JP2024002198A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve sliding of game balls.SOLUTION: A game machine 10 is used by circulating multiple game balls by the game machine 10 itself and includes a roller member 71 for adhering a coating agent to game balls, and the roller member 71 can adjust the amount of the coating agent adhered to game balls. The roller member 71 has roller components 75 abutting on game balls and they are at least partially first roller components 75A containing the coating agent, and a ratio of the first roller components 75A in the roller components 75 can be changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional gaming machine, one in which game balls are circulated is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2016-34569A (Paragraph [0010])

There is a need for the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines to improve the sliding of the gaming balls.

The invention according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above problem, is a gaming machine in which a plurality of game balls are circulated and used in a single game machine, comprising a coating means for applying a coating agent to the game balls, the coating means This is a game machine in which the amount of the coating agent applied to the game ball can be adjusted.

In the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the sliding of the gaming ball can be improved. Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of coating agent, the slippage of the game ball can also be adjusted.

Front view of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment Front view of the game machine body with the game board inserted Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine Exploded perspective view of firing unit Exploded view of the area surrounding the ball collection path provided at the bottom of the gaming machine main body Front sectional view of the launching ball guide section Rear view of collection unit Front sectional view of the collection section Planar sectional view near the lifting device Perspective view of lifting device Planar sectional view of the lifting device Exploded perspective view of parts of the lifting device Planar sectional view of the lifting device Side sectional view of lifting device Planar sectional view of the lifting device Planar sectional view near the lifting device Exploded view of roller member Enlarged sectional view of roller member Perspective view of the top of the cleaning mechanism Side sectional view of lifting device Flowchart of maintenance timing specific program Side view of the lifting device according to the second embodiment Front view of the vicinity of the partition bulge A plan sectional view of a lifting device according to a third embodiment Front view of the lifting device according to the sixth embodiment Planar sectional view near the lifting device Side sectional view of a lifting device according to a modified example Side sectional view of a roller member according to a modified example A plan sectional view of a roller member according to a modified example

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a gaming machine 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21. The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, and as shown in FIG. The gaming area R1 that has been created is now visible. In the following description, the side of the gaming machine 10 that is closer to the player will be referred to as the "front side," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "rear side." ” and “left side” will simply be referred to as “right side” and “left side.”

As shown in FIG. 2, the game area R1 is formed by being surrounded on all sides by guide rails 12 protruding from the front surface of the game board 11. Then, the game ball fired from the firing unit 31 passes through the ball guide path 17 on the left side of the game board 11 formed by the guide rail 12 and enters the game area R1 from the entrance 12K located near the upper end.

A display opening 11H is formed through the center of the gaming area R1 of the gaming board 11, and a display screen 13G of the display device 13 faces forward through this display opening 11H. Note that various effects related to the game are displayed on the display screen 13G of the display device 13.

A display decoration frame 23 is attached to the opening edge of the display opening 11H. The display decoration frame 23 is fitted into the display opening 11H from the front side of the game board 11 and protrudes from the front side of the game board 11, and prevents game balls flowing down the game area R1 from entering the inside of the display decoration frame 23. ing.

A stage 24 on which game balls can roll is formed at the lower side of the display decoration frame 23. At the lowest end of the stage 24, three discharge parts 24A are formed that can discharge game balls one by one. Further, a warp path 24R is formed on the left side of the display decoration frame 23 to receive the game ball flowing down the game area R1 and guide it to the stage 24. The game balls that have passed through the warp path 24R are released from the left end of the stage 24, roll on the stage 24, and flow down from the discharge section 24A to the lower part of the display decoration frame 23.

Below the display decoration frame 23, first and second starting prize openings 14A and 14B are provided vertically side by side. Specifically, the first start-up prize opening 14A is arranged right below the middle discharge part 24A among the three discharge parts 24A. A starting gate 18 is provided on the right side of the display decoration frame 23. A big winning hole 15 is provided on the lower right side of the display decoration frame 23, that is, on the right side of the first and second starting winning holes 14A, 14B. Moreover, the gaming area R1 is provided with a plurality of general winning holes 20 in addition to the starting winning holes 14A, 14B and the big winning hole 15. Although not shown, a plurality of obstacle nails are distributed throughout the game area R1.

The starting gate 18 has a gate-shaped structure through which game balls can pass under. When the game ball passes through the starting gate 18, a normal symbol validity determination is performed.

The first starting winning opening 14A has a pocket structure that opens upward, while the second starting winning opening 14B opens forward and is opened and closed by an opening/closing door 14T. The opening/closing door 14T is normally placed in a closed position that closes the second starting winning opening 14B, and opens the second starting winning opening 14B due to a win in the above-mentioned normal symbol validity determination. placed in the open position.

When a game ball enters the starting winning openings 14A, 14B, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls, and a special symbol validity determination is performed. The determination result is displayed on the display screen 13G of the display device 13 as a combination of special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C. Then, if the determination result of the special symbol validity determination is a hit, a jackpot game is executed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, three left, middle, and right special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are normally stopped and displayed side by side on the display screen 13G. Each of these special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C is composed of a plurality of types with numbers from "0" to "11" written on them, for example, and usually each special symbol 13A, 13B, 13C has a predetermined number. Different kinds of things are stopped and displayed. When a game ball enters the first and second starting winning holes 14A, 14B, these three special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C are scrolled up and down, and after a predetermined time, for example, the left, Special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are stopped and displayed in the order of right and center. If the judgment result is a hit (hereinafter referred to as a "jackpot"), the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are all stopped and displayed as the same symbol (double number), and the game shifts to a "jackpot game state." . On the other hand, if the determination result is a failure, a combination other than the number zero is stopped and displayed, and the normal game state, which is not the "jackpot game state", continues.

The grand prize opening 15 is open to the front of the game board 11 and has a horizontally long shape, and is normally closed by a movable door 15T. When the "jackpot game state" is reached as described above, the movable door 15T falls forward and the grand prize opening 15 opens, and a game ball can be won in the grand prize opening 15 using the movable door 15T as a guide. When a game ball enters the grand prize opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls.

The general winning hole 20 has a pocket structure open to the top, and when a game ball wins, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls.

All game balls that do not win in any of the winning holes 14A, 14B, 15, and 20 described above are taken into the plurality of out holes 16 provided at the lower end of the gaming area R1.

The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called enclosed gaming machine in which a predetermined number (for example, 40 to 49 balls) of gaming balls are enclosed. Then, when the firing handle 28 (see FIG. 1) provided at the lower right corner of the front door 10Z is rotated, the game balls sealed in the machine base are fired one by one by the firing unit 31, and the aforementioned As described above, the ball passes through the ball guiding path 17 of the game board 11 and enters the game area R1 from the entrance 12K. Then, regardless of whether or not the fired game balls have won in each winning slot 14A, 14B, 15, 20, all the game balls are collected through the ball recovery path 40 and launched by the lifting device 60. Returned to unit 31. The ball recovery path 40 and the lifting device 60 will be explained in detail later. In this way, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the internal gaming balls are used cyclically.

In this embodiment, since the game balls enclosed in the machine are circulated, actual game balls are not lent out, but the number of game balls corresponding to the loan amount is stored. Therefore, a card unit 26 (see FIG. 3) is arranged next to the gaming machine 10. The card unit 26 has a card insertion slot into which a card is inserted, and reads and writes information about the player's balls (gaming balls owned by the player), etc. on the card inserted into the card insertion slot. performs information processing. Specifically, the number of balls held by the player is written on the card as the number of balls stored in the card. Also, the number of balls stored in the card written on the card is read. Note that the card unit 26 also has a bill insertion slot for lending game balls with cash, and information on the balance can also be written on the card.

Further, a ball management unit 19 is provided at the lower center of the front door 10Z of the gaming machine 10 (see FIG. 1). The ball management unit 19 displays the number of balls held by the player, the remaining amount of cash inserted into the bill insertion slot of the card unit 26 that is not used for renting game balls, and the like. Then, the player performs an operation on the ball management unit 19 to set some of the balls stored in the card as balls stored on the gaming machine side that can be consumed in the gaming machine 10, or to use cash inserted into the bill insertion slot. You can rent out game balls from here. Further, on the right side of the ball management unit 19, a maintenance notification lamp 53, which will be described later, is provided.

The firing unit 31 also includes a firing ball sensor 31S that detects the game ball fired by the firing unit 31, and a return ball sensor 31S that detects the game ball that was fired by the firing unit 31 but did not reach the gaming area R1. 36S (see FIG. 3), and when a game ball is detected by the firing ball sensor 31S, the number of detected game balls is subtracted from the number of balls stored on the gaming machine side, and the game ball is returned to the ball sensor 36S. When detected, the number of detected game balls is added to the ball storage on the gaming machine side. In addition, when a game ball enters each winning hole 14A, 14B, 15, 20, it is detected by each winning sensor 25 (see FIG. 3), and the number of game balls corresponding to the winning ball is is added to the number of balls stored on the gaming machine side.

FIG. 2 shows substantially the entire gaming machine main body 30 excluding some parts. The game board 11 is fitted into the game machine main body 30, and the firing unit 31 is provided below the game board 11 on the front surface of the game machine main body 30. The firing unit 31 is disposed approximately at the center in the left-right direction on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 30, and launches a game ball toward the gaming area R1 in response to a rotational operation of the firing handle 28 (see FIG. 1). On the left side of the firing unit 31, a firing ball guide section 36 is provided that guides the game balls fired from the firing unit 31 to the ball guiding path 17 on the game board 11. Note that a front door 10Z (see FIG. 1) is rotatably connected to one side (left side in front view) of the gaming machine main body 30. That is, FIG. 2 is substantially the same as a front view of the gaming machine 10 with the front door 10Z open.

As shown in FIG. 4, the firing unit 31 mainly includes a firing device 31A and a ball supply device 31B. Specifically, the firing unit 31 is formed by assembling components such as a ball supply device 31B, a firing rail 31R, a striking hammer 34, and a firing motor (not shown) to a base plate 33 of a firing device 31A. The ball supply device 31B takes in game balls sent from the lifting device 60 through a supply port 33K formed through the base plate 33, and supplies them one ball at a time onto the firing rail 31R. The hitting hammer 34 extends vertically at the center of the base plate 33, and the game ball supplied onto the firing rail 31R is received by a ball receiving member 35. The firing motor is driven by the rotation operation of the firing handle 28, and the striking hammer 34 rotates in response to the driving force of the firing motor. When the batting mallet 34 is rotated and placed at the batting position, the batting mallet 34 hits the game ball received by the ball receiving member 35. As a result, the game ball is launched diagonally upward along the launch rail 31R. The ball supply device 31B is equipped with a shooting ball sensor 31S (not shown in FIG. 4), which counts the game balls fed onto the shooting rail 31R.

As shown in FIG. 5, the launching ball guide section 36 has a flat box shape that is open to the rear, and includes a base plate 36A arranged parallel to the game board 11, and a base plate 36A extending rearward from the base plate 36A, which will be described later. It has a plurality of protruding walls 36B that abut against the recovery part 43, and a passage is formed between the base plate 36A and the recovery part 43 by these plurality of protrusion walls 36B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, there is a firing path 37 that allows the game balls fired obliquely upward along the firing rail 31R to enter the ball guiding path 17 of the game board 11, and a A first return path 38A for collecting game balls that did not reach the game area R1 and returned back along the ball guide path 17, and a second return path 38B for collecting game balls that did not reach the ball guide path 17. do. The first and second return passages 38A and 38B meet at the lower end, and are guided to the rear side of the recovery section 43 from a return ball receiving section 43K formed through the recovery section 43. The above-mentioned return ball sensor 39 is provided at the confluence of the first and second return passages 38A, 38B, and counts the game balls that have passed through the first and second return passages 38A, 38B.

Then, the game balls that have entered the game area R1 are guided to a recovery duct guidance path (not shown) arranged behind the game board 11 after entering each of the winning ports 14A, 14B, 15, 20 or the out port 16. and is guided to the lower end of the game board 11. The collection duct guiding path communicates with each winning opening 14A, 14B, 15, 20, and the out opening 16, and discharges the game balls toward the collection duct 40 that opens upward below the game board 11. (See Figure 5). The recovery duct 40 communicates with a ball recovery path 41.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the game machine main body 30, below the game board 11 and behind the firing unit 31 and the firing ball guide section 36, there is a flat, rearwardly open flat structure that is disposed approximately parallel to the game board 11 and behind the game board 11. A box-shaped collection section 43 is fitted. A plate-shaped cover section 42 shown in FIG. 5 is assembled on the rear surface of the collection section 43, and a plurality of protruding walls 43T projecting from the rear surface of the collection section 43 allow collection between the collection section 43 and the cover section 42. A duct 40 and a ball recovery path 41 are formed.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a pair of projecting walls 43T at the upper end form a pair of sloped surfaces 40S that slope downward from both left and right ends toward the center. The pair of inclined surfaces 40S constitutes the recovery duct 40.

