JP4120704B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As one type of gaming machine, there are bullet balls such as pachinko machines and ball payout gaming machines. In such a ball and ball dispensing game machine, the ball receiving surface is provided with a ball receiving plate inclined toward the ball launch position, and the game balls are sequentially taken into the ball launch position, and the taken game balls are directed toward the game area. Fired. When a game ball wins a predetermined winning opening or a winning device, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upstream side of the ball tray. Further, in some cases, the game balls that cannot be stored in the ball tray are stored in another ball tray, and generally the upper ball tray that leads to the ball launch position stores the upper plate and surplus balls. The ball tray is called the lower plate.

  In addition to the above-mentioned bullet balls and ball payout game machines, in recent years, a ball-type belt-type game machine capable of playing a game similar to a slot machine using a game ball similar to a game ball used in a pachinko machine has been considered. It has been. In such a gaming machine, variable display on the variable display means is started by operating a lever after a predetermined number of game balls have been taken in. A large number of game balls are paid out when the special game state occurs. In such a gaming machine, a ball tray is provided as in the case of the above-described bullet ball and ball dispensing game machine.

  For example, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a ball supply tray (upper plate) is configured by a supply tray main body that stores game balls and a cover frame that stores the supply tray main body and forms an outer cover. The ball supply tray is attached to an open / close panel made of a metal plate. When the game ball is paid out from the payout mechanism due to winning or the like, the game ball is discharged to the ball storage unit via the prize ball outlet provided at the rear of the supply tray main body.

However, existing gaming machines have the following disadvantages. That is, in the game, the game balls stored in the ball tray (upper plate) are sequentially taken in, but if the game balls are not continuously paid out, the stored balls in the ball tray will eventually become insufficient, and the player Game balls must be replenished from the lower plate or ball box. In this case, if the volume of the ball tray is small relative to the digestion speed (intake speed) of the game ball, there is a disadvantage that the supply of the game ball is repeatedly forced.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-114183, FIG.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a configuration capable of eliminating the complexity of game ball replenishment.

  Hereinafter, effective means for solving the above-described problems will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. In a gaming machine having a ball tray (upper plate 18) for storing game balls and configured to sequentially throw in the game balls stored in the ball tray,
An internal storage part (dispensing passage 56) that is located inside the gaming machine main body (outer frame 2, front frame 3, etc.) and that allows the game balls to be discharged from the ball tray, and from the ball tray A gaming machine comprising a guide passage (guide passage 52) for guiding a game ball to an internal storage section.

  According to the means 1, the game balls stored in the ball tray are sequentially inserted and used for the game. In particular, the game balls in the ball receiving tray are guided to the inner storage section through the guide passage, and the game balls in the inner storage section are further discharged to the ball receiving tray. In short, in the game, the stored balls in the ball tray are sequentially used, but if the stored balls are insufficient, it is necessary to replenish the game balls from, for example, a ball box. At this time, generally, the refillable amount of the game ball is limited by the volume of the ball tray, and if the volume of the ball tray is small with respect to the digestion speed (injection speed) of the game ball, the supply of the game ball is repeatedly forced. On the other hand, in this means 1, since it is possible to guide the game ball from the ball receiving tray through the guide passage to the internal storage part, it is possible to store the game ball replenished from the ball box or the like in the internal storage part. Therefore, a large amount of game balls can be supplied at one time, and the number of game balls supplied can be reduced. As a result, when a game ball is supplied from a ball box or the like, the complexity of the game ball supply can be eliminated, and an improvement in game performance can be realized.

  Mean 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide passage is provided so as to be inclined downward from the ball receiving tray toward the internal storage portion.

  According to the means 2, since the guide passage is inclined downward from the ball receiving tray toward the inner storage portion, the game ball of the ball receiving tray can be guided to the inner storage portion without difficulty.

  Means 3. In the means 1 or 2, the guide passage is provided upstream of the discharge passage (discharge passage 51) for discharging the payout ball from the payout device (payout device 28) to the ball tray. .

  According to the means 3, since the guide passage is provided on the upstream side of the discharge passage, the game ball discharged from the discharge passage in a normal state is unintentionally discharged to the internal storage part through the guide passage. It is difficult to occur. Therefore, obstacles to the game can be avoided.

  In this description, expressions such as “upstream” and “downstream” are based on the direction in which the game ball flows due to the action of gravity. If the game ball passage is different in height, the higher side is upstream and the lower side is downstream.

