JP2022015162A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can stabilize the movement of a game ball and reduce the manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a shooting device that shoots a game ball toward a game area 4 according to a shooting operation and a rail 28 that guides the game ball shot from the shooting device. In the rail 28, a plurality of predetermined positioning portions 118 that enable positioning of the rail 28 are formed. When the terminal end on the shooting device side of the rail 28 is defined as a start end, the terminal end on the side away from the shooting device of the rail 28 is defined as the terminal end, the range from the start end to a left end P2 of the rail 28 is defined as a fourth range, and the range from the left end P2 to the terminal end of the rail 28 is defined as a fifth range, the number of predetermined positioning portions 118 in the fourth range is equal to or greater than that in the fifth range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 38

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a gaming board, a launching device, and the like is known. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball (game medium) is launched into a game area provided on the front surface of the game board, and the game ball enters a winning opening provided in the game area, and a game is played by the player. The above benefits are granted. A predetermined gaming machine represented by such a gaming machine is provided with a rail for guiding a gaming ball (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-89073

By the way, in a gaming machine having a rail, it is required that the movement of the gaming ball rolling on the rail is stable. On the other hand, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases when the rail processing and mounting work become complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of stabilizing the movement of a gaming ball and suppressing manufacturing costs.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention
A launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area according to the launch operation,
It has a rail that guides the game ball launched from the launching device, and has.
The rail is formed with a plurality of predetermined positioning portions that enable positioning of the rail.
Starting from the end of the rail on the launcher side,
The end of the rail on the side away from the launcher is terminated.
The range from the start end to the left end of the rail is defined as the fourth range.
Assuming that the range from the left end to the end of the rail is the fifth range,
The number of the predetermined positioning portions in each range is characterized in that the fourth range is equal to or larger than the fifth range.

According to the present invention, the number of positioning portions on the launcher side (fourth range side) where the impact received from the game ball is large and the rail arrangement is particularly required to be accurate is increased, and the rail on the launcher side is increased. It is possible to reliably prevent rail misalignment and vibration. Further, according to such a configuration, the number of positioning portions on the terminal side (fifth range side), which receives a small impact from the game ball and has little influence on the game, is reduced, and rail processing and rail processing and rails are performed. The installation work can be facilitated. Therefore, the movement of the game ball rolling on the rail can be stabilized, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

According to the present invention, the movement of the game ball can be stabilized and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

It shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is the perspective view which shows the state which the door is opened. It is the figure which looked at the game board from the front side. The same is a schematic view of the gaming machine as viewed from the front side. It is an exploded perspective view of the door unit. Similarly, the handle is shown, (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side. It is a view of the handle unit seen from the front side in the axial direction of the handle. The same is a view of a part of the door unit seen from the front side. The same is a view of a part of the door unit seen from the front side. The same shows a part of the door unit, and is a view seen from the front side in the axial direction of the handle. It is a perspective view of the steering wheel seen from the front side, and is in a state where the face cover is removed. It is the figure (the 1) which shows the operation torque and the operation angle of the handle. The same is a graph (No. 1) showing the operating torque of the steering wheel. It is a figure (No. 2) which shows the operation torque and the operation angle of the handle. The same is a graph (No. 2) showing the operating torque of the steering wheel. It is a perspective view of the front frame and the inner frame as viewed from the front side. It is the figure which looked at the front frame and the inner frame from the front side in the axial direction of a handle. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the game board from the front side. It is an exploded perspective view of the saucer unit. It is the figure which looked at the saucer unit from the back side. It is an exploded perspective view of the downstream side ball pulling unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the closed state of the ball pulling hole on the downstream side. It is a figure for demonstrating the open state of the ball punching hole on the downstream side. It is an exploded perspective view of the upstream side ball pulling unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the closed state of the ball pulling hole on the upstream side. It is a figure for demonstrating the open state of the ball punching hole on the upstream side. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of the upstream ball pulling hole when the upstream ball pulling button is operated by a predetermined amount less than the diameter of a game ball. It is the figure which looked at the lower part of the gaming machine from the lower side. It shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and is the front view thereof. It is the figure which looked at the game board from the front side. The same is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 29. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the outer rail, a rail base, and a game board. It is the figure which shows the outer rail. The same is a view of the rail base and the outer rail from the rear side, and is an overall view and a partially enlarged view thereof. It is a perspective view of the upper right part of the rail base and the outer rail as seen from the rear side. It is a perspective view of the lower left of the rail base and the outer rail as viewed from the rear side. The same is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the game ball and the hole. It is the figure which looked at the outer rail and the game board from the front, and is the figure for demonstrating the position of the hole of the outer rail.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the pachinko gaming machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described in the present embodiment, other gaming machines may be used. In the following explanation, "front and back" basically means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the pachinko game machine side when the player is on the front side of the pachinko machine, and is referred to as "up and down". Means "upper" on the upper surface side of the pachinko machine, "lower" on the lower surface side, and "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player and "right" on the right hand side. In the present invention, any combination of each configuration, arbitrary modification of each configuration, or omission of each configuration is possible within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 and shows a state in which the door is opened.
The gaming machine 100 (pachinko gaming machine 100) uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium, and the player borrows the gaming ball from the game field operator and plays the game with the gaming machine 100. In the game of the game machine 100, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) enjoyed by the player as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball acquired by the player. It can be converted into a game value based on the number of.

The gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 102 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape (vertically long rectangular frame shape) and an inner frame 104 (middle frame) (middle door) freely attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge mechanism. ), And a front frame 300 (front door) attached to the inner frame 104 so as to be openable and closable via a hinge mechanism. Like the outer frame 102, the inner frame 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The inner frame 104 holds the game board 108 (game board unit). Specifically, the game board unit can be attached to and detached from the inner frame 104 (inner frame assembly) with the front frame 300 opened forward.

A glass unit 110 (transmissive plate) is attached to the front frame 300. Specifically, a window is formed in the central portion of the front frame 300, and the glass unit 110 is attached to the window. The glass unit 110 is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut according to the shape of a window. In this embodiment, the glass unit 110 is used, but it may be made of resin.

Here, the configuration including the front frame 300 (front door) and the inner frame 104 (middle door) is referred to as a “main body frame”. The main body frame is removable (openable and closable) with respect to the outer frame 102. When the main body frame is closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the glass unit 110 face each other substantially in parallel through a predetermined interval (gap). At this time, the gaming board 108 can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machine 100 via the glass unit 110.

The front frame 300 may refer only to a frame member having a substantially rectangular shape (door base 310 described later), and the frame member and all members (including design members) attached to the frame member. You may refer to the entire unit in which and is integrated.

Further, the gaming machine 100 is provided with an effect device for producing an effect while the game is in progress. The effect device includes an effect display device 114 composed of a liquid crystal display device, an effect accessory device 116 composed of a movable device, an audio output device 118 composed of a speaker (see FIG. 3), and a lamp controlled by various lighting modes and emission colors. There is an effect lighting device 120 and an effect operation device 208 (see FIG. 3) that accepts operations. The effect display device 114, the effect accessory device 116, the audio output device 118, the effect lighting device 120, and the effect operation device 208 execute a predetermined effect based on the control of the control board provided in the inner frame 104. ..

The gaming board 108 is formed with a through hole 108a (see FIG. 2) penetrating in the thickness direction (front-back direction of the gaming machine 100). An effect display device 114 is provided on the back surface of the game board 108. The effect display device 114 includes an image display unit that displays an image. The image display unit is arranged in the inner frame 104 and is exposed through the through hole 108a so that the image displayed on the image display unit can be visually recognized from the front side.

The effect display device 116 is arranged in front of the effect display device 114 in the inner frame 104 and is normally retracted to the back side of the game board 108. However, while the game is in progress, the effect display device 114 It moves to the front and gives the player a sense of expectation of a big hit.

The effect lighting device 120 is provided in the front frame 300, and for example, a plurality of effect lighting devices 120 are provided so as to surround the glass unit 110. The effect lighting device 120 includes LEDs and the like, and is controlled in various ways according to, for example, an image displayed on the effect display device 114.

As shown in FIG. 3, the audio output device 118 is provided on the outer frame 102. The voice output device 118 outputs sound, voice, BGM, etc. toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the image or the like displayed on the effect display device 114. The outer frame 102 located below has a predetermined width, and the audio output device 118 (speaker) is a component of the outer frame 102.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the gaming machine 100 as viewed from the front side (front). The effect operation device 208 (effect operation unit 208) includes an effect operation unit configured to be able to accept operations (predetermined operations) related to the effect. When the effect operation unit is operated, the effect content (display of the effect display device) is switched or a predetermined effect is generated. A key portion 209 (cylinder) is provided on the right side of the gaming machine 100 when viewed from the front side. When a predetermined key is inserted into the key portion 209 and rotated (twisted) counterclockwise, the front frame 300 can be opened forward, and when rotated clockwise (twisted), the front frame 300 and the inner frame are opened. The 104 (that is, the main body frame) can be opened to the front side.

FIG. 2 is a view of the game board 108 as viewed from the front side. The game board (game board) 108 is made of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin (for example, acrylic). The game board 108 is provided with a substantially circular outer rail 114b and an inner rail 114a formed in an arc shape along the outer rail 114b. The game ball launched from the launch mechanism (launch device) (not shown) rises between the inner rail 114a and the outer rail 114b and is guided to the game area 116. The game area 116 (board surface) is a space formed between the game board 108 and the glass unit 110, and is an area in which the game ball can move (flow, roll). A large number of game nails and windmills are provided on the game board 108 so that the game ball guided to the game area 116 collides with the nails and windmills and moves (flows, rolls) in an irregular direction. I have to.

The outer rail 114b extends clockwise from the lower side of the game board 108 toward the upper left, and extends clockwise from substantially the center of the game board 108 in the vertical direction (vertical direction) toward the upper right. There is. The outer rail 114b is curved and extends from the lower part to the upper part of the game board 108, and surrounds the game area 116. That is, the area surrounded by the outer rail 114b is the game area 116 in which the game ball moves. Further, the inner rail 114a is provided on the left side of the game board 108 and inside the outer rail 114b in the game area 116.

The game area 116 includes a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b in which the degree of entry of the game balls is different from each other according to the firing intensity of the firing mechanism and the game balls can be hit separately. The first gaming area 116a is located on the left side of the gaming area 116 as seen from the player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second gaming area 116b is the gaming area 116 as seen from the player facing the gaming machine 100. It is located on the right side of. Since the outer rail 114b and the inner rail 114a are on the left side of the game area 116, the game ball launched by the firing mechanism with a firing intensity lower than the predetermined strength enters the first game area 116a (left-handed area). The game ball launched by the firing mechanism with a firing intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined strength enters the second gaming area 116b (right-handed area). Operating the operation handle 340 to drive the game ball into the first game area 116a is called performing a left-handed strike, and operating the operation handle 340 to drive the game ball into the second game area 116b is called right-handed. It is said to execute.

Further, the game area 116 is provided with a general winning opening 118 and a starting winning opening 120 (starting opening) into which a game ball can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 118 and the starting winning opening 120, predetermined prize balls (game balls acquired by winning) are paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number as long as it is one or more. Further, the number of prize balls to be paid out may be different for each of the general winning opening 118 and the starting winning opening 120, or the same number of winning balls may be set.

The start winning opening 120 is provided in the lower center (center in the left-right direction) of the game area 116. Although a specific explanation is omitted, when a game ball enters the starting winning opening 120, a big role lottery is held to decide whether or not to give a predetermined game profit, and when a big hit is won in the big role lottery, the big role game is won. Will be executed. The big role game is composed of multiple round games, and the big winning opening is opened during each round game. The large winning opening is provided in the second gaming area 116b. Each round game ends when a predetermined time elapses from the start or when a preset upper limit number of game balls enters the large winning opening. When a game ball enters the large prize opening, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, so that the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls by executing the big role game.

An out port 122 (exhaust port) is provided at the lowermost portion of the game area 116. A game ball that has not entered any of the general winning opening 118, the starting winning opening 120, and the large winning opening is discharged from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108 via the out opening 122.

Further, the game area 116 includes an upper passage 114c connecting the left-handed area 116a and the right-handed area 116b. The upper passage 114c is provided above the through hole 108a.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub board. The functions of each board such as the main board and sub board are various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), hardware such as RAM, and ROM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program stored in advance.

The main board receives input signals from input means (various sensors, etc.), performs various calculations for executing the game, and controls the operation of the output means (payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the effect operation sensor that detects the operation of the effect operation device 208, which will be described later, and performs various effects according to the progress of the game. Is performed, and the operation of the effect device is controlled based on the calculation result.

Next, the details of the door unit 300 will be described. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door unit 300. The door unit 300 includes a plate-shaped door base 310, a saucer unit 320, a handle unit 330, and the like. A glass unit 110 (see FIG. 1) can be attached to the back side of the door base 310.

The saucer unit 320 has a shape protruding forward and includes a saucer. The saucer is formed so that a game ball (rental ball) lent to the player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize can be stored. The saucer unit 320 is attached (assembled) to the lower part of the front side of the door base 310. The saucer unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310 by tightening screws from the rear side of the door base 310. A recess is provided in the center of the saucer unit 320, and the effect operation unit 208 shown in FIG. 3 can be attached to the recess.

The handle unit 330 includes a handle 340 provided so as to project forward, and a handle base 350. The handle 340 is formed so as to be rotatable. When the launch operation is performed by rotating the handle 340, the game is played from the launch mechanism (launch device) with the strength (firing output) (momentum) according to the rotation angle (operation angle) (rotation amount) (rotation operation amount) of the handle 340. The ball is supposed to be fired. The handle unit 330 is attached (assembled) to the lower right (lower right in the front frame) (lower right of the saucer unit 320) in the door base 310. The handle unit 330 is fixed to the door base 310 by tightening screws from the rear side of the door base 310.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the saucer unit 320 and the handle unit 330 can be individually (separately) fixed to the door base 310. Therefore, for example, the saucer unit 320 may be removed from the door base 310 while the saucer unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310, or the saucer unit 320 may be removed from the door base 310 while the handle unit 330 is fixed to the door base 310. Can be done. That is, only one of the saucer unit 320 and the handle unit 330 can be removed for inspection, replacement, and the like. As a result, the work can be performed flexibly and the efficiency of the work can be improved. In this embodiment, it is possible to attach / detach only the effect unit 208 without removing the saucer unit 320 from the door base 310.

Further, in the handle unit 330, the handle 340 and the handle base 350 are separately screwed and fixed to the door base 310. Therefore, only the handle 340 can be removed from the door base 310 while the handle base 350 is fixed to the door base 310. The handle 340 is a component that is frequently replaced as compared with the handle base 350. By making only the handle 340 replaceable, the cost for replacement can be suppressed. The color of the screw may be changed between the screw used for fixing the handle 340 and the screw used for fixing the handle base 350. For example, the screw used to fix the handle 340 is red. By changing the color of the screws in this way, the operator can easily understand which screw should be removed, prevent mistakes, and improve work efficiency. Further, for example, the identification character "H" may be added in the vicinity of the screw hole (screw hole) for the handle 340.

When removing the parts from the door base 310, first, the saucer unit 320 is removed, then the handle 340 is removed, and then the handle base 350 is removed. The handle 340 and the handle base 350 may be removed at the same time.

(Handle 340)
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the handle 340 as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the handle 340 as viewed from the rear side. The handle 340 includes a main body portion 341, a handle ring 342 (handle), a launch stop button 343, a cover 344, and the like. The main body portion 341 is fixed to the door base 310 as a mounting partner member, and rotatably supports the handle ring 342. The handle ring 342 can rotate around the main body portion 341 within a predetermined rotation amount (predetermined operation angle) from the initial position to the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is a position where the amount of rotation with respect to the initial position is maximum. The maximum rotation position is the position at the moment when a predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 abuts (contacts) with the mechanical end (stopper), and after the abutment, further force is applied to bring the predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 into contact. It does not include the position where the load (reaction force) suddenly increases due to pressure contact with the mechanical end. The firing stop button 343 can be pressed and is provided to enable the firing of the game ball to be stopped while the handle ring 342 is rotated by a predetermined rotation amount. Further, the cover 344 (face cover) is provided to cover the front side of the handle ring 342.

FIG. 6 is a view of the handle unit 330 as viewed from the front side in the axial direction of the handle 340. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the center (rotation axis) of the handle 340 is set as the center P (rotation axis P). FIG. 6 shows a state in which the handle ring 342 is in the initial position. The handle ring 342 is urged by an elastic member (ring spring, spring: not shown) in the counterclockwise direction with the center P as the axis of rotation when viewed from the front. Therefore, when rotating the handle ring 342 in the clockwise direction from the initial position, it is necessary to operate (apply a force) against the urging force of the elastic member. Further, when the operation is released (when the force is stopped) while the handle ring 342 is rotated clockwise by a predetermined rotation amount, the handle ring 342 returns to the initial position due to the urging force of the elastic member (when the force is stopped). It is designed to automatically return).

(Handle ring 342)
The handle ring 342 includes a ring portion 350a, a first finger hook portion 351 and a second finger hook portion 352, and a third finger hook portion 353. The first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular ring portion 350a so as to project radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a along the circumferential direction. ing. The first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 have a substantially triangular shape (mountain shape) when viewed from the front. When the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are viewed with their tips facing upward, the slope on the left side has a larger slope than the slope on the right side (slope with a steep slope). ). The slope on the left side is steeper than the slope on the right side, making it easier to catch your fingers.

If the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 are not provided, the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a must be gripped and the rotation operation must be performed. When the three-finger hook portion 353 is provided, the finger can be hooked to perform the rotation operation. Therefore, the player can more easily perform the rotation operation. This can reduce the burden on the player.