A ball recovery path 41 is formed below the recovery duct 40. The ball recovery path 41 extends downward from an opening 40K formed between a pair of inclined surfaces 40S, and further extends diagonally downward to a position near one end in the left-right direction (the left end when viewed from the front). A second guide surface 41B extends downward from the first guide surface 41A, further extends diagonally downward to the center position in the left-right direction, and has a steep slope at the lower end; The third guide surface 41C extends diagonally downward to the right end (as seen from the right end). The game balls that have flowed down to the third guide surface 41C are discharged to the rear of the cover part 42 from a collected ball discharge part 42K (see FIG. 5) formed through the cover part 42. The recovered ball discharge section 42K communicates with the ball inlet 60A (see FIG. 9) of the lifting device 60, and all the game balls that have flowed down the gaming area R1 are recovered by the recovery duct 40 and passed through the ball recovery path 41. and sent to the lifting device 60. The second guide surface 41B is equipped with a ball collection sensor 44 that detects game balls, so that the number of game balls circulating within the machine can be managed.

Furthermore, a return ball guide surface 45 extends below the second guide surface 41B and along the second guide surface 41B. The return ball guide surface 45 merges with the third guide surface 41C at the lower end. The upper end portion of the return ball guide surface 45 communicates with the aforementioned return ball receiving portion 43K formed through the recovery portion 43. As a result, the return ball that was fired by the firing unit 31 but recovered by the first return passage 38A or the second return passage 38B of the fired ball guide part 36 due to the weak firing force also passes through the ball recovery passage 41. It is designed to be sent to a lifting device 60.

Next, details of the lifting device 60 will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the lifting device 60 is fixed to the right end portion of the back surface of the cover portion 42. As shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the lifting device 60 includes a box-shaped case 61 with an open front, a screw 62 extending in the vertical direction, a gutter member 63 that surrounds the game ball together with the screw 62, and a gutter member 63 that surrounds the game ball together with the screw 62. and a motor 64 that rotationally drives the. The gutter member 63 has a pair of gutter wall portions 63A facing each other in the left-right direction, and is disposed in the right side area within the case 61. The length of the gutter wall portion 63A in the front-rear direction is about 2/3 to 4/5 of the length of the case 61 in the front-rear direction, and the gutter wall portions 63A bulge inward toward each other at the center in the front-rear direction. A pair of partition bulges 63B are formed that extend in the vertical direction. The pair of partition bulges 63B approach each other toward the front and are curved so that a game ball can be received between them, and the width between the front ends is such that a game ball cannot pass through. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lower end of the gutter member 63 includes a front wall portion 63C that connects the front ends of the pair of gutter walls 63A, and a rear wall portion 63C that connects the front ends of the pair of gutter walls 63A. A rear wall portion 63D is provided that connects the ends.

The screw 62 has a spiral blade 62B projecting from a central axis 62A, and is arranged in a space between a pair of partition bulges 63 and a rear wall 63D of the gutter member 63. . Further, the screw 62 is provided with an extrusion piece 62C at the upper end that extends in the radial direction from the central axis 62A so as to connect the upper end of the blade 62B with a position directly below the blade 62B. The upper end of the central shaft 62A of the screw 62 has a circular cross section and is received in the shaft receiving part 61E of the case 61 (see FIG. 10), while the lower end of the central shaft 62A of the screw 62 has a square cross section. It is fixed to the screw gear 62G. This screw gear 62G is connected to a drive gear 64G of a motor 64 (see FIG. 10) via a plurality of communication gears 64R (see FIG. 13), and the screw 62 rotates by receiving the power of the motor 64.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the area surrounded by the screw 62 and the partition bulge 63B of the pair of gutter walls 63A is a guide path 65 through which the game ball passes. The game ball that has entered the lower end of the guide path 65 is positioned in the left and right direction by the pair of gutter walls 63A, and as the screw 62 rotates, the part of the blade 62B that protrudes into the guide path 65 rises. As it goes, it rises. When the game ball raised by the blade 62B reaches the upper end of the guide path 65, it is pushed out laterally (toward the upper passage 61B, which will be described later) by the pushing piece 62C.

The lifting device 60 also includes a lower passage 61A (see FIG. 13) that connects the front end of the lifting device 60 to the lower end of the guide path 65, and a lower passage 61A (see FIG. 13) that connects the front end of the lifting device 60 to the lower end of the guide path 65, and the An upper passageway 61B (see FIG. 15) is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, an opposing wall 61A1 is fixed to the case 61 at the lower end of the right side surface of the gutter member 63, which faces with one game ball in between. The rear end portion of the opposing wall 61A1 is curved to the left. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a cutout 63A1 is formed at the center of the lower end of the right gutter wall 63A, and a lower passage 61A continues into the gutter member 63. The gutter member 63 is also provided with opposing wall portions 63E that face each other in the front-rear direction, and the lower passage 61A is formed between the gutter member 63 and the opposing wall 61A1 and between the opposing wall portions 63E. It is configured. The opening at the front end of this lower passage 61A serves as a ball entrance 60A through which game balls enter the lifting device 60.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, above the partition bulge 63B in the left gutter wall 63A, there is provided a passage surface 61B1 through which the game ball that has reached the upper end of the guide path 65 can roll to the left. It is being The passage surface 61B1 extends leftward from the upper end of the guide path 65, then bends forward, and protrudes more forward than the front end surface of the entire case 61. Further, the case 61 is provided with opposing walls 61B2 that sandwich the passage surface 61B1. An upper passage 61B is constituted by the passage surface 61B1 and the opposing wall 61B2. The opening at the front end of this upper passage 61B serves as a ball outlet 60B through which game balls are discharged from the guide path 65.

The ball inlet 60A of the lifting device 60 is overlapped with the above-mentioned recovered ball discharge section 42K (see FIG. 9), and the ball outlet 60B of the lifting device 60 is overlapped with the relay passage 43R formed in the recovery section 43 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 16). The relay passage 43R communicates with the supply port 33K of the firing unit 31. Note that the cover portion 42 is formed with a through hole 42Y through which an upper passage 61B that protrudes forward from the front end surface of the entire case 61 is inserted.

With the above configuration, after being fired from the firing unit 31, the game balls collected by the collection duct 40 and the game balls collected by the first return passage 38A or the second return passage 38B pass through the ball collection passage 41. The ball enters the lower passage 61A of the lifting device 60 from the recovered ball discharge part 42K, ascends within the guide path 65, passes through the upper passage 61B and the relay passage 43R, and is sent to the firing unit 31 again.

Now, when a game is played on the game machine 10, when the game ball flows down the game area R1, the game ball may get dirty with nails, resin shavings, etc. attached thereto. On the other hand, in conventional gaming machines in which actual game balls are lent and prize balls are actually paid out, the game balls that have flown down the gaming area R1 are discharged outside the gaming machine. Cleaning work to remove dirt was generally performed outside the game machine (for example, by a lifting device installed on an island in a game hall and lifting game balls upwards above the game machine).

However, in the case of an enclosed game machine like the game machine 10 of this embodiment, the game balls are not ejected outside the game machine during play, so if cleaning work is done outside the game machine, dirt will accumulate. Problems may arise in that it is not easy or that it takes time and effort to take the game balls out of the game machine. Therefore, in the game machine 10 of this embodiment, a cleaning mechanism 70 for cleaning the game balls within the game machine 10 is incorporated into the lifting device 60. The cleaning mechanism 70 will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the cleaning mechanism 70 includes a roller member 71 and a roller holding mechanism 80 for holding the roller member 71. The roller member 71 is formed by fitting a plurality of roller parts 75 to a shaft member 72 that extends in the vertical direction along the screw 62. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, the shaft member 72 includes a shaft main body 72A having a circular cross section, a handle portion 73 attached to the center of the shaft main body 72A, and a connection fixed to both ends of the shaft main body 72A. It has a mechanism section 72B.

The handle portion 73 has a grip portion 73B, which is thicker than the strip portion 73A, at the front end of the strip portion 73A extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 18, a through hole 73K is formed in the rear end of the band plate portion 73A of the handle portion 73. On the other hand, a bearing ring 72C with good sliding properties is fixed at the center of the shaft body 72A, and this bearing ring 72C is received in the through hole 73K of the handle portion 73.

Flange members 72D are fixed above and below the bearing ring 72C in the shaft body 72A. The flange member 72D has a disk portion 72D1 having a through hole 72D2 in the center through which the shaft body 72A is inserted, and a protrusion 72D3 that protrudes from the opening edge of the through hole 72D2 toward the bearing ring 72C side. The disc portion 72D1 projects laterally from the bearing ring 72C. Further, the protrusion 72D3 of the flange member 72D can come into contact with the bearing ring 72C. A notch 72A1 is formed in the shaft body 72A on the outside of the flange member 72D in the axial direction, a retaining ring 72E is attached to the notch 72A1, and the flange member 72D and the bearing ring 72C are positioned.

Since the upper and lower connecting mechanism parts 72B have the same shape, the connecting mechanism parts 72B will be described using the upper connecting mechanism part 72B as an example. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 19, the coupling mechanism section 72B has a cylindrical shape and has a flange section 72B1 at the lower end that projects inward in the radial direction. A through hole 72B2 through which the shaft body 72A is inserted is formed in the center of the flange portion 72B1. The connecting mechanism portion 72B is fixed to the tip of the shaft body 72A with a screw 72N.

The outer end 72B3 in the axial direction of the coupling mechanism portion 72B has a jagged wave shape. Specifically, the outer end portion 72B3 has a shape in which a plurality of first surfaces 72BA extending in the vertical direction and second surfaces 72BB extending upward to the right from the lower end of the first surfaces 72BA are connected.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the roller component 75 is ring-shaped, and of the shaft member 72, between the upper connecting mechanism part 72B and the upper flange member 72D, and between the lower connecting mechanism part 72B. Five of them are arranged between and between the lower flange member 72D and the lower flange member 72D. The roller component 75 of this embodiment is made of polyethylene foam resin, for example. The outer diameter of the roller component 75 is about 1.5 to 2.0 times the diameter of the game ball, and its expansion ratio is about 10 to 20 times (especially preferably 15 times).

The roller member 71 is assembled as follows. That is, first, the bearing ring 72C and, for example, the lower flange member 72D are fitted onto the shaft body 72A. Then, for example, the handle portion 73 is fitted to the outside of the bearing ring 72C from above, and the upper flange member 72D is also fitted to the shaft body 72A. Next, five roller parts 75 are fitted above or below the upper and lower flange members 72D of the shaft body 72A, and further the connecting mechanism parts 72B are fitted and fixed with screws 72N. Through the above steps, the roller member 71 is completed.

Next, the roller holding mechanism 80 will be explained. The roller holding mechanism 80 is for rotatably holding the roller member 71 between the pair of gutter walls 63A and in front of the partition bulge 63B. Specifically, the roller holding mechanism 80 includes an upper connecting part 81 fixed to the upper end inside the case 61 and a lower connecting part 82 fixed to the lower end.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 19, the upper connecting portion 81 is rotatably fitted to an upper shaft 81J that hangs down from the upper wall of the case 61. As shown in FIGS. The upper connecting part 81 includes a cylindrical part 81E that fits into the upper shaft 81J, and a disc part 81F that projects laterally from the middle part of the cylindrical part 81E. A plurality of first surfaces 81A extending in the vertical direction and second surfaces 81B extending upward to the right from the lower end of the first surface 81A correspond to the first surface 72BA and the second surface 72BB in the coupling mechanism section 72B. It is a series of jagged waves. The upper connecting part 81 and the upper connecting mechanism part 72B are connected so that rotation can be transmitted by overlapping the first surfaces 81A and 72B3 and the second surfaces 81B and 72B4. Note that a retaining ring 81T for preventing the upper connecting portion 81 from coming off is attached to the upper shaft 81J.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, a lower shaft 82J is rotatably supported on the lower wall of the case 61. The lower shaft 82J is longer than the upper shaft 81J, has a circular cross section at the middle part, and is received by a bearing member 61U fixed to the case 61, and has a non-circular cross section (in this embodiment, " It is shaped like the letter D. Furthermore, a flange member 82F in which a non-circular through hole 82F1 corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the lower shaft 82J is formed is fixed above and adjacent to the portion of the lower shaft 82J that is received in the bearing member 61U. . A non-circular through hole 82K corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the lower shaft 82J is formed in the lower connecting portion 82, and the lower connecting portion 82 is non-rotatable and linearly movable with respect to the lower shaft 82J. It is loosely fitted. A retaining ring 82T that prevents the lower connecting portion 82 from coming off is fixed to the upper end of the lower shaft 82J.