Means 4. A first storage portion (upper plate 18) for storing game balls is provided in the gaming machine opening portion, and a second storage portion (payout passage 56) for storing game balls is also provided in the gaming machine closing portion at the rear of the gaming machine. A gaming machine having a configuration in which game balls are discharged from the second storage portion via the discharge passage (discharge passage 51) to the first storage portion, and the game balls are sequentially inserted from the most downstream portion of the first storage portion. ,
A gaming machine comprising a guide passage (guide passage 52) for guiding a game ball from the first storage section to the second storage section.

  According to the means 4, the game balls are discharged from the second storage part to the first storage part via the discharge passage, and the game balls stored in the first storage part are sequentially introduced from the most downstream portion of the first storage part. And used for games. In particular, the game ball in the first storage part is guided to the second storage part through the guide passage. In short, the balls stored in the first storage unit are sequentially used in the game, but if the stored balls are insufficient, it is necessary to supply the game balls from, for example, a ball box. At this time, generally, the refillable amount of the game ball is restricted by the volume of the first storage unit. If the volume of the first storage unit is small with respect to the digestion speed (injection speed) of the game ball, the supply of the game ball is not performed. Repeatedly forced. On the other hand, in this means 4, since the game ball can be guided from the first storage part to the second storage part through the guide passage, the game balls replenished from the ball box or the like can be stored in the second storage part. . Therefore, a large amount of game balls can be supplied at one time, and the number of game balls supplied can be reduced. As a result, when a game ball is supplied from a ball box or the like, the complexity of the game ball supply can be eliminated, and an improvement in game performance can be realized.

Means 5. The front wall portion (front panel portion 50) of the gaming machine main body (outer frame 2, front frame 3, etc.) is sandwiched between the front side and the rear side, extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and toward the predetermined direction. The inclined first reservoir (upper plate 18) and second reservoir (dispensing passage 56) are juxtaposed to pay out the game balls from the dispenser (payout device 28) to the second reservoir, while the first reservoir A gaming machine configured to discharge game balls from the second storage part to the part via a discharge passage (discharge passage 51) and sequentially throw in the game balls from the most downstream part of the first storage part,
A gaming machine comprising a guide passage (guide passage 52) for guiding a game ball from the first storage section to the second storage section.

  According to the means 5, while the game balls are paid out from the payout device to the second storage unit, the game balls are discharged from the second storage unit to the first storage unit via the discharge passage to the first storage unit. The stored game balls are sequentially inserted from the most downstream part of the first storage part and used for games. In particular, the game ball in the first storage part is guided to the second storage part through the guide passage. In short, the balls stored in the first storage unit are sequentially used in the game, but if the stored balls are insufficient, it is necessary to supply the game balls from, for example, a ball box. At this time, generally, the refillable amount of the game ball is restricted by the volume of the first storage unit. If the volume of the first storage unit is small with respect to the digestion speed (injection speed) of the game ball, the supply of the game ball is not performed. Repeatedly forced. On the other hand, in this means 5, since the game ball can be guided from the first storage part to the second storage part through the guide passage, the game balls replenished from the ball box or the like can be stored in the second storage part. . Therefore, a large amount of game balls can be supplied at one time, and the number of game balls supplied can be reduced. As a result, when a game ball is supplied from a ball box or the like, the complexity of the game ball supply can be eliminated, and an improvement in game performance can be realized.

  Means 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the guide passage is provided so as to be inclined downward from the first reservoir toward the second reservoir.

  According to the means 6, since the guide passage is inclined downward from the first storage part toward the second storage part, the game balls of the first storage part can be guided to the second storage part without difficulty.

  Mean 7 A game machine according to any one of means 4 to means 6, wherein the guide passage is provided upstream of the discharge passage in the first storage section.

  According to the means 7, since the guide passage is provided on the upstream side of the discharge passage in the first storage portion, the game ball discharged from the second storage portion through the discharge passage in the normal time is unintentionally passed through the guide passage. 2 The situation of returning to the storage section is unlikely to occur. Therefore, obstacles to the game can be avoided.

  Means 8. In any one of the means 4 to 7, the first storage part includes a lower storage area (main upper plate part 18a) that leads to the game ball slot and a higher storage area (sub upper plate part that is higher than that). 18b), the discharge passage is provided in the upstream portion of the lower storage area, and the guide passage is provided in the upstream portion of the higher storage area.

