JP2022098697A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of surely detecting a large ball in an accessory device.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine has a lower center decoration. The lower center decoration has a cylindrical circulation path 52 in which game balls are circulated. The circulation path 52 has a stop part 61 and a detecting part 64. The stop part 61 allows passage of game balls K entered the circulation path 52, however, stops circulation of a large ball K' entered the circulation path 52. The detecting part 64 is a proximity sensor and is positioned at a position corresponding to the large ball K' stopped by the stop part 61 in a direction where the game balls K are circulated. The detecting part 64 detects the large ball K' stopped by the stop part 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, a gaming machine has been known that prevents a goto act of illegally obtaining a ball. For example, the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 can suppress a large ball goto that is performed by using a steel ball larger than a commonly used gaming ball (for example, about 11.5 mm). The above-mentioned gaming machine is provided with a first ordinary winning opening. The width in the left-right direction of the first ordinary winning opening is set to a predetermined value (for example, 11.2 mm) that is larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, 11.0 mm) and smaller than the diameter of the passage hole of the game ball detection switch. ing. The first ordinary winning opening has a narrow portion. The game ball can be put into the first ordinary winning opening, but the above steel ball larger than the game ball cannot be put into the first ordinary winning opening.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-35042

In the above-mentioned gaming machine, while it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned steel balls that are larger than the gaming balls from entering, the steel balls cannot be detected, and the notification due to the large ball goto is not performed. Therefore, the worker of the amusement park does not know the fact that the big ball goto was performed, and there is a possibility that the amusement park will be disadvantaged.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably detecting a large ball inside a bonus device.

The gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine provided with a bonus device having a tubular flow passage through which a game ball circulates in a gaming area formed on a gaming board. The accessory device is provided with a blocking portion for blocking the flow of a large ball larger than the game ball, and the accessory device is provided with a detecting portion for detecting the large ball at a position corresponding to the large ball blocked by the blocking portion. It is a feature.

According to the above aspect, the large ball blocked by the dam is detected by the detection unit. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably detect the large ball inside the accessory device.

In the gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the flow passage may be provided with an opening having a width larger than the diameter of the large ball at a position corresponding to the large ball blocked by the blocking portion. In the above-mentioned gaming machine, the operator of the gaming field can pull out a large ball from the flow passage through the opening. Therefore, the gaming machine can promptly resume the progress of the game even when the large ball is blocked inside the accessory device.

In the gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the flow passage is provided at a position corresponding to the large ball blocked by the blocking portion, extends in the opening direction in which the opening opens, and is orthogonal to the opening direction. A slit whose width is narrower than the diameter of the game ball may be provided. In the above-mentioned gaming machine, the operator of the gaming field can easily pull out the large ball from the flow passage by inserting the rod-shaped member into the slit and pushing the large ball toward the opening. Therefore, the gaming machine can resume the progress of the game more quickly even when the large ball stops in the flow passage.

In the gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the dam portion protrudes from the inner surface of the flow passage to the inside of the flow passage, and from the inner surface of the flow passage to the inside of the flow passage. The first convex portion and the second convex portion are provided so as to face the first convex portion, and the first convex portion and the second convex portion do not overlap each other in the flow passage in the distribution direction in which the game ball flows. It may be provided at a position. In the above-mentioned gaming machine, the gaming ball inside the flow passage meanders through the dam and circulates. Therefore, in the gaming machine, the gaming ball can smoothly circulate through the dam portion as compared with the case where the first convex portion and the second convex portion are provided at overlapping positions in the distribution direction.

In the gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention, the detection unit may be able to further detect the gaming ball circulating inside the flow passage. In the above-mentioned gaming machine, the detection unit can detect both a large ball and a gaming ball. As a result, the gaming machine does not need to separately provide a means for detecting the gaming ball circulating in the flow passage in the accessory device, and the accessory device can be miniaturized.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1. It is a front view of the game board 2. It is a front view of the lower center decoration 22. It is a top view of the lower center decoration 22. It is a perspective view of the flow passage 50. It is a top view of the flow passage 50. It is a figure which shows the cross section of line AA in FIG. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the flow passage 52 in FIG. 7.