A coil spring 82C is disposed in a compressed state between the lower connecting portion 82 and the flange member 81F, and the lower connecting portion 82 is biased upward. Further, the upper surface of the lower connecting portion 82 has a first surface 82A and a second surface corresponding to the first surface 72BA and the second surface 72BB of the connecting mechanism portion 72B of the roller member 71, similarly to the upper connecting portion 81. A plurality of two surfaces 82B are formed in series, and the lower connecting portion 82 and the lower connecting mechanism portion 72B are also connected so as to be able to transmit rotation.

The roller member 71 is attached to the roller holding mechanism 80 as follows. That is, first, the roller member 71 is brought closer to the lifting device 60 from the front by grasping the handle portion 73, and the lower end portion is tilted so as to enter into the case 61 first. After lowering the lower connecting mechanism part 72B to the lower connecting part 82 and pushing down the lower connecting part 82, adjust the posture of the roller member 71 so that the upper connecting mechanism part 72B is located directly below the upper connecting part 81. Align it vertically (see Figure 20). Then, by raising the roller member 71 according to the elastic force of the coil spring 82C, the upper and lower connecting mechanism parts 72B and the upper and lower connecting parts 81 and 82 are engaged and connected, respectively.

When removing the roller member 71, first push down the roller member 71 against the elastic force of the coil spring 82C, and then pull the upper end of the roller member 71 diagonally upward from the case 61 first. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, through holes 42X and 43X are formed in the cover part 42 and the collection part 43 to expose the roller member 71, and the roller member 71 is inserted into the state in which the front door 10Z is opened (see FIG. It can be attached and detached in state 2).

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, a roller gear 82G connected to the screw gear 62G is fixed to the lower end of the lower shaft 82J, and the roller member 71 rotates together with the screw 62. The roller member 71 rotates in the opposite direction to the screw 62. In addition, since the game ball lifted by the screw 62 rotates in the opposite direction to the screw 62, the roller member 71 will rotate in the same direction as the game ball.

Thereby, when the game ball moves up within the guide path 65 of the lifting device 60, the game ball comes into contact with the roller member 71 (roller component 75), so that dirt on the game ball is removed. Moreover, since the game ball is pressed toward the roller member 71 by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the screw 62, dirt can be more easily removed. Furthermore, since the roller member 71 is also rotationally driven, more force is applied to the surface of the game ball than when the roller member 71 simply contacts the ball, making it easier to remove dirt. Furthermore, since the roller component 75 is made of foamed resin, it can be manufactured relatively inexpensively, and the unevenness of the surface makes it easy to remove dirt.

Further, since the roller member 71 includes a plurality of roller parts 75 arranged in the axial direction, the game ball rising in the guide path 65 passes across the upper and lower edges of each roller part 75, that is, the game ball The ball comes into contact with the edge of the foamed resin multiple times, making it easier to remove dirt from the game ball. Furthermore, since the direction in which the game ball passes is determined by the guide path 65, it is possible to reliably cause the game ball to cross the edge of the foamed resin.

By the way, in conventional game machines where real game balls are lent and prize balls are actually paid out, for example, a lifting device installed on an island in a game hall removes dirt and coats the game balls to make them slippery. It was common to use game balls with a chemical attached to them. However, in enclosed type game machines where game balls are not ejected, even if a coating agent is applied to the game balls before insertion, as the cumulative operating time increases, the coating agent peels off and becomes difficult to slip. The person will no longer behave as expected. It is also believed that the coating agent also has the role of protecting the game ball, and if the coating agent is not attached, the game ball will easily wear out and the behavior of the game ball will become unstable. As a result, for example, in the case where the first starting prize opening 14A is arranged directly below the middle ejection part 24A of the stage 24, as in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, before reaching the middle ejection part 24A, Then, the game balls tend to fall from the discharging section 24A in front of the player, which may cause a problem that the winning rate decreases.

To solve this problem, for example, it is possible to develop a game machine based on the slippage without coating, but it is difficult to apply the know-how of conventional game machine development, It seems that it will take time.

On the other hand, the game machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to apply a coating agent to the game balls in the lifting device 60. Specifically, in this embodiment, the roller component 75 of the roller member 71 is impregnated with a coating agent (for example, a lubricant containing a fluorine compound). The roller member 71 can be made by, for example, dipping a long roll of foamed resin in a coating agent that has become liquid at a high temperature and then taking it out to form a foamed resin in which the coating agent has solidified, and then cutting it into rings. Manufactured.

As a result, each time the game ball moves up within the guide path 65, dirt is removed and the coating agent is applied. Then, it becomes possible for the game ball to maintain the same degree of sliding as the game ball used in the conventional game machine. Furthermore, since the game ball is protected by the coating agent, wear of the game ball is prevented. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent the problem of a decrease in winning rate due to the stable behavior of the game balls, and it is also possible to develop the game machine by making full use of the know-how of conventional game machine development.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the roller component 75 is impregnated with the coating agent, both ball polishing and coating are performed at one location, rather than having them performed at separate locations. The design of the device 60 becomes easier. Moreover, since this is done in the guide path 65, the lifting device 60 can be made more compact than if space for ball polishing and coating is provided elsewhere. Furthermore, since the roller component 75 is used for both the ball polishing function and the coating function, the number of components can be reduced compared to when separately provided. Furthermore, since the roller component 75 is made of foamed resin, it is easy to impregnate it with a coating agent.

In addition, since the ball polishing and coating are performed in the guide path 65 where the game balls are lined up in rows, unevenness may occur in the degree of dirt removal and the amount of coating agent applied from game ball to game ball. Prevented. In addition, by making the part that contacts the game ball into a roller shape and rotating it like the roller member 71, the surface of the foamed resin that comes into contact with the game ball changes, making it easier to remove dirt and stick to the game ball. In addition, it is possible to suppress uneven wear of the foamed resin and uneven reduction of the coating agent. Furthermore, since the game ball also rotates in response to the rotation of the screw 62, unpolished areas and uneven adhesion of the coating agent are suppressed.

In addition, the roller member 71 is provided with a sticker pasting part 73R to which a sticker 73S can be pasted, for example, on the band plate part 73A of the handle part 73 (see FIG. 11). On the sticker 73S, for example, an identification number that can identify the type of roller member 71 (type of coating agent) or a usable period of the roller member 71 can be written. Note that the same number may be set for the same type of roller member, or a plurality of identification numbers may be set for one type of roller member, and different numbers may be set for each roller member.

Here, when a large number of game balls pass through the guide path 65 and a large number of game balls are polished and coated, dirt accumulates on the roller parts 75, making it impossible to remove the dirt from the game balls. A problem may arise in that the amount of coating agent impregnated into the roller component 75 decreases, making it impossible to apply an appropriate amount of coating agent to the game ball. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the roller member 71 is installed in the lifting device 60 in a replaceable state as described above, and furthermore, the roller member 71 is installed from the front of the gaming machine main body 30 with the front door 10Z open. Since the roller member 71 is removable, an operator can easily replace the roller member 71. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the roller component 75 is impregnated with the coating agent, maintenance of both ball polishing and coating of the game ball can be performed at the same time by simply replacing the roller member 71.

In this embodiment, since the accumulation of dirt on the roller member 71 and the decrease in the amount of coating agent impregnated occur as a result of the passage of time during which the game balls circulate within the machine stand, the time during which the game balls circulate within the machine stand increases. Based on this, the time to replace the roller member 71 is specified, and when the time for replacement arrives, the maintenance notification lamp 53 is turned on to notify the operator of the change, thereby prompting the operator to replace the roller member 71. The determination of when to replace the roller member 71 will be explained in detail later.

Further, the coating agent used in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment may be colorless and transparent, or may be colored. If the coating agent is colored, it is preferable that the portion impregnated with the coating agent be identifiable when the roller component 75 is impregnated with the coating agent. For example, by using a blue foamed resin as the roller part 75 and using a gray coating agent, the roller part 75 changes to gray, making the coating agent recognizable. As described above, this coating agent adheres to the game ball each time the roller member 71 comes into contact with the game ball. Therefore, as the number of times of contact with the game ball increases, the impregnated coating agent decreases, and the roller component 75 returns to its original color (blue). According to this, the timing of maintenance of the roller member 71 (for example, replacement of the roller member 71) can be easily determined based on a change in the color of the roller component 75.

In the above-mentioned example, the coating agent was gray, but any color such as red or blue may be used as long as it becomes distinguishable when impregnated into the roller part 75. Further, the roller component 75 is not limited to blue, but may be white or another color. It should be noted that since it is possible that the roller parts 75 may become dark due to the adhesion of dirt from game balls, it is preferable to use a color scheme that allows the coating agent to be recognized even if the roller parts 75 become dark.

FIG. 3 shows the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. The reference numeral 50 shown in the figure is a main control board 50, which includes a microcomputer including a CPU 50A, a RAM 50B, a ROM 50C, and a plurality of counters, an input/output circuit connecting the microcomputer and a sub-control board 52, and a grand prize opening. 15, etc., and an input/output circuit that connects the game ball management board 54, etc., and performs main control related to the game. The CPU 50A includes a validity determination unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., and in addition to performing calculation control, it also generates random numbers and the like related to special symbol validity determination and normal symbol validity determination, and sends control signals. It is configured so that it can be output (transmitted) to the sub control board 52 and the like. The RAM 50B includes a storage area for various random numbers generated by the CPU 50A, a storage area and flags for temporarily storing various data, and a work area for the CPU 50A. The ROM 50C has written therein control data, symbol variation data related to the variable display of the special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C and normal symbols, etc., as well as judgment values for special symbol propriety determination and normal symbol propriety determination. .

Similar to the main control board 50, the sub control board 52 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 52A, a RAM 52B, a ROM 52C, and a plurality of counters, an input/output circuit connecting the microcomputer and the main control board 50, a display device 13, etc. Equipped with an input/output circuit to connect. The CPU 52A includes a control section, a calculation section, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., and is configured to perform calculation control and output (send) control signals to the display device 13, maintenance notification lamp 53, etc. . The RAM 52B has a storage area for various data and a work area for the CPU 52A. The ROM 52C stores data for various effects and the like. The ROM 52C also stores a maintenance timing specifying program PG1, which will be described later, and the CPU 52A executes the maintenance timing specifying program PG1 to specify when the roller member 71 should be replaced.

The game ball management board 54 is connected to the firing device 31, the fired ball sensor 31S, the return ball sensor 36S, the winning sensor 25, the ball collection sensor 44, etc. The game balls circulating within the machine are managed based on the signal from the main control board 50 based on the entry of the game balls. Further, the game ball management board 54 is connected to the card unit 26, receives information read from the card, and transmits information to be written on the card to the card unit 26. The game ball management board 54 is connected to the ball management unit 19, and based on the signal received from the ball management unit 19, the game ball management board 54 transfers game balls from the ball storage in the card to the game machine side storage, or transfers game balls from the ball storage in the card to the game machine side storage. The game ball is transferred from the ball to the ball stored in the card, and information about the balls in possession to be displayed on the display section 19H (see FIG. 1) of the ball management unit 19 is output to the ball management unit 19.

In addition, the main control board 50, the sub-control board 52, the game ball management board 54, etc. operate in response to power supply from the power supply board 51.

By the way, as described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 52A of the sub-control board 52 specifies the replacement timing of the roller member 71 by executing the maintenance timing specifying program PG1. Specifically, the CPU 53A functions as the measuring section 55, the determining section 56, the notifying section 57, and the resetting section 58 by executing the maintenance timing specifying program PG1.

The measuring unit 55 counts the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10. Specifically, the elapsed time while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10 is measured using a clock function, and when the power supply is stopped, the measured elapsed time is temporarily stored in the RAM 52B as the operating time of the gaming machine 10. Make me remember. Then, when the power supply is resumed, the operating time is read from the RAM 52B, and the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10 is measured by adding the elapsed time measured by the clock function. Note that when the power supply to the gaming machine 10 is stopped, the sub-control board 52 is operated by the power supplied from a backup power source (not shown), so even if the power supply to the gaming machine 10 is stopped, the sub-control board 52 does not operate cumulatively. Data at time T1 is designed not to be lost. The maintenance timing specifying program PG1 is executed while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, a real-time clock (not shown) is used as the clock function.

The determination unit 56 is configured to be automatically executed, for example, once a day at a predetermined time. The determining unit 56 compares the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10 with the reference time Tc stored in the ROM 52C, and when the cumulative operating time T1 exceeds the reference time Tc, it is determined that it is time to replace the roller member 71. It is determined that In this embodiment, the determination unit 56 is executed once a day, but may be configured to be executed multiple times a day.

The notification unit 57 turns on the maintenance notification lamp 53 when the determination unit 56 determines that it is time to replace the roller member 71. By lighting the maintenance notification lamp 53, it is possible to notify the operator that it is time to replace the roller member 71, and to urge the operator to replace the roller member 71.