  According to the means 8, in the first storage part, the game ball is supplied from the discharge passage in the lower storage area and flows to the game ball insertion port. In addition, the game ball flows to the lower storage area in the higher storage area, and also flows to the second storage section through the guide passage. In the present configuration, as described in the means 7, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game ball unexpectedly returns to the second storage part through the guide passage.

  Means 9. A gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the lower storage area and the higher storage area are provided so as to be folded in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine.

  According to the means 9, since the lower storage area and the higher storage area are provided so as to be folded, each of these storage areas can be suitably arranged.

  Means 10. A game machine according to any one of means 4 to means 9, wherein the game ball storage capacity of the second storage part is made larger than the game ball storage capacity of the first storage part.

  According to the means 10, since the game ball storage capacity of the second storage unit is large, a large amount of game balls are sent from the first storage unit to the second storage unit when the game ball is supplied from a ball box or the like. Is possible.

  Means 11. In any one of the means 1 to 10, the guide passage is provided with an opening / closing member that opens or closes the passage.

  According to the means 11, since the guide passage can be opened and closed by the operation of the opening and closing member, it is desired to perform the game ball guidance from the ball receiving tray to the internal storage section or the game ball guidance from the first storage section to the second storage section. The game ball guidance can be allowed only in the case.

  Means 12. In any one of the means 1 to means 11, the gaming machine circulates an endless belt (belt 76) having a plurality of patterns (designs) on its surface, and a display window (display windows 61 to 61) provided on the front of the gaming machine. 63) The picture is variably displayed through 63), and a game ball is paid out or a special game state is generated according to the confirmed picture after the stop.

  According to the means 12, the effect of any one of the means 1 to 11 can be enjoyed in the belt-type ball throwing-in / out gaming machine.

  Means 13. In the means 12, the rotation of the belt is started due to the operation of the start operation means (start lever 101), and the pattern is variably displayed, and also due to the operation of the stop operation means (stop buttons 102 to 104) or A gaming machine configured to stop the rotation of the belt due to the elapse of a predetermined time without operating the stop operation means and stop the variable display of the picture.

  According to the means 13, the player can be actively involved in the game by operating the start operation means or the stop operation means.

  Means 14. In the means 12 or the means 13, the gaming machine has a game start condition that a plurality of game balls are thrown in every game.

  The belt-type ball insertion / withdrawal game machine uses a game ball instead of a game medal in a slot machine and takes in a plurality of game balls at a time. The speed is high and there is a high possibility that the game ball supply will be complicated. On the other hand, the problem of complication of game ball replenishment can be solved by applying each of the above means.

Means 15. Extending to the front side of the front wall portion (front panel portion 50) of the gaming machine main body (outer frame 2, front frame 3, etc.), extending in the left-right direction as viewed from the front of the gaming machine and toward a predetermined direction A ball tray (upper plate 18) that slopes downward is provided, a dispensing passage (dispensing passage 56) that is substantially the same length as the ball tray is provided behind the ball tray with the front wall portion interposed therebetween, and the ball tray is further provided. A discharge passage (discharge passage 51) that allows the game balls to be discharged from the payout passage to the ball tray is provided between the payout device and the payout passage, and the game balls are paid out from the payout device (payout device 28) to the payout passage. On the other hand, a gaming machine configured to sequentially throw in the game balls discharged to the ball tray via the payout passage and the discharge passage from the most downstream portion of the ball tray,
The ball tray is provided with an upstream storage portion (sub-upper tray portion 18b) in an upstream portion of the discharge passage, and guidance for guiding the game ball from the ball tray side to the payout passage in the upstream storage portion A passage (guide passage 52) is provided in a state inclined downward from the ball receiving tray side toward the payout passage so as to penetrate the front wall portion, and the discharge passage and the guide passage are provided on the left and right sides of the ball receiving tray. A gaming machine characterized by being arranged separately at both ends.

  According to the means 15, since the game ball can be guided from the ball tray side to the payout passage through the guide passage, the game balls replenished from the ball box or the like can be stored in the payout passage. Therefore, similarly to the above-described means 1 and the like, a large amount of game balls can be supplied at once, and the number of game balls supplied can be reduced. As a result, when a game ball is supplied from a ball box or the like, the complexity of the game ball supply can be eliminated, and an improvement in game performance can be realized. In particular, in this means, since the discharge passage and the guide passage are arranged separately on the left and right ends of the ball tray, it is possible to effectively store the replenishment game balls using the entire payout passage behind the ball tray. It becomes possible. Therefore, the efficiency of the replenishment work can be realized more suitably.