The door unit 300 is a component that may be handled by the door unit 300 alone. That is, it is a component component in which the work of attaching / detaching (replacing) only the door unit 300 and the work of transporting only the door unit 300 are performed. Therefore, there may be a situation where only the door unit 300 is placed on a surface such as a floor, or a situation where only the door unit 300 is put in a packing member such as a box.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the door unit 300. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is referred to as a lower edge S1. The lower edge S1 constitutes the outermost shape on the lower side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrudes below (downward) from the lower edge S1, it comes into contact with the floor when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like. However, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) may be damaged.

(Initial position: bottom)
FIG. 7 shows a state in which the handle ring 342 is in the initial position. In the initial position, the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 faces the upper left side. The tip of the second finger hook portion 352 faces upward. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces the upper right side. In the present embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 projects downward from the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like, the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 do not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is damaged. There is no. Therefore, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.

(Maximum rotation position: downward)
FIG. 8 is a front view of the door unit 300, showing a state in which the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is a position where the amount of rotation (operation amount) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 is maximum. At the maximum rotation position, the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 faces upward. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces to the right. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces downward. In the present embodiment, the tip end portion of the third finger hook portion 353 is closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotation position.

In the present embodiment, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 projects downward from the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300 even at the maximum rotation position. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position, the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 come into contact with the floor or the like. Without doing so, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. Therefore, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, any of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 is the lower edge of the front frame 300. It does not protrude below S1. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the tip portion of the third finger hook portion 353 is closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotation position. However, it is not always the maximum rotation position that the tip of any of the finger hooks comes closest to the lower edge S1. That is, assuming that the position where the tip of any of the finger hooks is closest to the lower edge S1 is the predetermined rotation position, all the finger hooks do not protrude below the lower edge S1 at the predetermined rotation position. It should be.

Return to FIG. The right edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is defined as the right edge T1. The right edge T1 constitutes the outermost shape on the right side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the 1st finger hooking portion 351 to the 3rd finger hooking portion 353 protrudes to the right (right side) from the right edge T1, when the front frame 300 is put in a box or the like, it becomes a box. Contact may occur and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) may be damaged.

(Initial position: right side)
In the present embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 projects to the right (right side) of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is put in a box or the like, the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is damaged. There is no. Therefore, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.

(Maximum rotation position: right side)
As shown in FIG. 8, at the maximum rotation position, the tip portion of the second finger hook portion 352 is closest to the right edge T1. In the present embodiment, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 projects to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300 even at the maximum rotation position. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is put in a box or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position, the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 come into contact with the box or the like. Without doing so, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. Therefore, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 are larger than the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. It does not protrude to the right. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the tip portion of the second finger hook portion 352 is closest to the right edge T1 at the maximum rotation position. However, it is not always the maximum rotation position that the tip of any of the finger hooks comes closest to the right edge T1. That is, assuming that the position where the tip of any of the finger hooks is closest to the right edge T1 is the predetermined rotation position, all the finger hooks do not protrude to the right of the right edge T1 at the predetermined rotation position. It should be.

FIG. 9 is a view of the lower right portion of the front frame 300 as viewed from the front side in the rotation axis direction of the handle 340. (1) The length (distance) (dimensions) D1 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 is 53.4 mm. (2) The length D2 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the second finger hook portion 352 is 45.6 mm. (3) The length D3 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the third finger hook portion 353 is 39.3 mm. (4) The length E from the center P of the handle 340 to the outer peripheral surface of the handle ring 342 is 34.6 mm. That is, the radius E of the portion where the finger hook portion of the handle ring 342 is not provided is 34.6 mm. (5) The length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S1 of the door unit 300 is 40.0 mm. (6) The length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T1 of the door unit 300 is 49.1 mm.

In the present embodiment, the handle unit 330 is provided at the lower right portion of the front frame 300, but the handle unit 330 may be provided at the lower right portion of the inner frame 104. FIG. 15 is a right side view showing a state in which the handle unit 330 is attached to the lower right portion of the inner frame 104. Further, FIG. 16 is a view of the lower right portion of the state as viewed from the front side in the rotation axis direction of the handle 340. It can be said that FIGS. 15 and 16 show a state in which the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 are integrated. Here, the lower edges of the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 (that is, the main body frame) are referred to as the lower edge S2. The lower edge S2 constitutes the outermost shape on the lower side of the main body frame. In other words, the lower edge S2 is the lower edge of either the front frame 300 or the inner frame 104. Further, the right edge of the main body frame is defined as the right edge T2. The right edge T2 constitutes the outermost shape on the right side of the main body frame. In other words, the right edge T2 is the right edge of either the front frame 300 or the inner frame 104.

At the initial position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Further, at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 projects downward from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Further, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. ..
Therefore, even when the main body frame is placed on the floor or the like, the finger hook portion does not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.
In the case of the lower edge (lower edge) of the main body frame, the lower edge (bottom surface) of the saucer unit 320 (receiver) than the lower edge of the front frame 300 or the lower edge of the inner frame 104. When is located below, the lower edge (bottom surface) of the saucer unit 320 may be the lower edge of the main body frame.

At the initial position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Further, at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Further, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, all of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 project to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame. do not have.
Therefore, even when the main body frame is put in a box or the like, the finger hook portion does not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 16, D1, D2, D3, and E are the same as in FIG. 9, but the length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame is 45.0 mm. .. Further, the length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T2 of the main body frame is 51.1 mm.

In the above, the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 is located below (protruding) from the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300, but the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 and the position of the inner frame 104 The position of the lower edge may be substantially the same. Further, the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 may be located below the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104.

In both the state shown in FIG. 9 and the state shown in FIG. 16, the length D3 is smaller than the length F. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (state shown in FIG. 8), the third finger hook portion 353 does not protrude below the lower edges S1 and S2.

The length D2 is smaller than the length G. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (state shown in FIG. 8), the second finger hook portion 352 does not protrude to the right of the right edges T1 and T2.

On the other hand, the length D1 is larger than the length F. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hook portion 351 is downward (a position where the tip portion of the first finger hook portion 351 faces downward), the first finger hook portion 351 is the lower edge. It will protrude below S1 and S2. However, in the present embodiment, the handle ring 342 does not rotate to the position where the first finger hook portion 351 is located downward. Therefore, the first finger hook portion 351 does not protrude below the lower edges S1 and S2.

Further, the length D1 is larger than the length G. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hook portion 351 is on the right side (a position where the tip portion of the first finger hook portion 351 faces the right side), the first finger hook portion 351 is on the right edge. It will protrude to the right of T1 and T2. However, in the present embodiment, the handle ring 342 does not rotate to the position where the first finger hook portion 351 is on the right side. Therefore, the first finger hook portion 351 does not protrude to the right of the right edges T1 and T2.

As described above, the first finger hook portion 351 is prevented from rotating to a position where the tip portion thereof faces downward (lower side) or a position where the tip portion thereof faces the right side. Therefore, the length D1 can be made larger than the length D2 and the length D3. Increasing the length D1 has the effect of making it easier to catch a finger. In this embodiment, the length D1 is larger than the length D2, and the length D2 is larger than the length D3.

In the present embodiment, the number of finger hooks provided on the handle ring 342 is set to 3, but the number of finger hooks is not limited to this, and at least one or more may be provided. .. Further, the finger hook portion (maximum finger hook portion) having the largest protrusion amount is not limited to the first finger hook portion 351 and may be another finger hook portion. The protrusion amount is a protrusion amount outward in the radial direction, and is, for example, a protrusion amount of the finger hook portion from a portion of the handle ring 342 where the finger hook portion is not provided (ring portion 350a).

As described above, the finger hook portion does not project below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame and does not project to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position. Further, at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame, and at the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion (maximum finger hook portion) having the largest protrusion amount is provided. , The tip portion may not exist at a position facing downward (directly below) (the position where the tip portion is closest to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook moves on the rotation trajectory that draws an arc, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook Is not located at the lowest point in the rotational trajectory of the tip. In that case, the maximum finger hook may be rotated to a position closest to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame, and further beyond that position to a position away from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Further, at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion does not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame, and at the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion (maximum finger hook portion) having the largest protrusion amount is present. , The tip may not exist at a position facing right (right) (the position where the tip is closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook moves on the rotation trajectory that draws an arc, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook Is not located at the rightmost point in the rotational trajectory of the tip. In that case, the maximum finger hook may be rotated to a position closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame, and further beyond that position to a position away from the right edge T2 of the main body frame.

The bottom surface (bottom surface) of the saucer unit 320 and the bottom surface (bottom surface) of the handle unit 330 shown in FIG. 4 are provided with tapered surfaces (drafts) that gently incline upward from the rear side to the front side (front side). Has been done. This is called the "tilted surface at the bottom of the front frame". When the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame is provided, when the front frame 300 is placed on a surface such as a floor, the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame may come into contact with the surface such as the floor. That is, when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor, for example, the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame comes into contact with the floor, and the front frame 300 is slightly tilted forward with respect to the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane (forward tilt). Posture) may occur. In this position, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is closer to the floor.

When the handle ring 342 is in the initial position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. In this case, the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like, and even if the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 come into contact with the floor or the like. The handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.

When the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame. .. In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position and the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first finger hook portion The handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged because the third finger hook portion 353 does not come into contact with the floor or the like. Therefore, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.

Further, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, all of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 are below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. It may not protrude to the surface.

At a predetermined rotation position including the initial position and the maximum rotation position, at least a part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrudes below the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame. May be good. Even in that case, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 protrudes downward from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. With such a configuration, the risk of damage to the parts can be reduced.

Next, the operating torque and operating angle of the handle 340 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, a spring as an elastic member Z is arranged inside the handle 340. The handle ring 342 can be operated (rotated) in the clockwise direction against the urging force of the spring. Further, when the operation is released while the handle ring 342 is rotated by a predetermined amount (angle), the handle ring 342 is automatically returned to the initial position by the urging force (reaction force) of the spring.

(Initial action)
Here, the operating torque required for starting (initial movement) (starting) (rotation from the initial position) of the rotation of the handle ring 342 is defined as the first operating torque (initial movement torque).
(Left-handed)
The target position for landing the game ball that has passed through the launch port 117 (see FIG. 2) in the game area 116 when hitting left is set as the target position (target area) for left-handed hitting. The left-handed target area (target area) is a so-called bukkomi area. The target area is an ideal area where it is said that the player hits the game ball aiming at the area in the normal gaming state, and the ball entry rate to various winning devices (winning openings) is the highest.
Further, the position (rotational position) of the handle ring 342 at which the game ball can be landed at the target position for left-handed hitting is set as the left-handed hitting reference position. Further, the operating torque required for rotation from the initial position of the handle ring 342 to the left-handed reference position is defined as the second operating torque. Further, the operation angle (operation angle) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 to the left-handed reference position is set as the first operation angle.

(Right-handed)
The position (rotation position) of the handle ring 342 at the time of right-handed striking is set as the right-handed reference position (maximum rotation position). Further, the operating torque required for the rotation of the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as the third operating torque. Further, the operation angle (operation angle) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 to the maximum rotation position is defined as the second operation angle. The second operating angle is a full stroke.

(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 11, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N · mm]. The second operation torque is 13.6 [N · mm]. The third operation torque is 23.8 [N · mm]. In the present embodiment, the second operating torque is larger than the first operating torque, and the third operating torque is larger than the second operating torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operating torque is 31 [N mm], the second operating torque is 69 [N mm], and the third operating torque is 152 [N mm]. FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between them.

The first operating torque, the second operating torque, and the third operating torque are all relatively small values. Therefore, the player can rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. That is, the player can feel that the operation of the handle ring 342 is light. As a result, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Further, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns, it comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and stops rotating, but the first operation torque to the third operation torque are both small values. Therefore, the impact applied to the stopper when automatically returning is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress wear (wear) of the stopper and reduce the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated component. That is, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

Further, since the first operation torque to the third operation torque are both small values, the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body portion 341 (see FIG. 5) can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the wear caused by the large frictional force, and it is possible to improve the durability of the parts.

In this embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N · mm], which is less than 10 [N · mm]. Since the first operation torque is small in this way, the force required for the initial movement of the handle ring 342 is small, and the rotation of the handle ring 342 can be started with a smaller force. If the urging force (reaction force) of the spring is made smaller and the first operating torque is less than 6.8 [N ・ mm], the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 or the like causes the force of friction. , The handle ring 342 may not return to the initial position. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first operation torque is set to the minimum torque that can automatically return to the initial position. Therefore, in order to enable automatic recovery while lightening the initial motion, it is preferable that the first operation torque is 6.8 [Nm] or more.

Further, in the present embodiment, the third operation torque is larger than the second operation torque, but the value of the third operation torque (23.8 [N · mm]) is the value of the second operation torque of 2. It is less than the multiplied value (27.2 [N · mm]). When the value of the third operation torque (152 [N ・ mm]) is larger than the value obtained by doubling the value of the second operation torque (138 [N ・ mm]) as in the comparative example, left-handed strike. The operating torque will increase sharply from the reference position to the maximum rotation position (right-handed reference position). In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position. In the present embodiment, the value of the third operation torque is equal to or less than the value obtained by doubling the second operation torque, and the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small, so that the left-handed reference position The operating torque does not increase sharply from to the maximum rotation position, and the player feels that the difference between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second operating torque is larger than the first operating torque, but the value of the second operating torque (13.6 [N · mm]) is the value of the first operating torque of 2. It is less than the multiplied value (13.6 [N · mm]). When the value of the second operating torque (69 [N ・ mm]) is larger than the value obtained by doubling the first operating torque (62 [N ・ mm]) as in the comparative example, it is left from the initial position. The operating torque will increase sharply until the hitting reference position is reached. In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the initial position to the left-handed reference position. In the present embodiment, the value of the second operation torque is equal to or less than the value obtained by doubling the first operation torque, and the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small, so that from the initial position. The operating torque does not increase sharply until the left-handed reference position, and the player feels that the difference between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the difference (displacement amount) between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is defined as the increase amount A. In the present embodiment, the increase amount A is 6.8 [N · mm]. Further, the difference (displacement amount) between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is defined as the increase amount B. In the present embodiment, the increase amount B is 10.2 [N · mm]. In the present embodiment, the value (13.6) obtained by doubling the increase amount A is larger than the increase amount B (10.2) (2A> B). In other words, the increase amount B is equal to or less than the value obtained by doubling the increase amount A. Therefore, even when comparing the amount of increase in operating torque from the initial position to the left-handed reference position and the amount of increase in operating torque from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase. The amount is not extremely large compared to the former increase. Therefore, since the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is small and the right-handed hit is not felt to be extremely heavy as compared with the left-handed hit, the player is less likely to get tired and the burden on the player can be reduced. In addition, the player does not feel a sense of discomfort due to a large difference in operating torque between left-handed and right-handed. As a result, the player can comfortably play the game.

On the other hand, in the comparative example, the increase amount A is 38 [N · mm], and the increase amount B is 83 [N · mm]. The increase amount B is larger than the value obtained by doubling the increase amount A. Therefore, when comparing the increase in operating torque from the initial position to the left-handed reference position and the increase in operating torque from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase is the former. It is extremely large compared to the amount of increase. Therefore, the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is large, and it is felt that the right-handed hit is extremely heavier than the left-handed hit. Therefore, the player is easily tired and the burden on the player is heavy. In addition, the player may feel a sense of discomfort due to a large difference in operating torque between left-handed and right-handed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the initial torque is reduced and the torque curve of the operating torque is laid down. Since the initial torque is small and the amount of torque displacement (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the initial torque is large and the torque curve of the operating torque is a quadratic curve. Since the initial torque is large and the amount of torque displacement (increase) is also large, the player is easily tired.

Return to FIG. In this embodiment, the first operation angle is 49 °. The second operating angle is 100 °. Left-handed and right-handed are separated by an operation angle that is approximately half of the full stroke (second operation angle). Therefore, it is easy for the player to intuitively recognize the boundary between the left-handed and the right-handed. Further, the second operation angle is 100 °, which is smaller than that when the second operation angle is 130 °, for example. Therefore, when hitting to the right, the amount of rotation of the hand can be made smaller. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. The first operating angle may be 45 ° to 60 °. Further, the second operation angle may be set to 100 ° to 120 °.

Further, the first operation angle is less than half of the second operation angle (full stroke). Therefore, it is possible to strike left at an operation angle of less than half of the full stroke. In addition, at an operation angle of less than half of the full stroke, it is not possible to hit right. This allows the player to clearly distinguish between left-handed and right-handed.

(Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 13, the first operation torque is 27.2 [N · mm]. The second operation torque is 54.4 [N · mm]. The third operation torque is 95.2 [N · mm]. The 2 operation torque is larger than the 1st operation torque, and the 3rd operation torque is larger than the 2nd operation torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operating torque is 31 [N mm], the second operating torque is 69 [N mm], and the third operating torque is 152 [N mm]. FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between them.

The first operating torque, the second operating torque, and the third operating torque are smaller than those in the comparative example. Therefore, the player can rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. That is, the player can feel that the operation of the handle ring 342 is light. As a result, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Further, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns, it comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and stops rotating, but the first operation torque to the third operation torque are both small values. Therefore, the impact applied to the stopper when automatically returning is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress wear (wear) of the stopper and reduce the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated component. That is, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

Further, since the first operation torque to the third operation torque are smaller than those in the comparative example, the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body portion 341 (see FIG. 5) can be reduced. can. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the wear caused by the large frictional force, and it is possible to improve the durability of the parts.

Further, since the first operation torque is 27.2 [N ・ mm], which is 6.8 [N ・ mm] or more, the handle ring 342 can be automatically restored while lightening the initial movement. ..

