a ball passage that guides the launched game ball to the game area. If the game ball or the like that has reached the game area returns to the ball passage, the game ball moves to the game area of the subsequent game ball. Therefore, it may be a factor that hinders the arrival of the ball. Therefore, the exit portion of the ball passage allows the inflow of the game ball from the ball passage to the game area, while the return ball such as the inflow of the game ball from the game area into the ball passage. Regarding the background technique of "a configuration for suppressing the occurrence of a return ball is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1)", an invention of "however, there is still room for improvement in the configuration for suppressing the return ball described above." It was made with the problem that is to be solved.

<Feature B group>
Feature B1. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It is provided with a regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106) having a regulating unit (for example, a movable body 601) that regulates the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
The regulating means is a regulation that restricts the passage of the game ball at the regulated position and the permissible state that allows the passage of the game ball at the regulated position by the displacement of the regulated portion in the thickness direction of the game board. A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured to switch to a state.

The game ball launched from the game ball launching means and reaching the game area through the ball passage is prevented from returning to the ball passage by the regulatory means. By suppressing the occurrence of the return ball in this way, it is possible to promote the smooth progress of the game.

Here, in the configuration in which the return of the game ball is avoided by the regulating means, the existence of the regulating unit constituting the regulating means and other configurations attached to the regulating unit can be a factor of pressing the game area. In the configuration shown in this feature, the regulating means is switched to the allowable state / regulated state by displacing the regulating portion in the thickness direction of the game board (for example, the front-rear direction in the game machine). As a result, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the occupied area of the regulating means and suppress the pressure on the game area described above. Further, it is advantageous to make the movement of the regulating portion less noticeable if the regulating portion is configured to be displaced in the thickness direction of the game board.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is "a game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and a game ball launching means (game) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by a player. Ball launching mechanism 110), a ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides a game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and a regulation that regulates the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage. A movable body (for example, a glass panel 23) provided with means (ball return prevention mechanism 106), and the regulating means is provided so as to face a wall portion (for example, a glass panel 23) constituting either a front wall surface or a rear wall surface of the game area. For example, it has a movable body 601), and it is possible to switch between an allowable state in which the game ball can pass based on a change in the distance between the movable body and the wall portion and a regulated state in which the passage of the game ball is restricted. It is also possible to say, "A game machine characterized by this."

Feature B2. A door body (front door frame 14) provided so as to cover the game board from the front of the game machine is provided.
A gaming machine in which the gaming area is visible through a panel portion (glass panel 23) provided on the door body.
The regulation unit is arranged on the game board, and is
The regulating means is configured to be in the regulated state when the regulated portion approaches the panel portion, and is in the permissible state when the regulated portion is moved away from the panel portion. The game machine described in.

According to the feature B2, the movable body is located behind the passing area of the game ball. As a result, it is preferable to prevent the movable body from becoming a factor that hinders the visibility of the game ball, and to enjoy the benefits of the regulation of the ball return and the effect shown in the feature B1 while reducing the visibility of the game ball due to the effect. Can be suppressed.

Feature B3. The gaming machine according to feature B2, wherein the regulating unit is configured to be displaced so as to intersect the front surface of the gaming board.

In a configuration in which the regulating portion is displaced so as to intersect the front surface of the game board, the operating area of the regulating section is secured by utilizing the thickness of the game board. By securing the operating area in this way, it is possible to prevent the operating area from becoming bulky in the direction in which the surface of the game board expands. As a result, the effects shown in the feature B1 and the like can be more preferably exhibited.

In addition, in order to secure the operating area on the game board side, it is possible to prevent the influence of securing the operating area from affecting the relationship between the panel portion and the front surface of the game board, and to suppress the complexity of the peripheral structure as much as possible. It has technical significance.

Feature B4. The regulating means is characterized in that, when the regulating means is in the regulated state, the regulating portion is prevented from protruding from the front surface of the game board. The gaming machine described in B3.

According to the feature B4, in the regulated state, the regulated portion is arranged at a position retracted with respect to the front surface of the game board. By suppressing the protrusion of the regulating portion in this way, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball when passing through the regulating means. This is advantageous in stabilizing the movement of the game ball toward the game area. As a result, for example, it is possible to avoid contact between the game ball and the panel portion, and contribute to protection of the panel portion and reduction of hitting sound.

In addition, this feature is described as "the regulating means, when the regulating means is in the regulated state, the protrusion of the regulating portion with respect to the front surface of the game board is avoided, and the front surface of the game board and the regulating section are described. The game machine according to the feature B2 or the feature B3, which is configured so that the back wall surface of the passage area of the game ball is formed in front of the game machine. ”

Feature B5. The regulating means has a holding portion (holder 611) for holding the regulating portion.
One of the feature B2 to the feature B4 characterized in that the game board is open to the front side of the game board and has a storage portion (for example, a through hole 85) for accommodating the holding portion. The game machine described in.

