JP2023061744A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine which is easy in maintenance.SOLUTION: A performance unit 40 can be removed by releasing the lock by locking means (attachment mechanism 70). Performance means of the performance unit 40 includes at least one of display means (display unit 48), light-emitting means (light-emitting unit 46), and driving means (stepping motor 45). When the connection is completed and power is supplied, the performance means of the performance unit 40 can execute a predetermined performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a pachinko game machine, which is an example of a game machine, configured to be able to execute an effect of moving a movable body. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a logo-shaped movable body provided above a liquid crystal screen as seen from a player. The logo-shaped movable body behaves as if it were falling during execution of a variable game. This enhances the player's interest.

JP 2021-065289 A

It is considered that the maintenance of the effect unit, which is an example of a movable body, and its related structure can be facilitated by removing the effect unit. That is, if the effect unit can be easily removed and installed, maintenance of the effect unit and its related structure will be facilitated.

A game machine that solves the above problems includes one or more base units, a wiring section on the side of the base unit, an effect unit having effect means, a wiring part on the side of the effect unit, and a wiring part on the side of the base unit. a locking means configured to attach the production unit to a specified position of the base unit by locking in a connected state in which the production unit is electrically connected to the wiring portion of the production unit; a guide means configured to guide the effect unit to a prescribed position of the base unit, the effect unit being removable by releasing the locking by the locking means; The effect means included in the unit includes at least one of display means, light emitting means, and drive means, and when the effect unit is in the connected state and power is being supplied, the effect means included in the effect unit The gist is that it is configured so that a predetermined effect can be executed.

In the gaming machine, there are a plurality of the effect units, some of the plurality of effect units have a shape different from that of other effect units, and the locking means connects the plurality of effect units to the It may be constructed so that it can be attached by locking to a defined position of the base unit.

In the gaming machine, the locking means may be configured to attach the removed effect unit or a different effect unit to a prescribed position of the base unit by locking. .

In the gaming machine, one of the wiring portion on the base unit side and the wiring portion on the effect unit side is a convex connector, and the other wiring portion is a concave connector. A connector as a wiring portion on the side of the base unit and a connector as a wiring portion on the side of the effect unit are preferably connected by fitting in a mounting state in which the effect unit is attached to a specified position of the unit. .

In the game machine, there are a plurality of the locking means, and the plurality of locking means are configured so that the same number of the effect units as the plurality of locking means can be attached to the prescribed position of the base unit by locking. and the plurality of locking means are preferably configured so that a smaller number of the effect units than the plurality of locking means can be attached to the prescribed position of the base unit.

The present invention facilitates maintenance.

It is a diagram showing an outline of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows a game board unit. It is the figure which partially decomposed|disassembled the game board unit. FIG. 3 shows a base unit; It is a figure which shows the state which attached the production|presentation unit with respect to the base unit. (a) is an enlarged view of the upper left mounting portion of the base unit, (b) is an enlarged view of the mounting portion of the presentation unit, and (c) is an enlarged view of the base unit. It is a figure which shows the state which attached the attachment part in the performance effect unit with respect to a certain upper left attachment part. It is a figure which shows the state which attached the attachment part in a middle production unit with respect to the right middle attachment part and the lower right attachment part in a base unit. It is a figure which shows the electrical structure of a pachinko game machine. (a) to (c) are diagrams showing a specific example of a cantilever type presentation unit. (a) and (b) are diagrams showing a specific example of a double-supported presentation effect unit. (a) is a diagram showing a specific example of a special effect unit, (b) is a diagram showing a specific example of a middle effect unit not equipped with a stepping motor, and (c) is a diagram showing a lower effect It is a figure which shows a specific example of a unit, (d) is a figure which shows a specific example of the production|presentation unit in which the stepping motor is mounted. (a) to (f) are diagrams showing a specific example in which a production unit is attached.

An embodiment of the pachinko game machine will be described below.
Upward, downward, leftward, rightward, forward, and rearward directions shown in this specification are directions viewed from a player playing a game on the pachinko gaming machine.

An outline of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is a circulation-type gaming machine configured to circulate a predetermined number of game balls inside the machine. Not limited to this, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a non-recycling gaming machine. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to receive game balls from an island facility (not shown) and return game balls to the island facility. The game ball may be either magnetic or non-magnetic.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a machine frame 11 as an example of a frame and a game board unit 20. - 特許庁The fuselage frame 11 has a function of fixing the fuselage to the island facility. The body frame 11 has a function of holding the game board unit 20 . The game board unit 20 has a function of providing games using game balls. The game board unit 20 has a function of providing an effect according to the progress of the game. A presentation may include a case provided by the body frame 11 .

The body frame 11 will be explained.
The body frame 11 includes an outer frame 12, a middle frame 13, and a front frame 14. - 特許庁The outer frame 12 functions as a fixed frame that is fixed to the island facility with nails or the like. The middle frame 13 functions as a mounting frame on which various game parts can be mounted. The middle frame 13 has a mechanism for holding a game board unit 20, which is one of the game components. As an example, the middle frame 13 has a fitting portion 13A into which the game board unit 20 is fitted. The fitting portion 13A is preferably a recess or hole having a shape corresponding to the game board unit 20 . The middle frame 13 has a fixing mechanism 13B configured to fix the game board unit 20 fitted in the fitting portion 13A. As an example, the fixing mechanism 13B may be configured to sandwich and fix a part of the game board unit 20 (an upper wall 31a of the base unit 30, which will be described later). The game board unit 20 is attached to the middle frame 13 by fixing using the fixing mechanism 13B. The game board unit 20 is removed from the middle frame 13 by releasing the fixing using the fixing mechanism 13B.

The front frame 14 has a protective glass 14a. The protective glass 14a protects the game parts mounted on the middle frame 13. - 特許庁That is, the front frame 14 functions as a protective frame. The middle frame 13 is supported so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 12 . The front frame 14 is supported so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame 13 .

The body frame 11 has a locking device 11A for locking the body frame 11 . The locking device 11A can be locked and unlocked using a matching key. The middle frame 13 can be opened with respect to the outer frame 12 when the locking device 11A is unlocked. The front frame 14 can be opened with respect to the middle frame 13 when the locking device 11A is unlocked. The game board unit 20 is attached to and removed from the middle frame 13 while the front frame 14 is opened from the middle frame 13 .

The fuselage frame 11 has a firing operation section 15 . The shooting operation unit 15 is an example of means capable of operating to shoot a game ball. As an example, the firing operation part 15 is provided on the front side of the middle frame 13 . As an example, the firing operation part 15 is a handle type. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured to launch a game ball with a shooting intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the shooting operation section 15. - 特許庁The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a performance operating section 16. - 特許庁The effect operation unit 16 is an example of means that can be operated by the player. The effect operation unit 16 may be any of a button type, a lever type, and a touch sensor type. The pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a plurality of effect operation units 16 or may be provided with one effect operation unit 16.例文帳に追加

The body frame 11 is provided with an audio production device 17, for example a speaker. As an example, the sound effect device 17 is arranged on the front side of the middle frame 13 . The sound effect device 17 can execute effect of outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound effect) and notification of outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound notification). For example, the predetermined voice is a piece of music, a sound effect, a human voice reading out a predetermined character string, and the like.

The body frame 11 is provided with a light emitting effect device 18. - 特許庁The light-emitting effect device 18 can perform effects (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting effects) by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing light emitters (not shown) such as LEDs. The light emission effect device 18 can execute notification (hereinafter referred to as notification light emission) by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of a light emitter (not shown). As an example, the lighting effect device 18 is arranged on the middle frame 13 . Not limited to this, the light emitting effect device 18 may be arranged in the game board unit 20 instead of the machine frame 11 or in addition to the machine frame 11 .

The middle frame 13 includes a radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves (see FIG. 8). The radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The game board unit 20 may be provided with a radio wave sensor in addition to the radio wave sensor D16 in the middle frame 13 so that the game board unit 20 can detect abnormal radio waves. The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism exceeding a predetermined strength as abnormal magnetism. Not limited to this, the pachinko game machine 10 may have a magnetic sensor in one or both of the middle frame 13 and the game board unit 20, and may be configured to detect the approach of a magnet.

The middle frame 13 has a first door opening switch D17 for detecting that the front frame 14 is opened with respect to the middle frame 13 (see FIG. 8). The first door open switch D17 outputs a first door open signal when the opening of the front frame 14 is detected. The middle frame 13 has a second door opening switch D18 for detecting that the middle frame 13 is opened with respect to the outer frame 12 (see FIG. 8). The second door open switch D18 outputs a second door open signal when the opening of the middle frame 13 is detected.

The game board unit 20 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game board unit 20 includes a display effect device 19, a base unit 30, a effect unit 40, a game board 50, an information display device 60, a main control board 80, a sub and a control board 81 . The base unit 30 is detachably fixed to the middle frame 13 . The display effect device 19 , the main control board 80 and the sub control board 81 are fixed to the rear side of the base unit 30 . The effect unit 40 is detachable from the front side of the base unit 30 . The game board 50 is detachable from the front side of the base unit 30 .

The pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that the game board unit 20 can be integrally attached to and detached from the middle frame 13 . The pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that the performance unit 40 can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30 while the base unit 30 is attached to the middle frame 13. - 特許庁The pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that the game board 50 can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30 while the base unit 30 is attached to the middle frame 13.例文帳に追加

The base unit 30 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, by way of example, the base unit 30 is configured as a single rectangular frame-shaped component. The base unit 30 is not limited to this, and may be configured by combining a plurality of parts. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 preferably has one or more base units 30 . The base unit 30 has a square plate-shaped base wall 31 arranged to intersect the front-rear direction. A display window 31g is formed in the center or approximately the center of the base wall 31 so as to penetrate therethrough in the front-rear direction. The base unit 30 has an upper wall 31a, a lower wall 31b, a left wall 31c, and a right wall 31d as walls extending forward from four edges of the base wall 31, respectively.

The base wall 31 has a portion where the display effect device 19 is attached to the rear surface of the base wall 31 . The base wall 31 has a portion where the main control board 80 is attached to the rear surface of the base wall 31 . The base wall 31 has a portion where the sub-control board 81 is attached to the rear surface of the base wall 31 . A display rendering device 19, a main control board 80, and a sub-control board 81 are attached to these parts, respectively.

The base unit 30 has a wiring connector 32 . The wiring connector 32 is an example of a wiring portion on the base unit 30 side. As an example, the wiring connector 32 includes an upper wiring connector 32a and a lower wiring connector 32b. The wiring connectors 32 a and 32 b are fixed to the surface of the base wall 31 . The upper wiring connector 32a is fixed to a portion of the base wall 31 on the side of the upper wall 31a and at the center or substantially the center in the left-right direction. The lower wiring connector 32b is fixed to a portion of the base wall 31 on the lower wall 31b side and at the center or substantially the center in the left-right direction.

Base unit 30 has one or more mounting portions 33 . The attachment portion 33 is a portion for attaching the effect unit 40 to the base unit 30 . As an example, the base unit 30 has multiple mounting portions 33 . The multiple mounting portions 33 include an upper mounting portion 33A, a middle mounting portion 33B, and a lower mounting portion 33C. It is preferable that there are two each of the mounting portions 33A to 33C. However, the number of attachment portions 33A to 33C may be one, or three or more. In the following description, the attachment portion 33 on the base unit 30 may be referred to as the attachment portion 33 on the base side. Here, the arrangement position of each mounting portion 33 will be described, and an example of a specific configuration will be described later.

As an example, the upper attachment portion 33A includes an upper left attachment portion 33AL on the left side and an upper right attachment portion 33AR on the right side. As will be described later in detail, the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR are configured to be displaceable. The effect unit 40 attached to the upper mounting portions 33AL, 33AR can be displaced together with the upper mounting portions 33AL, 33AR. The upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR are provided on the surface of the base wall 31 . The upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR are provided in a portion of the base wall 31 on the side of the upper wall 31a and sandwiching the upper wiring connector 32a from the left and right. The upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR are located at both ends of the display window 31g in the horizontal direction. The positions of the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR described here are the original positions of the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR.

The base unit 30 has a drive mechanism 34 that displaces the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR. The drive mechanism 34 has a left drive mechanism 34L that displaces the upper left attachment portion 33AL and a right drive mechanism 34R that displaces the upper right attachment portion 33AR. Each drive mechanism 34L, 34R has a stepping motor 34A, a guide plate 34B, and a shaft 34C rotated by the stepping motor 34A. The guide plate 34B and the shaft 34C extend vertically. A spiral groove is formed in the shaft 34C.