Further, the third operation torque is larger than the second operation torque, but the value of the third operation torque (95.2 [N · mm]) is a value (108) obtained by doubling the value of the second operation torque. It is 0.8 [N ・ mm]) or less. When the value of the third operation torque (152 [N ・ mm]) is larger than the value obtained by doubling the value of the second operation torque (138 [N ・ mm]) as in the comparative example, left-handed strike. The operating torque will increase sharply from the reference position to the maximum rotation position (right-handed reference position). In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this example, the value of the third operation torque is equal to or less than the value obtained by doubling the second operation torque, and the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small, so that the left-handed reference position is used. The operating torque does not increase sharply until the maximum rotation position, and the player feels that the difference between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Further, the second operation torque is larger than the first operation torque, but the value of the second operation torque (54.4 [N · mm]) is a value (54) obtained by doubling the value of the first operation torque. It is less than .4 [N ・ mm]). When the value of the second operating torque (69 [N ・ mm]) is larger than the value obtained by doubling the first operating torque (62 [N ・ mm]) as in the comparative example, it is left from the initial position. The operating torque will increase sharply until the hitting reference position is reached. In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the initial position to the left-handed reference position. In this example, the value of the second operating torque is equal to or less than the value obtained by doubling the first operating torque, and the difference between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is small, so that it is left from the initial position. The operating torque does not increase sharply until the hitting reference position, and the player feels that the difference between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the difference (displacement amount) between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is defined as the increase amount A. The amount of increase A is 27.2 [N · mm]. Further, the difference (displacement amount) between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is defined as the increase amount B. The amount of increase B is 40.8 [N · mm]. In the present embodiment, the value (54.4) obtained by doubling the increase amount A is larger than the increase amount B (40.8) (2A> B). In other words, the increase amount B is equal to or less than the value obtained by doubling the increase amount A. Therefore, even when comparing the amount of increase in operating torque from the initial position to the left-handed reference position and the amount of increase in operating torque from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase. The amount is not extremely large compared to the former increase. Therefore, since the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is small and the right-handed hit is not felt to be extremely heavy as compared with the left-handed hit, the player is less likely to get tired and the burden on the player can be reduced. In addition, the player does not feel a sense of discomfort due to a large difference in operating torque between left-handed and right-handed. As a result, the player can comfortably play the game.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the torque curve of the operating torque is laid down as a torque curve. Since the amount of torque displacement (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the torque curve of the operating torque is a quadratic curve. Since the amount of torque displacement (increase) is also large, the player is easily tired.

The first operating torque is 6.8 [N · mm] shown in Example 1 to 27.
It may be within the range of 2 [N · mm]. Further, the second operation torque may be in the range of 13.6 [N · mm] shown in Example 1 to 54.4 [N · mm] shown in Example 2. Further, the third operation torque may be in the range of 23.8 [N · mm] shown in Example 1 to 95.2 [N · mm] shown in Example 2. Further, the third operation torque (right-handed reference position) is preferably 100 [N · mm] or less.

(Second embodiment)
As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a gaming board, a launching device, and the like is known. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball (game medium) is launched into a game area provided on the front surface of the game board, and the game ball enters a winning opening provided in the game area, and a game is played by the player. The above benefits are granted. A predetermined gaming machine represented by such a gaming machine is provided with a tray for storing the gaming balls, and it is possible to eject the gaming balls from the saucer based on a button operation. The conventional gaming machine has a problem that the operability is poor for some operations. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine that can be operated comfortably is provided.

Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the pachinko gaming machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described in the present embodiment, other gaming machines (for example, slot machines, medalless gaming machines, etc.) may be used. In the following explanation, "front and back" basically means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the pachinko game machine side when the player is on the front side of the pachinko machine, and is referred to as "up and down". Means "upper" on the upper surface side of the pachinko machine, "lower" on the lower surface side, and "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player and "right" on the right hand side. In the present invention, any combination of each configuration, arbitrary modification of each configuration, or omission of each configuration is possible within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine of the present embodiment plays a game using a gaming ball (game medium) lent out from the gaming field, and is provided with an outer frame 2 forming an outer surface of the gaming machine and inside the gaming machine. A game board 6 that forms a game area 4 in which a game ball moves, a glass unit 8 that makes the game board 6 visible and inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached are provided. ing.
The diameter of the gaming ball used in the gaming machine of the present embodiment is about 11 mm.
The "dish unit 320, saucer" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "dish unit 100, saucer 16" in the second embodiment. Further, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed into the "grip unit 20" in the second embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an inner frame, and includes a main body frame having a front frame 10 and an inner frame. The outer frame 2 can be attached with a main body frame. The main body frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a saucer unit 100 (receiver 16).

The part of the front frame 10 that surrounds the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the part made of the translucent material, there is a directing light for enlivening the game. A plurality of front frame lamps (lighting devices) 12 for outputting light are provided.

Further, a design member (lighting device) 13 that is long in the left-right direction is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 10. Further, the design member 13 is arranged so as to project forward so that the front surface thereof is located in front of the game area 4 and the glass unit 8. A logo indicating a model name or the like is attached to the design member 13, and the logo is illuminated by an LED substrate provided inside.

Further, the front frame 10 is provided with a plurality of speakers 14 for outputting a production sound or the like for enlivening the game.

A saucer 16 for storing the gaming ball is provided in the lower center of the front frame 10, and the gaming ball is paid out from the gaming machine to the player on the left side of the inner side surface (back surface 16e) of the saucer 16. A payout port 18 for the purpose is provided. Further, on the right side of the inner side surface (back surface 16e) of the saucer 16, a supply port 22 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) for supplying a game ball from the saucer 16 to the launching device is provided.

A grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10, and when the player performs an operation of rotating the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, the grip unit 20 is provided inside the gaming machine (not shown). The launching device is activated so that the gaming ball is launched into the gaming area 4. The launching device of the present embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 per second).

An effect operating device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the saucer 16, and when the player operates the effect operation device 26, the effect performed by the gaming machine changes.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the game board 6 is provided with the outer rail 28 in a circular shape, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game ball moves. Further, at the left end of the game area 4, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 are provided below the game board 6 and are not shown. The game ball launched from the launcher is guided to the game area 4.

At the center of the game board 6, a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying an effect image or the like for enlivening the game, and an effect unit 36 including a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32 are provided. The display frame 34 is provided with a design member 38. In the present embodiment, the case where the design member 38 is provided above the liquid crystal display 32 is shown, but the position of the design member 38 is not limited to this.

In the present embodiment, the game ball cannot pass through the front side of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launcher passes through the game area 4 on the left side or the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. It is designed to fall. A large number of game nails (not shown) are struck in the game area 4 so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, and the movement direction of the game ball moving in the game area 4 changes randomly. ..

An opening 40 is formed in the left portion of the display frame 34 through which a game ball falling through the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and the game ball passing through the opening 40 is provided in the display frame 34. It passes through the passage 42 and falls to the stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of the stage 44 has a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 so that the game ball can fall downward from the stage 44, and the ball falls from the passage 42 onto the stage 44. The game ball moves back and forth on the stage 44 from side to side, and then falls downward from the vicinity of the center of the stage 44.

A first starting winning opening 46 is provided below the central portion of the stage 44.
Further, a passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. Further, a second starting winning opening 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. The second start winning opening 50 has a reduced state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening 50 (a state in which the entry is not assisted / a non-assisted state) and an enlarged state in which the game ball easily enters (assists the entry). An ordinary accessory 52 provided with an auxiliary member that can operate between the state and the auxiliary state) is provided.

In the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a large winning opening 54 is provided below the second starting winning opening 50. The large winning opening 54 is provided with a special accessory 56 provided with a movable member that closes the large winning opening 54. The special accessory 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 54 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the large winning opening 54 (FIG. 18). Indicates a closed state). The special accessory 56 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special gaming state that starts when a big hit is won.

Below the grand prize opening 54, a grand prize passage 58 is provided downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the lower end of the large winning passage 58. Further, below the large winning passage 58, a specific passage 65 is provided so as to branch downward from the middle of the large winning passage 58. The specific passage 65 is provided with a specific accessory 66 including a movable member that closes the specific passage 65. The specific accessory 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the specific passage 65 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the specific passage 65 (FIG. 18 is a closed state). Shows). The specific accessory 66 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special gaming state. A specific entrance 68 is provided at the lower end of the specific passage 65. Further, at the lowermost portion of the gaming area 4, an out opening 69 is provided to collect the gaming ball that has fallen in the gaming area 4 without entering any winning opening inside the gaming machine.

The launching device for the game ball is configured so that the firing output of the game ball changes by adjusting the rotation amount of the grip unit (operation handle) 20 shown in FIG. 17, and the rotation amount of the grip unit 20 is small. In this case, the game ball is launched so that the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball moves in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A game ball is fired so that it falls.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the left side, or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44, and the first start winning opening. The game ball is fired to enter 46 (left-handed), the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the right side, and the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, or to the second start winning opening 50. The game ball is fired so that the game ball enters or the game ball enters the large winning opening 54 (right-handed).

A state display unit 70 is provided on the lower right side of the game board 6 and outside the game area 4 to indicate various states of the game machine by turning on and off a lamp or the like. The gaming machine of the present embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub board. The functions of each board such as the main board and sub board are various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), hardware such as RAM, and ROM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program stored in advance.

The main board receives input signals from input means (first start winning opening sensor, passing gate sensor, second starting winning opening sensor, large winning opening sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.). , Performs various calculations to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, of the output means (status display drive device, ordinary bonus drive device, special bonus drive device, specific bonus drive device, payout device, etc.) Operate control.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the effect operation sensor that detects the operation on the effect operation device 26, and performs various operations for executing the effect according to the progress of the game. Is performed, and the operation of the effect device (effect display device, sound device, effect object drive device, etc.) is controlled based on the calculation result.

A saucer unit 100 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 10. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the plate unit 100 includes a plate member 110 that constitutes the front surface 16a, the lower surface 16b, and the left and right side surfaces 16c and 16d of the plate 16 and a base member (plate) that constitutes the back surface 16e of the plate 16. Shape member) 111, downstream side ball removing unit (first ball removing unit) 112 and upstream side ball removing unit (second ball removing unit) 113 for discharging game balls stored in the saucer 16, and saucer 16. It has a first passage 114 and a second passage 115 through which the game balls discharged from the plate pass, and a button arrangement portion 116 that constitutes a right side portion of the upper surface of the plate unit 100 and on which various buttons are arranged.
The button arrangement unit 116 is provided with a ball lending button (not shown), a return button 91, a direction key 92, a volume adjusting button 93, a light amount adjusting button 94, and the like (see FIG. 17). Here, the ball lending button is a button operated when receiving a lending of a game ball. Further, the return button 91 is a button operated when the game ball owned by the player is ejected to the saucer 16. Further, the direction key 92 is a button operated when making a selection or the like related to the effect. Further, the volume adjustment button 93 and the light amount adjustment button 94 are buttons operated when adjusting the volume or the light amount, respectively.

The saucer 16 stores a game ball (rental ball) lent to the player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. That is, the game ball discharged from the payout port 18 is stored in the saucer 16. As shown in FIG. 20, the lower surface 16b of the saucer 16 has an inclined surface that goes downward from the left side to the right side. Further, the width of the saucer 16 in the front-rear direction becomes narrower from the left side to the right side (from the upper side to the lower side). Then, the game balls discharged to the saucer 16 are arranged in a row toward the lower right portion of the saucer 16. In other words, an alignment passage 103 for arranging the game balls in a row is formed in the lower right portion of the saucer 16. Further, at the lower right end of the alignment passage 103 (receiver 16), a downstream side ball extraction hole 118 (first hole) is formed as a hole (ball extraction hole) capable of discharging a game ball from the saucer 16. ..

Further, on the left side portion of the lower surface 16b of the saucer 16, an upstream side ball extraction hole 119 (second hole) is formed as a hole (ball extraction hole) capable of discharging a game ball from the saucer 16. Further, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is provided in front of the payout port 18, and at least a part thereof overlaps with the payout port 18 in the front-rear direction.

The downstream side ball extraction hole 118 and the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 have an open state and a closed state, respectively. In the open state, the ball extraction holes 118 and 119 are opened, and the game ball can fall through the ball extraction holes 118 and 119. Further, in the closed state, the ball pulling holes 118 and 119 are closed by the downstream ball pulling unit 112 or the upstream ball pulling unit 113, and the game ball falls through the ball pulling holes 118 and 119. Becomes impossible.
Here, the blockage does not mean only the state in which the ball extraction holes 118 and 119 are closed without a gap, but means the state in which the game ball is closed to the extent that the game ball cannot pass through.

The downstream side ball removing unit 112 is provided corresponding to the downstream side ball removing hole 118. Then, by operating the downstream side ball removing unit 112, it is possible to switch between the open state and the closed state of the downstream side ball removing hole 118. Further, the upstream side ball removing unit 113 is provided corresponding to the upstream side ball removing hole 119. Then, by operating the upstream ball pulling unit 113, it is possible to switch between the open state and the closed state of the upstream ball pulling hole 119.

As shown in FIG. 21, the downstream side ball removing unit 112 includes a downstream side ball removing button 120 (first button: first operating means), a link member 122, a slide member 124, and a downstream side lid 125 (first button: first operating means). A first lid (first opening / closing means), a pin 126, and a spring 128 are provided. Further, in the base member 111 and the like, the portions to which the downstream ball pulling button 120, the link member 122, the slide member 124, the spring 128 and the like are attached (protruding portions 200, 202, 202 and the base member side hook 204, etc., which will be described later) are also provided. It can be said that it constitutes a part of the downstream side ball removing unit 112.

The downstream side ball removal button 120 can be pressed by a player or the like. The downstream side ball pulling button 120 includes a pressing portion 130 touched by a player or the like, a protruding portion 132 projecting downward (back side) of the pressing portion 130, and locking portions 134, 134. Further, the pressing portion 130, the protruding portion 132, and the locking portion 134 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The pressing portion 130 has a substantially rectangular box shape. Further, the protruding portion 132 has a prismatic shape and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the pressing portion 130. Further, the locking portion 134 is provided at a position below the left and right side surfaces of the pressing portion 130, and has a claw that protrudes outward in the left-right direction.

The downstream side ball removal button 120 is provided in the button arrangement portion 116. Specifically, the downstream side ball removal button 120 is arranged in the button arrangement portion 116 so that the pressing portion 130 projects upward from the upper surface of the button arrangement portion 116 when not operated (FIG. 17). , See FIG. 20). Further, when not operated, the claw of the locking portion 134 is locked to the lower surface of the button arranging portion 116, so that the upward movement of the pressing portion 130 is restricted. Assuming that the position of the downstream ball pulling button 120 (pushing portion 130) at the time of non-operation is the initial position (first initial position), the downstream ball pulling button 120 (pushing portion 130) is directed downward from the initial position. It is possible to push it in to move.

The link member 122 includes a substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 140, a first arm 142, a second arm 144, and a reinforcing plate 146. Further, the cylindrical portion 140, the first arm 142, the second arm 144, and the reinforcing plate 146 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The cylindrical portion 140 is in a state where the axis is oriented in the front-rear direction. Further, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed so as to extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140. Further, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed at positions separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. Specifically, the base end portion of the first arm 142 is connected to the left side portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140. Then, the tip end portion of the first arm 142 extends from the base end portion toward the radial outer side of the cylindrical portion 140. Further, the base end portion of the second arm 144 is connected to the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140. Then, the tip end portion of the second arm 144 extends from the base end portion toward the radial outer side of the cylindrical portion 140. That is, at a position where the base end portion of the first arm 142 and the base end portion of the second arm 144 are separated by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140, the cylindrical portion 140 Is connected to. Further, the tip portion of the first arm 142 and the tip portion of the second arm 144 are arranged at positions separated by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of 140 of the cylindrical portion.

At the tip of the first arm 142, a contact surface 150 is formed to which the protruding portion 132 of the downstream ball pulling button 120 abuts. Specifically, the tip of the first arm 142 has a cylindrical shape, and the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface (outer curved surface) of the tip becomes the contact surface 150 with which the protrusion 132 abuts. There is. Further, a pin insertion hole 152 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the tip of the second arm 144. The pin 126 has a round bar shape and is provided so as to project rearward from the tip end portion of the second arm 144.

Further, between the first arm 142 and the second arm 144, a plate-shaped reinforcing plate 146 connecting the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 is provided. The reinforcing plate 146 reinforces the first arm 142 and the second arm 144.

A cylindrical projecting portion 200 projecting rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 140 (see FIGS. 22 (a) and 23 (a)). The link member 122 can rotate around the cylindrical portion 140 (with the protruding portion 200 as an axis) in the circumferential direction. In other words, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 rotate about the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140 as the center of rotation.

The slide member 124 has a slide member main body 160 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Further, a square pin insertion hole 161 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the right end portion of the slide member main body 160. The width of the pin insertion hole 161 in the left-right direction is substantially equal to the diameter of the pin 126, and the width in the up-down direction is longer than the diameter of the pin 126. The pin 126 is made to be almost immovable in the left-right direction with respect to the pin insertion hole 161 and is capable of moving in the up-down direction.

Two holes 162 and 162 are formed in the slide member main body 160 side by side in the left-right direction. Cylindrical protrusions 202 and 202 protruding rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 are inserted into each of the two holes 162 and 162 (see FIGS. 22 (a) and 23 (a)). The holes 162 and 162 are square. Further, the widths of the holes 162 and 162 in the vertical direction are substantially equal to the diameters of the protrusions 202 and 202, and the widths in the left and right directions are longer than the diameters of the protrusions 202 and 202 (for example, larger than the diameter). It is longer than 11 mm). The holes 162, 162 (slide member 124) are made to be almost immovable in the vertical direction with respect to the protrusions 202, 202 (base member 111), and are made possible to move in the horizontal direction. There is. That is, the holes 162, 162 and the protrusions 202, 202 form a movement direction limiting portion that limits the moving direction of the slide member 124 in the left-right direction.