According to the feature B5, by embedding the structure related to the holding of the regulation unit in the game board, it is possible to prevent the structure related to the holding (holding part) from becoming a factor of pressing the game area. It should be noted that embedding the holding portion in the game board is advantageous in improving the appearance of the game board.

Feature B6. The gaming machine according to feature B5, wherein when the regulating means is in the regulated state, at least a part of the open portion (long hole 85K) of the accommodating portion is covered by the regulating portion.

According to the configuration in which the regulating means is embedded in the game board as shown in the feature B5, a notched portion (open portion) is generated in the front surface of the game board. The existence of such a notched portion can be a factor in disturbing the behavior of the game ball. Therefore, for example, by supplementing such a notched portion with the regulation unit, it is possible to enjoy the effect shown in the feature B5 and suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball caused by the effect.

Feature B7. It is characterized by comprising a returning means (for example, a link mechanism) for returning the regulating means to the regulated state when the regulating means switches from the regulated state to the allowable state according to the passage of the game ball. The gaming machine according to any one of feature B1 to feature B6.

According to the feature B7, the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage can be suitably suppressed by returning the regulating means to the regulated state.

Feature B8. The returning means includes a ball receiving portion (ball receiving surface portion 604b of the right movable body 601b) on which the game ball hits when the game ball that has passed the regulated position reaches a predetermined position, and a push applied to the ball receiving portion. 2. The feature B7 is characterized in that it has a transmission unit (for example, an arm unit 607) that transmits pressure to the regulation unit, and is configured to return the regulation means to the regulation state by the pressing force. Game machine.

According to the feature B8, the game ball that has passed the regulated position hits the ball receiving portion after that. At this time, the pressing force applied to the ball receiving portion is transmitted to the regulating portion to return the regulating means to the regulated state, so that the next game ball to be launched is prepared. In driving the regulating means by using the movement of the gaming ball, for example, a reaction force is generated that causes the gaming ball to move away from the regulating portion in the thickness direction of the gaming board. This can be a factor in the behavior of the game ball. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the reaction force received from the regulation unit when the game ball passes through the regulation position is received by providing the trigger of the return separately from the switching from the regulation state to the allowable state of the regulation means. It can be made smaller. This can contribute to stabilizing the movement of the game ball. It should be noted that if it becomes possible to suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball in the vicinity of the regulated position, it is advantageous in realizing the protection of the regulatory means and the guarantee of the function.

Further, since it is possible to return to the regulated state without using an urging means such as a spring as a power source, it is not necessary to consider the influence of variation in the elastic force of the spring (individual difference, deterioration with time, etc.). Thereby, the above-mentioned reduction of the reaction force can be more preferably realized.

Feature B9. The ball receiving portion of the returning means is arranged in parallel with the regulating means so as to be located opposite to the regulating means with respect to the outlet portion (exit portion 105) of the ball passage. The gaming machine according to feature B8.

According to the feature B9, it is possible to suitably improve the responsiveness when the regulating means is switched from the regulated state to the permissible state to the regulated state as the game ball passes.

In view of the fact that the game ball is periodically launched, the distance between the regulating means (regulating portion) and the ball receiving portion is required for the game ball that has passed the regulated position to pass through the ball receiving portion. It is preferable to set the period to be shorter than the period required for the launched game ball to reach the ball receiving portion.

Feature B10. The ball receiving surface portion is located on the movement path of the game ball that has passed the regulated position, and can be displaced to a standby position (for example, the maximum protrusion position) where the game ball hits and a retracted position away from the movement path. Ori,
The transmission unit is configured to displace the ball receiving unit from the retracted position to the standby position based on the displacement of the restricting unit when the restricting means switches from the regulated state to the allowable state. The gaming machine according to feature B8 or feature B9.

According to the feature B10, since the ball receiving portion can be arranged in the standby position as needed, it is possible to prevent the game area from being pressed by the presence of the ball receiving portion. Further, since the regulating means (regulating portion) and the ball receiving portion are in a mutually complementary relationship, it is not necessary to separately provide a power source for arranging the ball receiving portion in the standby position. As a result, the configuration can be simplified.

Feature B11. The regulation portion has a plate shape, and one of the plate surfaces functions as a receiving surface portion (ball receiving surface portion 604a) on which the game ball from the ball passage hits.
The regulating means is provided on a plate surface opposite to the receiving surface portion in the regulating portion, and has an upright portion (rotating tip portion 606a of the base portion 602a) that stands up from the plate surface. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature B1 to the feature B10.