A first portion of the upper left attachment portion 33AL is engaged with the guide plate 34B of the left drive mechanism 34L. A second portion of the upper left mounting portion 33AL, which is different from the first portion, is engaged with a spiral groove formed in the shaft 34C of the left drive mechanism 34L. Therefore, when the shaft 34C is rotated about the axis by the stepping motor 34A of the left drive mechanism 34L, the upper left mounting portion 33AL is displaced upward or downward.

A first portion of the upper right attachment portion 33AR is engaged with the guide plate 34B of the right drive mechanism 34R. A second portion of the upper right attachment portion 33AR, which is different from the first portion, is engaged with a spiral groove formed in the shaft 34C of the right drive mechanism 34R. Therefore, when the shaft 34C is rotated about the axis by the stepping motor 34A of the right drive mechanism 34R, the upper right mounting portion 33AR is displaced upward or downward.

As an example, the middle mounting portion 33B includes a left middle mounting portion 33BL on the left side and a right middle mounting portion 33BR on the right side. The intermediate mounting portions 33BL and 33BR are provided on the surface of the base wall 31. As shown in FIG. The left center mounting portion 33BL is provided on the portion of the base wall 31 on the left wall 31c side and on the left side of the display window 31g. The right middle attachment portion 33BR is provided on the portion of the base wall 31 on the right wall 31d side and on the right side of the display window 31g. As an example, the left center attachment portion 33BL is arranged to the lower left of the upper left attachment portion 33AL. As an example, the right middle attachment portion 33BR is arranged to the lower right of the upper right attachment portion 33AR.

As an example, the lower attachment portion 33C includes a left lower attachment portion 33CL on the left side and a lower right attachment portion 33CR on the right side. The lower mounting portions 33CL and 33CR are provided on the surface of the base wall 31 . The lower left attachment portion 33CL is provided on the portion of the base wall 31 on the left wall 31c side and on the left side of the display window 31g. The lower right mounting portion 33CR is provided on the portion of the base wall 31 on the right wall 31d side and on the right side of the display window 31g. As an example, the lower left attachment portion 33CL is arranged below the middle left attachment portion 33BL. As an example, the right lower attachment portion 33CR is arranged below the right middle attachment portion 33BR.

The base unit 30 has one or more locking holes 35 as an example of means for assembling the game board 50 to the base unit 30 . As an example, one locking hole 35 is formed at each of the four corners of the base unit 30 . As an example, one locking hole 35 is formed at each end of the upper wall 31a extending in the left-right direction. As an example, one locking hole 35 is formed at each end of the lower wall 31b extending in the left-right direction. Each locking hole 35 is an elongated hole extending vertically or horizontally.

The production unit 40 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the game board unit 20 includes a plurality of effect units 40. As shown in FIG. Not limited to this, the game board unit 20 may include one effect unit 40 . Although the details will be described later, there are a plurality of types of the effect unit 40 . The multiple types of effect units 40 have different configurations. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that one or a plurality of performance units out of a plurality of types of performance units 40 can be mounted on the game board unit 20.例文帳に追加A structure for mounting the effect unit 40 on the game board unit 20 will be described in detail below. A specific example regarding the combination of the effect units 40 will be described later.

The effect unit 40 has a base portion 41 and one or more mounting portions 43 . The effect unit 40 may have one or more movable parts 42 . The effect unit 40 may have a wiring connector 44 . The effect unit 40 may have a stepping motor 45 . The effect unit 40 may have a light emitting section 46 capable of executing a light emitting effect. The effect unit 40 may have a display section 48 capable of executing a display effect. The stepping motor 45 , the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48 operate by being supplied with power through the wiring connector 44 . The wiring connector 44 is an example of a wiring section on the effect unit 40 side. The effect unit 40 has an identification element 47 . The identification element 47 stores information for identifying the type of the effect unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as unit identification information).

The base portion 41 is a base component of the effect unit 40 . The base portion 41 may be decorated according to the motif of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The movable part 42 may be decorated according to the motif of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . As an example, the movable part 42 is a part imitating a character, a symbol, a character, or an item corresponding to the motif. The movable portion 42 may have a display portion 48 mounted thereon.

The movable portion 42 is attached to the base portion 41 so as to receive power and perform a predetermined operation. Although details will be described later, the movable portion 42 receives power from a stepping motor 45 mounted on the effect unit 40 or a stepping motor 34A mounted on the base unit 30 . The production unit 40 equipped with the movable part 42 is an example of a production device that executes a movable production by operating the movable part 42 . The motion of the movable part 42 may include one or both of the motion of changing the position of the movable part 42 and the motion of changing the posture of the movable part 42 .

As an example, the movable part 42 is configured to be displaced between the original position P1 and the rendering position P2. As an example, the effect position P2 may be a position that protrudes toward the center of the display windows 31g and 51b from the original position P1 when viewed from the front. The movable part 42 may be configured to be linearly displaced between the original position P1 and the effect position P2, or may be configured to be displaced along a curved line. The movable part 42 is not limited to this, and may be configured to perform an operation such as swinging, turning, or rotating. When the effect unit 40 is attached to the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR, the movable portion 42 of the effect unit 40 is displaced by displacing the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR from their original positions. In this case, the original position P1 and the rendering position P2 of the movable portion 42 may not necessarily match the original positions and destination positions of the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR depending on the configuration of the rendering unit 40. FIG.

The movable part 42, the stepping motor 45, the light emitting part 46, and the display part 48 are examples of the rendering means included in the rendering unit. The stepping motor 45 is an example of driving means. The light emitting unit 46 is an example of light emitting means. The display unit 48 is an example of display means. The effect unit 40 preferably includes at least one of the movable section 42 , the stepping motor 45 , the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48 .

The attachment portion 43 is a portion for attaching the effect unit 40 to the base unit 30 . In the following description, the attachment portion 43 in the effect unit 40 may be referred to as the attachment portion 43 on the effect unit side. One attachment portion 43 is attached to one attachment portion 33 . That is, the mounting portion 33 and the mounting portion 43 correspond to each other. As will be described later, attaching the effect unit side attachment portion 43 to the base side attachment portion 33 includes locking the attachment portion 33 and the attachment portion 43 to each other. Further, removing the effect unit side mounting portion 43 from the base side mounting portion 33 includes releasing the engagement between the mounting portion 33 and the mounting portion 43 .

The effect unit 40 is assembled to the base unit 30 by attaching all the attachment portions 43 of the effect unit 40 to the attachment portions 33 on the base side. The effect unit 40 is removed from the base unit 30 by removing all the mounting parts 43 in the effect unit 40 from the mounting part 33 on the base side. In this way, the multiple effect units 40 are configured to be attachable and detachable with respect to the base unit 30 .

The pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that a plurality of types of performance units 40 can be attached to the base unit 30. - 特許庁As an example, the effect unit 40 includes a effect unit 40A that can be attached using the upper attachment portion 33A on the base side. The performance effect unit 40A has a performance effect unit 40AD that can be attached using both the upper attachment portions 33AL and 33AR. The presentation effect unit 40AD is a two-sided presentation effect unit 40A. The performance effect unit 40A has a performance effect unit 40AL that can be attached using one left middle attachment portion 33BL. The performance effect unit 40A has a performance effect unit 40AR that can be attached using one right middle attachment portion 33BR. The presentation effect units 40AL and 40AR are cantilever type presentation effect units 40A.

The presentation effect units 40AD, 40AL, 40AR do not have the wiring connector 44. - 特許庁The presentation effect units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR may have wiring connectors 44 so as to protrude upward. Here, it is preferable that the wiring connector 44 on the effect unit side is a concave connector, and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side is a convex connector. Not limited to this, the wiring connector 44 on the production unit side may be a convex connector, and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side may be a concave connector. In a state where the production unit 40A is attached to the base unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as an attached state), the wiring connector 44 on the production unit side and the wiring connector 32a on the base side are preferably connected by fitting. .

As an example, the performance effect units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR are not equipped with the stepping motor 45 . The movable part 42 of the performance effect unit 40AD can operate by receiving power from both the left and right drive mechanisms 34R and 34L. The movable part 42 of the performance effect unit 40AL can operate by receiving power from the left driving mechanism 34L. The movable part 42 of the performance effect unit 40AR can operate by receiving power from the right drive mechanism 34R. The presenting effect units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR may be equipped with stepping motors 45 without being limited to this. The movable parts 42 of the presentation units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR may operate by receiving power from a stepping motor 45 in addition to or instead of the stepping motor 34A. For example, the movable parts 42 of the presentation units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR perform a first action (for example, position change) by the power of the stepping motor 34A, and then perform a second action (for example, attitude change) by the power of the stepping motor 45. should be done. The presentation effect units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR may have one or both of the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48, or may not have the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48.

The effect unit 40 has a middle effect unit 40B that can be attached using the middle attachment part 33B. The middle effect unit 40B includes a middle effect unit 40BD that can be attached using both the left and right middle attachment portions 33BL and 33BR. The middle effect unit 40BD is a double-supported middle effect unit 40B. The medium effect unit 40BD may be configured to use both the lower mounting portions 33CL and 33CR, or may be configured to not use the lower mounting portions 33CL and 33CR.

The middle effect unit 40B may include a middle effect unit 40BL that can be attached using one left middle attachment portion 33BL. The middle effect unit 40BL may be configured to use the lower left mounting portion 33CL as well, or may be configured not to use the lower mounting portion 33CL. The middle effect unit 40B may include a middle effect unit 40BR that can be attached using one right middle attachment portion 33BR. The middle effect unit 40BR may be configured to use the lower right mounting portion 33CR as well, or may be configured not to use the lower mounting portion 33CR. The middle effect units 40BL and 40BR are a cantilever type middle effect unit 40B.

A stepping motor 45 is preferably mounted on the intermediate effect units 40BD, 40BL, and 40BR. The movable parts 42 of the medium effect units 40BD, 40BL, 40BR can receive power from a stepping motor 45 and operate. Not limited to this, the middle effect units 40BD, 40BL, and 40BR may not be equipped with the stepping motor 45 . The movable parts 42 of the medium effect units 40BD, 40BL, 40BR may receive power from the drive mechanism 34 and operate. The medium effect units 40BD, 40BL, 40BR may have one or both of the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48, or may not have the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48.

The effect unit 40 has a lower effect unit 40C that can be attached using the lower attachment portion 33C. The lower effect unit 40C includes a lower effect unit 40CD that can be attached using both of the lower attachment portions 33C on the left and right. The lower effect unit 40CD is a double-supported lower effect unit 40C. The lower effect unit 40C may include a lower effect unit 40CL that can be attached using one lower left attachment portion 33CL. The lower effect unit 40C may include a lower effect unit 40CR that can be attached using one lower right attachment portion 33CR. The lower effect units 40CL and 40CR are a cantilever type lower effect unit 40C.

The lower effect units 40CD, 40CL, and 40CR are preferably equipped with a stepping motor 45. - 特許庁The movable parts 42 of the lower effect units 40CD, 40CL, 40CR can receive power from a stepping motor 45 and operate. Not limited to this, the lower effect units 40CD, 40CL, and 40CR do not have to be equipped with the stepping motor 45 . The movable parts 42 of the lower effect units 40CD, 40CL, and 40CR may receive power from the drive mechanism 34 and operate. The lower effect units 40CD, 40CL, and 40CR may have one or both of the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48, or may not have the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48.

The production unit 40BD has a wiring connector 44 projecting upward. The production unit 40CD has a wiring connector 44 projecting downward. The wiring connector 44 on the effect unit side is preferably a concave connector, and the wiring connectors 32a and 32b on the base side are preferably convex connectors. Not limited to this, the wiring connector 44 on the production unit side may be a convex connector, and the lower wiring connector 32b on the base side may be a concave connector. When the production unit 40 is attached to the base unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the attached state), the production unit side wiring connectors 44, 44 and the base side wiring connectors 32a, 32b are connected by fitting. should be. Similarly, the effect units 40BL, 40BR, 40CL, 40CR may have the wiring connector 44 or may not have the wiring connector 44.

The effect unit 40 includes a special effect unit 40D that can be attached by fitting the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side and the wiring connector 44 on the effect unit side without using the mounting parts 33A to 33C on the base side. The special effect unit 40D has a wiring connector 44 projecting upward. Here, it is preferable that the wiring connector 44 on the effect unit side is a concave connector, and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side is a convex connector. Not limited to this, the wiring connector 44 on the production unit side may be a convex connector, and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side may be a concave connector. When the production unit 40A is attached to the base unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the attached state), the wiring connector 44 on the production unit side and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side are connected by fitting. good. The special effect unit 40</b>D has a base portion 41 but does not have one or more movable portions 42 , one or more attachment portions 43 and a stepping motor 45 . The special effect unit 40</b>D may have the movable part 42 and the stepping motor 45 without being limited to this. The effect unit 40D preferably has one or both of the light-emitting section 46 and the display section 48 . The effect unit 40D may not have the light emitting section 46 and the display section 48.