Hereinafter, the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front side, the back side, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of FIG. 1 are referred to as the front side, the rear side, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of the pachinko machine 1, respectively. The pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called two-type (blade type) gaming machine. The two types of gaming machines are gaming machines that execute a jackpot game when a gaming ball that has won a prize in the large winning opening passes through a specific area provided inside the large winning opening.

The mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 1, a game board 2 is provided in the upper half portion of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 has a substantially square plate shape in front view (see FIG. 2), and the front surface is protected by a front frame 10 holding a transparent glass plate. The front frame 10 is provided with various illuminated lamps so as to surround the glass plate. Inside the illuminated lamp, an illuminated board (not shown) on which an LED or the like is mounted is provided. The illuminated lamp lights up or blinks according to the progress of the game. An upper plate 5 is provided at the lower part of the game board 2. The upper plate 5 supplies a metal game ball to a game ball launcher (not shown) and receives a prize ball. An operation button 9 operated by the player is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 5. Immediately below the upper plate 5, a lower plate 6 for receiving a prize ball is provided. On the right side of the lower plate 6, a launch handle 7 for adjusting the launch of the game ball is provided. The launch handle 7 is provided so that the player can rotate the launch handle 7, and when the player rotates the launch handle 7 to perform the launch operation, the game is played by the game ball launcher with the strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 7. The ball is fired. Speakers 48 are provided at both left and right corners of the upper part of the front frame 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular gaming area 4 surrounded by a guide rail 3 is formed on the front surface of the gaming board 2. The guide rail 3 is formed on an arc from the left side to the upper side of the game area 4. An upper center decoration 21 is provided at substantially the center of the upper part of the game area 4. The game ball launched by the game ball launcher is guided to the game area 4 by the guide rail 3 and flows down in the game area 4. A game ball launched with a firing intensity less than a predetermined intensity flows down the left side of the upper center decoration 21, and a game ball launched with a firing intensity higher than a predetermined intensity flows down the right side of the upper center decoration 21. In the following explanation, launching a game ball so that the game ball flows down the left side of the upper center decoration 21 is called "left-handed", and launching the game ball so that the game ball flows down the right side of the upper center decoration 21. Doing is called "right-handed".

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper center decoration 21 mainly includes an effect symbol display unit 38, a warp passage 211, a rolling unit 213, and a first starting port 12. The effect symbol display unit 38 is arranged substantially in the center of the upper part of the upper center decoration 21. The effect symbol display unit 38 is configured by using three large 7-segment LEDs, and can display various numbers, characters, symbols, and the like. The effect symbol display unit 38 can execute the notification effect. The notification effect is the result of the jackpot determination by using three large 7-segment LEDs to change the effect symbol, which is the symbol for the effect, and then confirming and displaying the combination of the effect symbols indicating the result of the jackpot determination. Is notified to the player.

The warp passage 211 is provided on the left side of the effect symbol display unit 38. The warp passage 211 includes an entrance portion 211A in the upper left portion. The entrance portion 211A is configured so that the ball cannot easily enter the entrance portion 211A by arranging a game nail or the like around the entrance portion 211A, which is generally called a “dive”.

The rolling portion 213 is provided on the lower right side of the warp passage 211. The rolling portion 213 has a dish shape in which the upper side of a substantially rectangular shape opens in a plan view, and is provided with a concave portion on the inside on which the game ball can roll. A hole 213A is provided at substantially the center of the bottom of the rolling portion 213. The hole 213A discharges the game ball downward from the rolling portion 213.

The first starting port 12 is a winning opening arranged at substantially the center of the lower part of the upper center decoration 21. The first starting port 12 functions as a starting port for the first special symbol described later. A part of the game ball entered from the entrance portion 211A of the warp passage 211 and discharged from the hole 213A of the rolling portion 213 wins a prize in the first starting port 12. The game ball discharged from the hole 213A but not winning the first starting port 12 is discharged below the upper center decoration 21 and returns to the game area 4.