As shown in feature B11, when the regulating portion has a plate shape, a gap may be created between the regulating portion and the object to be arranged due to the displacement of the regulating portion. If the preceding game ball enters this gap, the displacement of the regulating portion (regulating means) when the succeeding game ball arrives may be hindered. When such circumstances are taken into consideration, for example, it is possible to reduce the displacement amount of the regulating portion or increase the thickness of the regulating portion. However, if such measures are taken, a new problem concerning responsiveness when switching between the regulated state and the allowable state arises. In this respect, as shown in this feature, if the standing portion is provided, the standing portion can function as a blocking means for preventing the game ball from entering the gap. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned new problems and realize a practically preferable configuration.

Feature B12. The regulating means is configured to switch between the permissible state and the regulated state by rotating the regulating portion.
The gaming machine according to feature B11, wherein the upright portion has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the restricting portion.

According to the feature B12, even when the preceding game ball hits the standing portion, it is possible to suppress the stress generated due to the hitting portion from acting to promote the rotation of the regulating portion. As a result, it is possible to preferably prevent the presence of the standing portion from becoming a factor such as a decrease in responsiveness related to the operation of the regulating portion.

When the movable body is composed of the regulating portion and the standing portion, the standing portion is formed in a plate shape extending in the radial direction from the rotation center portion of the regulating portion, and the standing portion is rotatably held. It is possible to suppress the increase in weight of the movable body due to the reinforcement of the regulating portion by the standing portion. This can contribute to ensuring responsiveness when switching between the allowable state and the regulated state and reducing the drag generated due to the collision of the game ball.

Feature B13. A door body (front door frame 14) provided so as to cover the game board from the front of the game machine is provided.
A gaming machine in which the gaming area is visible through a panel portion (glass panel 23) provided on the door body.
The regulation unit is arranged at a position closer to the panel portion of the game board and the panel unit, and the distance between the regulation unit and the game board is relative to the regulation unit due to the displacement of the regulation unit. The game according to feature B1, which is configured to be in the permissible state when the size is increased to the above, and to be in the regulated state when the distance between the regulation unit and the game board is relatively small. Machine.

According to the feature B13, when the game ball hits the regulation portion, the game ball is pressed against the game board side by the reaction force acting on the game ball. As a result, it is possible to suppress the lifting of the game ball from the game board and suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball.

Feature B14. A guide rail (guide rail 100) constituting the ball passage is arranged on the game board.
The gaming machine according to feature B13, wherein the guide rail is provided with a holding portion (holder 311G) for holding the restricting portion.

By providing the holding portion for the regulating portion on the guide rail, it is possible to suitably suppress that the holding portion becomes a factor of pressing the game area in embodying the technical idea shown in the feature B13.

The technical idea shown in the above feature B2 or the like may be applied to the feature B13 or the feature B14.

<Characteristic C group>
Feature C1. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It is provided in the game area and is provided with a regulating means (for example, ball return prevention mechanism 106K to 106N) for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
The regulatory means
It has a first movable body (left movable body 601a), and a permissible state that allows the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position by displacement of the first movable body and the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position. The first regulation part (left side prevention device 106aK to 106aN) that switches to the regulation state to regulate,
A game in a second regulated position is provided by having a second movable body (right side movable body 601b) provided side by side with the first movable body at a position on the extension of the ball passage, and the second movable body is displaced by displacement. The second regulation unit (right side prevention device 106bK to 106bN) that switches to the permissible state that allows the passage of the ball and the regulated state that regulates the passage of the game ball at the second regulation position.
It has a switching means (link mechanism) for switching the states of the first regulating unit and the second regulating unit by displacing the other based on the displacement of one of the first movable body and the second movable body. A game machine characterized by being

As shown in feature C1, with regard to the type of regulation means in which the regulated state / allowable state is switched by the movement of the movable body, when the preceding game ball of the movable body interferes with the movable body, the subsequent game ball The displacement of the movable body as it passes through may be hindered. In this regard, if the first regulation part and the second regulation part located on the extension of the ball passage are used together as shown in this feature, for example, the second regulation part is used as a barrier for the first regulation part. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned hindrance.

Further, in the configuration in which the switchable state can be switched between the allowable state and the regulated state, the ball return can be preferably avoided in the regulated state, but it cannot be denied that the ball return may occur when the allowable state is reached. In this regard, according to the configuration in which the two movable bodies are interlocked by the switching means, for example, when one is in the allowable state, the other is set in the regulated state. If it becomes possible to complement each other's weaknesses in this way, it will be possible to contribute to further improvement of the ball return regulation function.