The plurality of types of effect units 40 can be classified into those with the first number of attachment portions 33 used for attachment and those with the second number. As an example, the first number is one and the second number is two or more. However, the second number may be any number greater than the first number, and the first number and the second number may be changed arbitrarily. It can be said that the plurality of types of effect units 40 can be classified into those using the mounting portion 33 for mounting and those not using the mounting portion 33 .

The plurality of types of effect units 40 can be classified into those with the mounting portion 33 used for mounting at the first position and those with the mounting portion 33 at the second position. As an example, the first position may be the upper mounting portion 33A and the second position may be the mounting portions 33B and 33C. Instead of or in addition to the mounting portions 33A to 33C, other mounting portions may be provided as the first position and the second position. It can be said that the plurality of types of effect units 40 can be classified into those using the wiring connector 32 for attachment and those not using the wiring connector 32 .

A plurality of types of production units 40 can be classified also from the viewpoint of whether or not a stepping motor 45 is mounted. In other words, the plurality of types of effect units 40 can be classified also from the viewpoint of whether or not the movable portion 42 is operated by the drive mechanism 34 mounted on the base unit 30 . It can be said that the plurality of types of effect units 40 can be classified into those having the movable portion 42 and those not having the movable portion 42 .

The installation part 43 on the effect unit side and the installation part 33 on the base side constitute an installation mechanism 70 for enabling the effect unit 40 to be attached to and detached from the base unit 30 . The attachment portion 43 on the effect unit side includes an attachment portion 43A included in the presentation effect unit 40A and an attachment portion 43B included in the effect units 40B and 40C. The attachment mechanism 70 includes a first attachment mechanism 71 including an attachment portion 43A of the presentation effect unit 40A and an upper attachment portion 33A of the base unit 30. As shown in FIG. The attachment mechanism 70 has a second attachment mechanism 72 including the attachment portions 43B of the effect units 40B and 40C and the attachment portions 33B and 33C of the base unit 30 . It can be said that the wiring connectors 32 and 44 constitute an attachment mechanism.

A specific example of the first attachment mechanism 71 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first mounting mechanism 71 includes a first mounting mechanism 71L configured by a base-side upper left mounting portion 33AL and a production unit side mounting portion 43A, a base-side upper right mounting portion 33AR, and a first attachment mechanism 71R configured by the attachment portion 43A on the effect unit side. The first attachment mechanism 71L and the first attachment mechanism 71R are configured symmetrically. A detailed description of the first attachment mechanism 71L will be provided. Description of the first attachment mechanism 71R is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the upper left mounting portion 33AL has a square plate-shaped base portion 33a arranged so as to intersect the front-rear direction. The upper left mounting portion 33AL has an upper wall 33b, a left wall 33c, and a right wall 33d as walls extending forward from the edge of the base portion 33a. In other words, the upper left mounting portion 33AL has a box shape that opens forward and downward. The left wall 33c has a first locking portion 33e projecting leftward as an example of a first portion. The first locking portion 33e is locked to the guide plate 34B. The left wall 33c has a second locking portion 33f that protrudes leftward as an example of a second portion. The second engaging portion 33f is engaged with a spiral groove formed in the shaft 34C. A guide groove 33g is formed in each of the left wall 33c and the right wall 33d on the surfaces facing these walls 33c and 33d. The guide grooves 33g, 33g extend along the vertical direction. A lock hole 33h is formed in each of the front surfaces of the left wall 33c and the right wall 33d.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), the mounting portion 43A has a rectangular base portion 43a. The base portion 43a has, on its left surface, a guide piece 43g projecting leftward. The base portion 43a has, on its right surface, a guide piece 43g projecting rightward. The guide pieces 43g, 43g extend along the vertical direction. The mounting portion 43A has a lever 43b. The lever 43b is a U-shaped part having two arms 43c, 43c. The distal ends of the arms 43c, 43c are supported by the base portion 43a so that the entire lever 43b can rotate in the front-rear direction about the distal ends. Each of the arms 43c, 43c has a locking piece 43d projecting rearward.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), the attachment portion 43A on the production unit side is attached to the attachment portion 33AL on the base side from below. At this time, the guide pieces 43g, 43g on the mounting portion 43A on the effect unit side are inserted into the guide grooves 33g, 33g on the mounting portion 33AL on the base side. That is, the mounting portion 43A is guided upward by the guide grooves 33g, 33g. The position where the upper end of the base portion 43a on the mounting portion 43A on the side of the effect unit abuts the lower surface of the upper wall 33b of the mounting portion 33AL on the side of the base is the specified position PF of the effect unit 40A. The prescribed position PF is a position where the effect unit 40A should be fixed with respect to the base unit 30. As shown in FIG. The guide grooves 33 g , 33 g are an example of guide means configured to guide the effect unit 40 to the specified position PF of the base unit 30 . The guide piece 43g is engaged with the guide groove 33g. When the production unit 40A has the wiring connector 44, the wiring connector 44 of the production unit 40A is inserted into the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side when the production unit 40A reaches the specified position PF. That is, the wiring connectors 32a and 44 are mechanically connected by fitting. The wiring connectors 32a and 44 are also electrically connected.

The lever 43b is rotated rearward while the effect unit 40A is at the specified position PF. The lock pieces 43d on the arms 43c, 43c of the lever 43b are inserted into the lock holes 33h on the mounting portion 33AL. In this state, when the effect unit 40A tries to displace downward, the lock piece 43d is locked to the lower inner wall surface of the lock hole 33h. That is, dropout of the effect unit 40 is prevented. As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in an attached state in which the production unit 40 is attached to the specified position PF of the base unit 30 . The attached state may be a connected state in which the upper wiring connector 32a on the side of the base unit and the wiring connector 44 on the side of the effect unit 40A are electrically connected.

In the installed state of the effect unit 40A, the drive mechanism 34 operates the effect unit 40A. For example, in the attached state, when the stepping motor 34A is driven, the attachment portion 33A engaged with the shaft 34C is vertically displaced. That is, the movable part 42 of the production unit 40A is also displaced together with the installation part 43A on the production unit side attached to the installation part 33A.

A specific example of the second attachment mechanism 72 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second mounting mechanism 72 includes a second mounting mechanism 72BL composed of a left middle mounting portion 33BL on the base side and a mounting portion 43B on the effect unit side, and a right middle mounting portion on the base side. 33BR and a second mounting mechanism 72BR constituted by the mounting portion 43B on the effect unit side. The second mounting mechanism 72 includes a second mounting mechanism 72CL composed of a lower left mounting portion 33CL on the base side and a mounting portion 43B on the effect unit side, a lower right mounting portion 33CR on the base side, and a mounting portion on the effect unit side. and a second attachment mechanism 72CR constituted by the portion 43B.

The second attachment mechanisms 72BL and 72CL have the same configuration. The second attachment mechanisms 72BR and 72CR have the same configuration. The second attachment mechanism 72BL and the second attachment mechanism 72BR are configured symmetrically. The second attachment mechanism 72CL and the second attachment mechanism 72CR are configured symmetrically. A detailed description of the second attachment mechanism 72BR will be provided. Description of the second mounting mechanisms 72BL, 72CL, 72CR is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, as an example, the attachment portion 33BR on the base side is a locking hole 33m formed in the guide plate 34B. As an example, the locking hole 33m is a long hole extending in the vertical direction. The attachment portion 43B on the effect unit side has a locking hook 43m.

The effect unit 40B is pressed against the base unit 30 from the front to the rear. At this time, the locking hooks 43m on one or more (two as an example) mounting portions 43B on the production unit side are inserted into the locking holes 33m on the mounting portions 33B on the base side. Next, the production unit 40B is displaced downward. At this time, the one or more locking hooks 43m are guided downward by the left and right edges of the locking hole 33m extending in the vertical direction.

The position where all the base ends of the locking hooks 43m on the mounting portion 43B on the side of the production unit abut against the lower edges of the locking holes 33m on the mounting portion 33B on the base side is the specified position PF of the production unit 40B. be. The prescribed position PF is a position where the effect unit 40B should be fixed with respect to the base unit 30 . Of the edges of the lock hole 33m, the left and right edges extending in the vertical direction are an example of guide means configured to guide the effect unit 40B to the specified position PF of the base unit 30. FIG. The locking hook 43m is locked to the edge of the locking hole 33m. When the production unit 40B reaches the specified position PF, the wiring connector 44 of the production unit 40B is inserted into the lower wiring connector 32b on the base side. That is, the wiring connectors 32b and 44 are mechanically connected by fitting. The wiring connectors 32b and 44 are also electrically connected. When the effect unit 40C is assembled to the base unit 30, the locking hooks 43m on one or a plurality of (for example, two) mounting portions 43B on the effect unit side are engaged with the respective mounting portions 33C on the base side. It may be inserted into the hole 33m and locked.

As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in an attached state in which the effect units 40B and 40C are attached to the specified position PF of the base unit 30. FIG. The attached state may be a connected state in which the wiring connector 32b on the side of the base unit and the wiring connector 44 on the side of the effect units 40B and 40C are electrically connected. When the effect units 40B and 40C are installed, electric power is supplied via the wiring connectors 32b and 44, and the electric parts mounted on these effect units can operate. For example, when the stepping motor 45 is driven in the attached state, the movable portion 42 is displaced in the vertical direction. For example, the light emitting effect by the light emitting unit 46 is executed. For example, a display effect by the display unit 48 is executed.

The effect unit 40 can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30, but is not fixed to the fitting portion 13A of the middle frame 13 by the fixing mechanism 13B. Therefore, the effect unit 40 can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30 while the base unit 30 is fixed to the middle frame 13 . Also, the display rendering device 19 and the control boards 80 and 81 may remain attached to the base unit 30 .

As described above, the attachment mechanisms 71 and 72 move the effect unit 40 to the specified position of the base unit 30 in the connected state in which the wiring connector 32 on the base side and the wiring connector 44 on the effect unit side are electrically connected. It is configured for locking attachment to the PF. The attachment mechanisms 71 and 72 are examples of locking means. The effect unit 40 can be removed by releasing the locking by the attachment mechanisms 71 and 72 .

There are a plurality of attachment mechanisms 71 and 72, respectively. The plurality of attachment mechanisms 71 are configured such that the same number of effect units 40 as the plurality of attachment mechanisms 71 can be attached to the prescribed position PF of the base unit 30 by locking. Also, it can be said that the plurality of mounting mechanisms 71 are configured so that a smaller number of effect units 40 than the plurality of mounting mechanisms 71 can be mounted to the prescribed positions of the base unit. The same can be said for the attachment mechanism 72 .

The game board 50 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 50 has a rectangular game board 51 . For example, the game board 51 is made of wood or acrylic. A substantially circular game area 51a is defined on the front surface of the game board 51 when viewed from the front. Nails, pinwheels, and the like are arranged in the game area 51a. A display window 51b is formed substantially in the center of the game area 51a so as to pass through the game board 51 in the front-rear direction. Formed on the left side of the game area 51a is a launch path 51c that guides the game ball shot by the operation of the shooting operation section 15 to the game area 51a. The game area 51 a and the hitting path 51 c are covered with the protective glass 14 a of the front frame 14 .

The game board 50 has one or more fixed operating parts 58 . The fixed operating portion 58 is an example of means for assembling the game board 50 to the base unit 30 . As an example, the fixed operating portions 58 are formed one by one at each of the four corners of the game board 51 . Each fixed operation part 58 has an operation part arranged on the front side of the game board 51 and a locking shaft extending rearward from the operation part so as to penetrate the game board 51 . When the operating portion is rotated in the first direction with the locking shaft inserted through the locking hole 35 of the base unit 30 , the tip of the locking shaft is locked to the edge of the locking hole 35 . be. When all the fixing operation parts 58 are similarly operated, the game board 50 is fixed to the front side of the base unit 30 . When the operation portion of the fixed operation portion 58 is rotated in the second direction, the locking between the locking shaft and the base unit 30 is released. The game board 50 can be removed from the base unit 30 when all the fixing operation parts 58 are similarly operated. Thus, the game board 50 is configured to be mountable and detachable with respect to the base unit 30 .

As described above, the base unit 30 is fixed to the fitting portion 13A of the middle frame 13 by the fixing mechanism 13B. The game board 50 is not fixed to the middle frame 13 by the fixing mechanism 13B. Therefore, the game board 50 can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30 while the base unit 30 is fixed to the middle frame 13 . Also, the display rendering device 19 and the control boards 80 and 81 may remain attached to the base unit 30 .