Further, a slide member side hook 164 on which the spring 128 is hooked is provided on the upper portion of the slide member main body 160. The spring 128 is a tension spring and can expand and contract in the left-right direction. Further, the spring 128 has circular hooks 128a and 128b at both left and right ends. Then, the hook 128b at the right end of the spring 128 is hooked on the slide member side hook 164. Further, on the back surface of the base member 111, a base member side hook 204 on which the hook 128a at the left end of the spring 128 is hooked is provided (see FIGS. 22 (a) and 23 (a)). Then, the hook 128a at the left end of the spring 128 is hung on the hook 204 on the base member side.

A downstream lid 125 is provided at the left end of the slide member 124 (slide member main body 160). Further, the downstream side lid 125 is provided so as to project to the left from the slide member 124. Further, the downstream side lid 125 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. Further, the downstream side lid 125 and the slide member 124 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The downstream side lid 125 is a lid that opens and closes the downstream side ball extraction hole 118. The downstream side lid 125 is adapted to move in the left-right direction in conjunction with the movement of the slide member 124 in the left-right direction. When the downstream lid 125 is located on the left side, the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is closed, and when the downstream side lid 125 is located on the right side, the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is opened. In other words, the downstream lid 125 is movable between a closed position that closes the downstream ball extraction hole 118 and an open position that opens the downstream ball extraction hole 118.

In the downstream side ball removing unit 112, the downstream side lid 125 moves in the left-right direction as the downstream side ball removing button 120 moves in the vertical direction. That is, it is possible to move the downstream side lid 125 to open and close the downstream side ball removal hole 118 based on the operation of the player or the like with respect to the downstream side ball removal button 120.

The operation of the downstream ball removing unit 112 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. Note that FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which the downstream side ball removal button 120 is in the initial position when not operated and the downstream side lid 125 is in the closed position. Note that FIG. 22A is a diagram showing the base member 111 including the base member 111, and FIG. 22B is a diagram showing the base member 111 omitted. Further, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the downstream side ball pulling button 120 is in the position where it is pushed to the maximum (maximum pressing position) and the downstream side lid 125 is in the open position. Note that FIG. 23A is a diagram showing the base member 111 including the base member 111, and FIG. 23B is a diagram showing the base member 111 omitted.

First, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is in the initial position when not operated, the downstream side lid 125 is located in the closed position. That is, at this time, the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is in a closed state. Then, when the downstream ball pulling button 120 is moved downward from the initial position (pressed by the player), the tip of the first arm 142 of the link member 122 is brought into contact with the protruding portion 132 of the downstream ball pulling button 120. Pushes from above to below. Then, the first arm 142 rotates downward (counterclockwise) about the cylindrical portion 140. At the same time, the second arm 144 rotates to the right (counterclockwise) about the cylindrical portion 140. Further, when the second arm 144 rotates to the right, the pin 126 pulls the slide member 124 to the right while moving up and down inside the pin insertion hole 161 of the slide member 124. Then, the slide member 124 moves to the right against the elastic force of the spring 128. Along with this, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right. Then, the downstream side lid 125 is opened, and the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is opened.
When the downstream ball pulling button 120 is pressed to the maximum, the holes 162, 162 of the slide member 124 and the protruding portions 202, 202 of the base member 111 come into contact with each other, and the downstream ball pulling button 120 moves further downward. And the movement of the slide member 124 to the right is restricted.

Further, when the player releases the ball removal button 120 on the downstream side, the elastic force of the spring 128 pulls the slide member main body 160 to the left. Along with this, the downstream lid 125 moves to the left. Further, the movement of the slide member main body 160 is transmitted to the downstream ball pulling button 120 via the pin 126 and the link member 122, and the downstream ball pulling button 120 returns to the initial position. That is, the downstream side ball pulling button 120 is arranged at the initial position by the elastic force of the spring 128 when not operated. In other words, the downstream ball removal button 120 is urged upward.

In this way, the link member 122, the slide member 124, and the pin 126 change the vertical movement of the downstream side ball pulling button 120 into the left-right movement of the downstream side lid 125, and the left-right direction of the downstream side lid 125. A link mechanism is formed that changes the movement of the ball removal button 120 on the downstream side into the vertical movement of the ball removal button 120.

Here, the distance L2 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140) to the pin 126 (the tip of the second arm 144) is the ball removal button on the downstream side from the center of rotation of the link member 122. The distance to the portion where the 120 and the first arm 142 are in contact (the tip of the first arm 142: the contact surface 150) is more than twice the distance L1. Therefore, the second arm 144 moves to the right more than twice the amount that the first arm 142 moves downward. That is, the downstream side lid 125 moves to the right by more than twice the amount of pressing the downstream side ball removal button 120. That is, the link mechanism is adapted to increase the operation amount of the downstream side ball pulling button 120 and transmit it to the downstream side lid 125.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the amount of operation for the downstream-side ball extraction button 120 required to open the downstream-side ball extraction hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass is the amount of operation of the gaming ball. It is set to less than the diameter. Specifically, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is pressed by about 4 mm from the initial position, the downstream side lid 125 moves to the right by about 11 mm. In other words, when the downstream ball pulling button 120 is pressed from the initial position by a predetermined amount (about 4 mm) smaller than the diameter of the game ball, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball pulling hole 118 (from the tip of the downstream lid 125 to the tip). The distance to the edge of the facing downstream ball punching hole 118) is 11 mm or more. In other words, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the amount of operation for the downstream side ball removing button 120 required to open the downstream side ball removing hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass is , It is set to be less than the radius of the game ball.

Further, when the downstream ball pulling button 120 is pressed to the maximum, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball pulling hole 118 becomes about 14 mm. That is, when the downstream ball pulling button 120 is pressed to the maximum, the downstream ball pulling hole 118 is opened by about +3 mm in diameter of the game ball and is less than twice the diameter of the game ball. In other words, the downstream ball pulling hole 118 is designed so that even if the downstream ball pulling button 120 is pressed to the maximum, it is impossible for two game balls to pass at the same time.

Further, the maximum amount (maximum operation amount) that the downstream ball removal button 120 can be pressed is set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter (about 6 mm)). In other words, when the downstream ball pulling button 120 is pushed in by a predetermined amount equal to or smaller than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), it cannot be pushed any further. Specifically, the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball pulling button 120 is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball and equal to or less than the diameter. It can also be said that the diameter of the downstream ball removal button 120 is set to about half. Here, about half of the diameter means a range within about ± 1.5 mm (about 4 mm to 7 mm) from half of the diameter.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23B, even when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is in the initial position when not operated, the tip of the downstream side lid 125 and the downstream side ball removal button 120 are removed. A gap having a predetermined width W2 smaller than the diameter of the game ball is formed between the edge of the hole 118 and the edge of the hole 118 in the operating direction (left-right direction) of the downstream lid 125. This makes it possible to drop the game ball from the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 with a smaller amount of operation.

In the state where the downstream side lid 125 closes the downstream side ball extraction hole 118, the game ball is guided to the launching device from the lower right end portion on the saucer 16 through the supply port 22.

Next, the upstream side ball removing unit 113 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 24, the upstream side ball removing unit 113 includes an upstream side lid 300 (second lid: second opening / closing means), a torsion spring 302, a cover member 304, and an upstream side ball removing button 306 (2nd lid: second opening / closing means). A second button (second operating means), a slide member 308, a latch 310, and a ball removal base 312 (base member) are provided.

The upstream side lid 300 includes a lid portion 320 that closes the upstream side ball extraction hole 119, and a support portion 322 that supports the lid portion 320 (rotation of the lid portion 320). The lid portion 320 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. Further, the lid portion 320 has a size capable of covering the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 from the lower side. Further, the support portion 322 is formed so as to project forward from the front edge of the lid portion 320. Further, the lid portion 320 and the support portion 322 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The support portion 322 is formed with an insertion hole 324 into which the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304, which will be described later, is inserted. Further, the support portion 322 is provided with a cylindrical guide protrusion 326 that protrudes downward.

The cover member 304 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. Further, a game ball passage hole 330 through which the game ball passes is formed in the right rear portion of the cover member 304. Further, a cylindrical protrusion 332 is provided on the upper surface of the cover member 304 at a position in front of the game ball passing hole 330.

Further, three arc-shaped rails 334 are formed on the upper surface of the cover member 304. The three rails 334 are arcuate ridges, and the center of the arc is a protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332).

Further, the cover member 304 is provided with a guide hole 336 through which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream side lid 300 is inserted. Further, the guide hole 336 is an arc-shaped hole, and the center of the arc is the protruding portion 332 (the central axis of the protruding portion 332). The guide hole 336 is provided in front of the game ball passing hole 330 and to the right of the protrusion 332. Further, the width (length in the radial direction of the arc) of the guide hole 336 substantially coincides with the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length (length in the circumferential direction of the arc) is the guide. It is longer than the outer diameter of the protrusion 326.

Further, on the upper surface of the cover member 304, a wall portion 338 for receiving one of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is provided. The wall portion 338 is formed so as to extend in the left-right direction. Further, the wall portion 338 is provided on the front left side of the protruding portion 332.

The upstream side lid 300 is arranged on the cover member 304 with the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304 inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream side lid 300. Further, the upstream side lid 300 is in a state of being rotatable about the protruding portion 332 (central axis of the protruding portion 332) of the cover member 304. Here, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream side lid 300 is in a state of being inserted into the guide hole 336 of the cover member 304. Therefore, the guide protrusion 326 can move within the range of the guide hole 336 in the length direction. That is, the guide protrusion 326 and the guide hole 336 form a movement range limiting portion that limits the movement range (movable range) of the upstream side lid 300.

Further, the torsion spring 302 is arranged between the cover member 304 and the upstream side lid 300 in a state where the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304 is passed inside the torsion spring 302. The lower surface of the cover member 304 is provided with a cylindrical projecting portion (not shown) having a hole communicating with the insertion hole 324 and projecting downward. Then, the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304 is inserted inside the protruding portion, and the torsion spring 302 is arranged so as to surround the protruding portion. Further, a fixing portion (not shown) for fixing one of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 304. Then, one of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is fixed to the fixing portion, and the other arm is pressed against the wall portion 338 of the cover member 304. As a result, a force in the direction of closing the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream side lid 300.
A screw hole is provided in the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304. Then, the screw 333 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream side lid 300 is screwed into the screw hole, so that the upstream side lid 300 is attached to the cover member 304.

Further, when the upstream side lid 300 rotates, it slides on the rail 334 of the cover member 304 and rotates. Therefore, the friction generated between the upstream side lid 300 and the cover member 304 can be reduced, and the upstream side lid 300 can be rotated with a small force.

Further, a ridge portion 340 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 304.

Further, screw insertion holes 342 through which screws 345 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) are inserted are formed in the three corners (corners on the right front side, right rear side, and left rear side) of the cover member 304, respectively. Has been done.

The slide member 308 is arranged between the ball removing base 312 and the cover member 304 in a state of being movable in the front-rear direction. The slide member 308 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. Further, a button fixing portion 350 for fixing the upstream ball removing button 306 is formed on the left front portion of the slide member 30. Then, the upstream side ball pulling button 306 is fixed to the button fixing portion 350 by screwing.

Further, a lock protrusion 352 projecting rearward is formed on the left rear portion of the slide member 308. The lock protrusion 352 has a support portion extending in a rod shape toward the rear and a tip portion extending in the left-right direction at the tip of the support portion.

Further, the right side portion of the slide member 308 is a substantially square frame-shaped frame-shaped portion 353 having a short width in the front-rear direction. Further, the frame-shaped portion 353 is formed with a guide insertion hole 354 into which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream side lid 300 is inserted. The length of the guide insertion hole 354 in the front-rear direction substantially matches the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length in the left-right direction thereof is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326. .. That is, the guide protrusion 326 is made to be almost immovable in the front-rear direction with respect to the guide insertion hole 354, and is also able to move in the left-right direction. Further, the front surface of the frame-shaped portion 353 is a contact surface 355 that abuts on the front wall 372 of the ball removing base 312, which will be described later.

Further, on the lower surface of the slide member 308, a protrusion (not shown) into which one end of the cylindrical spring 360 is inserted and a wall portion (not shown) into which one end of the spring 360 is pressed are provided (not shown). See the protrusion 382 and the wall 380 of the ball removal base 312, which will be described later).

Further, a groove 356 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of the slide member 308. The groove 356 has a shape along the ridge portion 340 of the cover member 304. Further, a convex portion 358 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308.

The ball pulling base 312 is arranged at the lowermost part of the upstream ball pulling unit 113 and constitutes the bottom of the upstream ball pulling unit 113. The ball removal base 312 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. Further, the left front portion of the ball punching base 312 has a shape notched toward the rear, and the notched portion 370 is formed. Then, the upstream side ball pulling button 306 is pushed into the inside of the notch portion 370 when the pushing operation is performed.

Further, a wall portion (front wall 372) projecting upward is formed on the right side portion of the front edge of the ball punching base 312 (the portion excluding the notch portion 370).

Further, a game ball passing hole 374 through which the game ball passes is formed in the right rear portion of the ball removing base 312. The game ball passage hole 374 is provided below the game ball passage hole 330 of the cover member 304, and the inner diameter (shape of the hole) substantially coincides with the game ball passage hole 330.
The inner diameter of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 is smaller than the outer diameter of the lid portion 320 of the upstream side lid 300. Then, with the upstream lid 300 closed, the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 are completely covered from above (see FIG. 25 (b)).

Further, a latch fixing portion 376 to which the latch 310 is fixed is provided on the left rear portion of the upper surface of the ball removing base 312. Further, the latch 310 fixed to the latch fixing portion 376 is positioned behind the lock protrusion 352 of the slide member 308.

A groove 378 for guiding the slide member 308 is provided in the central portion (between the game ball passing hole 374 and the latch fixing portion 376) in the left-right direction of the upper surface of the ball removing base 312. The groove 378 is formed so as to extend in the front-rear direction, and has a shape along the convex portion 358 of the slide member 308. Further, at the rear portion of the groove 378, a wall portion 380 projecting upward from the upper surface of the ball punching base 312 is provided. Further, a protrusion 382 projecting forward is provided on the front surface of the wall portion 380. The protrusion 382 is adapted to be inserted into one end of a cylindrical spring 360. Further, one end of the spring 360 is pressed against the wall portion 380. A spring 360 is arranged between the wall portion 380 and the wall portion provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308 in a state of being expandable and contractible in the front-rear direction.

Further, screw holes 384 for screwing the screws 345 are formed in the three corners (right front side, right rear side and left rear side corners) of the ball punching base 312, respectively.

The ball punching base 312 and the cover member 304 are fixed to each other by screwing the screw 345 inserted into the screw insertion hole 342 of the cover member 304 into the screw hole 384 of the ball punching base 312. Here, the slide member 308 is sandwiched between the ball removing base 312 and the cover member 304. Further, the convex portion 358 of the slide member 308 is inserted into the groove 378 of the ball removing base 312, and the ridge portion 340 of the cover member 304 is inserted into the groove 356 of the slide member 308. The slide member 308 is guided by the groove 378 of the ball removing base 312 and the ridge portion 340 of the cover member 304 to move in the front-rear direction. Further, the frame-shaped portion 353 of the slide member 308 is arranged between the front wall 372 of the ball removing base 312 and the game ball passing hole 374, and moves back and forth between them.

Further, the upstream side lid 300 is adapted to rotate in the left-right direction in conjunction with the movement of the slide member 308 in the front-rear direction. The upstream lid 300 closes the upstream ball removal hole 119 when it is located on the right side, and opens the upstream ball removal hole 119 when it is located on the left side. In other words, the upstream side lid 300 is movable between a closed position that closes the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 and an open position that opens the upstream side ball extraction hole 119. That is, the upstream side lid 300 is a lid that opens and closes the upstream side ball extraction hole 119. In other words, in the upstream side ball removing unit 113, the upstream side lid 300 moves in the left-right direction as the upstream side ball removing button 306 moves in the front-rear direction. That is, it is possible to move the upstream side lid 300 to open and close the upstream side ball pulling hole 119 based on the operation of the player or the like with respect to the upstream side ball pulling button 306.

The operation of the upstream ball removing unit 113 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. Note that FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a state in which the upstream side ball pulling button 306 is in the initial position when not operated and the upstream side lid 300 is in the closed position. Note that FIG. 25A is a diagram showing the dish member 110 and the cover member 304 including the dish member 110, and FIG. 25B is a diagram showing the dish member 110 and the cover member 304 omitted. Further, FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a state in which the upstream side ball pulling button 306 is pushed in, the slide member 308 is in the position held by the latch 310, and the upstream side lid 300 is in the open position. Note that FIG. 26A is a diagram showing the dish member 110 and the cover member 304 including the dish member 110, and FIG. 26B is a diagram showing the dish member 110 and the cover member 304 omitted.

In the following, the state of the upstream ball pulling button 306 when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is not operated and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 is the initial state of the upstream ball pulling button 306. And. In other words, the initial state is the state in which the upstream ball pulling button 306 protrudes forward (most) forward. Further, the position of the upstream ball pulling button 306 in the initial state is set as the initial position (second initial position).