Feature C2. The first regulation unit and the second regulation unit are arranged so that the first regulation unit is closer to the exit portion of the ball passage than the second regulation unit.
The gaming machine according to feature C1, wherein the switching means has a means for putting the second regulation unit into the regulation state when the first regulation unit is in the allowable state.

According to the feature C2, the second regulation section on the side farther from the exit portion of the two regulation sections is in the regulated state when the game ball passes through the first regulation position (first regulation section). With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the second regulatory unit from being unnecessarily maintained in the regulated state. For example, in a type of regulation unit in which the occupied area on the front side of the game board increases due to the regulation state, the chance that the game area is compressed by the presence of the regulation unit can be suitably reduced.

Feature C3. The first regulation unit and the second regulation unit are arranged so that the first regulation unit is closer to the exit portion (exit portion 105) of the ball passage than the second regulation unit.
The gaming machine according to feature C1 or feature C2, wherein the switching means has means for putting the first regulating section into a regulated state when the second regulating section is in a permissible state.

According to the feature C3, when the second regulation part is in the permissible state in response to the passage of the game ball in the second regulation position, the first regulation part is in the regulation state, so that the ball passage is directed from the game area. The movement of the game ball will be hindered by the first regulatory section. As a result, the ball return regulation function can be suitably secured.

In addition, by returning the first regulation part to the regulation state before the second regulation part becomes the allowable state, the game ball or the like that could not pass through the second regulation position can pass through the first regulation position. Returning to the ball passage can be suitably suppressed.

In addition, in combination with the feature C2, in particular, when the game ball passes in the order of the first regulated position → the second regulated position, the first regulated means returns to the regulated state. As a result, it is possible to prepare for the arrival of the next game ball and to cope with repeated launches of the game ball. In this way, by configuring both regulating means to return to the original state each time the gaming ball is launched, it is possible to preferably suppress the variation in the movement speed reduction of the gaming ball due to the passage of the regulating means.

Feature C4. In the regulating means, when the first regulatory unit is in the allowable state, the second regulatory unit is in the regulated state, and when the second regulatory unit is in the allowable state, the first regulatory unit is in the allowable state. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature C1 to the feature C3, which is configured to be in a regulated state.

As shown in the feature C4, if the first regulation part and the second regulation part are used together and one of them is in an allowable state, the ball return is regulated by the other (a configuration that complements each other). It is possible to preferably regulate the occurrence of ball return.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is as follows: "In the switching means, the first movable body and the second movable body are arranged so that the state of the first regulating unit and the state of the second regulating unit have an opposite relationship. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature C1 to the feature C3, which is configured to displace the game machine. ”.

In addition, "the switching means switches in the order of a blocking state, an allowable state, and a blocking state as one of the first regulating section and the second regulating section passes through the game ball, and the first regulating section and the first regulating section are switched. 2. The game according to any one of the features C1 to C3, wherein the other of the regulating sections is configured to switch in the order of the permissible state, the blocking state, and the permissible state as the game ball passes. It is also possible to say "machine."

Feature C5. The regulating means is any one of feature C1 to feature C4, characterized in that at least one of the first regulating section and the second regulating section is configured to be in the regulated state in the process of switching the state. The game machine described in one.

According to the feature C5, the period in which the first regulatory section is in the regulated state and the period in which the second regulatory section is in the regulated state can be overlapped. Thereby, the above-mentioned mutual complementation function can be suitably enhanced. Further, in order to secure the ball return regulation function, it becomes possible to preferably tolerate manufacturing variations and operation variations, which can contribute to promotion of the use of regulatory means.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "The switching means is such that one of the first regulation unit and the second regulation unit is in the regulation state before the other is in the regulation state. The game machine according to any one of the feature C1 to the feature C4, which is characterized by switching between the unit and the second regulation unit. "

Feature C6. The first movable body is displaced with the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position, and the second movable body is displaced with the passage of the game ball at the second regulated position.
The switching means displaces the second movable body based on the displacement of the first movable body when the first regulating portion switches from the regulated state to the allowable state based on the displacement of the first movable body. When the second regulation unit is switched from the allowable state to the regulated state and the second regulation unit switches from the regulated state to the allowable state based on the displacement of the second movable body, the displacement of the second movable body is used as the basis. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C5, characterized in that the first regulating unit is configured to switch from a permissible state to a regulated state by displacing the first movable body.

According to the feature C6, the first regulation part and the second regulation part are alternately switched to the regulation state (allowable state). In this way, by imparting a relationship between the movements of the first movable body and the second movable body, it is possible to contribute to the stabilization of the movement of the regulating means.