The lower center decoration 22 is provided below the upper center decoration 21, that is, substantially in the center of the lower part of the game area 4. A detailed description of the lower center decoration 22 will be described later, but a first large winning opening 16 is provided at the upper part of the lower center decoration 22. The first big winning opening 16 is a winning opening related to a special electric accessory (an accessory that changes the size of the entrance of the winning opening based on the result of the big hit determination).

The first large winning opening 16 includes a shutter 161. The shutter 161 is a substantially V-shaped plate member that opens downward in front view. The shutter 161 extends in the front-rear direction by a predetermined length, and forms a closed state and an open state, respectively. The closed state is a state in which the game ball cannot win a prize in the first large winning opening 16 by protruding forward from the game board 2, and the open state is a state in which the game ball is retracted to the rear of the game board 2. A state in which a game ball can be awarded to the large prize opening 16.

At the upper right of the lower center decoration 22, a second large winning opening 17, which is a special electric accessory, is provided. The second large winning opening 17 includes a shutter 171. The shutter 171 has a longitudinal direction in the left-right direction and has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction with a predetermined length. The shutter 171 forms a closed state and an open state, respectively. The closed state means that the game ball cannot win the second major winning opening 17 by protruding forward from the game board 2, and the open state means the second state by retracting to the rear of the game board 2. A state in which a game ball can be awarded to the large prize opening 17.

Below the second prize opening 17, a gate 11 through which a game ball can pass is provided. The gate 11 is an operating gate having a normal design, which will be described later. A second starting port 13 is provided below the gate 11. The second starting port 13 is a winning opening related to an ordinary electric accessory (an accessory that changes the size of the entrance of the winning opening based on the result of the ordinary hit determination). The second starting port 13 functions as a starting port for the second special symbol described later. The second starting port 13 includes a shutter 131. The shutter 131 has a substantially flat plate shape shorter than the shutter 171 in the left-right direction. The shutter 131 forms a closed state and an open state, respectively. The closed state means a state in which the game ball cannot win a prize in the second starting port 13 by protruding forward from the game board 2, and the open state means a state in which the game ball cannot win a prize by retracting to the rear of the game board 2. A state in which a game ball can be awarded to the mouth 13.

The shutters 131, 161, 171 are electrically opened or closed by being driven by the second starting port solenoid (not shown), the first winning opening solenoid 18, and the second winning opening solenoid (not shown). Be made. The game ball can win a prize in each of the second starting opening 13, the first big winning opening 16 and the second big winning opening 17 only when the shutters 131, 161 and 171 are in the open state.

In addition to the above, the game area 4 is provided with an out port 29, various illumination members, other winning openings, a game nail, and the like. The out port 29 is provided at the lower part of the game board 2. Of the game balls that flow down the game area 4, the game balls that do not win any of the first start port 12, the second start port 13, the large winning opening, and other winning openings, and flow down to the lower part of the game area 4. After passing through the out port 29, it is discharged to the outside of the game area 4.

Since each game member is arranged as described above in the game area 4, the left-handed game ball is more likely to win a prize in the first starting port 12 than the right-handed game ball. It is difficult for a right-handed game ball to win a prize in the first starting port 12. Further, the right-handed game ball is more likely to pass through or win the gate 11, the second starting port 13, and the second big winning opening 17 than the left-handed game ball. It is difficult for a left-handed game ball to pass through or win a prize at the gate 11, the second starting opening 13, and the second major winning opening 17. It should be noted that both the left-handed game ball and the right-handed game ball can be won in the first large winning opening 16.

A symbol display unit 24 is provided at the lower left of the game board 2. The symbol display unit 24 includes a first special symbol display unit, a second special symbol display unit, a normal symbol display unit, and the like. The first special symbol display unit and the second special symbol display unit are each composed of a plurality of LEDs, and the first special symbol indicating the result of the first jackpot determination and the second special symbol indicating the result of the second jackpot determination are displayed. indicate. Hereinafter, when the first jackpot judgment and the second jackpot judgment are collectively referred to, or when any of them is not specified, it is also referred to as a jackpot judgment. The normal symbol display unit displays the result of the normal hit determination by turning on and off the LED.