First, when the upstream side ball pulling button 306 is in the initial position when not operated, the upstream side lid 300 is located in the closed position. In this state, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is blocked by the upstream side lid 300 so that the game ball cannot be dropped from the upstream side ball extraction hole 119.
In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a flange portion 390 is formed on the outer edge portion of the lid portion 320 of the upstream side lid 300. The flange portion 390 is provided below the central portion of the lid portion 320 so as to project outward in the radial direction of the lid portion 320. Further, the flange portion 390 is provided on the front portion (right portion) of the lid portion 320 in the moving direction when the upstream side lid 300 is closed. Further, the flange portion 390 is in a state of being inserted below the saucer 16 in a state where the upstream side lid 300 closes the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 (protruding outward from the edge of the upstream side ball extraction hole 119). ing). When the upstream ball pulling button 306 is in the initial position, the upstream ball pulling hole 119 is closed without a gap by the upstream lid 300 in a plan view (when viewed from above). .. In other words, the upstream side ball removal hole 119 is completely closed by the upstream side lid 300, and the member below the upstream side ball removal hole 119 cannot be visually recognized. On the other hand, as described above, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is in the initial position, a gap is formed between the downstream side lid 125 and the downstream side ball removal hole 118. However, a covering member 392 that covers the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is arranged above the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 (see FIG. 20). Therefore, the covering member 392 makes it impossible to visually recognize the member below the downstream side ball punching hole 118 in a plan view. The covering member 392 has a function of aligning the game balls guided to the lower right end portion of the saucer 16 in a row in the vertical direction.

When the upstream ball pulling button 306 is moved backward from the initial position (pressed by the player), the slide member 308 integrated with the upstream ball pulling button 306 is moved backward. Then, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream side lid 300 inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member 308 is pushed toward the rear. Then, the upstream side lid 300 rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise in a plan view) about the protruding portion 332 (central axis of the protruding portion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves to the left. Then, the upstream side lid 300 is opened, and the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is opened.

Further, when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is moved backward by a predetermined amount or more from the initial position, the lock protrusion 352 of the slide member 308 is pushed into the latch 310. Then, the latch 310 closes and grips the tip of the lock protrusion 352. As a result, the slide member 308 is held (latched) by the latch 310, and the upstream ball pulling button 306 is fixed in a pushed state.

In the state where the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is completely opened as shown in FIG. 26. That is, in this state, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 and the upstream side lid 300 do not overlap at all in the vertical direction, and the upstream side lid 300 can be visually recognized from the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 in a plan view. It is in a state where it cannot be done. Further, below the upstream ball extraction hole 119, the game ball passage hole 330 of the cover member 304 and the game ball passage hole 374 of the ball extraction base 312 are arranged, but the inner diameters of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 are The inner diameter of the upstream ball punching hole 119 is larger than the inner diameter of the upstream ball pulling hole 119, and the edges of the game ball passing holes 330 and 374 cannot be visually recognized from the upstream ball pulling hole 110 in a plan view. In other words, in this state, the game ball that falls straight up and down (falls vertically) from the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 does not hit the edge of the upstream side lid 300 or the game ball passage holes 330, 374. ing.
In the state where the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, a part of the upstream side lid 300 may protrude inward in the radial direction of the upstream side ball extraction hole 119. Further, the part of the upstream side lid 300 has an inclined surface or the like that decreases downward as it goes inward in the radial direction of the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 (in the open state), and the game from the upstream side ball extraction hole 119. It may have a role of assisting the fall of the ball.

Further, when the slide member 308 is pushed in again in the state where the latch 310 is closed (the state where the lock protrusion 352 is gripped), the latch 310 releases the lock protrusion 352 and allows the slide member 308 to move forward. .. Here, in a state in which the slide member 308 is pushed in (a state in which the latch 310 grips the lock protrusion 352 or a state in which the latch 310 releases the lock protrusion 352), the slide member 308 is provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308. The spring 360 is compressed between the wall portion and the wall portion 380 provided on the upper surface of the ball removing base 312. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 360 acts so as to push the slide member 308 back forward. At this time, if the latch 310 is in the state of gripping the lock protrusion 352, the forward movement of the slide member 308 is restricted, and the slide member 308 and the upstream ball pulling button 306 are fixed in a pushed state. On the other hand, when the latch 310 releases the lock protrusion 352, the elastic force of the spring 360 pushes the slide member 308 and the upstream ball pulling button 306 forward.

When the slide member 308 is pushed back forward by the elastic force of the spring 360, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream side lid 300 inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member is pulled back forward. Then, the upstream side lid 300 rotates clockwise (clockwise in a plan view) about the protruding portion 332 (central axis of the protruding portion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves to the right. Then, the upstream side lid 300 is closed, and the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is closed.

Further, as described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a force in the direction of closing the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream side lid 300. That is, in the state where the upstream side lid 300 is open, the elastic force of the torsion spring acts so as to return the upstream side lid 300 to the closed position. Further, this force is transmitted to the slide member 308 via the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream side lid 300. That is, the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 acts in the direction of returning the slide member 308 and the upstream ball pulling button 306 forward.

Therefore, when the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 even when the slide member 308 is not operated, the upstream side lid 300 is returned to the closed position by the elastic force of the spring 360 and the elastic force of the torsion spring 302. , The upstream side ball removal button 306 is returned to the initial position. That is, the upstream side ball removal button 306 is arranged at the initial position when the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 when the slide member 308 is not operated. In other words, the upstream ball pulling button 306 is urged forward.

Further, the distance L4 from the center of rotation of the upstream side lid 300 (the central axis of the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304) to the center of the lid portion 320 is the guide protruding portion 326 (guide protruding) from the center of rotation of the upstream side lid 300. The contact portion between the portion 326 and the guide insertion hole 354: the portion where the upstream side lid 300 is pushed by the slide member 308) is more than twice the distance L3. Therefore, when the slide member 308 moves backward, the lid portion 320 rotates and moves more than twice the length that the guide protrusion 326 rotates.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the amount of operation for the upstream-side ball-extracting button 306, which is necessary for opening the upstream-side ball-extracting hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through, is the amount of operation of the gaming ball. It is set to less than the diameter. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is pressed about 4 mm from the initial position, the upstream ball pulling hole 119 is opened so that at least one game ball B can pass through. .. That is, when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is pressed from the initial position by a predetermined amount (about 4 mm) smaller than the diameter of the game ball, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball pulling hole 119 (from the tip of the upstream lid 300 faces the tip). The distance to the edge of the upstream ball punching hole 119) is 11 mm or more. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the amount of operation for the upstream-side ball-extracting button 306, which is necessary for opening the upstream-side ball-extracting hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through, is the game. It is set below the radius of the sphere.

Further, when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is pressed to the maximum, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball pulling hole 119 becomes larger than twice the diameter (22 mm) of the game ball. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is pressed to the maximum, the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, but when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is released in this state, the upstream side ball pulling button 306 is held upstream. The side ball removing button 306 (slide member 308) will return slightly (for example, about 3 mm) to the front side. However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the upstream ball pulling hole 119 is in both the state where the upstream ball pulling button 306 is pressed to the maximum and the state where the slide member 308 holds the latch 310. Is completely open. At this time, at least two game balls can pass through the upstream ball extraction hole 119 at the same time. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the upstream side ball extraction holes 119 are in a state in which three or more, more specifically, four or more gaming balls can pass at the same time. Further, at this time, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 cannot pass the three game balls at the same time in a state where the three game balls are arranged in the same straight line. In other words, the straight line distance (crossing: diameter) from edge to edge of the upstream ball punching hole 119 is less than three times the diameter of the game ball at any portion. In other words, the upstream ball punching hole 119 has a linear distance (transmission: diameter) from edge to edge in two directions intersecting (orthogonal) with each other, which is less than three times the diameter of the game ball. Further, in the upstream side ball punching hole 119, the linear distance (crossing: diameter) from the edge to the edge in two directions intersecting (orthogonal) with each other is larger than twice the diameter of the game ball.
In this way, since the delivery is larger than twice the diameter of the game ball, when two game balls try to pass through the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 at the same time, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 It is possible to prevent it from being caught and clogged. Further, since the delivery is less than three times the diameter of the game ball, it is possible to more reliably prevent such clogging of the game ball.

Further, the maximum amount (maximum operation amount) that the upstream ball removal button 306 can be pressed is set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball (length exceeding the diameter). In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream side ball removal button 306 is set to be larger than the maximum operation amount of the downstream side ball removal button 120. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball pulling button 306 is set to about 14.5 mm. That is, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball pulling button 306 is set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball and less than twice the diameter (less than 1.5 times).

According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream side ball pulling button 120 (first button: first operating means) has an operation amount smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the downstream side ball pulling hole 118 (first operating means). The hole) is in a state where the game ball can pass through, and the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means) has an operation amount smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the upstream ball removal hole 119 (first). Since the game ball can pass through the hole (2), the downstream side ball removal button 120 or the upstream side ball, which is necessary for discharging the game ball from the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 or the upstream side ball extraction hole 119. The amount of operation for the pull button 306 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to remove the ball from the saucer 16 with a small amount of operation, and the burden of operation can be reduced.

Further, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the maximum value of the operation amount for the downstream side ball removal button 120 is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), and the maximum value of the operation amount for the upstream side ball removal button 306. Is equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball (length exceeding the diameter), and when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is operated to the position where the operation amount for the upstream ball pulling button 306 is the maximum value, the upstream ball pulling hole 119 is opened. , At least two game balls can pass at the same time. Therefore, the downstream side ball removal button 120 reaches the maximum operation amount with a small operation amount, so that the operation load can be reduced. Further, with respect to the upstream ball pulling button 306, by setting the maximum operating amount to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, it is possible to improve the discharging capacity of the upstream ball pulling hole 119 when the maximum operating amount is reached. Further, since the maximum operation amount is different between the downstream side ball removal button 120 and the upstream side ball removal button 306 (because the operation amount is associated with the hole discharge capacity), the downstream side ball removal button 120 and the downstream side ball removal button 120. It becomes easy to distinguish it from the upstream ball pulling button 306, and it becomes easy to grasp the operation feeling for both operation means having a common function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as ejecting a game ball from a place not intended by the player and an erroneous operation such as ejecting a number of game balls unintended by the player. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream side ball pulling button 120 returns to the initial position when the player releases the hand, so that the ball is continuously pulled out from the downstream side ball pulling hole 118. In order to do so, the downstream side ball removal button 120 must be continuously pressed. However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream ball pulling button 120 reaches the maximum operating amount with a small operating amount, so that the downstream ball pulling button 120 can be continuously pressed with a small load. On the other hand, since the upstream ball pulling button 306 is held by the latch 310, the ball pulling from the upstream ball pulling hole 119 can be continued without continuously pressing the upstream ball pulling button 306. Can be done. By setting the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removing button 306 to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, it is possible to discharge a large amount of the game ball from the saucer 16 in a short time.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the size of the downstream ball punching hole 118 is smaller than that of the upstream ball punching hole 119. That is, the diameter of the hole (passing) (the longest length of the straight line distance from the edge to the edge) of the downstream ball punching hole 118 is shorter than that of the upstream ball punching hole 119. In other words, the area of the downstream ball punching hole 118 is smaller than that of the upstream ball punching hole 119. Specifically, for example, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 has a size that allows two or more game balls to pass through at the same time, whereas the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 allows two game balls to pass through at the same time. It is a size that cannot be done.

The amount of operation required to open the ball extraction hole (downstream side ball extraction hole 118 or upstream side ball extraction hole 119) so that at least one game ball can pass through (operation amount for one ball). ) May be larger on the downstream side ball pulling button 120 than on the upstream side ball pulling button 306. Specifically, for example, when the downstream ball pulling button 120 is moved about 4 mm from the initial position, the game ball can pass through the downstream ball pulling hole 118, and the upstream ball pulling button 306 is moved about 3 mm from the initial position. When it is moved, the game ball may be in a state where it can pass through the upstream ball extraction hole 119. In other words, the operation amount for one ball may be different between the downstream side ball removal button 120 and the upstream side ball removal button 306, and the difference between the operation amounts for one ball for both buttons is the maximum. It suffices if it is smaller than the difference between the operation amounts. According to such a configuration, the operation amount for one ball is different between the downstream side ball removal button 120 and the upstream side ball removal button 306 (the operation amount and the hole discharge capacity are related to each other). Therefore, it becomes easy to distinguish between the downstream ball pulling button 120 and the upstream ball pulling button 306, and it becomes easy to grasp the operation feeling for both operating means having a common function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as ejecting a game ball from a place not intended by the player and an erroneous operation such as ejecting a number of game balls unintended by the player. Further, according to such a configuration, the operation amount of one ball of the downstream side ball removal button 120 is larger than the operation amount of one ball of the upstream side ball removal button 306, and the operation amount of one ball of the downstream side ball removal button 306 is larger. The maximum operation amount of the pull button 120 is smaller than the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball pull button 306.

The operation amount for one ball of the upstream side ball removal button 306 is smaller than the operation amount for one ball of the downstream side ball removal button 120, and the operation amount for one ball of the upstream side ball removal button 306 is The operating load required to move the upstream ball pulling button 306 by the amount is the operating load required to move the downstream ball pulling button 120 by the amount of operating one ball for the downstream ball pulling button 120. May be smaller than. Specifically, for example, when the upstream ball pulling button 306 is moved by about 3 mm from the initial position, the game ball can pass through the upstream ball pulling hole 119, and the downstream ball pulling button 120 is about 4 mm from the initial position. When moved, the game ball can pass through the downstream ball pulling hole 118, the operating load required to move the upstream ball pulling button 306 by about 3 mm is set to, for example, 2N, and the downstream ball pulling button 120 is moved by about 4 mm. The operating load required for this may be about 4N. In other words, when a load of the same size is applied to the upstream ball pulling button 306 and the downstream ball pulling button 120 (within the range in which the operating amount for each does not reach the maximum operating amount), the upstream ball pulling hole 119 is applied. May be wider than the downstream ball punching hole 118. According to such a configuration, the upstream side ball pulling button 306 can pull out a ball with a smaller operation amount than the downstream side ball pulling button 120, and can pull out a ball with a smaller operating load than the downstream side ball pulling button 120. Is possible. Therefore, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the saucer 16 and the saucer 16 is full (when a full tank error occurs), when quick ball removal is desired, efficient ball removal is performed. It is possible to give a perceptual motivation for encouraging the operation of the upstream ball pulling button 306 that can execute the above.
Regardless of the magnitude relationship between the operation amount of one ball between the downstream side ball removal button 120 and the upstream side ball removal button 306, the operation amount of one ball of the upstream side ball removal button 306 is on the upstream side. The operating load required to move the ball pulling button 306 should be smaller than the operating load required to move the downstream ball pulling button 120 by the amount of operation of one ball for the downstream ball pulling button 120. May be good.

Further, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the ratio of the operation amount (about 3 mm or about 4 mm) for one ball to the maximum operation amount (about 14.5 mm) in the upstream side ball removal button 306 is the downstream side ball. It is smaller than the ratio of the operation amount (about 4 mm) for one ball to the maximum operation amount (about 6 mm) in the pull button 120. Therefore, it is possible to give a feeling that the game ball can be ejected more quickly by operating the upstream ball pulling button 306. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the saucer 16 and the saucer 16 is full (when a full tank error occurs), efficient ball removal is performed. It can provide a perceptual motivation to encourage the operation of the feasible upstream ball removal button 306.

Further, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the operation for the downstream ball pulling button 120 is the maximum operation amount, it is impossible for two or more gaming balls to pass through the downstream ball pulling hole 118 at the same time. When the operation for the upstream ball pulling button 306 is the maximum operation amount, two or more gaming balls can pass through the upstream ball pulling hole 119 at the same time, and the upstream ball can be passed. The maximum operation amount for the extraction button 306 is larger than the maximum operation amount for the downstream ball extraction button 120. Therefore, the relationship between the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 and the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is linked to the discharge efficiency of the game ball. Therefore, it is possible to give a feeling that the game ball can be ejected more quickly by operating the upstream ball pulling button 306. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the saucer 16 and the saucer 16 is full (when a full tank error occurs), efficient ball removal is performed. It can provide a perceptual motivation to encourage the operation of the feasible upstream ball removal button 306.

The lid (downstream side lid 125 or upstream side lid) is used with respect to the amount of operation of the button (downstream side ball removal button 120 or upstream side ball removal button 360) in the downstream side ball removal unit 112 or the upstream side ball removal unit 113. As the mechanism for increasing the movement amount of 300), not only the above-mentioned mechanism but also various well-known transmission mechanisms can be adopted. Further, the downstream ball pulling button 120 (first operating means) or the upstream ball pulling button 360 (second operating means) is not limited to the push button as described above, and the sliding operating means (for example, left and right). It may be a lever that slides in the direction) or the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the upstream side ball removing unit 113 is fixed to the lower side of the left portion of the dish member 110 by screwing. The upstream side ball removal button 306 is arranged below the saucer 16. Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the upstream side ball removal button 306 is provided so as to project forward from the opening provided in the exterior component of the front frame 10.

The portion surrounding the upstream ball pulling button 306 and the upstream ball pulling button 306 have different colors. That is, the peripheral member (exterior component) forming the opening that exposes the upstream ball pulling button 306 has a different color from that of the upstream ball pulling button 306. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the upstream ball pulling button 306 is red, while the peripheral members are white.

Further, as described above, the downstream side ball removal button 120 is provided in the button arrangement portion 116, but the downstream side ball removal button 120 and the button arrangement portion 116 have different colors. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream side ball removal button 120 is red, while the button arrangement portion 116 is black.

As described above, the visibility of the buttons can be improved by making the colors of the upstream ball pulling button 306 and the downstream ball pulling button 120 different from the colors of the peripheral members surrounding the buttons, respectively. Therefore, the player can easily find the button.