Feature C7. The first movable body has a first ball receiving portion (ball receiving surface portion 604a) on which a game ball moving along the ball passage is hit.
The second movable body has a second ball receiving portion (ball receiving surface portion 604b) on which a game ball moving along the ball passage hits.
When the first ball receiving portion is pushed by the game ball and the first movable body is displaced, the switching means transmits the pressing force to the second movable body to promote the displacement of the second movable body. When the two ball receiving portion is pushed by the game ball and the second movable body is displaced, the pressing force is transmitted to the first movable body to promote the displacement of the first movable body. The gaming machine according to feature C6, characterized in that it is present.

According to the feature C7, the pressing force of the game ball can be used to alternately put the two regulating portions into the regulated state (allowable state). As described above, since the driving means for generating the driving force for switching the state of the regulating unit is not required, it is possible to contribute to the simplification of the configuration related to the regulating means.

Also, considering that the rate of fire of the game ball is generally adjustable, the state switching speed of the above two regulating parts is proportional to the rate of fire of the game ball, and the followability to the speed adjustment function is improved. It can be secured by a simple configuration.

Feature C8. The first movable body and the second movable body are rotatably held and held.
The switching means has a connecting mechanism for connecting the first movable body and the second movable body in a state where relative displacement is allowed.
The connecting portion of the first movable body and the second movable body by the connecting mechanism is displaced so as to straddle between the rotation center of the first movable body and the rotation center of the second movable body. The gaming machine according to feature C7, which is characterized in that it is configured.

In the configuration in which the kinetic energy of the game ball is diverted to the state switching of the regulating unit as shown in the feature C7, the kinetic energy of the game ball is reduced by passing through the regulating means, and the moving speed of the game ball is reduced. It will be. Such a large decrease in speed can be a factor that makes it difficult to reach the game ball at the target position. Here, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the transmission efficiency can be improved by adopting a configuration in which the connecting portion moves so as to cross the virtual plane connecting the two rotation centers. Further, by reducing the drag force when the movable body is displaced, it is possible to suppress the reaction force applied to the game ball from the movable body and suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball. For the above reasons, it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in the moving speed of the game ball and a disorder in its behavior.

Feature C9. The first regulation unit and the second regulation unit are arranged so that the first regulation unit is closer to the exit portion of the ball passage than the second regulation unit.
The first movable body and the second movable body are rotatably held and held.
The switching means has a connecting mechanism for connecting the first movable body and the second movable body in a state where relative displacement is allowed.
The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting portion (link groove 609a) provided on the first movable body and a second connecting portion (arm portion 607b or the like) provided on the second movable body. ,
The second connecting portion extends from the second movable body to the first movable body, and the tip portion thereof is on the opposite side of the first ball receiving portion from the portion where the game ball from the ball passage hits. The gaming machine according to feature C7 or feature C8, which is formed so as to face a portion.

In the configuration in which the first movable body and the second movable body are interlocked as shown in the feature C1, if the movement of one is hindered, the influence is extended to the other. Therefore, in order to ensure the operation of the regulatory means as a whole, it is necessary to be careful that one movement is not hindered by the other. For example, in the configuration having the rotary movable body as described above, the rotation may be hindered by the game ball entering the operating region. In this regard, if the second connecting portion is used to suppress the entry of the game ball into the first movable body as shown in this feature, the movement of the first movable body and the subsequent game ball is caused by the preceding game ball. It is possible to suppress being hindered.

Feature C10. The game according to feature C8 or feature C9, wherein the rotation tip portion (rotation tip portion 606b) of the two movable bodies has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the second movable body. Machine.

In the configuration in which the first movable body and the second movable body are interlocked as shown in the feature C1, if the movement of one is hindered, the influence is extended to the other. Therefore, in order to ensure the operation of the regulatory means as a whole, it is necessary to be careful that one movement is not hindered by the other. In particular, since the exposed portion of the second movable body to the game area side can be widened, it is expected that the chances of contact with the preceding game balls will increase. If the movement of the second movable body is hindered by the preceding game ball, there is concern that the presence of the second movable body may be an obstructive factor that hinders the state switching of the regulating means. In this respect, in the configuration shown in this feature, when the game ball hits the second movable body (rotating tip portion) from the guide destination of the game ball, the pressing force is the rotation center of the second movable body. It is possible to prevent the pressing force from acting to rotate the second movable body. As a result, even if the preceding game ball collides with the second movable body, it can be suppressed that it is a factor that hinders the rotation of the second movable body, and it is a factor that hinders the rotation of the first movable body. Can also be suppressed.