A game board 50 is formed with a plurality of winning holes 53 into which game balls can enter. These multiple winning openings 53 open in the game area 51a. The multiple winning openings 53 include a first starting opening 53A, a second starting opening 53B, a large winning opening 53C, and a normal winning opening 53D. The plurality of winning openings may include winning openings different from these winning openings 53 .

The first starting port 53A is a prize winning port into which gaming balls are entered in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the first special game. The first special game will be described later. As an example, the first starting port 53A is below the display effect device 19 . 53 A of 1st starting openings are always opened so that a game ball may be made to enter. The game board unit 20 includes a first starting sensor D11 for detecting a game ball entering the first starting hole 53A (see FIG. 8).

The second starting port 53B is a prize winning port into which game balls are entered in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the second special game. The second special game will be described later. As an example, the second starting port 53B is to the right of the first starting port 53A. The second starting port 53B is provided with a normal opening/closing piece 53Ba having a door shape, for example. The second starting port 53B is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when the normal winning game is not provided. The second starting port 53B is opened so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a normal winning game is given. The game board unit 20 has a normal solenoid SL1 as means for opening the second starting port 53B (see FIG. 8). The game board unit 20 also includes a second starting sensor D12 for detecting a game ball entering the second starting hole 53B (see FIG. 8). The normal opening/closing piece 53Ba is a so-called "normal electric accessory".

The big winning opening 53C is a winning opening into which a game ball is entered in order to establish the conditions for awarding the prize balls. As an example, the big winning opening 53C is located on the lower right side of the display effect device 19 . The special prize opening 53C is provided with a special opening/closing piece 53Ca having a door shape, for example. The big winning opening 53C is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when the big winning game is not provided. The big winning opening 53C is opened so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a big winning game is awarded. The game board unit 20 is provided with a special solenoid SL2 as means for opening the big winning opening 53C (see FIG. 8). The game board unit 20 also includes a count sensor D13 for detecting game balls that have entered the big winning opening 53C (see FIG. 8).

The normal winning hole 53D is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered in order to establish the conditions for awarding a prize ball. As an example, the normal winning opening 53D is located at the lower left side of the display effect device 19 and the lower right side of the display effect device 19, respectively. The normal winning opening 53D is opened so that game balls can be entered at all times. The game board unit 20 is provided with a normal sensor D14 for detecting a game ball entering the normal winning hole 53D (see FIG. 8).

The game board 50 has a gate 54 . As an example, the gate 54 is located in the right area of the game area 51a and above the second starting opening 53B and the big winning opening 53C. The gate 54 is formed with a gate opening 54a. The gate opening 54a is opened so that game balls can be entered at all times. The gate 54 has a gate sensor D15 that detects a game ball entering the gate opening 54a (see FIG. 8). The gate 54 is a ball entrance through which a game ball is entered in order to establish conditions for starting a normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 54, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not satisfied. The normal game will be described later.

An out port 55 is formed in the game board 50 . As an example, the out port 55 opens at the lowest part of the game area 51a. The game ball enters the out port 55 when it does not enter any of the first starting port 53A, the second starting port 53B, the big winning port 53C, and the normal winning port 53D. The plurality of prize-winning ports 53 and the out port 55 can be grasped as a discharge port for discharging game balls from the game area 51a or a return port for returning game balls from the game area 51a. A game ball is ejected from the game board unit 20 when entering a plurality of winning holes 53 or an out hole 55 . Hereinafter, game balls ejected from the game board unit 20 are so-called "out balls".

The information display device 60 will be described.
As an example, the information display device 60 is provided on the game board 50 . The information display device 60 displays various information. As an example, the information display device 60 includes a first special symbol display portion 61, a second special symbol display portion 62, a first reservation display portion 63, a second reservation display portion 64, a normal symbol display portion 65, and a normal reservation display portion. 66 included. As an example, the plurality of display units 61 to 66 are collectively arranged in a portion visible to the player on the game board 50, but not limited to this, some or all of them may be arranged in different portions. may

The special symbol display units 61 and 62 can execute a special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a special game) in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed and finally the special symbols are stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (hit lottery of the special symbol). The special symbols include jackpot symbols and losing symbols. The special design may include a small winning design. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a big win is won in a special pattern win lottery, the big win patterns are stop-displayed in a special game, and after the special game of the big win is finished, a big win game is awarded. The jackpot game will be described later. In the following description, the special game executed by the first special symbol display section 61 is referred to as "first special game", and the special game executed by the second special symbol display section 62 is referred to as "second special game". .

The first suspension display unit 63 indicates the number of first special games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been satisfied but the start condition has not yet been satisfied (hereinafter referred to as the first suspension number). Display identifiable information. The second pending display unit 64 indicates the number of times the execution of the second special game has been suspended because the pending condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second pending number). Display identifiable information.

The normal symbol display unit 65 can execute a normal game in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed and the normal symbols are finally stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (normal symbol winning lottery). The normal pattern includes a normal winning pattern and a normal losing pattern. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a normal winning lottery is won in a normal winning lottery, the normal winning symbols are stop-displayed in the normal game, and the normal winning game is provided after the normal game is finished.

The normal suspension display portion 66 displays information that can specify the number of normal games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition is satisfied but the start condition is not yet satisfied. The information display device 60 may include a right-handed display unit that displays information instructing right-handed players, and a round display unit that notifies the upper limit number of round games.

The control boards 80 and 81 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 2 , a main control board 80 and a sub control board 81 are attached to the rear surface of the base unit 30 . Not limited to this, the control boards 80 and 81 may be attached to the rear surface of the display effect device 19 . The plurality of control boards 80 and 81 are provided at positions that cannot be accessed unless the locking device 11A is unlocked and the middle frame 13 is opened. The electrical configuration of the control boards 80 and 81 will be described later.

The display effect device 19 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the display rendering device 19 has an image display area 19a capable of displaying an image. The display effect device 19 is attached to the rear surface of the base unit 30 so that the image display area 19a can be visually recognized through the display windows 31g and 51b. As an example, the display rendering device 19 is a liquid crystal display. The display effect device 19 can execute an effect of displaying a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as a display effect). For example, the predetermined images are images such as production designs, characters, landscapes, characters (strings of characters), numbers, and symbols. In the following description, when these characters and the like are simply referred to as "display", it means that these characters and the like are displayed as images. The display effect device 19 can execute a predetermined notification in a mode of displaying a predetermined image.

Here, the sound effect device 17, the light effect device 18, and the display effect device 19 constitute the effect device ES, which is an example of means for executing a predetermined effect (see FIG. 1). All of the audio effect device 17, the light effect device 18, and the display effect device 19 can execute a predetermined notification. The effect device ES constitutes an example of means for executing predetermined notification. The effect devices included in the effect device ES are not limited to the sound effect device 17, the light effect device 18, and the display effect device 19, and may be a configuration in which some of these effect devices are omitted. The effect device ES may include, in addition to these effect devices, or in place of one or more optionally selected effect devices, a effect unit 40 having a movable part 42 as a movable effect device for executing a movable effect, and a vibration effect. may include a vibration effect device that performs

For example, the display effect in the display effect device 19 includes a effect symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as effect game) using a plurality of lines of effect symbols (decorative symbols). In the effect game, a plurality of rows of effect symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is stopped and displayed. The effect pattern (decorative pattern) is a pattern decorated with a character, a pattern, or the like, and is a pattern for diversifying the display effect. As an example, the effect game is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row in a predetermined direction. The effect game may include a reach effect performed by forming a reach. The effect game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. In the performance game, symbol combinations corresponding to the special symbols that are stopped and displayed in the special game are stopped and displayed. When the big win symbols are stop-displayed in the special game, the big win pattern combination is stop-displayed in the performance game. When the winning symbols are stop-displayed in the special game, the winning symbol combination is stop-displayed in the performance game. In the following description, the special game and the effect game executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as "variation game".

The jackpot game will be explained.
In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as opening time). For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect that allows recognition of the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game for opening the big winning opening 53C is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a number condition that a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter or a time condition that a predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. In the round game, the big winning opening 53C is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round production is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as ending time). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that allows recognition of the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game is terminated when the ending time elapses.

Functions of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as probability variation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a big win in a special symbol lottery (hereinafter referred to as "big win probability"). That is, the pachinko game machine 10 has a low probability state in which the variable probability function does not operate and a high probability state in which the variable probability function operates, as states in which the probability of big wins may differ. The high-probability state has a higher jackpot probability than the low-probability state. In the high-probability state, the probability of a big win is higher than in the low-probability state, which is advantageous for the player. The high-probability state is a so-called "variable probability state (variable probability state)".

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assisting function.
The ball entry assist function is a function for varying the rate of ball entry into the second starting hole 53B. In other words, the pachinko machine 10 has a low ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function does not operate and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function operates as states in which the ball entry rate to the second start port 53B may differ. And prepare. In the high ball-entering rate state, the probability of the game ball entering the second starting port 53B is higher than in the low ball-entering rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second start port 53B increases, and the game ball enters the second start port 53B easily. ball easy state). The high ball-entering rate state is a so-called "electrical sapo state", and the low ball-entering rate state is a so-called "non-electrical sapo state".

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by performing one arbitrarily selected control among the three controls described below, or by performing a plurality of controls in combination. The first control is a normal symbol variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game as compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is normal pattern probability variation control for varying the probability of winning the normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The third control is an open time extension control that makes the total open time of the second starting port 53B in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control is a control to increase the number of times of opening the second starting port 53B in one normal winning game than when the ball is in a low ball rate state, and one opening of the second starting port 53B in the normal winning game. It is preferable that at least one of the controls for making the time longer than in the low ball entry rate state is employed. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol variation time reduction control that shortens the variation time of the special game (for example, the average variation time) as compared to when the ball entry rate is low. When performing variable time shortening control of special symbols, the high ball rate state becomes the variable time shortened state of special symbols (time saving state), and the low ball rate state is the non-fluctuation time shortened state of special symbols (non-time saving state ).

The game state is defined by a combination of whether or not the variable probability function is activated and whether or not the ball entry assist function is activated. In the following description, the gaming state of low probability and low ball-entering rate will be referred to as "low-probability low-ball-entering rate state", and the gaming state of high probability and low ball-entering rate will be referred to as "high-probability low-ball-entering state." Ball rate state”. In addition, a game state of low probability and high ball-entering rate is indicated as "low-probability and high-ball-entering rate state", and a gaming state of high probability and high ball-entering rate is indicated as "high-probability and high ball-entering rate state." ” indicates.

An electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of control boards. The multiple control boards include a main control board 80 and a sub control board 81 .

The main control board 80 and the sub control board 81 are connected so that control information (control commands, etc.) can be output in one direction from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 81 . The main control board 80 executes predetermined processing and outputs control information to the sub control board 81 . The sub control board 81 executes predetermined processing based on control information input from the main control board 80 .

The main control board 80 will be explained in detail.
As shown in FIG. 8, the main control board 80 includes a CPU 80a, a ROM 80b, a RAM 80c, and a random number generation circuit 80d. The CPU 80a executes processing related to the progress of the game by executing the main control program. The ROM 80b stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lotteries, tables, and the like. The ROM 80b stores multiple types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start of the special game to the end. The variation pattern is information that can specify the content of variation (content of presentation) of the presentation game performed during execution of the special game. As an example, the variation patterns include a big hit variation pattern and a losing variation pattern. As an example, the effect game based on the big hit variation pattern has variable contents such that the symbol combination of the big win is finally stop-displayed through the ready-to-win effect. As an example, the effect game based on the losing variation pattern has variable contents in which the winning symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed after the ready-to-win effect or without the ready-to-win effect.

RAM80c memorize|stores various information rewritten according to the process result of CPU80a. For example, information stored in the RAM 80c includes flags, counters, and timers. The RAM 80c is an example of means capable of storing information. The random number generation circuit 80d generates hardware random numbers. The main control board 80 may be configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 80a.

The main control board 80 is connected to the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15. The CPU 80a can input a detection signal output by each sensor D11 to D15 detecting a game ball. The main control board 80 is connected to the radio wave sensor D16. The CPU 80a can receive radio wave detection signals. The main control board 80 is connected to the first door opening switch D17 and the second door opening switch D18. The CPU 80a can input a first door opening signal and a second door opening signal. The main control board 80 is connected to each display section 61-66. The CPU 80a can control the display contents of each of the display units 61-66. The main control board 80 is connected to each solenoid SL1, SL2. The CPU 80a can control the opening modes of the second starting opening 53B and the big winning opening 53C by controlling the operations of the solenoids SL1 and SL2.