Further, the upstream side ball removal button 306 and the downstream side ball removal button 120 are formed of a resin material of the same color (similar color). Further, the upstream side ball pulling button 306 and the downstream side ball pulling button 120 are formed in one color as a whole. In addition, all the other buttons (ball lending button, return button 91, direction key 92, volume adjustment button 93, light amount adjustment button 94, etc.) arranged in the button arrangement unit 116 are the upstream side ball removal button 306 and the downstream side. The ball removal button 120 is made of a resin material of a different color. Therefore, it is easy to understand which button is the button for removing the ball, and the player can find the button more easily.
In addition to the upstream ball pulling button 306 and the downstream ball pulling button 120, there may be no button molded of a resin material having the same color as these buttons. That is, the color may be used as a dedicated color for the button for ejecting the game ball from the saucer 16. Further, the buttons (other buttons) other than the upstream ball pulling button 306 and the downstream ball pulling button 120 may include a dedicated color, but in that case, the other buttons also include a color other than the dedicated color. It is preferable to be.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the pressing surface (surface touched by the player or the like when the button is pressed: the upper surface) (operation surface) of the downstream side ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means). ) Is formed (almost) flat. On the other hand, unevenness is formed on the pressing surface (surface that the player or the like touches when pressing the button: front surface) (operation surface) of the upstream side ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means). ing. In other words, the pressing surface of the upstream ball removing button 306 has a shape with more unevenness than the pressing surface of the downstream ball removing button 120. The upstream side ball removal button 306 is difficult to see because it is surrounded by exterior parts and is provided so as to project forward below the saucer 16, but it is provided with a relatively large number of irregularities. This makes it easier for the player to find the button. Further, the downstream side ball removal button 120 is provided on the button arrangement portion 116 constituting the upper surface of the saucer unit 100, so that it is easy to see, but the unevenness is relatively small, so that the button can be used. It is easy to determine that there is.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the operation surface of the downstream ball pulling button 120 (first button: first operating means) is the upstream ball pulling button 306 (second button: second operating means). The area is smaller than the operation surface of). Here, the operating surface means a surface in which the range in which the player can contact does not change and the range in which the player can see does not change, regardless of the position where the operating means is operated. In other words, the surface that is hidden by the surrounding members due to the operation of the operating means is not included in the operating surface. According to such a configuration, since the size of the operation surface is related to the operation amount of the operation means, it becomes easy to grasp the operation feeling for both operation means having the same function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation in which the player ejects an unintended number of game balls.

The game ball discharged from the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is guided downward through the first passage 114. Further, the game ball discharged from the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is guided downward through the second passage 115. Further, the first passage 114 joins the second passage 115. Further, the second passage is connected to a hole 400 provided on the lower surface of the gaming machine (see FIG. 28). The gaming ball discharged from the downstream ball extraction hole 118 or the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is discharged from the hole 400 to the outside of the gaming machine.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the number of saucers 16 is one, but a plurality of saucers may be provided. For example, in general, a gaming machine having two saucers, an upper plate (first saucer) and a lower plate (second saucer), is known. In this type of gaming machine, a gaming ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a gaming ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize are stored in an upper plate. The lower plate is provided at a position lower than the upper plate, and for example, a game ball that is further paid out when the upper plate is full (a state in which a predetermined amount or more of the game balls are stored in the upper plate), etc. Is stored. In addition, the game ball can be discharged toward the lower plate from the ball extraction hole provided in the upper plate. The configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment may be applied to this type of gaming machine. Specifically, for example, the upper plate may be provided with a ball pulling hole similar to the downstream ball pulling hole 118, and a downstream ball pulling unit 112 corresponding to the ball pulling hole may be provided. In other words, the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 and the downstream side ball extraction unit 112 in the present embodiment may be read as those provided for the upper plate. Further, for example, the lower plate may be provided with the same ball pulling hole as the upstream ball pulling hole 119, and the upstream ball pulling unit 113 corresponding to the ball pulling hole may be provided. In other words, the upstream side ball removing hole 119 and the upstream side ball removing unit 113 in the present embodiment may be read as those provided for the lower plate.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
The first hole that can eject the game ball from the saucer,
A second hole capable of ejecting the game ball from the saucer,
A first opening / closing means capable of opening / closing the first hole,
A second opening / closing means capable of opening / closing the second hole,
A first operating means that accepts an operation for moving the first opening / closing means,
A second operating means for accepting an operation for moving the second opening / closing means is provided.
The second hole is larger than the first hole,
The first operating means makes the game ball passable through the first hole with an operation amount smaller than the diameter of the game ball.
The second operating means is set so that the gaming ball can pass through the second hole with an operating amount smaller than the diameter of the gaming ball.
The operation amount of the second operating means having a diameter smaller than the diameter is smaller than the operating amount of the first operating means having a diameter of less than the diameter.
The operating amount required to move the second operating means is the amount of operation smaller than the diameter of the second operating means, and the operating load required to move the second operating means is the amount of operation smaller than the diameter of the first operating means. It is characterized in that it is smaller than the operating load required to move the operating means of 1.

In addition, the gaming machine according to this embodiment is
The first hole that can eject the game ball from the first saucer,
A second hole that allows the game ball to be ejected from the second saucer,
A first opening / closing means capable of opening / closing the first hole,
A second opening / closing means capable of opening / closing the second hole,
A first operating means that accepts an operation for moving the first opening / closing means,
A second operating means for accepting an operation for moving the second opening / closing means is provided.
The second hole is larger than the first hole,
The first operating means makes the game ball passable through the first hole with an operation amount smaller than the diameter of the game ball.
The second operating means is set so that the gaming ball can pass through the second hole with an operating amount smaller than the diameter of the gaming ball.
The operation amount of the second operating means having a diameter smaller than the diameter is smaller than the operating amount of the first operating means having a diameter of less than the diameter.
The operating amount required to move the second operating means is the amount of operation smaller than the diameter of the second operating means, and the operating load required to move the second operating means is the amount of operation smaller than the diameter of the first operating means. It is characterized in that it is smaller than the operating load required to move the operating means of 1.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount of operation for the first operating means or the second operating means required for ejecting the game ball from the first hole or the second hole. Therefore, it is possible to remove the ball from the saucer with a small amount of operation, and the burden of operation can be reduced. Further, according to such a configuration, the second operating means can pull out the ball with a smaller operating amount than the first operating means, and can pull out the ball with a smaller operating load than the first operating means. It will be possible. For this reason, efficient ball removal is executed when quick ball removal is desired, such as when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the saucer and the saucer is full (when a full tank error occurs). It can provide a perceptual motivation to encourage the operation of a possible second operating means. The gaming machine according to this embodiment can be operated comfortably.

(Third embodiment)
As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a gaming board, a launching device, and the like is known. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball (game medium) is launched into a game area provided on the front surface of the game board, and the game ball enters a winning opening provided in the game area, and a game is played by the player. The above benefits are granted. A predetermined gaming machine represented by such a gaming machine is provided with a rail for guiding the gaming ball. By the way, in pachinko machines, there is an increasing demand for larger design parts that decorate game machines, but with the larger design parts, visibility of game balls in the game area, such as game balls that roll along rails, is increasing. There was a problem that it was damaged. An object of the present embodiment is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring the visibility of a gaming ball.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the pachinko gaming machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described in the present embodiment, other gaming machines (for example, slot machines and the like) may be used. In the following explanation, "front and back" basically means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the game machine side when the player is on the front side of the gaming machine, and "up and down" means the game. The upper surface side of the machine means "upper", the lower surface side means "lower", and "left and right" means "left" on the left-hand side of the player playing the game and "right" on the right-hand side.
It should be noted that the present invention allows any combination of each configuration, arbitrary modification of each configuration, or omission of each configuration within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine of the present embodiment plays a game using a gaming ball (game medium) lent out from the gaming field, and is provided with an outer frame 2 forming an outer surface of the gaming machine and inside the gaming machine. , The game board 6 forming the game area 4 in which the game ball moves, the glass unit 8 that makes the game board 6 visible and inaccessible to the player, and the front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. I have.
Although not shown in FIG. 29, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an inner frame, and includes a main body frame having a front frame 10 and an inner frame. The outer frame 2 can be attached with a main body frame. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a saucer unit having a saucer (upper plate 16 and lower plate 24). The main body frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a saucer unit.
The "dish unit 320, saucer" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into a "dish unit, saucer" in the third embodiment. Further, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed into the "grip unit 20" in the third embodiment. Further, the "front frame 300, outer frame 102" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "front frame 10, outer frame 2" in the third embodiment. .. Further, the "inner frame 104, main body frame" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "inner frame, main body frame" in the third embodiment. Further, the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "game board 6" in the third embodiment. Further, although the details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the design portion (design member) 84 is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 10. The design portion 84 shown in the present embodiment can be added to the "front frame 300, main body frame" shown in the first embodiment. Further, the game ball passage 80 shown in the present embodiment can be added to the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment.

The part of the front frame 10 that surrounds the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the part made of the translucent material, there is a directing light for enlivening the game. A plurality of front frame lamps 12 for outputting light are provided. Further, the front frame 10 is provided with a plurality of speakers 14 for outputting a production sound or the like for enlivening the game.

An upper plate 16 for storing the game ball is provided in the lower center of the front frame 10, and the left part of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16 is for paying out the game ball from the gaming machine to the player. There is a payout exit. A grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10, and when the player performs an operation of rotating the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, the grip unit 20 is provided inside the gaming machine (not shown). The launching device is activated so that the gaming ball is launched into the gaming area 4. The launching device of the present embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 per second).

On the right side of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16, a supply port for supplying a game ball from the upper plate 16 to the launching device is provided. Further, below the upper plate 16, a lower plate 24 for storing a surplus game ball when the game ball cannot be stored in the upper plate 16 is provided.

An effect operating device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the upper plate 16, and when the player operates the effect operation device 26, the effect performed by the gaming machine changes. In detail, the effect operation device 26 has a built-in push button switch and a rotary switch (jog dial) so that the operation of pressing the effect operation device 26 and the operation of rotating the effect operation device 26 can be detected. It has become.

FIG. 30 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. 29. As shown in FIG. 30, the game board 6 is provided with the outer rail 28 in a circular shape, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game ball moves. Further, at the left end of the game area 4, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 are provided below the game board 6 and are not shown. The game ball launched from the launcher is guided to the game area 4.

At the center of the game board 6, a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying an effect image or the like for enlivening the game, and an effect unit 36 including a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32 are provided.

In the present embodiment, the game ball cannot pass through the front side of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launcher drops the game area 4 on the left side or the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. It is designed to do. A large number of game nails (not shown) are struck in the game area 4 so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, and the movement direction of the game ball moving in the game area 4 changes randomly. ..

An opening 40 is formed in the left portion of the display frame 34 through which a game ball falling through the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and the game ball passing through the opening 40 is provided in the display frame 34. It passes through the passage 42 and falls to the stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of the stage 44 has a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 so that the game ball can fall downward from the stage 44, and the ball falls from the passage 42 onto the stage 44. The game ball moves back and forth on the stage 44 from side to side, and then falls downward from the vicinity of the center of the stage 44.

A first starting winning opening 46 is provided below the central portion of the stage 44.
Further, a passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. Further, a second starting winning opening 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. The second start winning opening 50 has a reduced state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening 50 (a state in which the entry is not assisted / a non-assisted state) and an enlarged state in which the game ball easily enters (assists the entry). An ordinary accessory 52 provided with an auxiliary member that can operate between the state and the auxiliary state) is provided.

In the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a large winning opening 54 is provided below the second starting winning opening 50. The large winning opening 54 is provided with a special accessory 56 provided with a movable member that closes the large winning opening 54. The special accessory 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 54 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the large winning opening 54 (FIG. 30). Indicates a closed state). The special accessory 56 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special gaming state that starts when a big hit is won.

Below the grand prize opening 54, a grand prize passage 58 is provided downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the lower end of the large winning passage 58. Further, below the large winning passage 58, a specific passage 65 is provided so as to branch downward from the middle of the large winning passage 58. The specific passage 65 is provided with a specific accessory 66 including a movable member that closes the specific passage 65. The specific accessory 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the specific passage 65 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the specific passage 65 (FIG. 30 is a closed state). Shows). The specific accessory 66 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special gaming state. A specific entrance 68 is provided at the lower end of the specific passage 65. Further, at the lowermost portion of the gaming area 4, an out opening 69 is provided to collect the gaming ball that has fallen in the gaming area 4 without entering any winning opening inside the gaming machine.

The launching device for the game ball is configured to change the firing output of the game ball by adjusting the rotation amount of the grip unit 20 shown in FIG. 29, and when the rotation amount of the grip unit 20 is small, the liquid crystal display is used. The game ball is launched so that the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the left side of the display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A game ball is fired.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the left side, or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44, and the first start winning opening. The game ball is fired to enter 46 (left-handed), the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the right side, and the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, or to the second start winning opening 50. The game ball is fired so that the game ball enters or the game ball enters the large winning opening 54 (right-handed).

A state display unit 70 is provided on the lower right side of the game board 6 and outside the game area 4 to indicate various states of the game machine by turning on and off a lamp or the like. The gaming machine of the present embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub board. The functions of each board such as the main board and sub board are various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), hardware such as RAM, and ROM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program stored in advance.

The main board receives input signals from input means (first start winning opening sensor, passing gate sensor, second starting winning opening sensor, large winning opening sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.). , Performs various calculations to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, of the output means (status display drive device, ordinary bonus drive device, special bonus drive device, specific bonus drive device, payout device, etc.) Operate control.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the effect operation sensor that detects the operation on the effect operation device 26, and performs various operations for executing the effect according to the progress of the game. Is performed, and the operation of the effect device (effect display device, sound device, effect object drive device, etc.) is controlled based on the calculation result.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the gaming area 4 is divided into a left-handed area 4a located on the left side and a right-handed area 4b located on the right side, and the player launches a game ball. By changing the strength, it is possible to drop the game ball into different areas.

Further, a game ball passage 80 connecting the left-handed area 4a and the right-handed area 4b is provided at the upper end (upper part) of the game area 4. Then, the game ball launched from the launching device with a predetermined firing intensity or higher passes through the game ball passage 80 and proceeds to the right-handed region 4b, while the game ball launched from the launching device with a launching intensity lower than the predetermined firing strength is a game ball. It is designed to proceed to the left-handed region 4a without passing through the passage 80.

The game ball passage 80 is formed by an outer rail 28 and a rail 81 provided along the outer rail 28 below the outer rail 28. Further, the game ball passage 80 is formed including the upper end of the outer rail 28. Further, the width of the game ball passage 80 (distance between the outer rail 28 and the rail 81) is longer than the diameter of one game ball and shorter than the diameter of two game balls at the narrowest portion. .. Further, the portion where the width of the game ball passage 80 is narrowest is the portion formed by the top of the game ball passage 80, in other words, the upper end (top: apex) of the outer rail 28 and the portion of the rail 81 facing the upper end. In other words, it is a portion located at the upper end of the game area 4.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, a substantially square box-shaped design portion (design member) 84 elongated in the left-right direction is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 10. .. Further, the length of the design portion 84 in the left-right direction is more than half the length of the front frame 10 in the left-right direction. Further, the design portion 84 is arranged so as to project forward so that the front surface thereof is located in front of the game area 4 and the glass unit 8.
In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the glass unit 8 has two transparent plates (glass plates) 8a and 8b arranged in the front-rear direction with the plate surfaces parallel to each other.

The design unit 84 includes an LED substrate for lighting (not shown) provided inside thereof and an exterior member 85 that covers the LED substrate (not shown), and a space for accommodating the LED substrate is secured inside the exterior member 85. Has been done. Further, a logo indicating a model name or the like is attached to a portion constituting the front surface of the design portion 84 of the exterior member 85, and the logo is lit by an LED substrate provided inside.
A speaker or the like may be provided inside the design unit 84.

The lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has a front side portion located at the lowermost position. Further, the front portion thereof is a plane 87 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Further, the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has an inclined surface 88 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane on the rear side of the rear end of the plane 87. The lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has a shape in which the rear side portion (inclined surface 88 portion) is directed upward as it goes backward. That is, the design portion 84 has a front portion protruding downward from the rear portion, and the protruding portion 90 is formed. Further, the rear end of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) of the design portion 84 is in contact with or in close contact with the glass unit 8.
The shape of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 may be formed along the shape of the outer rail 28. That is, the rear end of the lower surface 86 may be curved so as to be convex upward when viewed from the front. Further, the shape of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) may be in the shape of a mortar recessed toward the upper side in accordance with this.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a main part in the cross section taken along the line AA of FIG. Is shown. The cross section shown in FIG. 31 also passes through the upper end (top) of the rail 81 and the upper end (top) of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84.

The rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the game area 4 in the portion corresponding to the upper end of the game area 4 (the front part of the upper end of the game area 4). In other words, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the upper surface 80a (the guide surface 113 described later of the outer rail 28) of the game ball passage 80. Further, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located above the upper end of the lower surface 80b (the surface of the rail 81 in contact with the game ball) of the game ball passage 80. Further, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is a game ball B in a state of being located at the upper end of the game area 4 (a game ball in a state of being in contact with the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80: outer rail 28 (guide surface). It is located above the lower end of the game ball) in contact with the top of 113). More specifically, it is located above the center of the game ball B in this state (illustrated by the alternate long and short dash line C in FIG. 31).

Further, the protruding portion 90 protrudes downward from the center of the game ball B located at the upper end of the game area 4. In other words, the lower end of the protrusion 90 is located below the center of the game ball B in that state. More specifically, the lower end of the protruding portion 90 is located below the lower end of the game ball B in the state. Further, the protruding portion 90 protrudes below the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80.