The game outline of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a big hit game, a small hit game, and a normal hit game. The jackpot game is executed by operating the accessory continuous operation device by the operation of the condition device. The condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device. The accessory continuous operation device is a device for causing a big hit game state in which the big winning opening is continuously operated. In the present embodiment, when the condition device is activated, the accessory continuous actuating device is activated. In the pachinko machine 1, the condition device operates when the game ball passes through a specific area inside the big winning opening. The specific area of the present embodiment is the specific area 291A (see FIG. 3) inside the first large winning opening 16. In the following description, the state in which the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operating (the state in which the big hit game is performed) is referred to as the big hit game state.

The pachinko machine 1 makes a first big hit determination when a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 12. In the first jackpot determination, the determination result of the small hit or the miss is derived based on the first jackpot random number. When it is determined to be a small hit in the first big hit determination, the first special symbol indicating that the determination result is a small hit is confirmed and displayed on the first special symbol display unit of the symbol display unit 24. After that, a small hit game is executed in the lower center decoration 22. In the small hit game, the shutter 161 of the first big winning opening 16 is opened and closed based on a predetermined opening and closing operation pattern, so that the first big winning opening 16 is opened. At the stage where it is determined that the hit is a small hit by the big hit determination, the condition device does not operate and the accessory continuous operation device does not operate either. In the small hit game, the first big winning opening 16 performs one opening / closing operation according to the opening / closing operation pattern. In the small hit game, the big winning opening does not open and close multiple times. It should be noted that it is not prevented that one opening / closing operation of the large winning opening in the small hit game is configured by using the open state of one large winning opening a plurality of times.

In the small hit game of the present embodiment, when the game ball wins a prize in the first large winning opening 16 in the open state in the lower center decoration 22 and passes through the specific area 291A, the condition device is activated. When the accessory continuous operation device is activated along with the operation of the condition device, a big hit game state is generated, and a big hit game in which the big winning opening opens and closes a plurality of times is executed following the small hit game. In the pachinko machine 1, the jackpot game is executed by the second big winning opening 17 performing an opening / closing operation based on a predetermined opening / closing operation pattern.

Further, the pachinko machine 1 makes a normal hit determination when the game ball passes through the gate 11. In the ordinary hit determination, the determination result of the ordinary hit or the loss is derived based on the ordinary hit random number. When it is determined to be a normal hit in the normal hit determination, a normal symbol indicating that the determination result is a normal hit is confirmed and displayed on the normal symbol display unit of the symbol display unit 24. After that, the shutter 131 of the second starting port 13 performs an opening / closing operation based on a predetermined opening / closing operation pattern, so that a normal hit game in which the second starting port 13 is opened is executed.

The pachinko machine 1 makes a second big hit determination when the right-handed gaming ball wins a prize in the second starting port 13. In the second jackpot determination, the determination result of the small hit or the miss is derived based on the second jackpot random number. When it is determined to be a small hit in the second big hit determination, the second special symbol indicating that the determination result is a small hit is confirmed and displayed on the second special symbol display unit of the symbol display unit 24. After that, a small hit game is executed. When a game ball wins a prize in the first big winning opening 16 that has been opened in the small hit game and the winning game ball passes through the specific area 291A, the above-mentioned big hit game state occurs, and the big hit is followed by the small hit game. The game is executed.

The specific structure of the lower center decoration 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The lower center decoration 22 includes a main body 23 and a frame-shaped plate 31. The main body 23 is a housing made of a transparent resin having an open front surface. The frame-shaped plate 31 is formed in a frame shape penetrating in the front-rear direction in the front view, and is fixed to the front side of the main body 23. The frame-shaped plate 31 includes a front decorative portion 32, a first large winning opening 16, a shutter 161, a first large winning opening solenoid 18, a flow passage 162, and the like.

The front decorative portion 32 is fixed to the front surface side of the frame-shaped plate 31. The first large winning opening 16 is provided on the upper part of the frame-shaped plate 31 and opens upward. The shutter 161 is provided above the frame-shaped plate 31 and directly above the first large winning opening 16, and is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward. The first large winning opening solenoid 18 is provided above the frame-shaped plate 31 and behind the shutter 161 to move the shutter 161 in and out. The flow passage 162 is provided above the frame-shaped plate 31 and directly below the shutter 161. The flow passage 162 is a passage through which the game ball that has won a prize in the first large winning opening 16 passes, and extends diagonally downward to the left.