When the worker replaces the roller member 71, the reset section 58 inputs the identification number written on the sticker 73S affixed to the new roller member 71 into an input section (not shown) that is accessible only to the worker. At this time, the maintenance notification lamp 53 is turned off, the cumulative operating time T1 is reset, and the operating time of the gaming machine 10 is restarted from 0. However, the reset unit 58 determines whether or not the input identification number matches the specified identification number registered in advance in the gaming machine 10, and resets the cumulative operating time T1 only when they match, and issues maintenance notification. The lamp 53 is turned off. In other words, if the input identification number is different from the specified identification number, the maintenance notification lamp 53 continues to provide notification.

In this manner, in this embodiment, while the gaming machine 10 is operating, the maintenance timing specifying program PG1 is executed, and the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10 is measured. Based on the cumulative operating time T1 of the game machine 10, the time to replace the roller member 71 is determined, and when the time for replacement arrives, the maintenance notification lamp 53 is lit, so that the operator can be informed that the time to replace the roller member 71 has come. This can be easily grasped, and the roller member 71 can be replaced at an appropriate timing to perform ball polishing and coating maintenance on the game balls. In addition, the maintenance notification lamp 53 continues to provide notification until the operator inputs the identification number of the roller member 71 at the time of replacement, so it is possible to prevent the roller member 71 from forgetting to replace it when it is time to replace it, and to properly check the roller member 71. It can be replaced at any time. Further, if the input identification number does not match the specified identification number registered in advance, the maintenance notification lamp 53 continues to notify the user that the game ball used in the gaming machine 10 is incompatible. It is possible to prevent incorrect attachment of a roller member impregnated with a coating agent or attachment of a roller member that is not recommended for illicit purposes.

An example of the maintenance timing specifying program PG1 executed by the CPU 52A of the sub-control board 52 is shown in FIG. 21 below. As described above, the maintenance timing specifying program PG1 is executed while the gaming machine 10 is operating, and the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10 is counted (S11). Then, once a day at a predetermined time (YES in S12), it is determined whether the cumulative operating time T1 exceeds the reference time Tc (S13). Until the cumulative operating time T1 exceeds the reference time Tc (NO in S13), the addition of the cumulative operating time T1 continues (S11), and when the cumulative operating time T1 exceeds the reference time Tc (YES in S13), a maintenance notification is issued. The lamp 53 is turned on (S15).

Then, the identification number is input by the worker who replaced the roller member 71 (YES in S16), and when the identification number matches the specified identification number (YES in S17), the maintenance notification lamp 53 is turned off (S18), and the accumulated The operating time T1 is reset (S19), and counting starts again from 0 (S11). If the identification number is not input (NO in S16) or if the input identification number is different from the specified identification number (NO in S17), the process continues until the correct identification number is input (YES in S16 and NO in S17). YES), the cumulative operating time T1 continues to be added, and the maintenance notification lamp 53 continues to light up (YES in S11 and S14). Here, the CPU 52A when executing step S11 is the above-mentioned measuring section 55, the CPU 52A when executing steps S12 and S13 is the above-mentioned determining section 56, and the CPU 52A when executing S14 and S15. corresponds to the above-mentioned notification section 57, and the CPU 52A when executing S16 to S19 corresponds to the above-mentioned reset section 58.

[Second embodiment]
In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the configuration of the lifting device 60V is different from the lifting device 60 of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, in the lifting device 60V, a pair of partition bulging portions 63B partitions the game ball rising in the guide path 65 and the roller member 71, It is common to the lifting device 60 of the first embodiment in that the roller member 71 comes into contact from the side with the game ball exposed from the gap formed between the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B. However, the state of contact is different. In the first embodiment, a gap is formed between the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B from the upper end to the lower end, and has a width that allows the roller member 71 to come into contact with it. (See FIGS. 11 and 14), in this embodiment, the gap formed between the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B is such that the gap between the upper end and the middle part in the vertical direction is The width is such that the member 71 cannot come into contact with it, and there is a gap between the middle portion and the lower end with a width that allows the roller member 71 to come into contact with it.

That is, as shown in FIG. 23, a partition protrusion 69 that protrudes toward each other is formed between the upper end of the front end of the pair of partition bulges 63B and the middle part in the vertical direction. There is. Due to this pair of partition protrusions 69, the roller member 71 can come into contact with the game ball from the side as it moves from the lower end of the guide path 65 to the middle part in the vertical direction, but in the vertical direction of the guide path 65. The roller member 71 cannot come into contact with the game ball moving from the middle part to the upper end part from the side.

With this configuration, only the lower half of the roller member 71 is used for ball polishing and coating. Here, as a treatment for dirt and coating peeling off that adhere to the game ball before the game ball fired from the firing unit 31 returns to the firing unit 31 again, the game ball ascends within the guide path 65. Keeping the roller member 71 in contact with the roller member 71 for the entire time may result in excessive processing, and the roller member 75 will be wasted unnecessarily. According to the lifting device 60V of this embodiment, only the lower half of the roller member 71 is used for ball polishing and coating, and for example, when it is time to replace the roller member 71, the roller member 71 is changed from the previous one. If it is installed upside down on the lifting device 60V, the roller member 71 can be used efficiently over a long period of time while properly maintaining the game ball, and the maintainability of the roller component 75 can be improved. In the present embodiment, the pair of partition protrusions 69 are formed between the upper end of the front end of the pair of partition bulges 63B and the middle part in the vertical direction. It may be formed between the middle part and the lower end.

[Third embodiment]
In the game machine 10 of this embodiment, the coating agent is applied to the game ball not only by the roller member 71 but also by the extrusion piece 62C of the screw 62. Specifically, a foamed resin 62D (see FIG. 24) impregnated with a coating agent is pasted on the side of the extruded piece 62C that is in contact with the game ball. According to this, the coating agent can be attached to the game ball by using the force when pushing the game ball toward the upper passage 61B. In addition, since the coating agent is applied using foamed resin, dirt on the game ball is also removed.

Moreover, what is pasted on the extruded piece 62C may be a foamed resin that is not impregnated with a coating agent. According to this, when the coating agent applied by the roller component 75 is excessive, the excess amount can be wiped off to make an appropriate amount of the coating agent.

In addition, the structure may be such that the coating agent is directly applied to the extruded piece 62C without providing the foamed resin 62D. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the roller member 71 is not provided.

[Fourth embodiment]
If too much of the coating agent adheres to the game ball, the slippage may become better than expected, and the game ball may no longer behave as expected. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the amount of coating agent to be applied to the game ball.

Specifically, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes, as roller parts 75, a first roller part 75 impregnated with a coating agent and a second roller part 75 not impregnated with a coating agent. ing. Initially, for example, one first roller component 75 and one second roller component 75 are arranged alternately and passed through the shaft body 72A. In other words, the ratio of the first roller component 75 to all the roller components 75 is 50%. If the slippage of the game ball is greater than expected, the number of the first roller parts 75 is decreased and the number of the second roller parts 75 is increased, and if the slippage of the game ball is smaller than expected, the number of the second roller parts 75 is increased. By reducing the number of roller parts 75 and increasing the number of first roller parts 75, it is possible to approximate the expected degree of slippage.

By the way, as the cumulative operating time of the game machine 10 becomes longer, the flow of the game balls becomes worse due to wear of the game area R1 (the front of the game board 11) and deterioration of obstructive nails, resin bodies, etc. on the game area R1. A problem also arises in that the game ball no longer behaves as expected. However, on the other hand, the solution of replacing the game area R1, the obstacle nails, and the resin body with new ones is not realistic from the viewpoint of cost and labor. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, by increasing the amount of coating agent attached to the game ball, the flow of the game ball can be improved, and the above problem can be solved. Note that the deterioration of the game area R1, the obstacle nails, the resin body, etc. may be determined visually, or may be determined based on changes in the winning rate, etc.

Note that in this embodiment, the first roller parts 75 and the second roller parts 75 are arranged alternately, but they may be arranged in any way. For example, only the first roller component 75 may be disposed above the bearing ring 72C, and only the second roller component 75 may be disposed below the bearing ring 72C. In this case, after the second roller part 75 polishes the ball, the first roller part 75 applies the coating agent. On the contrary, only the second roller part 75 is arranged above the bearing ring 72C, and only the first roller part 75 is arranged below, so that the ball polishing is performed after the coating agent is attached. You can.

Furthermore, when the roller member 71 does not include a plurality of roller components 75 but includes one long roller component, only a portion of the roller component may be impregnated with the coating agent. For example, in the initial stage, only one side of the roller parts in the left and right direction is impregnated with the coating agent, and when the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time, or visual inspection shows that there is deterioration in the play area R1, obstacle nails, resin body, etc. If the coating agent is used, the entire roller component may be impregnated with the coating agent.

[Fifth embodiment]
The problem that the game area R1, obstacle nails, etc. deteriorate as the cumulative operating time becomes longer, and the game ball becomes less slippery, can also be solved by changing the type of coating agent to one with high slipperiness. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to change the coating agent to a different type during maintenance of the roller member 71.

Specifically, another roller member 71 is prepared in which the roller component 75 is impregnated with a different type of coating agent. When the slippage of the game ball decreases, after removing the roller member 71 in use from the roller holding mechanism 80 and attaching another roller member 71 to the roller holding mechanism 80, the coating agent can be applied to improve the slipperiness. It is possible to change to a higher value.

Here, if the color of the coating agent impregnated into another roller member 71 is different from the color of the coating agent impregnated into the roller member 71, identification becomes easy and inconveniences such as application mistakes can be prevented. I can escape.

Furthermore, in order to set appropriate slipperiness depending on the model as well as the timing of maintenance, the coating agent may be different for each model.

Alternatively, the roller component 75 may be replaced with one impregnated with a different type of coating agent.

[Sixth embodiment]

In a gaming machine 10 that repeatedly uses a limited number of game balls, dirt tends to accumulate on the game balls. If dirt accumulates on the game ball, there is a risk that the dirt cannot be removed simply by contacting the roller component 75. Therefore, in order to make it easier to remove the dirt that accumulates on the game ball, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to carry out the step of removing dirt at a temperature higher than room temperature.

Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a heat transfer plate 110, which is a plate-shaped metal member, is provided between the motor 64 and the gutter member 63. The heat exchanger plate 110 is in contact with the motor 64 and the gutter member 63 without creating a gap. The heat transfer plate 110 has approximately the same size as the side wall of the gutter member 63 on the motor 64 side, that is, has a size that overlaps the cleaning mechanism 70 and the screw 62 from the side.

When the motor 64 is driven, it generates heat to about 30° C. to 50° C. due to power loss caused by the winding resistance of a motor coil (not shown) and the current flowing there. The heat generated here is transmitted to the gutter member 63 through the heat transfer plate 110 and heats the screw 62. When the screw 62 is heated, the heat is also transmitted to the game ball lifted by the screw 62, making it easier to remove dirt. Then, the game ball comes into contact with the roller member 71 of the cleaning mechanism 70, which is also heated, and the dirt is removed. Furthermore, the coating agent impregnated into the roller parts 75 is also heated, making it easier to adhere to the game ball.

Note that instead of using the heat generated from the motor 64, a method of heating by providing a heater or the like may be used. Alternatively, the heat exchanger plate 110 may not be provided and the gutter member 63 may be formed of a metal with high thermal conductivity. Further, in order to make it easier to remove dirt from the game balls, it is desirable that the motor 64 generates heat at a temperature of 30° C. or higher, but the temperature is not limited to this.

[Other embodiments]
(1) In the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment, the operator is notified that it is time to replace the roller member 71 by lighting the maintenance notification lamp 53, but the display screen 13G or the ball management It may be configured to notify by displaying it on the display section 19H of the unit 19. Alternatively, the notification may be made by sound output from a speaker (not shown). Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which notification is made using all of these.

Here, when notifying the arrival of the time to replace the roller member 71 on the display screen 13G or the display section 19H, for example, the notifying section 57 may notify that for a certain period of time when the gaming machine 10 is powered on. However, the notification may be made when various effects related to the game such as a win/fail judgment or a jackpot game are not being performed ("standby state"). According to this configuration, the arrival of the time to replace the roller member 71 is notified during the game, and it is possible to prevent the player from becoming excited. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the timing for replacing the roller member 71 is notified all the time the gaming machine 10 is in operation.

(2) In the game machine 10 of the first embodiment, the determining unit 56 determines when to replace the roller member 71 based on the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10. The determination may be made based on the number of days.

Further, the determination unit 56 may determine the time to replace the roller member 71 based on the cumulative time related to the variable display of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C that notify the determination result of the special symbol validity determination.