As is clear from the above, the design unit 84 overlaps with the game ball B located at the upper end of the game area 4 in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8). It covers the entire game ball B in this state. Further, in the design portion 84, the portion corresponding to the upper end of the game area 4 at the rear end of the lower surface 86 (the front portion of the upper end of the game area 4) is in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8). It does not overlap with at least the lower half of the game ball B located at the upper end of the game area 4, and does not cover at least the lower half of the game ball in the state. Further, the rear portion of the lower surface 86 is an inclined surface 88. Therefore, even when the game ball is located at the upper end of the game area 4, the player can easily see the game ball rolling in the game area 4. Here, it is preferable that at least the lower half of the game ball in the state can be seen from a predetermined position, specifically, the player's eye point, without the player moving his / her face up / down / left / right. The player's eye point means the position of the player's eyes when sitting on a chair and playing a game. Specifically, for example, the distance between the player's eyes and the glass unit 8 in the front-rear direction is between 30 and 50 cm, and the distance (height) between the player's eyes and the bottom surface of the game machine in the vertical direction is. When it is between 40 and 60 cm, it is preferable that at least a part (lower half) of the game ball in the state can be visually recognized. In other words, the game ball B (game) located at the upper end of the game area 4 from a predetermined point where the distance from the glass unit 8 is between 30 and 50 cm and the height from the bottom surface of the game machine is between 40 and 60 cm. It is preferable that the design portion 84 does not cover the straight line to the portion below the center of the sphere B). With such a configuration, it is possible to secure the visibility of the game medium that moves in the game area while increasing the size of the design unit 84.

Next, the design portion 84, the game ball passage 80, and the upper end of the game area 4 in a cross section cut along a plane parallel to the vertical direction and the front-back direction passing through the upper end (top: the upper end of the outer rail 28) of the game area 4. Various lengths of the game ball B in the state of being located in the above position will be described with reference to FIG. 31.

As shown in FIG. 31, in the cross section, the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1 described later) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the rear end 91 of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. In the following, the rear end portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as the first design portion 91. The first design unit 91 passes through the upper end of the upper surface of the game ball passage 80 and extends a horizontal line (a straight line extending in a direction orthogonal to the game board surface) extending in the lateral direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 as the first reference line BL1. In this case, it can be said that it is the rearmost portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where the vertical line intersecting with the first reference line BL1 can intersect. Further, the first design portion 91 passes through a portion of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 located directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80, and extends in the lateral direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80. When the horizontal line (a straight line extending in a direction orthogonal to the game board surface) is set as the second reference line BL2, the most of the portions of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where the vertical line intersecting with the second reference line BL2 can intersect. It can be said to be the rear part. Here, of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80, the portion located directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 may be the upper end of the lower surface 80b or not the upper end of the lower surface 80b. good. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the cross section, the distance L1 between the upper surface 80a of the gaming ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 in the vertical direction is about 4 mm. That is, the interval L1 is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (11 mm), and more specifically, less than the diameter. The interval L1 can also be said to be the distance (distance on the vertical line) from the first reference line BL1 to the first design portion 91.

Further, in the cross section, the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the lower end 92 (rear end of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. In the following, the lower end portion (rear end portion of the flat surface 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as a second design portion 92. The second design portion 92 can be said to be the lowermost portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where the vertical line intersecting with the first reference line BL1 can intersect. Further, the second design portion 92 can be said to be the lowermost portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where the vertical line intersecting with the second reference line BL2 can intersect. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the cross section, the distance L2 between the upper surface 80a of the gaming ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 in the vertical direction is about 40 mm. That is, the interval L2 has a length equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, and more specifically, a length exceeding the diameter. The interval L2 can also be said to be the distance (distance on the vertical line) from the first reference line BL1 to the second design portion 92.

Further, in the cross section, the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located below the first design portion 91. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the cross section, the distance L3 between the lower surface 80b of the gaming ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 in the vertical direction is about 14 mm. That is, the interval L3 is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, more specifically to a length exceeding the radius, and more specifically to a length greater than or equal to the diameter (length exceeding the diameter). The interval L3 can also be said to be the distance (distance on the vertical line) from the second reference line BL2 to the first design portion 91.

Further, in the cross section, the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the second design portion 92. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the cross section, the distance L4 between the lower surface 80b of the gaming ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 in the vertical direction is about 22 mm. That is, the interval L4 has a length equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, and more specifically, a length exceeding the diameter. The interval L4 can also be said to be the distance (distance on the vertical line) from the second reference line BL2 to the second design portion 92.

As described above, by locating the second design portion 92 below the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80, the design portion 84 can be enlarged, and the game ball passage 80 can be made larger. The design portion 84 can be further enlarged by locating it below the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2). Further, while increasing the size of the design portion 84 in this way, the distance L1 between the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter). As a result, the visibility of the game ball can be ensured when the game ball is strongly launched (when the game ball rolls along the upper surface 80a). Further, while increasing the size of the design portion 84 in this way, the distance L3 between the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball (length exceeding the radius). When the game ball is launched weakly (when the game ball rolls along the lower surface 80b), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured.

Next, the configuration of the outer rail 28 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 37.
The outer rail 28 is supported by a rail base 100 as a support member for supporting the outer rail 28. Then, by fixing the rail base 100 to the game board 6, the outer rail 28 is attached to the game board 6. The rail base 100 is fixed to the game board 6 by, for example, screwing. Further, the game board 6 is formed in a substantially square plate shape by a transparent resin.

The outer rail 28 is a thin plate-shaped long member. In the following, for each length of the outer rail 28, the length in the length direction (longitudinal direction) is referred to as "length", and the length in the width direction (short direction) is referred to as "width". The length (plate thickness) in the thickness direction is called "thickness". In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the length L of the outer rail 28 is 900 mm or more (at least 800 mm or more). Further, the width W of the outer rail 28 is about 15 mm. The plate thickness T of the outer rail 28 is about 0.6 mm. Further, in the present embodiment, the outer rail 28 is made of metal, specifically stainless steel (for example, SUS430).

A bent portion 110 bent in a substantially L shape is formed at one end (starting end) of the outer rail 28. Further, a U-shaped portion (curved portion) 112 bent into a substantially U-shape is formed at the other end portion (terminal portion) of the outer rail 28.

The bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 is about 6 mm. In other words, the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the facing surfaces in the U-shaped portion 112) is about 12 mm. Further, the U-shaped portion 112 has a height H of about 12 mm in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28.
The curvature of the U-shaped portion 112 is larger than the curvature of the curved surface 126 described later, and is larger than the curvature of the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 in a state of being attached to the rail base 100 (as assembled as a gaming machine). Is also getting bigger.

The outer rail 28 is formed with a guide surface 113 between the bent portion 110 and the U-shaped portion 112. The guide surface 113 is a surface on which the game ball launched from the launcher hits, and the game ball launched from the launcher rolls along the guide surface 113 and is guided to the game area 4.

Further, the outer rail 28 is formed with a substantially rectangular hole 114. The hole 114 is formed in the U-shaped portion 112 (position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112) of the outer rail 28. Further, the length of the hole 114 is longer than the length of the U-shaped portion 112. In other words, the hole 114 is formed over the entire length direction (direction along the U-shape) of the U-shaped portion 112. Specifically, the hole 114 is formed so as to extend to the corner portion 115a formed between the U-shaped portion 112 and the guide surface 113. In other words, the hole 114 is formed at least one (preferably both) of the corner portions 115a and 115b formed at both side ends (the boundary between the U-shaped portion 112 and the other portion) in the length direction of the U-shaped portion 112. ) Is formed.
The hole 114 may be formed beyond at least one of the corner portions 115a and 115b. The corner portions 115a and 115b have an R shape.

The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1/2 or less, more preferably 1/3 or less of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). Further, the width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1/5 or more, more preferably 1/4 or more of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). By setting the width Wa of the hole 114 in this way, it is possible to maintain high strength of the U-shaped portion 112 while increasing the flexibility of the U-shaped portion 112. In the present embodiment, the width Wa of the hole 114 is set to 4 mm.

The hole 114 does not have to penetrate in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28. In other words, the hole 114 portion may be formed thinner than the other portions. In other words, the hole 114 may be a lightening portion that has been lightened in some way. That is, if the portion of the outer rail 28 in which the hole 114 of the U-shaped portion 112 is formed has a smaller cross-sectional area in the cross section perpendicular to the plate surface than the portion in which the guide surface 113 is formed. good.

Further, the outer rail 28 is formed with a plurality of positioning holes 118 (five in this embodiment). A protrusion 128, which will be described later, is inserted into each hole 118. The hole 118 has an oval shape having a length of at least twice the width. In the present embodiment, the hole 118 has a length La of 5.2 mm and a width Wb of 2 mm.

Further, the holes 118 are arranged side by side in a row in the length direction. Further, the holes 118 are arranged off the center in the width direction (so as not to cover the center). Specifically, in the width direction of the outer rail 28, the distance Wc from the center of the hole 118 to the end of the outer rail 28 is set to 2.7 mm. Further, the hole 118 is arranged at a position where the game ball rolling on the guide surface 113 does not hit. More specifically, all the holes 118 are arranged at positions where the game ball rolling on the guide surface 113 does not hit.

Further, the distance between the adjacent holes 118 is not constant and is uneven. That is, there is a portion where the distance between the adjacent holes 118 is relatively long and a portion where the distance between the adjacent holes 118 is relatively short. Specifically, when the distance between adjacent holes 118 is set to the distance G1, the space G2, the space G3, and the space G4 in order from the launching device side, in the present embodiment, the space G1 is 104.6 mm and the space G2 is. The interval G3 is 123.1 mm, the interval G3 is 116.2 mm, and the interval G4 is 280.1 mm. That is, with respect to the distance between the adjacent holes 118, the distance G1 on the side closest to the launching device is the shortest among the plurality of distances G1 to G4. Further, among the plurality of intervals G1 to G4, the interval G4 on the farthest side from the launching device is the longest. Further, among the plurality of intervals G1 to G4, the interval of the longest portion (280.1 mm) is more than twice the interval of the shortest portion (104.6 mm). Further, for a plurality of consecutive intervals G1 to G4, the second interval G2 is longer than the first interval G1 from the launcher side, and the third interval G3 is shorter than the second interval G2. The fourth interval G4 is longer than the third interval G3. That is, with respect to a plurality of consecutive intervals G1 to G4, the long-short relationship between adjacent intervals is alternating (in the present embodiment, long-short-long).

The length from the start end of the outer rail 28 to each hole 118 is 13.3 mm from the start end side to the first hole 118 and 117. The length to the second hole 118. The length to the third hole 118 is 241.0 mm, the length to the fourth hole 118 is 357.2 mm, and the length to the fifth hole 118 is 637.3 mm. ..

All the holes 118 are formed in the guide surface 113, and are not formed in the bent portion 110, the U-shaped portion 112, and the portion (extended portion 120) on the terminal side of the U-shaped portion 112. Further, on the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28, two circular holes 119 are formed in the same linear shape as the plurality of holes 118. These two holes 119 are holes used when processing the outer rail 28, and the protrusion 128 described later is not inserted into the holes 119.

34 to 36 are views showing a mounting state in which the outer rail 28 is mounted on the rail base 100. As shown in FIG. 34, the rail base 100 is formed in a substantially L shape by a black resin material. Further, the rail base 100 has a curved surface 126 formed in an arc shape. The curved surface 126 is formed so as to reach the upper right side from the lower left side of the game board 6 (game area 4) through the upper left side, and the lower right side is formed in an open shape.

A plurality of (five in this embodiment) protrusions 128 are formed on the curved surface 126 along the length direction (see FIG. 32). The protrusion 128 is arranged behind the center of the curved surface 126 in the anteroposterior direction. Further, each protrusion 128 is arranged at a position corresponding to each hole 118 of the outer rail 28.

Further, on the leading edge of the curved surface 126, a wall portion 129 protruding toward the game area 4 from the curved surface 126 is formed along the curved surface 126 (see FIGS. 36 and 37).

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, the lower left portion (one end portion) of the rail base 100 is provided with a recess 130 having a substantially L-shaped cross section into which the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 is inserted. Further, the recess 130 is formed with an abutting surface (contact surface) 131 to which one end surface (end surface on the starting end side) of the outer rail 28 in the length direction abuts.
The recess 130 is designed so that a portion other than the one end surface of the outer rail 28 does not hit the recess 130 in the length direction of the outer rail 28. Specifically, of the bent portions 110 of the outer rail 28, the relief portion 110a extending in a direction intersecting (substantially orthogonal to) the guide surface 113 does not hit the recess 130 (at least in the length direction of the outer rail 28). It has become.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the upper right portion (the other end portion) of the rail base 100 has an abutting surface (contact surface) with which the other end surface (end surface on the terminal side) of the outer rail 28 abuts. Surface) 135 is formed. Further, an accommodating portion 137 in which the U-shaped portion 112 is accommodated is formed in the upper right portion of the rail base 100.

The accommodating portion 137 is provided adjacent to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. The accommodating portion 137 has a space 137b formed by a wall portion 137a having a substantially U-shaped cross section. Further, the space 137b is a space that extends toward the outside of the game area 4 from the curved surface 126. The U-shaped portion 112 is accommodated in this space 137b. One end of the wall portion 137a is connected to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. Further, the other end 137c of the wall portion 137a is arranged on a virtual extension line of the curved surface 126 (a predetermined position when the curved surface 126 is extended as it is according to the curvature). Further, a rib 139 is formed at a position farther from the curved surface 126 than the other end 137c and at a position opposite to the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28. The extension portion 120 of the outer rail 28 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the other end 137c and the rib 139.

The outer rail 28 has a bent portion 110 inserted into the recess 130 of the rail base 100, and one end surface thereof is abutted against the abutting surface 131. Further, the other end surface of the outer rail 28 is abutted against the abutting surface 135. The outer rail 28 is in a state of being stretched between the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135 in the mounting state of being attached to the rail base 100. That is, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to be longer than the distance from the abutting surface 131 to the abutting surface 135 (distance in the direction along the curved surface 126). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to be 3 mm longer than the distance. In other words, the outer rail 28 has an extra length of 3 mm with respect to the length of the portion where the outer rail 28 is installed (the distance from the abutting surface 131 to the abutting surface 135).

In the mounted state, the U-shaped portion 112 absorbs the extra length of the outer rail 28. That is, first, in the mounted state, the outer rail 28 is arranged along the curved surface 126 of the rail base 100. At this time, substantially the entire surface (back surface) of the outer rail 28 opposite to the guide surface 113 is in contact with substantially the entire curved surface 126. In other words, the guide surface 113 is a surface (substantially parallel surface) along the curved surface 126. Further, the U-shaped portion 112 is bent so that the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the corner portions 115a and 115b) is shortened, whereby the extra length of the outer rail 28 is absorbed. Then, the outer rail 28 is stretched between the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135.
In addition, in FIGS. 34 and 35, the end 28a of the outer rail 28 is displayed through the abutting surface 135, but in reality, the end 28a abuts against the abutting surface 135 and stops and abuts. It does not penetrate surface 135. In other words, in FIGS. 34 and 35, the portion penetrating the abutting surface 135 is the extra length portion of the outer rail 28, and the length of the penetrating portion is absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112. Will be done. It should be noted that the U-shaped portion 112 does not hit the wall portion 137a of the accommodating portion 137 even in the mounted state (state in which the extra length is absorbed and bent).

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the extra length of 3 mm of the outer rail 28 is set shorter than the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (distance between facing surfaces in the U-shaped portion 112: about 12 mm). .. More specifically, the extra length is set to a bending radius R (about 6 mm) or less of the U-shaped portion 112 (half or less of the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112). Therefore, the extra length can be effectively absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112.
The extra length of 3 mm as a reference value (design value) is set longer than the tolerance of the outer rail 28. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the tolerance of the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to ± 0.8 mm. Therefore, even when the outer rail 28 is manufactured as short as possible (when the tolerance is -0.8 mm, which is the lower limit), the extra length of 0 mm or more (in this example, the extra length of 2.2 mm). The reference value of the extra length is set so that That is, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to a length at which a surplus length is generated even if the tolerance is included. Further, even when the outer rail 28 is manufactured as long as possible (when the tolerance is +0.8 mm, which is the upper limit), the bending radius R or less of the U-shaped portion 112 (both ends of the U-shaped portion 112). The reference value of the extra length is set so as to be the extra length (in this example, the extra length of 3.8 mm) (less than half of the interval).

Further, in the mounted state, each of the plurality of protrusions 128 of the rail base 100 is inserted into each of the plurality of holes 118 of the outer rail 28. Here, the length La of the hole 118 is set to a length that does not abut on the protruding portion 128 in the mounted state. Further, the width Wb of the hole 118 is set to a length that can abut on the protruding portion 128 in the mounted state.

The protrusion 128 abuts on the hole 118 in the width direction of the outer rail 28 to regulate the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction. That is, the protruding portion 128 is a regulating portion (regulating means) that regulates the movement of the outer rail 28. The protruding portion 128 and the hole 118 function as a positioning portion (positioning means) for determining the position of the outer rail 28 in the width direction.
The regulating portion does not have to be shaped like the protruding portion 128, and may be, for example, a pin or the like. Specifically, for example, a split pin as a regulating portion is provided so as to penetrate the hole 118 (so that the foot of the split pin straddles the hole 118), and both feet of the split pin are provided on the rail base 100 or a game. The movement of the outer rail 28 may be restricted by the split pin by fitting it into the board 6 or the like.