The main body 23 includes a flow passage 50, a flow passage 70, a storage device 25, a lower center stage 28, passages 291 to 293, a specific area 291A, a non-specific area 292A, 293A, a rotating accessory 26, a motor (not shown), and the like. ..

The flow passage 50 is a passage for a game ball provided inside the lower center decoration 22. The flow passage 50 is connected to the downstream end of the flow passage 162 of the frame-shaped plate 31. Although the detailed structure will be described later, the flow passage 50 faces the left side in the main body 23 and is connected to the flow passage 70 at the downstream end. The flow passage 70 extends downward on the left side in the main body 23 and connects to the passage 292 described later. The storage device 25 is provided in the upper left portion of the main body 23, stops one game ball flowing through the flow passage 70, and discharges it onto the lower center stage 28 described later at a predetermined timing.

The lower center stage 28 is provided in a substantially middle stage in the main body 23. The lower center stage 28 includes a rolling surface 281 and a discharge path 282. The lower center stage 28 is formed in a substantially mortar shape, and the rolling surface 281 is formed on the upper surface of the lower center stage 28. At the center of the rolling surface 281 is provided with a circular opening 287 into which a game ball can enter. A passage 291 is connected to the opening 287. The passage 291 extends downward from the opening 287 and communicates with the lower discharge port 291B provided on the bottom wall portion of the main body 23. The passage 291 is provided with a specific area 291A. A peripheral wall 285 is erected on the outer periphery of the rolling surface 281. The peripheral wall 285 is provided with a plurality of discharge ports 286 through which the game ball can pass.

The discharge path 282 is provided so as to surround the outer circumference of the rolling surface 281. The discharge path 282 is provided lower than the rolling surface 281, and the game ball that has passed through the plurality of discharge ports 286 rolls. A hole 283 is provided in the left portion of the discharge path 282, and a hole 284 is provided in the right portion. A passage 292 is connected to the hole 283. The passage 292 extends downward from the hole 283 of the discharge path 282 and communicates with the left discharge port 292B provided at the lower part of the left wall of the main body 23. The passage 292 is provided with a non-specific area 292A. A passage 293 is connected to the hole 284. The passage 293 extends downward from the hole 284 of the discharge path 282 and communicates with the right discharge port 293B provided at the lower part of the right wall of the main body 23. The passage 293 is provided with a non-specific area 293A.

The game ball that has won a prize in the first large winning opening 16 passes through either the specific area 291A or the non-specific area 292A or 293A. When the game ball winning in the first big winning opening 16 passes through the specific area 291A, the condition device is activated and a big hit gaming state is generated. On the other hand, when the game ball winning in the first large winning opening 16 passes only in the non-specific areas 292A and 293A, the condition device does not operate and returns to the state before the small hit game is performed.

The rotating accessory 26 is provided inside the opening 287 of the rolling surface 281 and is rotatably supported around a rotating shaft 263 that extends in the vertical direction and projects upward through the opening 287. A blade member 265 having a plurality of blades is provided in the middle portion of the rotating shaft 263 and directly above the opening 287. The motor is provided below the lower center stage 28. The motor is connected to the rotary shaft 263. When the motor is driven, the blade member 265 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 263.

A specific structure of the flow passage 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow passage 50 includes the flow passages 51, 52, 53. The flow passages 51, 52, and 53 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and game balls circulate inside. The inner diameters of the flow passages 51, 52, and 53 are larger than the diameter of the game ball (for example, 11.0 mm) (for example, 11.7 mm). The flow passage 51 has a cylindrical shape extending downward and downward, and has an inlet 51A at the upper end of the front end portion. The front end of the flow passage 51 is connected to the downstream end of the flow passage 162 from above, and the game ball that has passed through the flow passage 162 enters the flow passage 50 via the inlet 51A.

The flow passage 52 has a cylindrical shape extending while tilting downward to the left (in the I direction in FIG. 6). The upper right end of the flow passage 52 is connected to the rear lower end, which is the downstream end of the flow passage 51. The game ball that has rolled backward in the flow passage 51 enters the flow passage 52 and rolls to the left. The flow passage 52 includes a weir portion 61, an opening 62, a slit 63, and a detection unit 64.