It is also possible to apply the technical idea shown in this feature to the "first movable body". In this case, the configuration may be such that "the rotation tip portion of the one movable body forms an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the first movable body".

Feature C11. The rotation directions of the first movable body and the second movable body are defined so that the amount of protrusion of the first movable body and the second movable body from the front surface of the game board changes according to a change in posture. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature C8 to the feature C10, which is characterized by being

According to the feature C11, the influence of gravity and the like can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bias of the pressing force required when the movable body is displaced. If the maximum value of the required pressing force can be reduced, it is possible to suitably suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball when the game ball collides with each movable body.

Feature C12. When the first regulation portion is in the regulated state, the first ball receiving portion has a rotation tip more than a portion whose inclination with respect to the front surface of the game board is the rotation base end side of the first movable body. Formed so that the side part is larger,
When the second regulating portion is in the regulated state, the second ball receiving portion has a rotation tip more than a portion whose inclination with respect to the front surface of the game board is the rotation base end side of the first movable body. The gaming machine according to feature C11, wherein the side portion is formed so as to be larger.

In the configuration in which the pressing force of the game ball is converted into the power of another movable body by the connecting mechanism shown in the feature C8 or the like, it is assumed that the behavior of the game ball is likely to be disturbed due to the increased drag. In particular, in a configuration in which the amount of protrusion from the game board changes, the game ball floats from the front surface of the game board, so that the game ball and the panel portion (glass panel 23) covering the game board are likely to interfere with each other. In this respect, in the configuration shown in this feature, since the inclination angle of the contact surface is small at the initial timing when the game ball hits the ball receiving portion, the drag force can be reduced. On the other hand, after the rotation has progressed to some extent, an inertial force acts on the movable body, so that the movable body can be operated with a relatively small pressing force. Therefore, even if the inclination angle of the contact surface of the ball receiving portion is increased to promote the rotation of the movable body, it is possible to prevent the drag force from becoming excessive. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the posture change during rotation while suppressing the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball.

Feature C13. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C12, wherein the first movable body and the second movable body are separated from each other.

According to the feature C13, it is possible to avoid the existence of the game ball so as to straddle the first regulated position and the second regulated position. Therefore, even if the two movable bodies are linked by a simple switching means (link structure, etc.), the displacement of the other movable body is started in the opposite direction at the timing before the displacement of the other movable body is completed. It is possible to prevent the load generated in the switching means from becoming excessive. By protecting the switching means in this way, it is possible to contribute to improving the durability of the regulating means.

Feature C14. The gap between the first movable body and the second movable body is formed so that a game ball discharged from the regulating means can flow into the game area through the gap C13. The game machine described in.

Even when the two control units are used together, it cannot be denied that the movement of the subsequent game ball may be hindered by the preceding game ball or the like. For example, if a game ball that has passed through one of the first regulated position and the second regulated position cannot pass through the other, and the game ball remains in the regulated means, the game ball later reaches the regulated means. It can be an obstacle to the movement of the game ball. In this respect, if the game ball can be discharged through the gap between the two movable bodies, the occurrence of the above-mentioned event can be suitably suppressed.

Feature C15. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It is provided in the game area and is provided with a regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106K to 106N) for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
The regulatory means
It has a first movable body (left movable body 601a), and a permissible state that allows the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position by displacement of the first movable body and the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position. The first regulation part (left side prevention device 106aK to 106aN) that switches to the regulation state to regulate,
A game in a second regulated position is provided by having a second movable body (right side movable body 601b) provided side by side with the first movable body at a position on the extension of the ball passage, and the second movable body is displaced by displacement. The second regulation unit (right side prevention device 106bK to 106bN), the first regulation unit, and the second regulation unit that switch to the allowable state that allows the passage of the ball and the regulation state that restricts the passage of the game ball at the second regulation position. Having a switching means for switching the states of the first regulation unit and the second regulation unit based on the passage of the game ball at a predetermined location away from the predetermined location or the arrival of the game ball at the predetermined location. A game machine featuring.

As shown in feature C15, with regard to the type of regulation means in which the regulated state / allowable state is switched by the movement of the movable body, when the preceding game ball of the movable body interferes with the movable body, the subsequent game ball The displacement of the movable body as it passes through may be hindered. In this regard, if the first regulation part and the second regulation part located on the extension of the ball passage are used together as shown in this feature, for example, the second regulation part is used as a barrier for the first regulation part. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned hindrance.

By configuring the state of both regulation units to switch based on the passage of the game ball through a predetermined place away from the first regulation part and the second regulation part or the arrival of the game ball at the predetermined place, the next game You will be ready before the ball passes.