Further, the determining unit 56 may determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the operating time of the lifting device 60, that is, the time during which the game ball ascends within the guide path 65. According to this configuration, it is possible to determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the time when the roller member 71 actually contacts the game ball.

(4) In the game machine 10 of the first embodiment, the determining unit 56 determines when to replace the roller member 71 based on the elapsed time that the game ball circulates within the machine, but the coating agent The determination may be made based on a change in the behavior of the game ball that has been peeled off. For example, as described above, when the coating of a game ball rolling on the stage 24 is peeled off, the game ball tends to fall from the discharging section 24A in front of it before reaching the discharging section 24A in the middle. Since the winning rate of the first starting winning hole 14A decreases, the time to replace the roller member 71 may be determined based on the winning rate of the first starting winning hole 14A.

Further, the determining unit 56 may determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the ratio of the number of out balls that have entered the out port 16 to the number of fired balls that have been fired from the firing unit 31.

Furthermore, when the coating agent is peeled off, the speed of the game ball flowing down the game area R1 changes, so the determination unit 56 may determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the speed of the game ball. For example, the determination may be made based on the time from ejection from the ejection unit 31 until the ejection is taken into the outlet 16. In this case, the determination may be made based on the average value of a plurality of game balls.

Furthermore, since the refractive index of light in the game ball changes when the coating agent is peeled off, the determination unit 56 may determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the refractive index of the game ball. In this case, for example, a mechanism may be provided that measures the refractive index by applying measurement light to the game balls collected in the ball collection path 41.

(5) In the lifting device 60V of the second embodiment, a pair of partition protrusions 69 are formed in the pair of partition bulges 63B, and a gap between the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B. was made smaller so that the game ball exposed from the guide path 65 could not come into contact with the roller member 71, but by arranging a plate member to close the gap between the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B, the guide path 65 and the roller member 71 may be partitioned off to prevent the guide path 65 and the roller member 71 from coming into contact with each other.

In this case, when it is time to replace the roller member 71, the roller member 71 may be installed in the lifting device 60V upside down as in the second embodiment, or the plate member 71 may be installed in the lifting device 60V upside down. A configuration may also be adopted in which the position of is shifted in the vertical direction. Further, in the case of a configuration in which the position of the plate member is shifted in the vertical direction, the position of the plate member may be moved manually or automatically. Further, the position to be shifted may be set arbitrarily, or may be set to shift at a constant period.

(6) In the lifting device 60, 60V of the above embodiment, the distance of the roller member 71 to the game ball going up the guide route 65 was constant, but the roller member 71 to the game ball going up the guide route 65 may be movable in the front-back direction. According to this configuration, when the roller component 75 made of foamed resin is placed close to the game ball moving up the guide path 65, it can be strongly pressed against the game ball, while the roller component 75 can move up the guide path 65. When placed apart from the game ball, the strength of the contact state can be changed, such as not contacting the game ball or contacting the game ball to the extent that it touches the game ball. According to this configuration, for example, when there is little dirt on the game ball and there is a sufficient amount of coating, the roller member 71 is placed in a state where it does not touch the game ball moving up the guide path 65 or in a state where it is lightly pressed against the game ball to prevent dirt. When the problem worsens or the amount of coating becomes insufficient, maintenance can be performed on the game ball at an appropriate timing by arranging the roller member 71 close to the game ball moving up the guide path 65. In addition, the roller member 71 can be used efficiently over a long period of time, and the maintainability of the roller member 71 can be improved. The movement of this roller member 71 may be manual or automatic. Further, the distance of the roller member 71 to the game ball moving up the guide path 65 may be set arbitrarily, or the distance may be set to change at a constant period. Further, the roller member 71 can be divided in the vertical direction, so that one part is arranged so that the guide path 65 is close to the rising game ball, and the other part is arranged so that the guide path 65 is moved away from the rising game ball. It may also be possible to arrange it in a state.

(7) In the first embodiment, the designated identification number that the reset unit 58 uses to determine whether it matches the input identification number is registered in advance in the gaming machine 10, but is not shown. It may be updated as needed by communicating with the management computer.

(8) In the first embodiment, the reset unit 58 is configured to continue adding the cumulative operating time T1 without turning off the maintenance notification lamp 53 when an identification number different from the designated identification number is input. However, it may be configured to clearly notify that the identification number is different from the designated identification number by lighting a new warning lamp (not shown) or the like.

(9) No identification number is attached to the roller member 71, and for example, simply by operating a reset button provided in the gaming machine 10, the reset unit 58 resets the cumulative operating time T1 and turns off the maintenance notification lamp 53. It may also be a configuration.

(10) A configuration may be adopted in which maintenance timing is not notified and maintenance is performed at the operator's discretion.

(11) In the above embodiment, it is conceivable that the cleaning mechanism 70 may not be able to completely remove the dirt from the game balls, and the dirt may adhere to the blade 62B. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, a brush 111 may be arranged along the screw 62 to remove dirt from the blade 62B.

According to this, the entire blade 62B comes into contact with the brush as the screw 62 rotates, making it easier to remove dirt. In addition, since it is provided on the opposite side of the upper passage 61B and lower passage 61A with the screw 62 in between, it is possible to remove dirt from the blade 62B without interfering with the behavior of the game ball, such as entering, lifting, and pushing out. .

Note that the brush 111 may have a brush shape, or may be made of elastomer or cloth material. Furthermore, a shower may be provided near the upper end of the screw 62 to remove dirt from the blade 62B with running water, or a structure may be adopted in which dust is blown away by blowing wind.

(12) In the first embodiment, the roll member 71 impregnated with the coating agent in the guide path 65 is configured to apply the coating agent to the game ball, but after the game ball is collected by the collection unit 43 Before being sent to the guide path 65, the coating agent soaks in the coating agent storage section where the coating agent is stored, and the roll member 71 that is not impregnated with the coating agent in the guide path 65 absorbs the excess coating agent that adheres to the game ball. It may also be configured to wipe off. Moreover, apart from the roll member 71, a ring-shaped or cylindrical wiping member through which a game ball can pass may be provided.

(13) Alternatively, the coating agent may be applied after the dirt is removed. For example, a coating member impregnated with or adhered to a coating agent is arranged in the upper passage 61B, and after dirt is removed by the roll member 71 not impregnated with the coating agent in the guide path 65, the coating member is applied in the upper passage 61B. A structure in which a coating agent is attached may also be used. Note that the coating member may be a coating agent solidified into a block shape.

(14) The coating agent may be replenished into the roller component 75 through the through holes 42X, 43X, etc. of the cover part 42 and the collecting part 43. In this case, the timing for replenishing the coating agent may be notified.

(15) In the first embodiment, the part that comes into contact with the game ball (roller part 75) is made of polyethylene, but it may be made of other foamed resin such as polystyrene or polyurethane, or it may be made of cloth, paper, or elastomer. etc., or a brush. Further, instead of being in the shape of a roller, it may be in the shape of a flat sheet, a sphere, or the like.

(16) The coating agent may be a lubricant containing a silicone compound or a lubricant containing an ester compound.

(17) The roll member 71 does not need to be rotationally driven.

(18) In the first embodiment, the roll member 71 includes a plurality of roller parts 75 arranged side by side, but it may be configured to include one long roller part or one each on the upper and lower sides. In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 28(A) and (B), slits 75S extending in the circumferential direction are formed at multiple locations in the axial direction, or as shown in FIGS. When slits 75S extending in the axial direction are formed at a plurality of locations, dirt on the game balls can be easily removed by the edges on both sides of the slits 75S.

(19) The component that comes into contact with the game ball may not be roller-shaped but may be a plate-shaped or spherical foam with slits formed therein.

(20) In the first embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the roller component 75 is circular, but it may be a non-circular shape such as a polygon, an ellipse, or a wave-shaped outer edge (see FIG. 29(C)). . In this case, the game ball fits into the recess where the diameter is small, making it easier to remove dirt. Further, when the portion of the roller member that comes into contact with the game ball changes from a small diameter to a large diameter, the pressure applied to the game ball becomes stronger, making it easier to remove dirt. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the roller member may be uniform in the axial direction, or may be shifted in the axial direction so that the outer surface is uneven in the circumferential direction and the axial direction.

Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion are lined up in the axial direction. In this case as well, the game ball fits into the recess where the diameter is small, making it easier to remove dirt.

(21) A coating agent may be attached to or impregnated onto the screw 62. In this case, for example, a replenishment part may be provided on the opposite side of the guide path 65 for depositing the coating agent on the screw 62. Further, the moving member may be formed of a solidified coating agent.

(22) Instead of the screw 62, the game ball may be raised by a belt conveyor-like member.

(23) The roll member 71 and the screw 62 may have the same or different rotation speeds.

(24) In the first embodiment, the coating agent is impregnated into the roller component 75 and solidified, but it may be in a liquid state. For example, the roll member 71 may be provided with a storage portion in which a liquid coating agent is stored in the center thereof, and the coating agent may seep out from the storage portion and adhere to the roller component 75. Alternatively, a coating agent storage portion may be provided around the roller member 71, and the coating agent may be adsorbed onto the roller component 75 from there.

Note that although specific examples of technologies included in the scope of the claims are disclosed in this specification and drawings, the technologies described in the claims are not limited to these specific examples. This includes various modifications and changes to the example, as well as cases in which a part of the specific example is taken out alone.

<Additional notes>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiments will be explained, showing effects etc. as necessary. Note that, in the following, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to the above embodiments are appropriately indicated in parentheses, etc., but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses.

[First feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and a gaming machine of this type that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls in a single gaming machine is conventionally known (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-034569 (paragraph [0010 ), etc.). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to improve the sliding of the gaming ball. On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to improve the slippage of the game ball.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls in a single gaming machine,
A game machine equipped with a coating means for applying a coating agent to game balls.

According to feature 1, it is possible to improve the slippage of the game ball.
[Feature 2]
Game balls that have been driven into a game area by a launch device and have finished flowing down are on their way back to the launch device, and are provided with a guide path through which the game balls pass in a row,
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the coating means comes into contact with the game ball within the guide path.

According to feature 2, since the coating agent adheres to the areas where the game balls form a row, variations in the amount of coating agent adhered to each game ball can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the coating agent can be applied to the game ball within the guide path, there is no need to provide a separate location for installing the coating means.

[Feature 3]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the coating means includes a coating member impregnated with or adhered to the coating agent.

It may include a coating member impregnated with or adhered to a coating agent, or it may have a coating agent storage section from which the coating agent is adsorbed. Further, the coating agent may be supplied to a coating agent replenishment port or a coating agent reservoir, or may be directly supplied to the coating member.

[Feature 4]
The gaming machine according to feature 3, wherein the coating member is made of a foam.

The coating member may be made of a material such as cloth or elastomer, or may be in the shape of a brush. As shown in feature 4, foams are not only available at low cost, but also easy to adhere to or impregnate with a coating agent.

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to feature 3 or 4, wherein the coating means is provided with a sticker pasting section.

According to feature 5, a sticker can be pasted on the sticker pasting portion. On this sticker, for example, the time when the coated member started to be used can be written as a guideline for maintenance timing, or if there are multiple types of coated parts, an identification number can be written on it to make it easier to distinguish between the types of coated parts. be able to.

[Feature 6]
comprising a moving member that receives power from a drive source to move the game ball within the guide path,
The gaming machine according to any one of features 3 to 5, wherein the coating means faces the moving member across a guide path.

According to feature 6, since the coating means comes into contact with the game ball that moves under power, the game ball is prevented from becoming difficult to move due to friction with the coating means.

[Feature 7]
comprising a moving member that receives power from a drive source to move the game ball within the guide path,
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the coating means coats or impregnates the moving member with the coating agent.

As in feature 7, the coating means may be one in which the moving member is coated with or impregnated with a coating agent.

[Feature 8]
The guide path extends in the vertical direction,
The gaming machine according to feature 6 or 7, wherein the moving member is a screw with a protruding spiral blade capable of supporting a game ball.

The moving member may be a belt conveyor or may be a screw as in feature 8.

[Feature 9]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 8, wherein the coating agent is a lubricant containing a fluorine compound.

The coating agent may be a lubricant containing a silicone compound or a lubricant containing an ester compound, but a lubricant containing a fluorine compound as in feature 9 is suitable for making the game ball slippery. .

[Correspondence between the components of the first feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, firing device: firing unit 31, game area: game area R1, guiding route: guiding route 65, coating member: roller parts 75, drive source: motor 64, moving member : Screw 62, spiral blade: Blade 62B

[Second feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and a gaming machine of this type that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls in a single gaming machine is conventionally known (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-034569 (paragraph [0010 ), etc.). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to improve the sliding of the gaming ball. On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to improve the slippage of the game ball.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls in a single gaming machine,
A ball polishing means for polishing game balls to remove dirt;
A game machine comprising: a coating means for applying a coating agent to a game ball.