As shown in FIG. 7, the weir portion 61 includes a first convex portion 61A and a second convex portion 61B. The first convex portion 61A is provided so as to project from the rear surface to the front side of the inner surface of the flow passage 52. The second convex portion 61B is provided so as to project from the front surface to the rear side of the inner surface of the flow passage 52, and faces the first convex portion 61A in the front-rear direction. The first convex portion 61A and the second convex portion 61B are provided at positions where they do not overlap each other in the I direction in which the game ball flows. The distance between the first convex portion 61A and the second convex portion 61B is longer than the diameter of the game ball and shorter than the diameter of the large ball (for example, 11.5 mm) larger than the game ball (for example, 11.2 mm). .. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 (1), the game ball K that has entered the flow passage 52 flows through the flow passage 52 while meandering in the front-rear direction by the dam portion 61. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 (2), the distribution of the large ball K'that has entered the flow passage 52 is blocked by the weir portion 61.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the opening 62, the slit 63, and the detection unit 64 are all provided at positions corresponding to the large balls K'which are blocked by the weir portion 61 in the I direction in which the game ball flows. .. The opening 62 opens the upper end of the flow passage 52 in the vertical direction. The width of the opening 62 is larger than the diameter of the large ball K', and the large ball K'blocked by the dam 61 can pass through. The slit 63 opens the front end of the flow passage 52 in the front-rear direction. The slit 63 extends in the vertical direction toward the opening 62, and its width in the horizontal direction is smaller than the diameter of the game ball K (see FIG. 8). The lower end of the slit 63 is located near the lower end of the inner surface of the flow passage 52 in the front-rear direction.

The detection unit 64 is a proximity sensor that detects a game ball K or a large ball K ′ that is close to the detection unit 64. The detection unit 64 detects the game ball K or the large ball K'within 4 mm from the detection unit 64. When there is a game ball K or a large ball K'in the vicinity of the detection unit 64, the detection unit 64 outputs a detection signal (ON signal) to a control unit (not shown) that controls the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. 8 (1), when the game ball K enters the flow passage 52, the game ball K can circulate in the flow passage 52, so that the detection unit 64 has the game ball K close to the detection unit 64. The detection signal is output to the control unit only for a while. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 (2), when the large ball K'enters the flow passage 52, the flow of the large ball K'is blocked by the dam 61, so that the detection unit 64 sends the detection signal to the control unit. Always output. The control unit determines whether either the game ball K or the large ball K'has entered the flow passage 52 according to the time for receiving the detection signal. When the control unit determines that the large ball K'has entered the flow passage 52, the control unit executes notification by output of voice by the speaker 48, light emission of an illuminated member (not shown), or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow passage 53 has a cylindrical shape extending while sloping backward. The front upper end portion of the flow passage 53 is connected to the left lower end portion which is the downstream end portion of the flow passage 52. The rear lower end of the flow passage 53 is connected to the upstream end of the flow passage 70. The game ball that has rolled backward in the flow passage 53 enters the flow passage 70.

The main effects of the present embodiment described above will be described. Needless to say, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment exerts various effects other than the effects described below.

The pachinko machine 1 includes a lower center decoration 22. The lower center decoration 22 includes a cylindrical flow passage 52 through which a game ball circulates. The flow passage 52 includes a weir portion 61 and a detection portion 64. The dam 61 passes the game ball K that has entered the flow passage 52, but blocks the distribution of the large ball K'that has entered the flow passage 52. The detection unit 64 is provided at a position corresponding to the large ball K'which is blocked by the damming portion 61 in the direction (I direction) in which the game ball K is distributed. The detection unit 64 detects a large ball K'that is blocked by the damming portion 61. In this way, the detection unit 64 is provided at a position corresponding to the large ball K'that is blocked by the dam 61, and detects the large ball that is blocked by the dam 61. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can reliably detect the large ball K'inside the lower center decoration 22.