For example, when the switching means is configured by a link mechanism or the like, the kinetic energy of the game ball becomes the power source. In such a configuration, the behavior of the game ball may be disturbed to some extent. Therefore, by providing the predetermined portion away from the regulating portion, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the behavior of the game ball that occurs when passing through the regulating portion as small as possible.

Further, when the switching means is composed of a sensor or a drive unit, it may be necessary to guarantee the operation accuracy when performing the detection → switching operation. By providing the sensor separately from the regulation unit, it is not necessary to secure a sensor arrangement area around the switching unit. In addition, the behavior of the game ball may be complicated around the regulation part. If the game ball is detected at a timing that should not be detected, the regulation means will be unintentionally restored. Even in consideration of such circumstances, it is technically significant to dare to provide a predetermined place away from the regulatory means.

In the configuration in which the switchable state can be switched between the allowable state and the regulated state, the ball return can be preferably avoided in the regulated state, but it cannot be denied that the ball return may occur when the allowable state is reached. In this regard, according to the configuration in which the two movable bodies are interlocked by the switching means, for example, when one is in the allowable state, the other is set in the regulated state. If it becomes possible to complement each other's weaknesses in this way, it will be possible to contribute to further improvement of the ball return regulation function.

Feature C16. A game board (game area forming body 80a) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on a firing operation by the player, and
A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
It is provided in the game area and is provided with a regulating means (ball return prevention mechanism 106K to 106N) for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
The regulatory means
It has a first movable body (left movable body 601a), and a permissible state that allows the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position by displacement of the first movable body and the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position. The first regulation part (left side prevention device 106aK to 106aN) that switches to the regulation state to regulate,
A game in a second regulated position is provided by having a second movable body (right movable body 601b) provided side by side with the first movable body at a position on the extension of the ball passage, and the second movable body is displaced by displacement. The second regulation unit (right side prevention device 106bK to 106bN) that switches to the permissible state that allows the passage of the ball and the regulated state that regulates the passage of the game ball at the second regulation position, the game ball that passes through the regulation means, and the game. It has a switching means for switching the states of the first regulation unit and the second regulation unit based on the fact that the game ball preceding the ball or the subsequent game ball passes through a predetermined location or reaches a predetermined location. A game machine characterized by being able to do.

As shown in feature C16, with regard to the type of regulation means in which the restricted state / allowable state is switched by the movement of the movable body, when the preceding game ball of the movable body interferes with the movable body, the subsequent game ball The displacement of the movable body as it passes through may be hindered. In this regard, if the first regulation part and the second regulation part located on the extension of the ball passage are used together as shown in this feature, for example, the second regulation part is used as a barrier for the first regulation part. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned hindrance.

A game ball (corresponding game ball) passing through the first regulation part and the second regulation part, a game ball preceding the game ball, or a subsequent game ball passing a predetermined place or reaching a predetermined place. By configuring the state of both regulation units to be switched based on this, preparations before the passage of the next game ball are completed.

In the configuration in which the switchable state can be switched between the allowable state and the regulated state, the ball return can be preferably avoided in the regulated state, but it cannot be denied that the ball return may occur when the allowable state is reached. In this regard, according to the configuration in which the two movable bodies are interlocked by the switching means, for example, when one is in the allowable state, the other is set in the regulated state. If it becomes possible to complement each other's weaknesses in this way, it will be possible to contribute to further improvement of the ball return regulation function.

In particular, by using a game ball that precedes the game ball and a game ball that follows it to switch the states of both regulatory units, it contributes to diversification of switching timing and reduction of the burden on the game ball. be able to.

It should be noted that the preceding or succeeding game ball is preferably one before or one after when responsiveness is taken into consideration. However, depending on the launch interval and rate of fire of the game ball, the distance between the game ball launching means and the regulating means, etc., the game ball two before or two after may be targeted, or three or more before or three. The game ball after the above may be targeted.

Feature C17. The predetermined location is provided at a portion downstream of the regulation means in the movement path of the game ball launched by the game ball launching means.
The switching means is configured to perform the switching when the game ball that has passed through the regulating means has passed the predetermined location or has reached the predetermined location immediately before the gaming ball that has passed through the regulating means. The gaming machine according to feature C16, which is characterized in that it is used.

According to the feature C17, the state of the switching means is switched when the game ball that has reached the game area reaches or passes a predetermined position in the game area. As described above, when the game ball itself functions as a power source for switching the regulation means, the first operation is performed before reaching the game area, and the subsequent operation is performed after reaching the game area. As a result, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as the momentum of the game ball rapidly weakening in one place.

In addition, by configuring the previous game ball to perform post-processing after the later game ball has passed, the responsiveness is improved, and the regulation function is effectively exerted by the delay in returning to the original state of the regulation part. It is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of a period without a period.