According to feature 1, it is possible to keep the game ball clean and improve its sliding.

[Feature 2]
Game balls that have been driven into a game area by a launch device and have finished flowing down are on their way back to the launch device, and are provided with a guide path through which the game balls pass in a row,
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the coating means and the ball polishing means come into contact with the game balls within the guide path.

According to feature 2, since the coating agent adheres to the areas where the game balls form a row, variations in the amount of coating agent adhered to each game ball can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the coating agent can be applied to the game ball within the guide path, there is no need to provide a separate location for installing the coating means.

[Feature 3]
The game machine according to feature 2, wherein at least a part of the coating means and the ball polishing means include a polishing member that comes into contact with the game ball and is impregnated with or adhered to the coating agent.

According to feature 3, a polishing member impregnated with or adhered to a coating agent can be used both as a coating means and a ball polishing means.

[Feature 4]
The gaming machine according to feature 3, wherein the polishing member is made of a foam.

The polishing member may be a cloth, an elastomer, a brush, or the like, or may be a foam as in feature 4. Foams are not only inexpensive, but also easy to adhere to or impregnate with coating agents.

[Feature 5]
The game machine according to feature 2, wherein the ball polishing means and the coating means separately contact the game balls within the guide path.

As in feature 5, the ball polishing means and the coating means may be configured to contact the game balls in the guide path separately.

[Feature 6]
The game machine according to feature 1, wherein after the coating means adheres the coating agent to the game ball, the ball polishing means wipes off the coating agent adhered to the game ball.

As in feature 6, after the coating agent has been applied to the game ball, the ball polishing means may be configured to wipe off the coating agent that has adhered to the game ball.

[Feature 7]
7. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, wherein the ball polishing means is provided with a sticker pasting section.

According to feature 7, a sticker can be pasted on the sticker pasting portion. On this sticker, for example, the time when the polishing component started to be used can be written as a guideline for maintenance timing, or if there are multiple types of polishing components, an identification number can be written on it to make it easier to distinguish between the types of polishing components. be able to.

[Correspondence between the components of the second feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, ball polishing means: roller member 71, roller parts 75, firing device: firing unit 31, game area: game area R1, guiding route: guiding route 65, polishing member: roller parts 75,

[Third feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and a gaming machine of this type that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls in a single gaming machine is conventionally known (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-034569 (paragraph [0010 ), etc.). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to improve the sliding of the gaming ball. On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to improve the slippage of the game ball.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been driven into a gaming area by a firing device and have finished flowing down form a line, pass through a guide path and return to the firing device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine,
A game machine including a roller member that extends along the guide path, contacts game balls passing through the guide path, polishes the game balls to remove dirt, and applies a coating agent to the game balls.

According to feature 1, it is possible to improve the slippage while keeping the game ball clean.

[Feature 2]
The game machine according to feature 1, wherein the roller member includes a roller part having an uneven surface to remove dirt from game balls and to which the coating agent is adhered or impregnated.

[Feature 3]
The game machine according to feature 1, wherein the roller member includes a polishing roller part for removing dirt from the game ball and a coating roller part for attaching the coating agent to the game ball.

The first roller component may be configured to both remove dirt and deposit the coating agent (Feature 2), or the polishing roller component for removing dirt and the coating roller component for depositing the coating agent may be separate. (Feature 3)

[Feature 4]
The coating roller component includes a roller component having an uneven surface to which the coating agent is attached or impregnated,
The game machine according to feature 3, wherein the polishing roller component includes a roller component to which the coating agent is not attached or impregnated.

The coating roller part may be a roller-shaped product made by solidifying a coating agent, or the coating agent may be attached to or impregnated with the same roller part as the polishing roller part as in feature 4. You can.

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to feature 2 or 4, wherein the roller component is made of a foam.

The roller parts may be made of cloth, elastomer, brush, etc., or may be made of foam as in feature 5. Foams are not only inexpensive, but also easy to adhere to or impregnate with coating agents.

[Feature 6]
The gaming machine according to feature 5, wherein the foam is a foamed resin with a foaming ratio of 10 to 20 times.

If the foam is a foamed resin with a foaming ratio of 10 to 20 times as in feature 6, it is suitable for impregnating or adhering a coating agent or removing dirt from game balls.

[Feature 7]
The gaming machine according to feature 5 or 6, wherein the diameter of the roller component is 1.5 to 2.0 times the diameter of the game ball.

If the diameter of the roller parts is 1.5 to 2.0 times the diameter of the game ball as in feature 7, it will be useful for impregnating or adhering the coating agent and removing dirt from the game ball. suitable.

[Feature 8]
The guide path extends in the vertical direction,
A screw with a protruding spiral blade capable of supporting a game ball is rotated by receiving power from a drive source, and raises the game ball in the guide path,
8. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the roller member is arranged to face the screw.

The game ball may be lifted by a belt conveyor-like member, but according to feature 8, the game ball also rotates in response to the rotation of the screw, thereby suppressing unpolished areas and uneven adhesion of the coating agent.

[Correspondence between the components of the third feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, roller member: roller member 71, roller component: roller component 75, firing device: firing unit 31, game area: game area R1, guiding route: guiding route 65, spiral blade: blade 62B, screw: Screw 62, drive source: motor 64,

[Fourth feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and conventionally known gaming machines of this type have a configuration in which a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine, and dirt is removed from the gaming balls ( For example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-034569 (paragraph [0010], etc.). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to make it easier to remove dirt from the gaming balls. On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to easily remove dirt from game balls.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been driven into a gaming area by a firing device and have finished flowing down form a line, pass through a guide path and return to the firing device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine,
comprising a foam body that comes into contact with the game ball passing through the guide path to remove dirt;
A game machine, wherein the foam has an edge that is traversed by a game ball passing through the guide path.

According to feature 1, dirt on the surface of the game ball can be easily removed by the game ball crossing the edge of the foam. Furthermore, since the direction in which the game ball passes is determined by the guide path, the game ball can easily cross the edge of the foam.

[Feature 2]
The foam is made up of a plurality of foam parts,
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein an outer edge of each of the foam parts is the edge.

According to feature 2, the game ball comes into contact with the outer edge of each foam component to remove dirt. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of foam parts, the number of times the game ball comes into contact with the edge of the foam (the outer edge of the foam part) increases, making it easier to remove dirt from the game ball.
[Feature 3]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the foam has a roller shape extending along the guide path, and a plurality of roller parts as the foam parts are arranged in the axial direction.

According to feature 3, since the foam has a roller shape, the surface of the foam that comes into contact with the game ball changes, making it easier to remove dirt and suppressing uneven wear of the foam. .

[Feature 4]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the foam is provided with a slit, and the edges are arranged on both sides of the slit.

According to feature 4, the dirt is removed by the game ball coming into contact with the edges that sandwich the slit.

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to feature 4, wherein the foam has a roller shape extending along the guide path, and a plurality of the slits extending in the axial direction are formed.

The slit may extend circumferentially or, as in feature 5, axially.
[Feature 6]
6. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the foam is rotationally driven.

According to feature 6, by rotating the foam, the surface of the foam that comes into contact with the game ball changes, making it easier to remove dirt and suppressing uneven wear of the foam. Further, when the slit extends in the axial direction as in feature 5, the edge rubs against the game ball, making it easier to remove dirt.

[Feature 7]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, wherein the foam is attached or impregnated with a coating agent that is applied to game balls.

According to feature 7, while removing dirt from the game ball, a coating agent can be applied to the game ball to improve slippage.

[Correspondence between the components of the fourth feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, roller member: roller member 71, foam: roller component 75, firing device: firing unit 31, game area: game area R1, guide route: guide route 65

[Fifth feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and conventionally known gaming machines of this type have a configuration in which a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine, and dirt is removed from the gaming balls ( For example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-034569 (paragraph [0010], etc.). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to make it easier to remove dirt from the gaming balls. On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to easily remove dirt from game balls.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been driven into a gaming area by a firing device and have finished flowing down form a line, pass through a guide path and return to the firing device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine,
comprising a roller member that extends along the guide path and that rotates and comes into contact with a game ball passing through the guide path to remove dirt;
The roller member has a non-uniform diameter.

According to feature 1, dirt on the game ball can be removed, and the location where the roller member rotates and comes into contact with the game ball changes, so that uneven wear of the roller member can be reduced. Furthermore, since the diameter of the roller member is uneven, the game ball fits into the recess where the diameter is small, making it easier to remove dirt. Further, when the portion of the roller member that comes into contact with the game ball changes from a small diameter to a large diameter, the pressure applied to the game ball becomes stronger, making it easier to remove dirt.

[Feature 2]
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the roller member has a non-circular cross section.

[Feature 3]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the roller member has a wavy outer edge in cross section.

[Feature 4]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the roller member has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion aligned in the axial direction.

The roller member may have a cross-sectional shape such as a polygon, an ellipse, or a star shape (Feature 2), or may have a wave-shaped outer edge (for example, a gear-like shape) (Feature 2). 3). Further, the cross-sectional shape of the roller member may be uniform in the axial direction, or may be shifted in the axial direction so that the outer surface is uneven in the circumferential direction and the axial direction. Alternatively, the structure may be such that the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion are lined up in the axial direction (Feature 4).

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the fifth feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, roller member: roller member 71, foam: roller component 75, firing device: firing unit 31, game area: game area R1, guide route: guide route 65

[Sixth feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2020-014953 (paragraphs [0040], [0041], FIG. 2), a plurality of game balls are sealed inside and the plurality of game balls are circulated. Disclosed are devices that can be used for games. The above-mentioned conventional gaming machines are equipped with a polishing member that comes into contact with the game balls to remove dirt, but if the polishing member becomes dirty or worn out, it will no longer be possible to properly remove dirt from the game balls. There is a need for improvements in maintainability such as replacement. On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to improve the maintainability of the polishing member.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls in a single gaming machine,
Equipped with a polishing member that comes into contact with the game ball to remove dirt,
This is a game machine in which the state of contact of the polishing member with the game ball can be changed.

According to feature 1, for example, if the polishing member contacts the game ball in a certain contact state and removes dirt, and the polishing member wears out or dirt accumulates, the contact state of the game ball with the polishing member can be changed. By making this change, the use of the polishing member can be continued in an appropriate state, so the polishing member can be used efficiently over a long period of time, and the maintainability of the polishing member can be improved.

[Feature 2]
Game balls that have been driven into a game area by a launch device and have finished flowing down are on their way back to the launch device, and are provided with a guide path through which the game balls pass in a row,
The game machine according to feature 1, wherein the polishing member can come into contact with the game ball within the guide path.

According to feature 2, since the polishing member can come into contact with the game balls arranged in a row on the guide path, it becomes easy to control the state of contact of the polishing member with the game balls.

[Feature 3]
The gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the polishing member is switchable between a contact state in which it contacts the game ball and a non-contact state in which it does not contact the game ball.

[Feature 4]
The game machine according to feature 3, wherein the polishing member is movable between a position where it can come into contact with the game ball and a position where it cannot come into contact with the game ball.

As a configuration for changing the contact state of the game ball in the polishing member, for example, as in feature 3, the polishing member may be configured to switch between a contact state in which it contacts the game ball and a non-contact state in which it does not contact the game ball. Can be done. Switching between the contact state and the non-contact state may be done manually or by driving. Further, as a configuration for switching between the contact state and the non-contact state, as in feature 4, the polishing member may be moved between a position where it can come into contact with the game ball and a position where it cannot come into contact with the game ball. .

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, further comprising a partition member that can be disposed between the polishing member and the row of game balls in the guide path and that prevents the polishing member from coming into contact with the game balls.

According to feature 5, by arranging the partition member, it is possible to make the polishing member not in contact with the game ball.

[Feature 6]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the pressing force of the polishing member against the game ball can be changed.

[Feature 7]
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, the polishing member is made of a foam and is movable with respect to the game ball.

As a configuration for changing the contact state of the game ball in the polishing member, for example, as in feature 6, it is possible to change the pressing force of the polishing member against the game ball. As a configuration for changing the pressing force, for example, as in feature 7, the polishing member made of foam may be movable with respect to the game ball.

[Feature 8]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the polishing member is impregnated with or adhered to a coating material.