Further, the flow passage 52 further includes an opening 62. The opening 62 is provided at a position corresponding to the large ball K'which is blocked by the damming portion 61 in the I direction. The opening 62 opens the upper end of the flow passage 52 in the vertical direction. The width of the opening 62 is larger than the diameter of the large ball K', and the large ball K'blocked by the dam 61 can pass through. When the large ball K'is dammed by the dam 61, the operator of the game hall can pull out the large ball K'from the flow passage 52 through the opening 62. As a result, the pachinko machine 1 can promptly resume the progress of the game even when the large ball K'is blocked inside the lower center decoration 22.

Further, the flow passage 52 further includes a slit 63. The slit 63 is provided at a position corresponding to the large ball K'which is blocked by the damming portion 61 in the I direction. The slit 63 opens the front end of the flow passage 52 in the front-rear direction. The slit 63 extends in the vertical direction toward the opening 62, and its width in the horizontal direction is smaller than the diameter of the game ball K. When the large ball K'is blocked by the dam 61, the operator of the amusement park inserts a rod-shaped member into the slit 63 and pushes the large ball K'toward the opening 62 to push the large ball K'from the flow passage 52 to the large ball. K'can be easily extracted. As a result, the pachinko machine 1 can resume the progress of the game more quickly even when the large ball K'is blocked inside the lower center decoration 22.

Further, the weir portion 61 includes a first convex portion 61A and a second convex portion 61B. The first convex portion 61A is provided so as to project from the rear surface to the front side of the inner surface of the flow passage 52. The second convex portion 61B is provided so as to project from the front surface to the rear side of the inner surface of the flow passage 52, and faces the first convex portion 61A in the front-rear direction. The first convex portion 61A and the second convex portion 61B are provided at positions where they do not overlap each other in the I direction in which the game ball flows. As a result, the game ball K that has entered the flow passage 52 flows through the flow passage 52 while meandering in the front-rear direction by the dam portion 61. Therefore, the game ball K can smoothly flow through the dam 61 as compared with the case where the first convex portion 61A and the second convex portion 61B are provided at overlapping positions in the I direction.

Further, the detection unit 64 can further detect the game ball K that has entered the flow passage 52. When the game ball K enters the flow passage 52, the game ball K can circulate in the flow passage 52, so that the detection unit 64 outputs a detection signal to the control unit only while the game ball K is close to the detection unit 64. .. On the other hand, when the large ball K'enters the flow passage 52, the flow of the large ball K'is blocked by the dam 61, so that the detection unit 64 constantly outputs the detection signal to the control unit. The control unit determines whether either the game ball K or the large ball K'has entered the flow passage 52 according to the time for receiving the detection signal. In this way, the detection unit 64 can detect both the game ball K and the large ball K'. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 does not need to separately provide a means for detecting the game ball K circulating in the flow passage 52 in the lower center decoration 22, and the lower center decoration 22 can be miniaturized.

In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 corresponds to the "game machine" of the present invention. The flow passage 52 corresponds to the "flow passage" of the present invention. The lower center decoration 22 corresponds to the "accessory device" of the present invention. The opening 62 corresponds to the "opening" of the present invention. The vertical direction corresponds to the "opening direction" of the present invention. The I direction shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the "distribution direction" of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. The game specifications are not limited to the above embodiments. That is, the present invention is not limited to the so-called two-type gaming machine as in the above embodiment, but all gaming specifications such as one-type (so-called seven-machine), one-type two-type mixed type, and general electric service type. It can be applied to the game machines of.

The arrangement of various configurations in the pachinko machine 1 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the flow passage 52 may extend in the vertical direction. In this case, the game ball flows down the inside of the flow passage 52. Further, the detection unit 64 may be a sensor other than the proximity sensor (for example, an optical sensor or the like). The detection unit 64 may be able to detect only a large ball without detecting a game ball. Further, the flow passage 52 may include a sensor other than the detection unit 64 that detects a large ball. This sensor is not limited to a game ball or a large ball, and may detect, for example, an electromagnetic wave. Since the large ball goto, which is a fraudulent act using a large ball, may irradiate an electromagnetic wave from the outside of the pachinko machine 1, the pachinko machine 1 can further detect that the large ball goto is being performed. Further, the lower center decoration 22 may include a sensor capable of detecting a large ball in addition to the detection unit 64.