  The following is a subordinate configuration of the means 15, but since there are many parts overlapping with the above-described configuration, only the configuration will be described.

  Means 16. In the means 15, a ball receiving plate forming member (upper plate forming body 17) for forming the ball receiving plate is attached to the front side of the gaming machine on the front wall portion, and the payout passage is provided on the rear side of the gaming machine on the front wall portion. A game machine, characterized in that a payout passage forming member (game ball passage unit) is formed.

  Means 17. In the means 15 or the means 16, the ball tray is provided with the upstream storage portion upstream of the discharge passage and the downstream storage portion downstream of the discharge passage so as to be folded in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine. A gaming machine.

  Means 18. In any one of the means 15 to the means 17, the endless belt (belt 76) having a plurality of patterns (designs) on its surface is circulated, and is displayed through the display windows (display windows 61 to 63) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine. The pattern is variably displayed, and the rotation of the belt is performed with a game start condition that a plurality of game balls are inserted and a start operation means (start lever 101) is operated every game. Start and variably display the pattern, and stop the rotation of the belt due to the operation of the stop operation means (stop buttons 102 to 104) or after a predetermined time has passed without the stop operation means being operated. The game machine is characterized in that the variable display of the picture is stopped and the game ball is paid out or a special game state is generated according to the confirmed picture after the stop.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game balls are discharged from the second storage means to the first storage means via the discharge means, and the game balls stored in the first storage means are stored in the first storage means. It is sequentially received by the receiving unit from one storage means and used for games. Further, the game ball discharged to the first storage means can be stored in the second storage means through the ball passage. In the game, the stored balls of the first storing means are sequentially used. However, if the stored balls are insufficient, it is necessary to replenish the game balls from, for example, a ball box. At this time, if the volume of the first storage means is small with respect to the receiving speed of the game ball, the supply of the game ball is repeatedly forced. On the other hand, in the present invention, the game ball can be stored in the second storage means. As a result, the number of game balls supplied can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of game ball replenishment and to improve game playability. Furthermore, the game ball paid out from the payout device first reaches the second storage means through the guide passage, and then reaches the first storage means via the discharge means. Therefore, the second storage means can be effectively used as compared with the case where the game balls are paid out directly from the payout device to the first storage means.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to a gaming machine in which a game is started after taking a game ball will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment requires a game ball (for example, a game ball similar to a pachinko machine: a pachinko ball) as a predetermined number of game media (game value) in the game, and a plurality of game balls when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Game balls, and in some cases, a large amount of game balls are paid out. The game balls are not limited to pachinko balls, and may be steel balls in a broad sense.

  First, the outline of the external configuration and internal structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire gaming machine 1, FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 3 is a front view showing the gaming machine main body and the front door 4 in an expanded state, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine 1. Note that FIG. 2 also illustrates a ball lending apparatus A provided with the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 as a main body frame, and a front frame that is provided at a front portion of the outer frame 2 and is openable and closable at one side of the outer frame 2. 3 is provided. In this case, the outer frame 2 and the front frame 3 are connected to each other by hinges 31 and 32 at the upper and lower portions of the left end so as to be opened and closed. The outer frame 2 is configured by connecting wooden plate members to four sides, and has a rectangular shape as a whole. Further, the front frame 3 is made of a rectangular frame-like plate material whose outer dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the outer frame 2, and is provided so as to contact the front surface of the outer frame 2. A back set board 16 extending from the back side to the back side along the inner peripheral surface of the outer frame 2 is attached and fixed to the front frame 3, and a belt unit or a game ball described later is attached to the back set board 16. A device for taking in or paying out (so-called back set), various control boards, and the like are mounted. In the present embodiment, the gaming machine main body is basically composed of the outer frame 2, the front frame 3, the back set board 16 provided on the front frame 3, and the like.