According to feature 8, when removing dirt from the game ball with the polishing member, the game ball can also be coated with a coating material.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the sixth feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, polishing member: roller component 75, firing device: firing device 31, game area: game area R1, guide route: guide route 65, partition member: a pair of partition protrusions 69

[Seventh feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2020-014953 (paragraphs [0040], [0041], FIG. 2), a plurality of game balls are sealed inside and the plurality of game balls are circulated. Disclosed are devices that can be used for games. The above-mentioned conventional gaming machines are equipped with a polishing member that comes into contact with the game balls to remove dirt, but if the polishing member becomes dirty or worn out, it will no longer be possible to properly remove dirt from the game balls. There is a need for improvements in maintainability such as replacement. On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to improve the maintainability of the polishing member.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls in a single gaming machine,
Equipped with a polishing member that comes into contact with the game ball to remove dirt,
The polishing member has a contactable part where the surface facing the game ball can come into contact with the game ball, and a contactless part where the surface cannot come into contact with the game ball,
In the gaming machine, the abuttable part and the non-contactable part are switchable.

According to feature 1, when the abuttable part of the polishing member that comes into contact with the game ball to polish the game ball when facing the game ball is worn out or dirt accumulates, for example, the abuttable part By switching the polishing member to a non-contact part where the surface facing the game ball cannot come into contact with the game ball, the polishing member can be continued to be used in an appropriate condition, so the polishing member can be used for a long time. It can be used efficiently and maintainability of the polishing member can be improved.

[Feature 2]
Game balls that have been driven into a game area by a launch device and have finished flowing down are on their way back to the launch device, and are provided with a guide path through which the game balls pass in a row,
The game machine according to feature 1, wherein the polishing member can come into contact with the game ball within the guide path.

According to feature 2, since the polishing member can come into contact with the game balls arranged in a row on the guide path, it becomes easy to control the state of contact of the polishing member with the game balls.

[Feature 3]
The polishing member has an elongated shape extending along the guide path,
A partition portion provided with an abutment window facing the abuttable portion is provided between the polishing member and the row of game balls in the guide path,
The game machine according to feature 2, wherein the contactable portion and the non-contactable portion are switched by changing the orientation or position of the polishing member.

[Feature 4]
The polishing member has an elongated shape extending along the guide path,
A partition portion provided with an abutment window facing the abuttable portion is provided between the polishing member and the row of game balls in the guide path,
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the contactable portion and the non-contactable portion are switched by changing the position of the contact window in the partition portion.

As a configuration in which the polishing member has a contactable part and a non-contactable part, for example, a partition part may be provided between the elongated polishing member extending along the guide path and the row of game balls in the guide route. The polishing member may be provided with an abutment window in the partition, and a portion of the polishing member that faces the abutment window may be an abuttable portion. The configuration for switching between the contactable part and the non-contactable part may be a configuration in which the direction or position of the polishing member relative to the partition part is changed as in feature 3, or a configuration in which the polishing member is changed in direction or position with respect to the partition part as in feature 4. A configuration may be adopted in which the position of the contact window is changed.

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 4, wherein the polishing member is impregnated with or adhered to a coating material to be applied to the game balls.

According to feature 5, when removing dirt from the game ball with the polishing member, the game ball can also be coated with a coating material.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the seventh feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, polishing member: roller component 75, firing device: firing device 31A, game area: game area R1, guide route: guide route 65, partition part: a pair of partition protrusions 69

[Eighth feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph [0010]) discloses a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls. For the conventional gaming machines mentioned above, there is a need for the development of a technology that improves the sliding of gaming balls. On the other hand, according to this feature group, by coating the game ball, it is possible to improve the slippage of the game ball. Moreover, since the coating agents are colored, it becomes easy to distinguish between the coating agents.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls in a single gaming machine,
Equipped with a coating means for applying a coating agent to the game ball,
A game machine in which the coating agent is colored.

According to feature 1, by coating the game ball, it is possible to improve the slippage of the game ball. Moreover, since the coating agents are colored, it becomes easy to distinguish between the coating agents.

[Feature 2]
The coating means includes a coating member to which the coating agent is attached or impregnated and comes into contact with the game ball,
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the coating member has a color that allows the coating agent to be identified.

According to feature 2, since it can be seen at a glance whether the coating member is coated with or impregnated with a coating agent, it becomes easy to determine when maintenance is required.

[Feature 3]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the coating member is made of a foam.

The coating member may be a cloth, an elastomer, a brush, or the like, or may be a foam as in feature 3. Foams are not only inexpensive, but also easy to adhere to or impregnate with coating agents.

[Feature 4]
Game balls that have been driven into a game area by a firing device and have finished flowing down are on their way back to the firing device, and include a guiding path through which the game balls pass in a row,
The gaming machine according to feature 2 or 3, wherein the coating member extends along the guiding path and comes into contact with a game ball within the guiding path.

According to feature 4, since the coating agent adheres to the areas where the game balls are lined up, variations in the amount of coating agent adhered to each game ball can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the coating agent can be applied to the game ball within the guide path, there is no need to provide a separate location for installing the coating means.

[Feature 5]
comprising a moving member that receives power from a drive source and moves the game ball within the guide path,
The gaming machine according to feature 4, wherein the coating member faces the moving member across the guide path.

According to feature 5, since the coating member comes into contact with the game ball that moves under power, it is possible to prevent the game ball from becoming difficult to move due to friction with the coating member.

[Feature 6]
Timing determining means for determining maintenance timing for the coating means based on a change in color of the coating member;
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, further comprising timing notification means for notifying the maintenance timing determined by the timing determination means.

According to feature 6, it is possible to easily know when maintenance is required.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the eighth feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, coating member: roller component 75, firing device: firing device 31, game area: game area R1, guide route: guide route 6

[Ninth feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph [0010]) discloses a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls. There is a need for the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines to improve the sliding of the gaming balls. On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to improve the slippage of the game ball. Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of coating agent, the slippage of the game ball can also be adjusted.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls in a single gaming machine,
Equipped with a coating means for applying a coating agent to the game ball,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the coating means is capable of adjusting the amount of the coating agent applied to the game ball.

According to feature 1, the sliding of the game ball can be improved by attaching the coating agent to the game ball. Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of coating agent, the slippage of the game ball can also be adjusted.

[Feature 2]
The coating means includes an abutting member that abuts the game ball,
At least a portion of the contact member is a coating portion containing the coating agent,
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the proportion of the coating portion in the contact member can be changed.

According to feature 2, the amount of coating agent can be adjusted by changing the proportion of the coating portion in the abutment member.

[Feature 3]
Game balls that have been driven into a game area by a launch device and have finished flowing down are on their way back to the launch device, and are provided with a guide path through which the game balls pass in a row,
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the contact member extends along the guide path and is capable of contacting a game ball within the guide path.

According to feature 3, since the coating agent can be applied to the game balls on the way back to the firing device, there is no need to provide a separate place for coating. Furthermore, since the coating agent adheres to the areas where the game balls are lined up, variations in the amount of coating agent adhered to each game ball can be suppressed.

[Feature 4]
The gaming machine according to feature 3, wherein the abutting member includes a plurality of abutting parts arranged in a longitudinal direction, and at least a part of the plurality of abutting parts is the coating part.

According to feature 4, the amount of coating agent can be adjusted depending on the number of coated parts among the plurality of contact parts.

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to feature 3 or 4, wherein the abutment member has a roller shape extending along the guide path.

According to feature 5, as the roller rotates, the surface of the abutting member that abuts the game ball changes, so it is possible to suppress the problem of the coating agent being reduced at only one location on the abutting member.

[Feature 6]
The gaming machine according to feature 4, wherein the abutting member is formed by fitting a plurality of the abutting parts each having an annular cross section to a shaft member extending along the guide path.

The abutting member may have an annular cross section, or may have any shape, such as a star shape or a circle with a waveform on the outer periphery, as long as the cross section is approximately symmetrical and can be fitted to the shaft member.

[Feature 7]
The gaming machine according to feature 6, wherein the abutting part is removable from the shaft member.

According to feature 7, not only is it possible to adjust the amount of coating agent by attaching and detaching the contact parts, but also it is possible to replace deteriorated contact parts with new ones.

[Feature 8]
The contact member includes a foam that can polish the game ball to remove dirt,
8. The gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 7, wherein the coating portion is formed by adhering or impregnating at least a portion of the foam with the coating agent.

According to feature 8, since ball polishing and coating can be performed in the same part, there is no need to provide them separately. Further, foams are preferable because they are not only available at low cost but also easy to adhere to or impregnate with a coating agent.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the ninth feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, contact member: roller component 75, coating part: first roller component 75A, firing device: firing device, game area: game area R1, guiding route: guiding route 65 , Shaft member: Shaft body 72A

[10th feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph [0010]) discloses a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls. There is a need for the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines to improve the sliding of the gaming balls. On the other hand, according to the present invention group, by attaching a coating agent to the game ball, it is possible to improve the slippage of the game ball. Further, when changing the model, the coating means can also be replaced, and the slipperiness of the gaming machine can be adjusted to suit the model.

[Feature 1]
A circulation means is provided in a game area of a removably attached game board to return game balls that have been shot by a firing device and have flown down to the firing device, and a plurality of game balls can be circulated and used in a single game machine. In gaming machines,
The circulation means is a game machine that is removably equipped with a coating means for applying a coating agent to the game balls.

According to feature 1, the sliding of the game ball can be improved by attaching the coating agent to the game ball. Further, when changing the model, the coating means can also be replaced, and the slipperiness of the gaming machine can be adjusted to suit the model.

[Feature 2]
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the coating means includes a coating member impregnated with or adhered to the coating agent.

The coating member may be a solidified coating agent, or may be a coating member impregnated with or adhered to the coating agent as in feature 2.

[Feature 3]
The circulation means includes a guide path through which game balls pass in a row;
a moving member that receives power from a drive source and moves the game ball within the guide path;
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the coating member extends along the guide path and comes into contact with the game ball carried by the moving member.

According to feature 3, since the coating agent can be applied to the areas where the game balls are arranged in rows, the variation in the amount of coating agent adhered to each game ball is reduced. Furthermore, since the game ball can be coated on its way back to the firing device, there is no need to secure a separate space for a coating means.

[Feature 4]
The guide path extends in the vertical direction,
The game machine according to feature 3, wherein the moving member is a screw with a protruding spiral blade capable of supporting a game ball.

The moving path may be a conveyor or may be a screw as in feature 4.

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 4, wherein the coating member is made of a foam.

The coating member may be a cloth material, an elastomer, a brush shape, or a foam as in feature 5. Foams are not only inexpensive, but also easy to adhere to or impregnate with coatings.

[Feature 6]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 5, wherein the coating agent is colored.
[Feature 7]
The gaming machine according to feature 6, wherein the coating agent has a distinguishable color when impregnated or attached to the coating member.

According to features 6 and 7, it can be seen at a glance that the coating agent is attached to or impregnated into the coating member, and it becomes easy to determine when it is time for maintenance when the coating agent becomes insufficient. Furthermore, by using a different coating agent for each model, the inconvenience of applying a coating member to an unintended model can be prevented.

[Feature 8]
8. The gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 7, wherein the coating means is provided with a sticker pasting section.

According to feature 8, a sticker can be pasted on the sticker pasting portion. For example, the time when the coating member starts to be used can be written on this sticker to serve as a guideline for maintenance timing, or an identification number or the like can be written on the sticker to facilitate identification of the coating member for each game machine.
[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the tenth feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, circulation means: lifting device 60, coating means: roller member 71, coating member: roller parts 75, firing device: firing device 31A, game area: game area R1, guiding route: guiding route 65, Spiral blade: blade 62B, moving member: screw 62, drive source: motor 64,

[Eleventh feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2020-014953 (paragraphs [0040], [0041], FIG. 2), a plurality of game balls are sealed inside and the plurality of game balls are circulated. Disclosed are devices that can be used for games. The above-mentioned conventional gaming machines are equipped with a ball polishing means for polishing the game balls to remove dirt, and if the ball polishing means becomes dirty or worn out, it becomes impossible to remove the dirt from the game balls, so it is important to take appropriate timing. Maintenance such as replacing the ball polishing means is required. In contrast, according to this feature group, maintenance of the ball polishing means can be performed at appropriate timing.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls in a single gaming machine,
A ball polishing means for polishing game balls to remove dirt;
timing determining means for determining the maintenance timing of the ball polishing means;
The gaming machine is provided with timing notification means for notifying the maintenance timing determined by the timing determination means.

According to feature 1, the ball polishing means is provided with a timing determination means for determining the maintenance timing of the ball polishing means, and the maintenance timing determined by the timing determination means is notified by the timing notification means, so that the maintenance of the ball polishing means is performed at an appropriate timing. be able to.

[Feature 2]
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the timing determining means determines the maintenance timing based on the passage of time.

[Feature 3]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the timing determining means determines the maintenance timing based on the accumulated time related to the fluctuating display of symbols that notify the determination result of the game propriety determination.

[Feature 4]
comprising a transfer member that takes in the game balls that have been driven into the game area by the firing device and has finished flowing down, and transports them to the firing device;
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the timing determining means determines the maintenance timing based on the operating time of the transfer member.