Further, the configuration of the dam portion 61 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the dam portion 61 may be provided so as to project inward from a surface other than the lower portion of the inner surface of the flow passage 52. In this case, in the cross section orthogonal to the I direction of the flow passage 52, the dam portion 61 has an arch shape that is convex upward. The damming portion 61 may be provided with a configuration for damming a large ball in addition to the first convex portion 61A and the second convex portion 61B. The number of the first convex portion 61A and the second convex portion 61B may be a plurality, not one as in the above embodiment.

Further, the flow passage 52 does not have to be provided with the opening 62. In this case, for example, the flow passage 50 may be configured so that the operator of the amusement park can pull out a large ball from the first large winning opening 16. Further, the flow passage 52 does not have to be provided with the slit 63. The shape of the slit 63 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the slit 63 may extend toward the opening 62 while gently bending in the vertical direction in which the opening 62 opens. Further, the flow passage 52 may be provided with a mechanism for discharging the game ball blocked by the dam 61 from the flow passage 52. For example, the flow passage 52 is provided with a slit at the lower portion, and a member provided directly under the slit projects to the inside of the flow passage 52 through the slit by a driving force of a solenoid or the like, and is blocked by a dam portion 61. A mechanism for pushing up the game ball toward the opening 62 may be provided.

Further, the mode of notification executed by the control unit that determines that the large ball K'has entered the flow passage 52 is not limited to the above embodiment. The control unit may notify, for example, that the large ball K'has entered the flow passage 52 via a game hall management computer (so-called hall computer) that collectively manages the game machines installed in the game hall. .. As a result, the operator of the amusement park can know at an early stage that the large ball K'has entered the distribution passage 52.

Furthermore, all elements described in the claims, specification, and drawings may be physically single or plural, unless there is a clear statement that consciously limits the number. It does not matter, and the arrangement may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the element names (names given to the elements) used in the claims and specifications are merely given for convenience in the description of this case, which may give rise to a special meaning. I am not particularly conscious of. That is, the element name alone does not limit the interpretation of what the element is. For example, the "weir portion" may be a single piece of hardware or a part containing software. Furthermore, whether a plurality of elements among all the elements are appropriately integrally configured or one element is divided into a plurality of elements is not specified in the scope of claims, etc. However, since it is a matter that can be considered extremely easily by those skilled in the art, all patterns are within the assumed range even if all the patterns are not described in the specification, etc., and therefore are included in the scope of rights according to the present invention. Of course. Therefore, simply adopting a gaming machine having a structural difference within such a range because it is not described in the present embodiment does not mean that the right according to the present invention has been circumvented. .. In addition, the same applies to differences in the configuration and shape of each element within a self-evident range that can be easily considered by those skilled in the art from the present embodiment.

1 Pachinko machine 22 Lower center decoration 52 Flow passage 61 Weiring part 61A First convex part 61B Second convex part 62 Opening 63 Slit 64 Detection part

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine equipped with a bonus device having a cylindrical flow passage through which a gaming ball circulates in a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
The flow passage is provided with a weir portion that blocks the flow of large balls larger than the game ball.
The accessory device is a gaming machine characterized in that a detection unit for detecting the large ball is provided at a position corresponding to the large ball blocked by the dam. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the flow passage is provided with an opening having a width larger than the diameter of the large ball at a position corresponding to the large ball blocked by the dam. The flow passage is provided at a position corresponding to the large ball blocked by the dam, extends in the opening direction in which the opening opens, and has a width orthogonal to the opening direction narrower than the diameter of the game ball. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising a slit. The dam is
A first convex portion protruding from the inner surface of the flow passage to the inside of the flow passage,
It is provided with a second convex portion that protrudes from the inner surface of the flow passage to the inside of the flow passage and is provided so as to face the first convex portion.
The first convex portion and the second convex portion according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow passage is provided at a position where the flow passage does not overlap with each other in the distribution direction in which the game ball flows. Gaming machine. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection unit can further detect the gaming ball circulating inside the flow passage.

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