The sub-control board 81 will be described in detail.
The sub-control board 81 includes a CPU 81a, a ROM 81b, and a RAM 81c. The CPU 81a performs processing related to effects by executing a sub-control program. The ROM 81b stores a sub-control program, a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The ROM 81b stores display effect data used for display effect, light emission effect data used for light emission effect, and sound effect data used for sound effect. The RAM 81c stores various information rewritten while the pachinko gaming machine 10 is operating. For example, the information stored in the RAM 81c includes flags, counters, and timers. The sub-control board 81 is configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 81a. The sub control board 81 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub control board 81 is connected to the display effect device 19 . The CPU 81 a can control the display contents of the display effect device 19 . The sub control board 81 is connected to the sound effect device 17 . The CPU 81a can control the output contents of the sound production device 17. FIG. The sub control board 81 is connected to the light emitting effect device 18 . The CPU 81 a can control the lighting mode of the lighting effect device 18 . The sub control board 81 is connected to the effect operating section 16 . CPU81a can input the operation signal output when the production|presentation operation part 16 is operated.

The sub-control board 81 is connected to a stepping motor 34A that constitutes the driving mechanism 34. As shown in FIG. The CPU 81a can control the operation of the stepping motor 34A. That is, the CPU 81a is configured to be able to control the operation of the movable portion 42 of the effect unit 40 attached to the attachment portion 33A together with the attachment portion 33A.

The sub-control board 81 can be connected to one or more production units 40 via the wiring connectors 32 and 44 . The CPU 81a can identify whether or not the wiring connector 44 on the effect unit side is connected to the wiring connector 32 by monitoring the energized state of the wiring connector 32 on the base side. The CPU 81 a can read the unit identification information from the identification element 47 mounted on the effect unit 40 . The CPU 81 a can control the operation of the stepping motor 45 when the effect unit 40 is equipped with the stepping motor 45 . In other words, the CPU 81a is configured to be able to control the operation of the movable portion 42 mounted on the effect unit 40 . The CPU 81a is configured to be able to control the light emitting mode of the light emitting section 46 when the effect unit 40 is equipped with the light emitting section 46 . The CPU 81a is configured to be able to control the display content of the display section 48 when the effect unit 40 is equipped with the display section 48 .

Various processes performed by the main control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be described.
When the CPU 80a is activated upon power-on, it executes main power-on processing.
The main control board 80 is configured to be able to retain various information stored in the RAM 80c by power supplied from a backup power supply (not shown) even when the power is turned off. The various information includes information necessary for the progress of the game (hereinafter referred to as game information).

The CPU 80a determines whether or not the backed up information is normal. For example, the CPU 80a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a stores the backup flag in the RAM 80c when the processing when the power is turned off (hereinafter referred to as main power-off processing) can be executed normally. The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the main power failure processing. When the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, the CPU 80a determines that the operation is normal, and otherwise determines that the operation is abnormal. When the information backed up is determined to be abnormal, the CPU 80a initializes the game information stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a outputs to the sub-control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can specify that the game information has been initialized. After that, the CPU 80a terminates the main power-on process.

When determining that the backed-up information is normal, the CPU 80a determines whether or not a RAM clear signal is input from a RAM clear switch (not shown). A RAM clear switch (not shown) may be provided on the main control board 80 or may be provided on a control board different from the main control board 80 . When the RAM clear signal is input, the CPU 80a initializes the game information stored in the RAM 80c. In this case, the CPU 80 a outputs an initialization command to the sub control board 81 . On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 80a outputs to the sub control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power recovery command) that can specify recovery based on the backed up game information. After that, the CPU 80a terminates the main power-on process.

After finishing the main power-on process, the CPU 80a permits the timer interrupt process. That is, if the game information has been initialized, the timer interrupt process is executed based on the game information after initialization. In this case, the CPU 80a is in a state where both the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number are zero, neither the first special game nor the second special game is being executed, and no jackpot game is awarded. Various processing is executed based on If the game information is not initialized, the timer interrupt process is executed based on the backed up game information. In this case, the CPU 80a determines that the first special reserve number and the second special reserve number are the reserve numbers at the time of power failure, and if either the first special game or the second special game is being executed at the time of power failure, It returns to the process of executing the special game, and if the jackpot game is being given at the time of power failure, it returns to the process of giving the jackpot game.

The CPU 80a executes a special symbol input process, a special symbol start process, and the like as timer interrupt processes performed at predetermined control intervals (for example, 4 ms). The processing implemented as timer interrupt processing also includes processing for jackpot game processing, state transition processing, and main error processing, which will be described later.

The special symbol input processing will be explained.
The CPU 80a determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first starting port 53A based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first starting sensor D11. When the game ball enters the first starting port 53A, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the first reservation number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the first reservation number and updates it. Subsequently, the CPU 80a controls the first pending display section 63 so as to display information capable of specifying the updated first pending number. The reservation condition of the first special game is established when the game ball is detected by the first starting sensor D11 when the first reservation number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 80d, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the RAM 80c. For example, the random number is a winning random number used for a special symbol winning lottery, a winning symbol random number used for determining a winning symbol, and a variation pattern random number used for determining a variation pattern. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that the random number information is for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the first starting port 53A, and when the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a Based on whether or not a detection signal is input from the second start sensor D12, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second start port 53B. When the game ball has entered the second starting port 53B, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the second reservation number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the second reservation number and updates it. The CPU 80a controls the second pending display unit 64 to display information that can specify the second pending number after addition. The suspension condition of the second special game is established when the game ball is detected by the second starting sensor D12 when the second suspension number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 80, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that the random number information is used for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. By storing the random number information used for the special game in the RAM 80c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the special game until the condition for starting the special game is satisfied. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the second starting port 53B, and when the second reservation number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a is a special symbol. End input processing.

The special symbol start processing will be explained.
First, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the conditions for starting the special game are satisfied. The CPU 80a makes an affirmative determination when the big win game is not being played and the special game is not being executed, and makes a negative determination when the big win game is being played or the special game is being executed. If the special game start condition is not satisfied, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process. When the condition for starting the special game is satisfied, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the second reservation number is greater than zero. When the second reservation number is zero, the CPU 80a determines whether the first reservation number is greater than zero. When the first reserved number is zero, the CPU 80a terminates the special symbol start process.

When the first reservation number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 80a updates the first reservation number by subtracting one. The CPU 80a controls the first pending display unit 63 so as to display information capable of specifying the first pending number after the subtraction. The CPU 80a acquires the random number information stored first among the random number information for the first special game from the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a uses a winning random number specified from the acquired random number information to perform a big winning lottery (big winning determination) as a special symbol winning lottery to determine whether or not to win a big winning. The CPU 80a performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the variable probability function is activated).

When winning the jackpot, the CPU 80a performs jackpot variation processing. In the big-hit variation process, the CPU 80a performs a big-hit symbol lottery using a winning symbol random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a big-hit symbol to be stop-displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of big hit variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

When the jackpot is not won, the CPU 80a performs loss variation processing. In the losing variation process, the CPU 80a determines the winning symbols to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of outlier variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

When the second reservation number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the second special game. In the process for executing the second special game, the "first special game" is changed to the "second special game", and the "first reservation number" is changed to the "second reservation". Since the processes are read as "number" respectively, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process after performing any variation process based on the subtraction of the second reserved number, the big win lottery, and the result of the big win lottery.

The CPU 80a outputs a variation start command and a special symbol command to the sub-control board 81 in the jackpot variation process and the loss variation process. The variation start command is a control command that can specify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the variation game. The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the special symbol determined in each variation process. The variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation processing of the first special game is executed and when the variation processing of the second special game is executed.

After finishing the special symbol start process, the CPU 80a executes the first special game or the second special game by a process different from the special symbol start process. As an example, when executing the first special game, the CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 61 so as to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 61 so as to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the CPU 80a outputs to the sub control board 81 a control command capable of specifying the end of the variable game (hereinafter referred to as "variation end command") after the variation time defined in the variation pattern has elapsed.

As an example, when executing the second special game, the CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 62 so as to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display unit 62 so as to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the CPU 80a outputs a fluctuation end command to the sub-control board 81 when the fluctuation time set in the fluctuation pattern has passed. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes a special symbol input process and a special symbol start process by the CPU 80a, thereby performing a winning lottery triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting hole, and the result of the winning lottery. A symbol variation game can be executed based on.

The jackpot game processing will be described.
The big-hit game process is a process for giving a big-hit game. When the CPU 80a stops displaying the big win symbols in the special game, the CPU 80a executes the big win game process after the big win special game ends. The CPU 80a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot design (type of jackpot) determined in the special design start process. The CPU 80a is configured to award a specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 80 a outputs to the sub control board 81 a control command that can specify the start of the opening time (hereinafter referred to as opening command). When the opening time has passed, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing a round game. As an example, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big winning opening 53C. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the upper limit number or the upper limit time elapses, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big winning opening 53C. End the round game. The CPU 80a repeats the processing for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big hit game is completed. The CPU 80a outputs to the sub-control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) capable of specifying the start of the round game each time the round game is started. When the final round game ends, the CPU 80a outputs to the sub-control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending start command) capable of specifying the start of the ending time. When the ending time elapses, the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game. The CPU 80 a may output to the sub control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) that can specify the passage of the ending time.

State transition processing will be described.
As an example, the CPU 80a sets a high accuracy flag in the RAM 80c when finishing the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern among the jackpot patterns. That is, the CPU 80a controls to the high probability state. The CPU 80a does not erase the probability variation flag until the next big winning game is awarded after the big winning game based on the first big winning symbol is finished. As an example, the CPU 80a does not set the high probability flag in the RAM 80c when finishing the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol. That is, the CPU 80a controls to the low probability state. The CPU 80a erases the high accuracy flag when the big hit game is started and the high accuracy flag is set. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the low probability state during the jackpot game.

As an example, the CPU 80a sets an operation flag in the RAM 80c when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the high ball entry rate state. The CPU 80a updates the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 80c every time the special game is started after the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbols is finished, thereby increasing the number of executions of the special game after the jackpot game is finished. Count. As an example, the CPU 80a erases the operation flag stored in the RAM 80c when the special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game has reached the number of operations is completed. That is, after the big win game based on the second big win symbol ends, the CPU 80a controls to the low ball entry rate state when the special game for the number of times of operation ends. It should be noted that the CPU 80a does not erase the operation flag until the next big win game is awarded after the big win game based on the first big win symbol is completed. The CPU 80a erases the operation flag when the operation flag is set when the jackpot game is started. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

Main error processing will be explained.
In the main error processing, various error settings and error settings are canceled. In the following description, when an error is indicated as "set", it means that information (such as a flag) that can identify the error is stored in the RAM. In addition, when "setting is canceled" for a certain error, it means that the information (flag, etc.) that can identify the error is erased from the RAM.

The CPU 80a sets an illegal radio wave error when receiving a radio wave detection signal from the radio wave sensor D16. The illegal radio wave error setting is not canceled until the power is turned off. When the unauthorized radio wave error is set, the CPU 80 a transmits predetermined control information (hereinafter referred to as an unauthorized radio wave error setting command) to the sub control board 81 .

The CPU 80a sets a door open error when the first door open signal is input from the first door open switch D17 and when the second door open signal is input from the second door open switch D18. When the door open error is set, the CPU 80 a transmits predetermined control information (hereinafter referred to as a door open error setting command) to the sub control board 81 . When neither the first door open signal nor the second door open signal is input, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the door open error. When the setting of the door open error is canceled, the CPU 80 a transmits predetermined control information (hereinafter referred to as a door open error cancel command) to the sub control board 81 .

Various processes executed by the sub-control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
Sub-power-on processing will be described.
The CPU 81a waits until an initialization command or a power restoration command is input when the CPU 81a is activated when the power is turned on. When the CPU 81a receives an initialization command or a power recovery command, the CPU 81a executes a sub-power-on process. In the following description, the period from when the CPU 81a is activated until when the initialization command or the power recovery command is input is referred to as a standby period t1.

When the initialization command is input, the CPU 81a controls some or all of the production devices 17 to 19 constituting the production equipment ES to execute RAM clear notification (initialization notification). As an example, the RAM clearing notification includes displaying on the display rendering device 19 information that can specify execution of RAM clearing (hereinafter referred to as RAM clearing information) such as a character string “RAM clearing”. As an example, the RAM clear information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display effect device 19 (see FIG. 5). The normal area 19e is set as a non-overlapping area 19f that does not overlap with the effect unit 40 in the image display area 19a. However, when the effect unit 40 has the movable portion 42, the movable portion 42 is assumed to be at the original position P1. The CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to end the RAM clear notification when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the RAM clear notification. Further, when the initialization command is input, the CPU 81a controls the display effect device 19 so as to display a combination of a predetermined background image and a predetermined effect pattern.