  A front door 4 as an openable / closable door that can be opened and closed with respect to the front frame 3 is provided on the front side of the front frame 3, and a lower dish unit 5 is provided below the front door 4. That is, the front side of the front frame 3 is covered with the front door 4 and the lower plate unit 5, and the front frame 3 and the upper plate 3 above the lower plate unit 5 are opened by opening the front door 4. Various mechanisms (such as a belt unit) mounted thereon are exposed forward. The front frame 3 and the front door 4 are connected in an openable and closable manner by upper and lower hinges 33 and 34 at the left end. Therefore, the right side of the front door 4 is rotated around the left side of the front frame 3.

  The front surface of the front door 4 and the lower tray unit 5 is formed in a continuous three-dimensional shape so as to form an integrated appearance as a whole gaming machine, and is formed in a ring shape over the entire outer periphery of the gaming machine 1 and the front surface of the gaming machine. Have annular portions 6, 7 projecting from each other. The annular portions 6 and 7 have a substantially symmetrical shape when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A large number of light emitters 8 and 9 made of light emitting diodes or the like are embedded in these annular portions 6 and 7 (see the partially broken portion in the lower right of FIG. 2), and the light emitters 8 and 9 emit light during the game. Thus, for example, the annular portions 6 and 7 illuminate all at once or around the outer periphery of the gaming machine. Of the annular part 6, the top part 6a located at the uppermost part protrudes further forward than the other parts. The top part 6a is provided with a pair of left and right lamp display parts 10 and a pair of left and right speakers. 11 is provided. Further, in the annular portion 6, a constricted portion 6 b that is constricted on the inside is provided near the center in the height direction, and the lamp display portions 12 and 13 are also provided on the constricted portion 6 b.

  The annular portions 6 and 7 (light emitters 8 and 9) and the lamp display portions 10, 12, 13 and the like are for performing an auxiliary effect during the game while intending to diversify the display contents and make the display effect heavy. It is provided and performs various display effects as the game progresses. For example, when it becomes possible to acquire a big bonus game, the annular portions 6 and 7 (light emitters 8 and 9) are caused to emit light all at once or all around the lamp display portions 10, 12, and 13 The player is notified by turning on or blinking.

  On the other hand, in an actual game hall, as shown in FIG. 2, a ball lending device A is provided on the left side of the gaming machine 1, and a bill or a coin is inserted into the ball lending device A through a nozzle B. A game ball is supplied to the gaming machine 1 (in reality, an upper plate 18 described later). The nozzle B is configured to be rotatable about the base C toward the front side and to be able to be flipped upward. In such a case, if the nozzle B is in the sphere supply position as shown in the drawing, there is a risk that the nozzle B and the annular portion 6 on the front surface of the front door 4 will interfere with each other. A notch-like recess 15 is formed in a part of the constricted portion 6 b, and an intermediate portion of the nozzle B is arranged in the recess 15. Specifically, the concave portion 15 is provided at a height position directly above the upper plate 18 so as to form a continuous surface with the upper surface of the operation unit 100 (the bulging portion on the front side of the gaming machine) described later. Further, the recess 15 has a dimension in the height direction that does not hinder the nozzle B from being rotated and disposed at the ball supply position.

  With the recess 15, the refilling of the game ball can be suitably performed through the nozzle B regardless of the three-dimensional modeling of the front surface of the gaming machine 1. In addition, the light emitter 8 is embedded in the recess 15 like the other annular portions 6. Therefore, even if the concave portion 15 is provided in a notch shape, the annular portions 6 and 7 emit light so as to include the concave portion 15, and the overall impression is not impaired. Note that the upper surface wall of the recess 15 may be an inclined surface whose upper side is the upper side. Thus, when the nozzle B disposed in the recess 15 is flipped upward, the nozzle B can be easily lifted along the inclined surface of the recess 15.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that a game is performed on the condition that a game ball (including a virtual game ball) is inserted, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when the predetermined condition is satisfied. ing. A configuration for using a game ball as a game medium will be described below. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the upper plate forming body 17 is detachably attached to the lower side of the back set board 16 attached and fixed to the front frame 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the upper plate forming body 17.