Feature C18. The predetermined location is provided at a portion on the upstream side of the regulation means in the movement path of the game ball launched by the game ball launching means.
The switching means is configured to perform the switching when the game ball passing through the regulating means passes the predetermined location or reaches the predetermined location after one of the gaming balls passing through the regulating means. The gaming machine according to feature C16, which is characterized in that it is used.

According to the feature C18, the state of the switching means is switched when the succeeding game ball before reaching the game area reaches or passes a predetermined place. As described above, when the game ball itself functions as a power source for switching the regulation means, the first operation is performed before reaching the regulation unit, and the subsequent operation is performed when the regulation unit is reached. By doing so, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as the momentum of the game ball rapidly weakening in one place.

In addition, by configuring the later game ball to perform post-processing after the previous game ball has passed, the responsiveness is improved, and the regulation function is effectively exerted by the delay in returning to the original state of the regulation part. It is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of a period without a period. In particular, the behavior of the game ball before reaching the game area is relatively stable. Therefore, it is technically significant to return to the state by using such a game ball in order to improve the operational stability of the regulatory means. Then, if the above switching is completed at the timing before the subsequent game ball itself reaches the regulation unit, the preparation for passage of the game ball in the regulation unit is executed by the game ball itself before the passage, and the game is played. It is possible to preferably avoid delay in the preparation of the regulation unit when the ball passes.

Any one of the technical ideas shown in each of the above-mentioned features may be applied to other features, or the technical ideas shown in a plurality of features may be combined and applied to other features. It is also possible to extract a part of the configuration shown in each feature and apply it to other features.

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

Pachinko game machine: An operating means operated by a player (game ball launching handle 41), a game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means (game ball launching mechanism 110), and the launching thereof. A ball passage (guidance passage 103) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area (game area PE) and each game component arranged in the game area are provided, and a predetermined passing portion (general prize) among the game parts is provided. A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a gaming ball passes through a mouth 81, etc.).

10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 23 ... Glass panel as a panel part, 41 ... Game ball launch handle as an operation part, 42 ... Touch sensor, 43 ... Variable resistor, 80 ... Game board unit, 80a ... Game board As a game area forming body, 85 ... through hole, 86 ... variable display unit, 87 ... symbol display device as a picture display means, 93 ... game nail as a game part, 95 ... center frame, 100 ... guide rail, 101 ... Inner rail as the second rail part, 102 ... Outer rail as the first rail part, 103 ... Guidance passage as the ball passage, 104 ... Entrance part, 105 ... Exit part, 106 ... Ball return prevention mechanism constituting the regulating means , 106a ... Left-side prevention device as a second regulating means, 106b ... Right-side prevention device as a first regulating means, 110 ... Game ball launching mechanism as a game ball launching means, 111 ... Solenoid, 113 ... Ball feeding device, 162 ... Main control device, 243 ... Power supply / launch control device, 301 ... Movable body, 303 ... Projection piece as ball receiving part, 304 ... Ball receiving surface part forming a guide part, 305 ... Weight part functioning as urging means, 306 ... A flat surface portion constituting the guide portion, 308 ... A guide portion as a guide portion, 311 ... Holder, 313 ... Shaft pin, 314 ... Standing portion, 601a ... Left movable body as the first movable body, 601b ... Second movable body Right side movable body, 604 ... ball receiving surface portion, 606 ... rotating tip portion, 607b ... arm portion constituting the connecting portion, 608b ... shaft pin forming the connecting portion, 609a ... link groove forming the connecting portion, 611 ... Holder as holding part, 613 ... Accommodating part, 616 ... Opening part, 618 ... Spring as urging means, PE ... Game area, SE ... Specific area as gap or inflow part, TE ... Passing area.

Claims (1)

A game board with a game area formed,
A game ball launching means that launches a game ball based on a launch operation by the player,
A ball passage that guides a game ball launched from the game ball launching means to the game area, and
Provided in the game area and provided with a regulatory means for regulating the return of the game ball from the game area to the ball passage.
The regulatory means
It has a first movable body, and when the first movable body is displaced, it switches between a permissible state that allows the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position and a regulated state that regulates the passage of the game ball at the first regulated position. With the 1st Regulatory Department
It has a second movable body provided side by side with the first movable body at a position on the extension of the ball passage, and the second movable body is displaced to allow the game ball to pass at the second regulated position. The second regulation part that switches to the allowable state and the regulation state that regulates the passage of the game ball at the second regulation position,
Having a switching means for switching the states of the first regulating unit and the second regulating unit by displacing the other based on the displacement of one of the first movable body and the second movable body. A featured gaming machine.

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