When the power recovery command is input, the CPU 81a controls some or all of the effect devices 17 to 19 constituting the effect device ES to execute the power recovery notification. As an example, the power recovery notification includes displaying on the display effect device 19 information that can specify non-execution of RAM clearing (hereinafter referred to as power recovery information), such as a character string “power is being recovered”. As an example, the power recovery information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display effect device 19 (see FIG. 5). The CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to end the power restoration notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the power restoration notification. The configuration is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may be configured not to execute the power restoration notification. Further, when the power recovery command is input, the CPU 81a controls the display effect device 19 so as to display a predetermined background image and a combination of effect symbols different from the combination of the predetermined effect symbols.

When the initialization command or the power recovery command is input, the CPU 81a executes various normal processes at predetermined control intervals (for example, 108 ms). The normal processing includes sub-error processing, effect unit confirmation processing, jackpot effect processing, effect game processing, and the like.

Sub-error processing will be explained.
The sub-error processing is processing for executing error reporting in response to an error-related command input from the main control board 80 . When the illegal radio wave error setting command is input, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the effect devices 17 to 19 constituting the effect device ES to notify the illegal radio wave error. As an example, an unauthorized radio wave error notification displays information that can identify the detection of an unauthorized radio wave (hereinafter referred to as illegal radio wave error information) such as a string of characters such as "Unauthorized radio wave detected". including displaying on device 19; As an example, the unauthorized radio wave error information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display effect device 19 (see FIG. 5).

When the door open error setting command is input, the CPU 81a controls some or all of the effect devices 17 to 19 constituting the effect device ES to notify the door open error. As an example, the notification of the door open error is information that can identify that at least one of the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 is open, such as a character string "door is open" (hereinafter referred to as door open error information) on the display effect device 19. As an example, the door open error information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display effect device 19 (see FIG. 5). When the CPU 81a inputs the door open error cancellation command, the CPU 81a controls some or all of the effect devices 17 to 19 constituting the effect device ES, and terminates the notification of the door open error. That is, as an example, the display of the door open error information ends.

The effect unit confirmation process will be described.
In the effect unit confirmation process, an error setting regarding the effect unit 40 and an error setting cancellation are performed. Note that the standby period t1 is a period (for example, 500 ms) longer than a predetermined control cycle. In other words, in a scene where power is supplied while the effect unit 40 is removed, the effect unit 40 remains powered for the first time from when the power is supplied until the error is notified. is removed, the second time from the removal of the effect unit 40 to the notification of the error is a time different in length.

The CPU 81a determines whether or not the wiring connector 44 of the effect unit 40 is connected to the wiring connectors 32a and 32b. As an example, the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 of the effect unit 40 is connected when the upper wiring connector 32a is in an energized state. As an example, the effect unit 40 attached to the upper wiring connector 32a is assumed to be one of the effect units 40A and 40D. The CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 of the effect unit 40 is not connected when the upper wiring connector 32a is in a non-energized state. As an example, the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 of the effect unit 40 is connected when the lower wiring connector 32b is in an energized state. As an example, one of the effect units 40B and 40C is assumed as the effect unit 40 attached to the lower wiring connector 32b. CPU81a determines with the wiring connector 44 of the production|presentation unit 40 not being connected, when the lower wiring connector 32b is a non-energization state. That is, the CPU 81a identifies whether or not the effect unit 40 is attached to the base unit 30 by monitoring the energized states of the wiring connectors 32a and 32b.

When the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 is not connected to one or both of the wiring connectors 32a and 32b, it sets a non-connection error. When the disconnection error is set, the CPU 81a controls some or all of the effect devices 17 to 19 constituting the effect device ES to notify the disconnection error being set. In other words, in the effect device ES, the notification of the disconnection error is executed while the disconnection error is being set. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to detect a disconnection error, which is an example of a predetermined error, when power is supplied while the effect unit 40 is removed. A non-connection error can also be grasped as an error that the effect unit 40 is not attached to the base unit 30 . That is, it can be said that the CPU 81 a determines whether or not the effect unit 40 is attached to the base unit 30 .

Notification of the disconnection error includes displaying error information on the display effect device 19 . As an example, the error information indicating the disconnection error (hereinafter referred to as disconnection error information) is a character string "effect unit error". As an example, the disconnection error information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display effect device 19 (see FIG. 5). The CPU 81a displays, in the specific area 19c of the image display area 19a of the display effect device 19, a character string such as "detailed information: the effect unit is not connected" as an example of specific information different from the disconnection error information. You may The specific area 19c is set in the overlapping area 19b overlapping the effect unit 40 in the image display area 19a. However, when the effect unit 40 has the movable portion 42, the movable portion 42 is assumed to be at the original position P1. The specific information is also an example of error information indicating a disconnection error.

While setting the unconnected error, the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 (effect unit 40) is connected to both of the wiring connectors 32a and 32b in the effect unit confirmation process. Cancel the setting. After canceling the setting of the error, the CPU 81a controls some or all of the effect devices 17 to 19 constituting the effect device ES, and terminates notification of the error whose setting has been cancelled. In the effect device ES, the notification of the disconnection error is terminated as the setting of the disconnection error is canceled. In other words, the display of the disconnection error information ends.

CPU81a acquires unit identification information from the identification element 47 of each production|presentation unit 40, when it determines with the wiring connector 44 being connected to both the wiring connectors 32a and 32b. The CPU 81a determines whether or not the type of the effect unit 40 indicated by the obtained unit identification information is the type of the effect unit 40 that conforms to the sub-control program stored in the ROM 81b. That is, the CPU 81a self-diagnoses whether or not the effect unit 40 to be controlled is attached by executing the sub control program. It can also be said that the effect unit 40 is compatible with the combination of the sub-control board 81 and the effect unit 40 as expected by the developer or the like.

The CPU 81a sets a connection incompatibility error when an incompatible effect unit 40 is connected to one or both of the wiring connectors 32a and 32b. When the connection mismatch error is set, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the effect devices 17 to 19 constituting the effect device ES to notify the connection mismatch error. In other words, in the effect device ES, notification of the connection incompatibility error is executed while the connection incompatibility error is being set. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured to detect a connection mismatch error, which is an example of a specific error, when a production unit 40 as a non-conforming unit different from a suitable production unit 40 is attached. The CPU 81a is an example of error detection means.

Notification of the connection mismatch error includes displaying error information indicating the connection mismatch error (hereinafter referred to as connection mismatch error information) on the display effect device 19 . As an example, the connection incompatibility error information is a character string of "effect unit abnormality". As an example, the connection mismatch error information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display effect device 19 (see FIG. 5). In addition, the CPU 81a displays, in the specific area 19c of the image display area 19a of the display effect device 19, a character string such as "detailed information: effect unit is inconsistent" as an example of specific information different from the connection incompatibility error information. You may The specific information is also an example of error information indicating a connection mismatch error.

The normal area 19e is an example of a first area, and the specific area 19c is an example of a second area. The normal area 19e is set to the specified position PF of the base unit 30, and the effect unit 40 is attached to the base unit 30, and the effect unit 40 is removed from the base unit 30. It is a visible area. On the other hand, the specific area 19c is an area that can be visually recognized by the player in the detached state, but is invisible or difficult to be visually recognized by the player in the attached state. However, it is assumed that the movable portion 42 is at the original position P1.

While setting the connection incompatibility error, the CPU 81a cancels the setting of the connection incompatibility error when it is determined that the compatible production unit 40 is connected to both of the wiring connectors 32a and 32b in the production unit confirmation process. do. When the setting of the connection incompatibility error is canceled, the CPU 81a controls some or all of the effect devices 17 to 19 constituting the effect device ES, and terminates the notification of the connection incompatibility error. In the effect device ES, the notification of the connection incompatibility error is terminated as the setting of the connection incompatibility error is cancelled. That is, the display of the connection mismatch error information ends.

In the pachinko game machine 10, in order to cancel the setting of the connection mismatch error, it is necessary to connect the compatible effect unit 40.例文帳に追加In general, the conforming effect unit 40 needs to be installed after removing the non-conforming effect unit 40.例文帳に追加Therefore, the setting state of the error is as follows: "Setting connection mismatch error" → "Setting connection mismatch error and disconnection error" → "Releasing connection mismatch error and disconnection error setting (no errors are set)" ”. The configuration is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may be configured to cancel the setting of the connection incompatibility error when setting the non-connection error.

When the CPU 81a determines in the effect unit confirmation process that the suitable effect unit 40 is connected to both of the wiring connectors 32a and 32b, the CPU 81a ends the effect unit confirmation process. In this case, the CPU 81a causes the RAM 81c to store information (hereinafter referred to as connection completion information) that can specify that the matching effect unit 40 is attached. The connection completion information can also be said to be information indicating that a predetermined effect using the effect unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as unit effect) can be executed. The state in which the connection completion information is set can be said to be a connected state in which the wiring connector 32 on the base unit 30 side and the wiring connector 44 on the effect unit 40 side are electrically connected.

A description will be given of the jackpot effect processing.
The big-hit effect processing is a process for executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a big-hit effect) during the big-hit game. When receiving the opening command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the opening effect. When receiving the round command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the round effect. When receiving the ending start command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the ending effect. When receiving the ending ending command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to end the ending effect.

The CPU 81a can execute a unit effect using the effect unit 40 as one of the big hit effects. When the connection completion information is stored in the RAM 81c, the CPU 81a executes the unit effect when the effect start time set during the jackpot game comes. When the connection completion information is not stored in the RAM 81c, the CPU 81a does not execute the unit performance even when the performance start time comes. That is, the execution of the unit effect is regulated. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that when the connection mismatch error is detected, the effect unit 40 as the non-conforming unit does not operate even when the predetermined effect start time arrives. . Moreover, there are multiple types of errors relating to the effect unit 40 . It can be said that the rendering means of the rendering unit 40 does not execute a predetermined rendering even when the rendering start time comes when any one of a plurality of types of errors relating to the rendering unit 40 is detected.

Effect execution processing will be described.
In the effect execution process, a unit effect is executed according to the effect unit 40 attached to the base unit 30. - 特許庁The effect execution process is a process for executing the unit effect when the effect start time comes.

It is assumed that the presentation effect unit 40</b>A has a wiring connector 44 . As an example, the CPU 81a controls the drive mechanism 34 (stepping motor 34A) based on a predetermined motion pattern to cause the movable portion 42 of the presentation effect unit 40A to perform the first motion. As an example, when the presentation effect unit 40A has a stepping motor 45, the CPU 81a controls the stepping motor 45 based on a predetermined motion pattern to cause the movable portion 42 to perform the second motion. When the performance effect unit 40A has the light emitting section 46, the CPU 81a controls the light emitting section 46 based on a predetermined light emitting pattern to execute a light emitting effect of lighting, extinguishing, or blinking. When the performance effect unit 40A has the display section 48, the CPU 81a controls the display section 48 based on a predetermined display pattern to execute a display effect for displaying a predetermined image.

It is assumed that the effect units 40B and 40C have wiring connectors 44. FIG. As an example, when the effect units 40B and 40C have the movable portion 42 and the stepping motor 45, the CPU 81a controls the stepping motor 45 to operate the movable portion 42 based on a predetermined operation pattern. When the effect units 40B and 40C have the light emitting part 46, the CPU 81a controls the light emitting part 46 based on a predetermined light emitting pattern, and causes the light emitting effect of lighting, extinguishing, or blinking. When the effect units 40B and 40C have the display section 48, the CPU 81a controls the display section 48 based on a predetermined display pattern to execute a display effect for displaying a predetermined image.

The production unit 40D has a wiring connector 44. As shown in FIG. As an example, when the effect unit 40D has the movable portion 42 and the stepping motor 45, the CPU 81a controls the stepping motor 45 and operates the movable portion 42 based on a predetermined operation pattern. When the effect unit 40D has the light emitting part 46, the CPU 81a controls the light emitting part 46 based on a predetermined light emitting pattern, and causes the light emitting effect of lighting, extinguishing, or blinking. When the effect unit 40D has the display section 48, the CPU 81a controls the display section 48 based on a predetermined display pattern to execute a display effect for displaying a predetermined image. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that the effect means of the effect unit 40 can execute a predetermined effect when it is in the connected state and the power is supplied. The predetermined effect may include the effect that the stepping motor 45 moves the movable portion 42 .

In the effect unit confirmation process described above, the CPU 81a confirms the connection between the wiring connectors 32a and 32b and the wiring connector 44. FIG. Therefore, for example, when the effect unit 40 without the wiring connector 44 is attached to the base unit 30, the CPU 81a cannot identify whether the effect unit 40 is a suitable effect unit 40 or not. In this case, the CPU 81a controls the drive mechanism 34 when the presentation unit 40A without the wiring connector 44 is attached to the base unit 30 and the connection completion information is set. , it is preferable to execute the unit effect in such a manner that the movable part 42 of the effect effect unit 40A is operated.