  The upper plate forming body 17 is formed with a ball tray and an upper plate 18 as a first storage unit, and the upper plate 18 serves as a main upper plate as a low-order side storage area that leads to an inlet to the intake device 23. It has the part 18a and the sub upper plate part 18b as a high-order side storage area located in the upstream. Basically, the main upper plate 18a stores game balls paid out by a payout mechanism described later, while the sub upper plate 18b is supplied from a ball lending nozzle B (see FIG. 2). The game ball to be played is received and led to the main upper plate 18a. The game balls in the main upper plate portion 18a flow into the insertion port through the ball guide unit 19, and are fed to the take-in device 23 (see FIG. 3) from this insertion port. The ball guide unit 19 is configured so that gaming balls can be arranged in a line and supplied to the ball outlet, and a stainless cover (protective cover) 20 is attached to the ball guide unit 19. The main upper plate portion 18a and the sub upper plate portion 18b are provided so as to be folded back and forth, the sub upper plate portion 18b is inclined slightly downward toward the left side of FIG. It is inclined somewhat downward toward the right side of FIG. Therefore, the game balls in the main upper plate 18a and the sub upper plate 18b flow in the downstream order in order and are guided toward the take-in device 23.

  At both left and right ends of the upper plate forming body 17, mounting fixing portions 21 are provided. By fastening the mounting fixing portion 21 to the back set board 16 side, the upper plate forming body 17 is attached to the back set board 16. (The mounting state is shown in FIG. 5). By releasing the fastening of the mounting fixing portion 21, the upper plate forming body 17 is detached from the back set board 16. The attachment fixing part 21 may be any fastening method as long as it can be attached to and detached from the back set board 16, and a fastener (for example, Nylatch (registered trademark)) is pushed into a fastening hole provided on the back set board 16 side. A push-type fastening method, a method of screwing a male screw into a screw hole provided on the back set board 16 side, or the like can be applied.

  When the front door 4 is closed while the upper plate forming body 17 is mounted on the back set board 16, the upper plate forming body 17 is fixed between the back set board 16 and the front door 4. The upper plate forming body 17 is provided with a flange 22 extending in the longitudinal direction, and the flange 22 is sandwiched between the back surface of the front door 4. That is, since a holding recess is formed at a corresponding position on the back surface of the front door 4 so as to sandwich the flange 22, the upper plate forming body 17 is prevented from falling off when the front door 4 is closed. The weight of a large amount of game balls stored in the upper plate 18 can also be supported. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a portion of the front door 4 corresponding to the upper plate forming body 17 (operation unit 100) is bulged to the front side, and the upper surface of the bulged portion is open. is doing. For this reason, when the front door 4 is in the closed state, the upper plate 18 of the upper plate forming body 17 is opened above the bulging portion (operation unit 100). With the above configuration, the upper plate forming body 17 can be easily removed from the gaming machine main body or the front door 4, and the upper plate 18 (in particular, the ball guide portion 19) is cleaned after the upper plate forming body 17 is removed. Work becomes easier. In addition, inspection, repair, and the like of the operation unit 100 described later can be easily performed from the back side of the front door 4. In other words, maintenance is improved. The bulging portion of the front door 4 is an operation unit 100, and a display unit 120 is provided on the front door 4 immediately above the operation unit 100. The configurations of the operation unit 100 and the display unit 120 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the front panel portion 50 as a front wall portion for attaching the upper plate forming body 17 is provided with a discharge passage 51 that communicates with the upstream portion of the main upper plate portion 18 a of the upper plate 18. Through the discharge passage 51, the game ball is discharged from the game ball passage unit 29, which will be described later, provided behind the front panel portion 50 to the main upper plate portion 18 a of the upper plate 18. In addition, a guide passage 52 that leads to the game ball passage unit 29 behind the front panel portion 50 is provided in the upstream portion of the sub upper plate portion 18 b of the upper plate 18. At this time, the discharge passage 51 and the guide passage 52 are provided so as to penetrate the front panel portion 50.

  The take-in device 23 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the back set board 16, and a predetermined number of game balls are taken in via the take-in device 23 based on a game ball throwing-in operation or a credit operation by the player. Each time a predetermined number of game balls are taken in, a game (game) start condition is met and preparations for game start are made. At this time, a predetermined number of game balls are taken in and then discharged to the outside of the gaming machine via a discharge path (not shown).

  On the back side of the back set board 16, a payout mechanism for paying out game balls when a predetermined condition is established during the game is provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a tank 25 is provided at the uppermost part on the back side of the back set board 16, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 25. A tank rail 26 is connected to the lower side of the tank 25, and a case rail 27 is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 26. The payout device 28 is provided on the downstream side of the case rail 27, and a required number of game balls are paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 28 are supplied to the upper plate 18 through the game ball passage unit 29. Details of the game ball passage unit 29 will be described later.