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the timing determining means determines the maintenance timing based on the cumulative operating time of the gaming machine.

[Feature 6]
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 5, the passage of time is specified using a real-time clock.

The maintenance timing can be determined based on the passage of time, as in feature 2. For example, as in feature 3, the maintenance timing can be determined based on the cumulative time related to the fluctuating display of symbols that notify the judgment result of the game's validity determination. Alternatively, as in feature 4, it may be determined based on the operating time of the transfer member that takes in the game ball that has been driven into the game area by the launcher and has finished flowing down, and transports it to the launcher. However, as in feature 5, it may be determined based on the number of operating days of the gaming machine. For example, the passage of time may be specified using a real-time clock (Feature 6).

[Feature 7]
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, wherein the ball polishing means includes a coating member impregnated with or adhered to a coating material to be applied to the game ball.

[Feature 8]
The gaming machine according to feature 7, wherein the maintenance timing is a timing for replenishing the ball polishing means with the coating material.

The ball polishing means may be configured to coat the game ball with a coating material when removing dirt from the game ball (feature 7), and the maintenance timing may be the timing for replenishing the coating material.

[Feature 9]
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 7, the maintenance timing is a replacement timing of the ball polishing means.

The maintenance timing may be the timing for replenishing the coating material, as in feature 9.

[Feature 10]
It is set to enter a standby state when no games are played for a certain period of time.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 9, the timing notification means notifies the maintenance timing during the standby state or when the power is turned on.

As in feature 10, the maintenance timing may be notified during a standby state that is set when no game is played for a certain period of time or when the power is turned on. According to this feature, the maintenance timing is notified during the game, and it is possible to prevent the player from becoming excited.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the eleventh feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, ball polishing means: roller member 71, timing determining means: determining section 56, timing informing means: informing section 57, firing device: firing device 31A, transfer member: lifting device 60, coating member: roller Parts 75

[12th feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2020-014953 (paragraphs [0040], [0041], FIG. 2), a plurality of game balls are sealed inside and the plurality of game balls are circulated. Disclosed are devices that can be used for games. In the conventional game machines mentioned above, there is a problem in that the game balls wear out due to repeated use of a limited number of game balls, and the behavior of the game balls becomes unstable, and a countermeasure is required. . On the other hand, according to this feature group, it is possible to suppress the wear of the game ball and stabilize the behavior of the game ball.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls in a single gaming machine,
a coating means for attaching a coating material to the game ball;
timing determining means for determining maintenance timing of the coating means;
The gaming machine is provided with timing notification means for notifying the maintenance timing determined by the timing determination means.

According to feature 1, since the coating means for applying the coating material to the game ball is provided, the surface of the game ball is protected, and the timing determining means for determining the maintenance timing of the coating means is provided to determine the maintenance timing of the coating means. Since this information is notified, maintenance of the coating means can be performed at an appropriate timing. This makes it possible to suppress wear on the game ball and stabilize the behavior of the game ball.

[Feature 2]
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the timing determining means determines the maintenance timing based on a change in a parameter caused by the amount of coating material attached to the game ball.

[Feature 3]
In the gaming machine according to feature 2, the parameter is a winning rate of a game ball flowing down the gaming area into a winning opening that can win a prize.

[Feature 4]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the parameter is the speed of the game ball flowing down the game area.

[Feature 5]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the parameter is the refractive index of light in the gaming ball.

The maintenance timing can be determined based on the change in the parameter caused by the amount of coating material attached to the game ball, as in feature 2, and the parameter can be determined based on the change in the parameter caused by the amount of coating material attached to the game ball, for example, as in feature 3, the maintenance timing It may be the winning rate of the ball to the winning opening where the ball can win, or it may be the speed of the game ball flowing down the game area as in feature 4, or it may be the rate of the ball hitting the winning hole as in feature 5. It may also be the refractive index of light.

[Feature 6]
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, the maintenance timing is a replacement timing of the coating means.

[Feature 7]
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, the maintenance timing is a timing for replenishing the coating material to the coating means.

The maintenance timing may be the timing to replace the coating means, as in feature 6, or the timing to replenish the coating material to the coating means, as in feature 7.

[Feature 8]
It is set to enter a standby state when no games are played for a certain period of time.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 7, the timing notification means notifies the maintenance timing during the standby state or when the power is turned on.

As in feature 8, the maintenance timing may be notified during a standby state that is set when no game is played for a certain period of time or when the power is turned on. According to this feature, the maintenance timing is notified during the game, and it is possible to prevent the player from becoming excited.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the 12th feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, timing determining means: determining section 56, timing informing means: informing section 57, gaming area: gaming area R1

[13th feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph [0010]) discloses a configuration in which a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine, and dirt is removed from the gaming balls. Disclosed is a device comprising: There is a need for the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines to make it easier to remove dirt from game balls. In contrast, according to this feature group, the ball polishing process is performed at a temperature higher than room temperature, making it easier to remove dirt from the surface of the game ball.
[Feature 1]
In a game machine that circulates game balls in the game machine itself,
A game machine in which the ball polishing process for polishing game balls to remove dirt is performed at a temperature higher than room temperature.

According to feature 1, the ball polishing step is performed at a temperature higher than room temperature, making it easier to remove dirt from the surface of the game ball.

[Feature 2]
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the ball polishing step is performed at a temperature of 30 degrees or more.

According to feature 2, the ball polishing process is preferably performed at 30 degrees or higher in order to make it easier to remove dirt from the game balls.

[Feature 3]
The game machine according to feature 1 or 2, comprising a heating means for heating the game ball.

According to feature 3, dirt on the surface of the game ball can be easily removed.

[Feature 4]
Game balls that have been driven into a game area by a firing device and have finished flowing down are on their way back to the firing device, and include a guiding path through which the game balls pass in a row,
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the ball polishing step is performed within the guide route.

According to feature 4, since the ball polishing process is performed where the game balls are lined up, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unpolished game balls. Furthermore, since the ball polishing process is performed on the guide path, the ball polishing can be performed while the game ball is being returned to the firing device without requiring a separate place for the ball polishing process.

[Feature 5]
The game machine according to feature 4, further comprising a polishing member that extends along the guide path and comes into contact with game balls in the guide path.

According to feature 5, since the polishing member extends along the guide path, it comes into contact with the game ball over a wide range, making it easier to remove dirt.

[Feature 6]
The gaming machine according to feature 5, further comprising heating means for heating the polishing member.

According to feature 6, by bringing the heated polishing member into contact with the game ball, dirt can be easily removed.

[Feature 7]
The gaming machine according to feature 5 or 6, wherein the polishing member is made of a foam.

According to feature 7, the polishing member may have a brush shape, may be made of cloth material, or may be made of elastomer. If it is a foam like Feature 7, it is not only available at low cost but also suitable for attaching or impregnating a coating agent.

[Feature 8]
comprising a moving member that receives power from a drive source to move the game ball within the guide path,
The gaming machine according to any one of features 4 to 7, including a heat transfer section that transmits heat from the drive source into the guide path.

It may be provided with a heating means for heating the game ball as in feature 3, it may be provided with a heating means for heating the polishing member as in feature 6, and it may be provided with a heat transfer part as in feature 8. You can leave it there. According to feature 8, it is possible to effectively utilize the heat generated by the drive source.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the 13th feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, polishing member: roller component 75, guide path: guide path 65, moving member: screw 62, drive source: motor 64, heating means: motor 64, heat transfer part: heat transfer plate 110

[14th invention group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph [0010]) discloses a gaming machine in which a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used. There is a need for the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines to have smoother flow of game balls. On the other hand, in this feature group, since the game ball is pushed toward the subsequent path by the pushing means, the flow of the game ball can be made smooth.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been driven into a gaming area by a firing device and have finished flowing down are raised within a guide path extending in the vertical direction and returned to the firing device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine. ,
comprising a pushing means for pushing the game ball that has reached the upper end of the guiding path into a subsequent path extending laterally of the guiding path;
A gaming machine in which the pushing means can change the state of the surface of the gaming ball.

According to feature 1, since the game ball is pushed toward the subsequent path by the pushing means, the flow of the game ball can be made smooth. Furthermore, since the extrusion means can be effectively utilized to change the surface condition of the game ball, the surface condition of the game ball can be brought into the expected state.

[Feature 2]
The game machine according to feature 1, further comprising a screw in which a spiral blade capable of supporting a game ball protrudes and rotates in response to power to lift the game ball in the guide path, and the pushing means is provided at an upper end of the screw. .

The pushing means may be provided at the upper end of the screw as in Feature 2, or, for example, may be provided with a separate mechanism that raises the game ball on a belt conveyor and pushes the game ball from the side when it reaches the upper end. Good too.

[Feature 3]
The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the pushing means is a wall extending outward from the rotation axis of the screw, and includes changing means for changing the state of the surface of the game ball.

According to feature 3, the state of the surface of the game ball can be changed while the game ball that has been raised by the screw is pushed out to the subsequent path by the pushing means.

[Feature 4]
The game machine according to feature 3, wherein the changing means attaches a coating agent to the game balls.

According to feature 4, the sliding of the game ball can be improved by attaching the coating agent to the surface of the game ball.

[Feature 5]
Equipped with a coating means for applying a coating agent to the game ball,
The game machine according to feature 3, wherein the changing means wipes the coating agent of the game ball.

According to feature 5, since excess coating agent can be wiped off, the slipperiness of the game ball can be adjusted.

[Feature 6]
The game machine according to feature 3, wherein the changing means removes dirt from game balls.

According to feature 6, by removing dirt from the surface of the game ball, the game ball can become more slippery.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the 14th feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: game machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, firing device: firing device 31, game area: game area R1, guiding path: guiding path 65, spiral blade: blade 62B, screw: screw 62, subsequent path: upper side Passage 61B, pushing means: pushing piece 62C

[15th feature group]
The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-34569 (paragraph [0010]) discloses a configuration in which a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine, and dirt is removed from the gaming balls. What is available is disclosed. For the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines, it is required to keep the surface of the gaming balls clean. On the other hand, according to this feature group, the moving mechanism is purified, making it difficult for the game ball to become dirty, and making it possible to keep the surface of the game ball clean.

[Feature 1]
In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been driven into a gaming area by a firing device and have finished flowing down form a line, pass through a guide path and return to the firing device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used in a single gaming machine,
a moving mechanism that extends along the guide route and moves the game ball within the guide route;
A gaming machine comprising a moving mechanism purifying means for removing dirt from the moving mechanism.

According to feature 1, since the moving mechanism is purified, the game ball is less likely to get dirty, and the surface of the game ball can be kept clean.

[Feature 2]
The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the moving mechanism purifying means is provided on the opposite side of the guide path across the moving mechanism, and is arranged along the moving mechanism.

According to feature 2, the moving mechanism purifying device is provided along the moving mechanism, so it is compact.
[Feature 3]
The gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the moving mechanism cleaning means comes into contact with the moving mechanism to remove dirt.

The moving mechanism purifying means may have a structure that removes dirt by contacting the moving mechanism as in feature 3, or may be a means for cleaning with running water like a shower, or a means for blowing away dirt by blowing air. It may be something.

[Feature 4]
The gaming machine according to feature 3, wherein the moving mechanism purifying means includes a brush or a foam.

The moving mechanism purifying means may be in the shape of a brush, or may be made of elastomer or cloth material. If it is made of foam as in feature 6, it can be obtained at low cost and dirt on the moving mechanism can be easily removed.

[Feature 5]
The guide path extends in the vertical direction,
The moving mechanism includes a screw in which a spiral blade capable of supporting a game ball protrudes and rotates under power to raise the game ball in the guide path,
The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 4, wherein the moving mechanism cleaning means removes dirt from the screw.

The moving mechanism may be a belt conveyor, but if it is a rotating screw as in feature 5, the entire moving mechanism can be easily purified by the moving mechanism purifying means.

[Correspondence between the constituent elements of the 15th feature group and each part in the embodiment]
Game machine: Game machine 10, Launch device: Launch unit 31, Game area: Game area R1, Guidance route: Guidance route 65, Lifting mechanism: Lifting device 60, Spiral blade: Blade 62B, Movement mechanism: Screw 62

10 Game machine 31 Launch unit 53 Maintenance notification lamp 60 Lifting device 60A Ball inlet 60B Ball outlet 61A Lower passage 61B Upper passage 62 Screw 62A Center shaft 62B Blade 62C Push-out piece 64 Motor 65 Guidance section 70 Cleaning mechanism 71 Roller member 72A Shaft body 75 Roller parts 80 Roller holding mechanism 110 Heat exchanger plate 111 Brush R1 Game area

Claims (1)

Equipped with a coating means for applying a coating agent to the game ball,
In the game machine, the coating means can adjust the amount of the coating agent applied to the game ball.

Images