The effect game processing will be described.
The effect game process is a process for executing the effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game during execution of the special game. When the CPU 81a receives the variation start command and the special symbol command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the display effect device 19 so as to execute the effect game. Specifically, when receiving the variation start command, the CPU 81a selects an effect pattern (effect content) of the effect game based on a change pattern that can be specified from the command. Further, when the CPU 81a receives a special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines a symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the effect game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the command. When the CPU 81a can specify a big hit pattern from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines a big hit pattern combination. When the CPU 81a can identify the missing symbol from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines the missing symbol combination. It should be noted that the CPU 81a, when executing the ready-to-win effect, determines a combination of symbols that are not included in the ready-to-win game.

The CPU 81a controls the display effect device 19 so as to start the variable display of the effect symbols in each symbol row with the input of the variation start command as a trigger. That is, the CPU 81a starts the effect game. In addition, when executing the notice effect in relation to the effect game, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the display effect device 19 so as to execute the notice effect. The advance notice effect is a effect for suggesting or notifying the degree of expectation that the effect game being executed will result in a big win (hereinafter referred to as the degree of expectation for a big win). The advance notice effect may be a effect of suggesting or notifying the degree of expectation for a big hit in the pending variable game.

The CPU 81a can execute a unit effect as one of the advance notice effects. When the connection completion information is stored in the RAM 81c, the CPU 81a executes the unit effect when the effect start time set in the execution period of the effect game comes. When the connection completion information is not stored in the RAM 81c, the CPU 81a does not execute the unit performance even when the performance start time comes. That is, the execution of the unit effect is regulated. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that when the connection mismatch error is detected, the effect unit 40 as the non-conforming unit does not operate even when the predetermined effect start time arrives. . Moreover, there are multiple types of errors relating to the effect unit 40 . It can be said that the rendering means of the rendering unit 40 does not execute a predetermined rendering even when the rendering start time comes when any one of a plurality of types of errors relating to the rendering unit 40 is detected. The CPU 81a executes the unit effect by executing the effect execution process described above.

The CPU 81a temporarily stops and displays the symbol combination at a predetermined timing after starting the effect game, and stops and confirms the symbol combination upon input of the variation end command. It should be noted that the CPU 81a may cause the symbol combination to be determined and stop-displayed when the variation time set in the variation pattern elapses, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the fluctuation end command may be omitted.

The operation of the pachinko game machine 10 will be described together with the installation method and the removal method of the effect unit 40. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the locking device 11A is operated to unlock the body frame 11. As shown in FIGS. By opening the front frame 14, the game board unit 20 fixed to the middle frame 13 is exposed. That is, locking by the mounting mechanisms 71 and 72 and release of the locking are possible at least when the body frame 11 is in the open state. The fixing mechanism 13B is not operated, and the base unit 30 remains fixed to the fitting portion 13A of the middle frame 13. FIG. All the fixed operating parts 58 on the game board 50 are operated to remove the game board 50 from the base unit 30. - 特許庁

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the presentation effect unit 40A can be removed from the base unit 30 by operating the first attachment mechanism 71. FIG. As a result, maintenance of the presentation effect unit 40A is easier than when the presentation effect unit 40A is attached to the base unit 30. - 特許庁Also, in the base unit 30, the maintenance of the portion where the presentation effect unit 40A is attached is easy. Also, the presentation effect unit 40A can be attached to the base unit 30 by operating the first attachment mechanism 71 .

The middle effect unit 40B or the lower effect unit 40C can be removed from the base unit 30 by operating the second attachment mechanism 72 . As a result, maintenance of the effect units 40B and 40C is easier than when the effect units 40B and 40C are attached to the base unit 30.例文帳に追加In addition, in the base unit 30, the maintenance of the portion where the production units 40B and 40C are attached is easy. Also, the effect units 40B and 40C can be attached to the base unit 30 by operating the second attachment mechanism 72 .

The special performance unit 40D can be removed from the base unit 30 by releasing the fitting between the wiring connector 32 on the base side and the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side. As a result, maintenance of the special effect unit 40D is easier than when the special effect unit 40D is attached to the base unit 30.例文帳に追加Also, in the base unit 30, the maintenance of the part to which the special effect unit 40D is attached is easy. Also, the special effect unit 40D can be attached to the base unit 30 by fitting the wiring connectors 32 and 44 together.

In this way, the performance unit 40 can be removed from the base unit 30 without removing the whole pachinko game machine 10 from the island facility or the whole game board unit 20 from the middle frame 13.例文帳に追加Moreover, the pachinko game machine 10 can easily attach a new performance unit 40 of the same type when the performance unit 40 that has been removed is out of order. Locking by the mounting mechanisms 71 and 72 and release of the locking can be performed without removing the base unit 30 . Fitting of the wiring connectors 32 and 44 is also one mode of locking.

Also, the pachinko game machine 10 can attach another type of effect unit 40 after detaching the effect unit 40.例文帳に追加In this case, the control boards 80 and 81 should also be replaced with control boards 80 and 81 that match the type of the effect unit 40 that has been newly installed. The control boards 80 and 81 can be replaced from the rear side of the middle frame 13 by opening the middle frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 12 . As described above, there are a plurality of effect units 40 , and some effect units 40 among the plurality of effect units 40 are different in shape from other effect units 40 . The attachment mechanisms 71 and 72 are configured so that the plurality of effect units 40 can be attached to the specified position PF of the base unit 30 by locking. The attachment mechanisms 71 and 72 are configured to attach the removed effect unit 40 or the effect unit 40 different from the effect unit 40 to the specified position PF of the base unit 30 by locking. The fitting of the wiring connectors 32 and 44 can also be comprehended in the same manner.

Next, a specific example of variations of the effect unit 40 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, there may be a plurality of types of cantilevered effect unit 40AL and effect unit 40AR. The plurality of types of presentation effect units 40AL and 40AR have a base portion 41, a movable portion 42, and one mounting portion 43. As shown in FIG. The plurality of types of presentation effect units 40AL and 40AR may have a light emitting section 46 and a display section 48. FIG. A plurality of types of presentation effect units 40AL and 40AR do not have a stepping motor 45. - 特許庁The movable parts 42 of the performance effect units 40AL and 40AR receive power from the drive mechanism 34 and operate.

As an example, among the presentation effect units 40AL, the presentation effect units 40AL1 and 40AL2 are different in at least one of the base portion 41 and the movable portion . As an example, among the presentation effect units 40AR, the presentation effect units 40AR1 and 40AR2 are different in at least one of the base portion 41 and the movable portion . As an example, the base portion 41 and the movable portion 42 being “different” means that they are different in shape, size, material, printed characters, and the like. As an example, "different" for the movable part 42 may mean that the operation mode of the movable part 42 is different.

As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), there may be a plurality of types of double-supported presentation effect units 40AD. The plurality of types of presentation effect units 40 AD have a base portion 41 , a movable portion 42 and two mounting portions 43 . The plurality of types of presentation effect units 40AD may have a light emitting section 46 and a display section 48. FIG. The plural types of presentation effect units 40AD do not have a stepping motor 45. - 特許庁The movable part 42 of the performance effect unit 40AD receives power from the drive mechanism 34 and operates. As an example, among the performance effect units 40AD, at least one of the base portion 41 and the movable portion 42 is different between the performance effect units 40AD1 and 40AD2.

As shown in FIG. 11(a), there may be a plurality of types of special effect units 40D. A plurality of types of special effect units 40</b>D have a base portion 41 and a wiring connector 44 . The plural kinds of special effect units 40D do not have the movable part 42, the mounting part 43, and the stepping motor 45. - 特許庁A plurality of types of special effect units 40D may have a light emitting section 46 and a display section 48. FIG. As an example, the plurality of types of effect units 40AD have different base portions 41 .

As shown in FIGS. 11(b) to 11(d), there may be a plurality of types of the double-supported middle effect unit 40BD and the lower effect unit 40CD. The effect units 40BD and 40CD have a base portion 41, two mounting portions 43, and a wiring connector 44.

The middle effect unit 40BD1 and the lower effect unit 40CD do not have the movable part 42 and the stepping motor 45. - 特許庁The medium effect unit 40BD2 has a movable part 42 and a stepping motor 45. - 特許庁The movable part 42 of the intermediate effect unit 40BD2 receives power from the stepping motor 45 and operates.

The effect units 40BD1, 40BD2, and 40CD may have a light emitting section 46 and a display section 48. As an example, the production units 40BD1, 40BD2, and 40CD are different at least in the base portion 41 . The production units 40BD1, 40BD2, and 40CD also differ from each other in terms of whether or not they have the movable portion .

As shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 12(f), the game board unit 20 can be attached to the base unit 30 in combination with various effect units 40. FIG.
FIG. 12(a) shows an example in which production units 40BD1 and 40CD and production production unit 40AD1 are attached to the base unit 30. FIG. In this example, the power of the drive mechanism 34 causes the movable portion 42 of the presentation effect unit 40AD1 to operate as indicated by an arrow A1. In the effect units 40AD1, 40BD1, 40CD, the light emitting operation of the light emitting section 46 and the display operation of the display section 48 can be performed.

FIG. 12(b) shows an example in which production units 40BD2 and 40D and presentation production units 40AL2 and 40AR2 are attached to the base unit 30. FIG. In this example, the power of the drive mechanism 34 causes the movable parts 42 of the presentation effect units 40AL2 and 40AR2 to operate as indicated by an arrow A2. Further, the power of the stepping motor 45 of the middle effect unit 40BD2 causes the movable part 42 of the middle effect unit 40BD2 to operate. In the effect units 40AL2, 40AR2, 40BD2, 40D, the light emission operation of the light emitting section 46 and the display operation of the display section 48 can be performed.

FIG. 12(c) shows an example in which a special effect unit 40D and presentation effect units 40AL1 and 40AR1 are attached to the base unit 30. FIG. In this example, the power of the drive mechanism 34 causes the movable parts 42 of the presentation effect units 40AL1 and 40AR1 to operate as indicated by an arrow A3. In the effect units 40D, 40AL1, 40AR1, the light emitting operation of the light emitting section 46 and the display operation of the display section 48 can be performed.

FIG. 12(d) shows an example in which a lower effect unit 40CD is attached to the base unit 30. FIG. In this example, the movable part 42 is not operated, but the light emission operation of the light emitting part 46 and the display operation of the display part 48 can be performed.

FIG. 12(e) shows an example in which the effect unit 40BD2 and the performance effect unit 40AD1 are attached to the base unit 30. FIG. In this example, the power of the driving mechanism 34 causes the movable portion 42 of the production unit 40AD1 to operate as indicated by an arrow A4. Further, the power of the stepping motor 45 of the middle effect unit 40BD2 causes the movable part 42 of the middle effect unit 40BD2 to operate. In the effect units 40AD1 and 40BD2, the light emitting operation of the light emitting section 46 and the display operation of the display section 48 can be performed.

FIG. 12(f) shows an example in which the effect units 40BD2 and 40D and the effect effect unit 40AL1 are attached to the base unit 30. FIG. In this example, the power of the drive mechanism 34 causes the movable portion 42 of the production unit 40AL1 to operate as indicated by an arrow A5. Further, the power of the stepping motor 45 of the middle effect unit 40BD2 causes the movable part 42 of the middle effect unit 40BD2 to operate. In the effect units 40AL1, 40BD2, 40D, the light emitting operation of the light emitting section 46 and the display operation of the display section 48 can be performed.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The pachinko game machine 10, in a connected state in which the wiring connectors 32 and 44 are electrically connected, locks the effect unit 40 having effect means with the attachment mechanisms 71 and 72 to the base unit 30. It can be attached to position PF. Accordingly, the effect means of the effect unit 40 can execute a predetermined effect by supplying electric power. Moreover, the production unit 40 can be removed by releasing the locking by the attachment mechanisms 71 and 72 . In other words, attachment and detachment of the effect unit 40 is facilitated. Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

(2) The pachinko game machine 10 can attach a plurality of effect units 40 including those having different shapes to the specified position PF of the base unit 30 by locking. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the design of the pachinko game machine.

(3) The pachinko game machine 10 can be reattached with the detached effect unit 40 or can be attached with another effect unit 40 . That is, the replacement of the effect unit 40 can be easily performed.

(4) In the pachinko game machine 10, the wiring connector 32 on the base unit side and the wiring connector 44 on the production unit 40 side can be connected by fitting at the same time when the effect unit 40 is attached. Therefore, installation of the production unit 40 can be simplified.