On the other hand, in the mounted state, the protrusion 128 is prevented from contacting the hole 118 in the length direction of the outer rail 28, and the movement of the outer rail 28 in the length direction is not restricted. .. In other words, the repulsive force of the outer rail 28, which is contained between the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135 and whose length is shortened, is applied to the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135, and the protrusion 128 has a protrusion 128. (Almost) not to join. Thereby, the positioning of the outer rail 28 in the length direction can be stably performed by the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the relief portion 110a of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 does not hit the recess 130 in the length direction of the outer rail 28, so that it does not hit the recess 130 in the length direction of the outer rail 28. The positioning in the above can be performed more stably by the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135.
If an external force other than the repulsive force from the abutting surfaces 131 and 135 is forcibly applied (for example, by human power or the like) and the U-shaped portion 112 is forcibly contracted, the outer rail 28 may be forced to shrink in the length direction of the outer rail 28. The hole 118 or the relief portion 110a may be able to come into contact with the rail base 100.

Further, the length (height) of the protruding portion 128 in the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or less than the plate thickness of the outer rail 28. That is, the protruding portion 128 does not protrude toward the game area 4 with respect to the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28.

Further, even when the outer rail 28 moves to the front side of the gaming machine (in the width direction of the outer rail 28) with respect to the rail base 100, the front end surface of the outer rail 28 is attached to the wall portion 129 of the rail base 100. It is designed so that it does not come into contact. That is, the wall portion 129 does not have a function of restricting the movement of the outer rail 28. On the other hand, in the wall portion 129, the length (height) of the outer rail 28 in the plate thickness direction is set to be equal to or larger than the plate thickness of the outer rail 28 so that the end surface of the outer rail 28 cannot be seen by the player. It has a function.
However, the wall portion 129 may regulate the movement of the outer rail 28.

Here, the relationship between the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28 and the hole 118 and the like will be described with reference to FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a schematic view showing the main parts of the outer rail 28 and the rail base 100, and shows a cross section cut by a plane perpendicular to the guide surface 113 and the curved surface 126.

As shown in FIG. 37, the holes 118 and the protrusions 128 are formed at positions that do not hit the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28. More specifically, the hole 118 hits the game ball B even when the outer rail 28 moves maximally in the width direction (for example, even when it moves maximally upward in FIG. 37). It is formed in a non-position. In other words, it can be said that the protrusion 128 regulates the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction so that the hole 118 does not hit the game ball B. In addition, in FIG. 37, the protruding portion 128 protrudes from the guide surface 113 toward the game area 4, but even when the protruding portion 128 is formed so as to protrude in this way, the protrusion amount of the protruding portion 128 Is preferably set so that the protruding portion 128 does not hit the game ball B.

As shown in FIG. 37, the guide surface 113 (curved surface 126) becomes an inclined surface toward the game area 4 side (inward in the radial direction of the outer rail 28) toward the front side in the width direction of the outer rail 28. ing. In other words, the guide surface 113 is an inclined surface for making it difficult for the game ball to flow in the forward direction (making it easy to flow along the rear side).

According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the rail 28 includes a U-shaped portion 112 bent in a substantially U-shape and a hole 114 formed at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112, and the hole 114 is provided. Is the length over the entire U-shaped portion 112 in the direction along the U-shape of the U-shaped portion 112. Therefore, the U-shaped portion 112 absorbs the variation in the length of the rail 28 caused by manufacturing, and the rail. 28 can be installed stably and accurately. Further, by forming the hole 114 at the position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112, the U-shaped portion 112 can be made softer than the guide surface 113 portion, and the U-shaped portion 112 is compared with the guide surface 113 portion. It can be easily deformed. Therefore, when the rail 28 is attached to the rail base 100, the rail 28 can be accurately attached by releasing the extra force to the U-shaped portion 112 while appropriately tensioning the guide surface 113. Therefore, the movement of the game ball rolling along the rail 28 can be stabilized, and a comfortable game can be provided.

Further, by setting the length of the hole 114 to the length over the entire U-shaped portion 112, it is possible to equalize the degree of force applied in the U-shaped portion 112. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rail 28 from being deformed due to excessive force being applied to a part of the U-shaped portion 112, and the rail 28 can be mounted more accurately. Further, it is possible to prevent the rail 28 from being damaged due to excessive force being applied to a part of the U-shaped portion 112. Further, in the present embodiment, the hole 114 is formed over at least one of the corner portions 115a and 115b formed at both end portions of the U-shaped portion 112 in the length direction, so that the load is concentrated. It is possible to increase the flexibility of the corner portions 115a and 115b, which are easy to handle, and prevent the corner portions 115a and 115b from being broken.

Further, since the hole 114 has a length (4 mm) of 1/3 or less of the width W of the rail in the width direction of the rail 28, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set in an appropriate range. .. That is, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set to a certain height or higher, and it is possible to prevent the U-shaped portion 112 from absorbing the force applied to the rail 28 too much. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tension of the guide surface 113 from becoming too weak, and it is possible to make the movement of the game ball more stable.

Further, the guide surface 113 is formed with a plurality (five) holes 118 capable of positioning, and all the holes 118 are formed at positions where the game ball rolling along the guide surface does not hit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball from rolling on the hole 118 and vibrating. Therefore, the movement of the game ball can be made more stable.

As shown in FIG. 35, an elastic member 150 formed of an elastic body (for example, rubber) is arranged at the end of the guide surface 113 on the U-shaped portion 112 side. Then, in the vicinity of the U-shaped portion 112, the outer rail 28 is sandwiched between the elastic member 150 and the curved surface 126. The elastic member 150 has a collision surface 151 on which a game ball guided to the terminal side (right-handed region 4b) along the guide surface 113 collides. The elastic member 150 is designed to alleviate the impact when the gaming ball collides with the member of the gaming machine.

Further, as shown in FIG. 38, all of the plurality of holes 118 (plurality of protrusions 128) are on the left side (launching device side) of the upper end (upper apex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). ). Further, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) is larger on the lower side than on the upper side with the vertical center of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as a boundary. In other words, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) is larger on the lower side than on the upper side with the left end (left apex) P2 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as a boundary. Specifically, for example, one or two holes 118 (protruding portions 128) are provided above the vertical center of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and are provided from the vertical center. Also, three holes 118 (protruding portions 128) are provided on the lower side.
The hole 118 (protruding portion 128) is not provided in the upper end (upper apex) P1 and the left end (left apex) P2 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113).

It should be noted that some of the plurality of holes 118 (plurality of protrusions 128) may be provided on the right side of the upper end (upper apex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In this case, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) may be larger on the left side than on the right side with the center in the left-right direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as a boundary. In other words, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) may be larger on the left side than on the right side with the upper end (upper apex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as a boundary. Specifically, for example, one hole 118 (protruding portion 128) is provided on the right side of the center of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) in the left-right direction, and is provided on the left side of the center in the left-right direction. Three or four holes 118 (projections 128) may be provided. Further, with respect to the plurality of holes 118 (projections 128) provided on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, the holes 118 (projections) arranged below the center in the vertical direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). The number of portions 128) may be larger than that of the holes 118 (protruding portions 128) arranged on the upper side. For example, when four holes 118 are provided on the left side, three may be arranged on the lower side and one may be arranged on the upper side. Further, with respect to the plurality of holes 118 (projections 128) provided on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, the holes 118 (projections) arranged above the center in the vertical direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). 128) may be larger than the holes 118 (protruding portions 128) arranged on the lower side. For example, when three holes 118 are provided on the left side, two may be arranged on the upper side and one may be arranged on the lower side.
Even when some holes 118 (protruding portions 128) are provided on the right side of the upper end (upper apex) of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) in this way, the game area 4 It is preferable that the hole 118 (protruding portion 128) does not exist at the upper end (upper apex) and the left end (left apex) of the (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). The game ball follows a stable trajectory by preventing the hole 118 (protruding portion 128) from being present at the upper end (upper apex) or the left end (left apex) of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). be able to.

Further, regarding the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the range from the start end (lower left end) to the left end (the part located on the leftmost side: the 9 o'clock position in the front view) P2 is set as the first range H1, and the range from the left end to the upper end is set. (The uppermost part: the position at 12 o'clock in the front view) When the range up to P1 is the second range H2 and the range from the upper end P1 to the end (upper right end) is the third range H3. The number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in each range may be related as follows.
That is, even if the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) is larger in the second range H2 than in the third range H3 and larger in the first range H1 than in the second range H2. good. That is, the first range H1> the second range H2> the third range H3 may be set. Further, as for the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128), the first range H1 may be the second range H2 or more, and the second range H2 may be the third range H3 or more. That is, the first range H1 ≧ the second range H2 ≧ the third range H3 may be set. Further, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) may be larger in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and the first range H1 may be equal to or larger than the second range H2. That is, the first range H1 ≧ the second range H2> the third range H3 may be set. Further, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) may be larger in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and the second range H2 may be equal to or larger than the first range H1. That is, the second range H2 ≧ first range H1> third range H3 may be set. Further, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) is larger in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, even if the second range H2 is larger than the third range H3. good. That is, the first range H1 and the second range H2> the third range H3 may be set. Further, as for the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128), the first range H1 may be the third range H3 or more, and the second range H2 may be the third range H3 or more. That is, the first range H1 and the second range H2 ≧ the third range H3 may be set. Further, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) may be such that the first range H1 is the second range H2 or more and the third range H3 or more. That is, the first range H1 ≧ the second range H2 and the third range H3 may be set. The number of holes 118 (projections 128) in the smallest range of holes 118 (projections 128) may be zero.
Of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the virtual straight line extending in the left-right direction through the left end of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) is defined as the X-axis, and the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface) is used. In the XY plane whose Y axis is a virtual straight line extending vertically through the upper end of 113), the part located in the third quadrant is called the first range, and the part located in the second quadrant is called the second range. , The part located in the first quadrant can also be called the third range. Further, of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the virtual straight line extending in the left-right direction through the center of the game area 4 is the X-axis, and the virtual straight line extending in the vertical direction through the center of the game area 4 is the Y-axis. In the plane, the part located in the third quadrant may be referred to as the first range, the portion located in the second quadrant may be referred to as the second range, and the portion located in the first quadrant may be referred to as the third range. ..

Further, regarding the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the range from the start end (lower left end) to the left end (the part located on the leftmost side: the 9 o'clock position in the front view) P2 is set as the fourth range, and the end is from the left end P2. When the range up to (upper right end) is the fifth range, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in each range may be related as follows.
That is, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) may be larger in the fourth range than in the fifth range, and the fourth range may be greater than or equal to the fifth range. That is, the fourth range> the fifth range or the fourth range ≧ the fifth range may be used. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in the fourth range may be three, and the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in the fifth range may be two.
The dimension of the outer rail 28 in the length direction is longer in the fifth range than in the fourth range. That is, although the fourth range is shorter in size than the fifth range, many holes 118 are provided in the fourth range.

Further, regarding the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the range from the start end (lower left end) to the upper end (the portion located on the uppermost side: the 12 o'clock position in the front view) P1 is set as the sixth range, and the end is from the upper end P1. When the range up to (upper right end) is the seventh range, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in each range may be related as follows.
That is, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) may be larger in the sixth range than in the seventh range, and the sixth range may be greater than or equal to the seventh range. That is, the sixth range> the seventh range or the sixth range ≧ the seventh range may be used. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in the sixth range may be five, and the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in the seventh range may be zero.

Further, regarding the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the range from the start end (lower left) to the middle (intermediate point between the start end and the end: the center in the length direction of the outer rail 29) is set as the eighth range, and from the middle. When the range up to the end (upper right end) is the ninth range, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in each range may be related as follows.
That is, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) may be larger in the eighth range than in the ninth range, and the eighth range may be greater than or equal to the ninth range. That is, the eighth range> the ninth range or the eighth range ≧ the ninth range may be used. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in the eighth range may be four, and the number of holes 118 (protruding portions 128) in the ninth range may be one.

As described above, the number of holes 118 may be larger on the side closer to the launcher than on the side farther from the launcher. Specifically, it is preferable to use the above-mentioned arrangements. According to such a configuration, the impact received from the game ball is large, and the number of holes 118 on the launcher side (first range H1 side) where the arrangement of the outer rail 28 is required to be particularly accurate is increased. It is possible to reliably prevent the outer rail 28 on the side from shifting or vibrating. Further, according to such a configuration, the number of holes 118 on the terminal side (third range H3 side) where the impact received from the game ball is small and the influence on the game is small is reduced, and the outer rail 28 is processed and the rail is formed. It can be easily attached to the base 100.

Further, as shown in FIG. 38, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the width of the guide passage (gaming ball passage) 140 that guides the gaming ball launched from the launching device to the gaming area 4 is the narrowest (outer rail 28). Assuming that the narrowest portion A is the portion where the distance between the rail 30 and the inner rail 30 is the shortest), the outer rail 28 is provided with three holes 118 between the start end and the narrowest portion A. It is preferable that at least two holes 118 are provided between the starting end and the narrowest portion A. Further, the number of holes 118 of the outer rail 28 is larger in the range from the start end to the narrowest portion A than in the range from the narrowest portion A to the exit of the guide passage 140 (the portion facing the upper end of the inner rail 30). The range from the start end to the narrowest portion A may be greater than or equal to the range from the narrowest portion A to the exit of the guide passage 140. Further, the number of holes 118 of the outer rail 28 may be larger in the range from the start end to the narrowest part A than in the range from the narrowest part A to the upper end P1. The range up to is may be greater than or equal to the range from the narrowest portion A to the upper end P1. Further, the number of holes 118 of the outer rail 28 may be larger in the range from the start end to the narrowest part A than in the range from the narrowest part A to the end, and from the start end to the narrowest part A. The range of may be equal to or greater than the range from the narrowest portion A to the end. In this way, by increasing the number of holes 118 between the launcher and the narrowest portion A, it is possible to reliably prevent the outer rail 28 from being twisted between the launcher and the narrowest portion A. be able to. Therefore, since the game ball can always be in a state along the rail by the time it passes through the narrowest portion A, it is possible to set the narrowest narrow portion A narrowly and widen the range of the game area 4. It is possible (to lengthen the dimensions in the left-right direction). That is, the game ball launched from the launcher collides with the outer rail 28 and bounces several times, but by increasing the number of holes 118 up to the narrowest portion A, the operation of the bounced game ball It is possible to improve the accuracy, so that the game ball passes through the narrowest part A after the second collision, and the game ball can pass through the narrowest part A while being along the rail. Become.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the interval G2 and the interval G3 are set to substantially the same interval (the difference is within 20 mm, more specifically within 10 mm), and the interval of the holes 118 to the exit of the guide passage 140 is narrowed. As a result, the accuracy of ball flight to the exit of the guide passage 140 is made particularly high (see FIGS. 33 and 38).

The hole 118 does not have to have the shape shown in the present embodiment, and may be, for example, a notch or the like. That is, the hole 118 may be a predetermined positioning portion that enables positioning of the outer rail 28 (positioning with respect to the game board 6 (rail base 100), positioning in the width direction of the outer rail 28). In other words, the hole 118 can be said to be a predetermined guide portion that guides the mounting position with respect to the game board 6. Further, even in the case of a notch or the like, the arrangement of the notch or the like may be the same as in the case of the hole 118 described above. Specifically, for example, a plurality of notches may be provided on the left side of the upper end (upper apex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Further, in such a case, for example, when there are two notches, one notch is provided above the vertical center of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). One notch may be provided below the center in the vertical direction.
Even when some notches are provided on the outer rail 28 in this way, the upper end (upper apex) P1 and the left end (left apex) P2 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) are provided. It is recommended that there be no notch.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
The design part that protrudes forward above the game area,
A gaming machine including a gaming ball passage through which a gaming ball passing through the upper end of the gaming area is guided.
A horizontal line that passes through the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extends in the lateral direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is used as a reference line.
Of the portions on the lower surface of the design portion where the vertical lines intersecting with the reference line can intersect, the rearmost portion is designated as the first design portion.
Assuming that the lowermost portion of the lower surface of the design portion where the vertical line intersecting with the reference line can intersect is the second design portion.
The first design portion is located below the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball.
The second design portion is located below the reference line and is characterized in that the distance from the reference line is equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball.

According to such a configuration, the second design portion is located below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, so that the design portion can be enlarged. Further, when the game ball is strongly launched (along the upper surface of the game ball passage) by making the distance between the reference line and the first design part smaller than the diameter of the game ball while increasing the size of the design part in this way. When the game ball rolls), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can ensure the visibility of the gaming ball.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
The design part that protrudes forward above the game area,
A gaming machine including a gaming ball passage through which a gaming ball passing through the upper end of the gaming area is guided.
A horizontal line extending in the lateral direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage, passing through a portion of the lower surface of the game ball passage, which is located directly below the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage, is used as a reference line.
Of the portions on the lower surface of the design portion where the vertical lines intersecting with the reference line can intersect, the rearmost portion is designated as the first design portion.
Assuming that the lowermost portion of the lower surface of the design portion where the vertical line intersecting with the reference line can intersect is the second design portion.
The first design portion is located above the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball.
The second design portion is located below the reference line and is characterized in that the distance from the reference line is equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball.

According to such a configuration, the second design portion is located below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, so that the design portion can be enlarged. Further, when the game ball is launched weakly (along the lower surface of the game ball passage) by making the distance between the reference line and the first design part equal to or larger than the radius of the game ball while increasing the size of the design part in this way. When the game ball rolls), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can ensure the visibility of the gaming ball.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. In the present invention, any component can be modified or any component can be omitted within the scope of the invention.

4 Game area 28 Outer rail (rail)
118 holes (positioning part)

Claims (1)

A launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area according to the launch operation,
It has a rail that guides the game ball launched from the launching device, and has.
The rail is formed with a plurality of predetermined positioning portions that enable positioning of the rail.
Starting from the end of the rail on the launcher side,
The end of the rail on the side away from the launcher is terminated.
The range from the start end to the left end of the rail is defined as the fourth range.
Assuming that the range from the left end to the end of the rail is the fifth range,
The number of the predetermined positioning units in each range is such that the fourth range is equal to or more than the fifth range.

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