(5) The effect unit 40D can be attached only by fitting the wiring connectors 32 and 44 together. Attachment by the attachment mechanisms 71 and 72 can be reinforced also about other production|presentation units 40. FIG.

(6) The pachinko game machine 10 can attach not only the same number of the plurality of attachment mechanisms 71, but also a smaller number of effect units 40 to the base unit 30. - 特許庁The same applies to the plurality of mounting mechanisms 72 as well. Therefore, the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

(7) The effect unit 40 having the movable part 42 and the stepping motor 45 can be said to be a game component that is relatively prone to failure. However, since the effect unit 40 can be attached and detached easily, even if the effect unit 40 breaks down, the burden of maintenance can be reduced.

(8) The pachinko machine 10 can be locked by the mounting mechanisms 71 and 72 and unlocked when the body frame 11 is open. Contact with the body frame 11 can be suppressed.

(9) Locking by the mounting mechanisms 71 and 72 and release of the locking are possible without removing the base unit 30 as the game board unit 20 from the middle frame 13 . Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the base unit 30 from the body frame 11 when removing and attaching the effect unit 40 . Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

(10) The pachinko gaming machine 10 is detected as a predetermined error (disconnection error) when power is supplied while the effect unit 40 is removed. Therefore, the performance unit 40 is prevented from being used in a game in a detached state. Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

(11) The pachinko gaming machine 10 is detected as a specific error (connection incompatibility error) when a production unit 40 different from the compatible production unit 40 is attached. Therefore, the game is prevented from being played while the inappropriate unit is attached. Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

(12) The pachinko game machine 10 is detected as a specific error and its operation is restricted when a non-conforming effect unit 40 different from the effect unit 40 is attached. Therefore, execution of inappropriate effects is suppressed by inappropriate units. Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

(13) The pachinko gaming machine 10 is restricted from executing a predetermined effect when any of the plurality of types of errors relating to the effect unit 40 is detected. Therefore, execution of an incomplete presentation is suppressed. Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

(14) The pachinko game machine 10 has a first scene in which power is supplied while the effect unit 40 is removed, and a second scene in which the effect unit 40 is removed while power is supplied. , the time until it is detected as a predetermined error. Therefore, the time until an error is detected can be optimized depending on whether it is the first scene or the second scene. That is, the time required for a given treatment can be provided. Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

(15) When an error related to the effect unit 40 is detected, the pachinko game machine 10 displays notification information in the visible normal area 19e regardless of the presence or absence of the effect unit 40, making it easy to grasp the error. . On the other hand, specific information is displayed in the specific area 19c that is difficult or invisible when the effect unit 40 is attached. Therefore, it is possible to display useful information in the specific area 19c for maintenance although it is not desired to be shown to the player. Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

(16) The specific information is specific content of the error regarding the effect unit 40 . Therefore, when the effect unit 40 is removed, more specific content of the error can be grasped.
The embodiment described above can be implemented with the following modifications. It should be noted that the above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

When an error related to the effect unit 40 is detected, the effect means of the effect unit 40 does not execute a predetermined effect even when the effect start time arrives, while a specific unit different from the effect unit can operate. may be configured. For example, it is assumed that a suitable effect unit 40 and an unsuitable effect unit 40 are connected. In this case, the CPU 81a may set an error and connection completion information for each effect unit 40 in the effect unit confirmation process. Then, when the production start time comes, the CPU 81a controls the suitable production unit 40 to execute a predetermined production. On the other hand, the CPU 81a preferably does not cause the unsuitable effect unit 40 to execute a predetermined effect when the effect start time arrives. In this modified example, the suitable effect unit 40 is an example of a specific unit.

According to this modified example, when an error related to the effect unit 40 is detected, execution of the predetermined effect is restricted. Therefore, execution of an incomplete presentation is suppressed. On the other hand, since the effect unit 40 different from the effect unit 40 in which the error was detected can operate, the operation necessary for the pachinko game machine 10 can be ensured. Therefore, maintenance becomes easy.

- The game board unit 20 may have a specific effect unit that cannot be attached or detached. In this case, when an error related to the effect unit 40 is detected, the CPU 81a does not execute a predetermined effect even when the effect start time arrives, but the effect means differs from the effect unit 40. Certain rendering units may be configured to be operable. In this modified example, the specific effect unit is an example of a specific unit. A specific production unit may have part or all of a stepping motor, a light emitting section, and a display section as production means. The specific effect unit may have a ball entrance into which a game ball can enter, and may be configured to execute a predetermined effect based on the game ball entering the ball entrance. It should be noted that the ball entrance in this modified example may be configured so that the conditions for awarding prize balls can be established by the entry of game balls.

- The CPU 81a may be configured to be able to set an operation error as an error related to the effect unit 40 instead of or in addition to the unconnected error and the unsuitable connection error. As an example, it is assumed that an effect unit 40 having a movable portion 42 and a stepping motor 45 is connected. When the power is turned on, the CPU 81a controls the stepping motor 45 so that the movable portion 42 is displaced in the order of the original position P1→the performance position P2→the original position P1. Then, the CPU 81a may set a movable error when the movable portion 42 does not return to the original position P1 even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may control the drive mechanism 34 so that when the power is turned on, the mounting portion 33 (movable portion 42) is displaced in the order of the original position P1→the rendering position P2→the original position P1. . Then, the CPU 81a may set a movable error when the mounting portion 33 (movable portion 42) does not return to the original position P1 even after a predetermined time has passed. It should be noted that the CPU 81a preferably stores the connection completion information in the RAM 81c when the movable error is not set. Also, it is preferable that the setting of the movable error is canceled by turning off the power.

- The pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a light guide plate. The light guide plate has a predetermined pattern engraved on its surface, and is configured such that the pattern can be visually recognized by irradiating light from the edge. The light guide plate is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the front side of the game board 51 . The light guide plate is attached to a position covering all or part of the display window 51b of the game board 51. As shown in FIG. The light guide plate can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30 integrally with the game plate 51 .

- Attachment part 33A and attachment part 43A may be used also as a wiring connector. In this case, when the presentation effect unit 40A is attached to the base unit 30, a connection mismatch error and a disconnection error can be detected.

- Power may be supplied from the effect unit 40 having the wiring connector 44 to the effect effect unit 40A. In this case, the presentation effect unit 40A can also be grasped as a part of the effect unit 40 having the wiring connector 44 .

· The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to display various types of information in the image display area 19 a of the display effect device 19 . For example, in the specific area 19c, in addition to or instead of the error information regarding the effect unit 40, mode information associated with the effect mode and effect information associated with various game effects may be displayed. For example, when a unit effect is included in the effect mode, it can be assumed that the unit effect is not executed and the effect mode becomes incomplete because the connection completion information is not set. In such a case, by displaying the mode information in the specific area 19c, the manager or the like who can remove the effect unit 40 can grasp the effect mode. For example, when a predetermined game effect includes a unit effect, it can be assumed that the unit effect is not executed and the predetermined game effect becomes incomplete because the connection completion information is not set. In such a case, by displaying the effect information in the specific area 19c, the manager or the like who can remove the effect unit 40 can grasp the game effect.

- In the specific area 19c, the same information as part or all of the information displayed in the normal area 19e may be displayed. According to this modified example, if the effect unit 40 is removed, even in the portion hidden by the effect unit 40, at least part of the same information as that of the normal region 19e can be grasped, so that overlooking of the information can be suppressed.

When the disconnection error is set (when the notification of the disconnection error is executed), the CPU 81a determines that even if the effect unit 40 is connected after that, the predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the special period) is Until the time elapses, even if the production start time arrives, the unit production may not be executed. The special period may be a period until the variable game being executed ends, a period until a predetermined number of variable games end, or a period until the power is turned off. Alternatively, it may be a period until the next performance start time elapses.

For example, assume that there is an effect unit 40 having a movable portion 42 as a movable body. When the effect unit 40 is normally connected, the movable part 42 receives the power of the drive mechanism 34 or the stepping motor 45 during the "operation period of the movable body" which is triggered by the arrival of the effect start time. It is possible to execute a moving effect by pressing. In this case, the CPU 81a starts the variation game in a situation in which a disconnection error is notified (a situation in which a disconnection error is set), and determines that the "operation period of the movable body" set in the variation game is Even if it is connected to any period, the movable body may not operate during the special period.

When the disconnection error is set (when the notification of the disconnection error is executed), the CPU 81a, when the effect unit 40 is subsequently connected, Alternatively, all may be controlled to perform notification that the effect unit 40 has been connected (hereinafter referred to as connection notification). As an example, the connection notification may be performed by the light emitting section 46 of the effect unit 40 or may be performed by the light emitting effect device 18 .

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a specification that provides a high probability state until the next big win game, a specification that provides a high probability state until the falling lottery is won (so-called falling machine), or until the specified number of variable games are completed. A specification that gives a high probability state (so-called ST machine) can be adopted. The pachinko gaming machine 10 can adopt a specification (so-called V probability variable machine) that provides a high probability state on condition that the game ball passes through a predetermined area (so-called "V area"). The pachinko game machine 10 may have a specification in which the specification of the falling machine and the specification of the V-variable machine are mixed.

- As a winning lottery for special symbols, in addition to a big winning lottery, a small winning lottery may be performed. When a small win is won in a winning lottery, a small winning game (winning game) is provided after the special game is finished. In this embodiment, the number of times (frequency) to win a small hit per unit time (frequency), or a small win game per unit time is given compared to the normal game state (for example, low probability low ball entry rate state) It may be configured to be controllable to a state (so-called small hit RUSH) in which the number of times (frequency) is improved.

- The pachinko machine 10 may adopt a specification classified into the second type, which is also called "feather type" or "airplane type". In this type of pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the starting hole, the opening/closing blade (opening/closing member) of the ball entry device (large winning hole) opens, and the game ball that enters the ball entry device wins a special prize. A jackpot game is generated by entering the ball into the mouth.

- The CPU 80a, ROM 80b, RAM 80c, and random number generation circuit 80d may be configured in one chip.
- The specific configuration of the game board unit 20 may be changed arbitrarily.

The sub-control board 81 is used as a sub-integrated control board, and apart from the sub-control board 81, a display control board that exclusively controls the display effect device 19, a light emission control board that exclusively controls the light emission effect device 18, and a sound effect device 17 are provided. A dedicated control sound control board may be provided. A sub-board may include such a sub-integrated control board and other boards for controlling effects. Moreover, in the embodiment, the CPU 80a and the CPU 81a may be mounted on a single board. Also, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or a plurality of boards.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.
(1) The effect means includes the drive means, the effect unit has a movable portion, and the predetermined effect is effect in which the drive means moves the movable portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Pachinko game machine 11... Machine frame 12... Outer frame 13... Middle frame 14... Front frame 20... Game board unit 30... Base unit 32, 32a, 32b... Wiring connector 33... Mounting part 33g... Guide groove 33m... Locking Hole 40... Production unit 42... Movable part 43... Mounting part 43g... Guide piece 43m... Locking hook 44... Wiring connector 45... Stepping motor 46... Light emitting part 48... Display part 50... Game board 70, 71, 72... Mounting mechanism PF...Prescribed position

Claims (5)

one or more base units;
a wiring portion on the base unit side;
a production unit having production means;
a wiring portion on the production unit side;
In a connected state in which the wiring portion on the base unit side and the wiring portion on the effect unit side are electrically connected, the effect unit can be attached to a prescribed position of the base unit by locking. a locking means;
guide means configured to guide the production unit to a prescribed position of the base unit;
The production unit can be removed by releasing the locking by the locking means,
the effect means of the effect unit includes at least one of display means, light emission means, and drive means;
The game machine is configured such that the effect means of the effect unit can perform a predetermined effect in the connected state and when power is supplied. There are a plurality of the production units, and some of the production units have a different shape from other production units,
2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein said locking means is configured to attach said plurality of effect units to prescribed positions of said base unit by locking. 2. The game according to claim 1, wherein the locking means is configured to attach the removed production unit or a production unit different from the production unit to a prescribed position of the base unit by locking. machine. One of the wiring portion on the base unit side and the wiring portion on the effect unit side is a convex connector, and the other wiring portion is a concave connector,
A connector as a wiring portion on the side of the base unit and a connector as a wiring portion on the side of the production unit are connected by fitting in a mounting state in which the production unit is attached to a specified position of the base unit. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. There are a plurality of the locking means,
The plurality of locking means are configured such that the same number of the effect units as the plurality of locking means can be attached to the prescribed position of the base unit by locking, and the plurality of locking means are: The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said performance units, which are smaller in number than said plurality of locking means, can be attached to prescribed positions of said base unit.

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