  The payout mechanisms such as the tank rail 26, the case rail 27, and the payout device 28 are arranged so as to bypass a belt unit 70 (actually a protective cover 135 surrounding the belt unit 70) described later. Further, in FIG. 4 (rear view of the gaming machine 1), the front frame 3 is pivotally supported in the upper and lower portions at the right end so as to be openable and closable, and the above-described payout mechanism is disposed on the shaft side. In this case, a large number of game balls are stored in the payout mechanism, and the weight of the game ball naturally increases. However, since the payout mechanism is provided on the shaft side, the front frame 3 can be opened and closed without hindrance. Moreover, since the weight burden concerning a shaft member (hinges 31 and 32) is reduced at this time, the effect which protects a coaxial member (hinges 31 and 32) is also acquired collectively. Since the take-in device 23 is also provided on the shaft side in the same manner as the payout mechanism, all the mechanisms relating to the handling of the game balls are integrated on the shaft side, and it becomes easy to deal with problems related to the flow of the game balls.

  When the throwing operation or the like is performed, the take-in device 23 is activated, whereby a predetermined number of game balls on the upper plate 18 are taken in. Further, when a predetermined condition is established during the game, the payout device 28 is operated, whereby the game balls stored in the tank 25 are basically returned to the upper plate 18 via the game ball passage unit 29 and the like. To be paid out.

  Next, the configuration of the game ball passage unit 29 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a view of the configuration of the game ball passage unit 29 as viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1, and virtually shows a state where a large amount of game balls are stored in the passage. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a passage body 53 constituting the game ball passage unit 29. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the game ball path unit 29 at a position crossing the payout device 28 and the guide path 52. For the sake of convenience, FIG. 9 also illustrates the peripheral configuration of the upper plate 18 and the like.

  The game balls paid out from the payout device 28 are introduced into the passage upstream chamber 55 via the guide passage 54. In the upstream chamber 55, a payout passage 56 that communicates with the upper plate 18 and a lower plate discharge passage 57 that communicates with the lower plate 41, which will be described later, communicate with each other. When the game balls are full, the excess game balls flow into the lower tray discharge passage 57. The payout passage 56 is inclined downward toward the right side of the drawing, and the game balls flowing into the payout passage 56 are discharged to the main upper plate portion 18 a of the upper plate 18 through the discharge passage 51. Here, the payout passage 56 is provided so as to be lined up and down with respect to the upper plate 18 installed on the front side of the gaming machine, and has a function of storing a game ball like the upper plate 18. The payout passage 56 corresponds to an internal storage part and a second storage part. Reference numeral 58 shown in FIG. 7 and the like is an external discharge passage for discharging game balls accumulated on the case rail 27 and the like to the outside of the gaming machine in accordance with an operation of a reset button or the like (not shown).

  In addition, the payout passage 56 may be formed in two or three stages on the upper and lower sides, or the size in the depth direction may be increased to increase the capacity of the payout passage 56. Specifically, it is possible to store the game balls to be paid out by the occurrence of one special game state (big bonus game or regular bonus game) with the combined capacity of the payout passage 56 and the upper plate (main upper plate portion 18a). It is good to have a large capacity. Thereby, after the occurrence of the special game state, a game equivalent to one payout game ball in the special game state can be continuously performed without replenishment of the game ball, and the replenishment work of the game ball can be reduced. The game ball storage capacity of the payout passage 56 may be larger than the game ball storage capacity of the upper plate 18.

  In particular, as can be seen from FIG. 9, the guide passage 52 provided in the upstream portion of the sub upper plate portion 18 b of the upper plate 18 is inclined downward from the sub upper plate portion 18 b toward the payout passage 56. It has become. In such a case, when the player tries to replenish game balls to the upper plate 18 from the ball box, the lower plate 41 or the like, the game balls replenished to the auxiliary upper plate portion 18 b are transferred to the payout passage 56 through the guide passage 52. Be guided. When the game balls are replenished, it is considered that there are no game balls in the payout passage 56, so that a sufficient amount of game balls are sent out to the payout passage 56. As described above, since the guide passage 52 is inclined downward from the upper plate 18 toward the payout passage 56, the game ball of the upper plate 18 can be guided to the payout passage 56 without any difficulty (by leaving it to gravity). . Thereby, it is possible to store the supply game balls from the ball box or the like in the payout passage 56, and to reduce the number of game balls supplied.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, a lower plate 41 is formed in the lower plate unit 5 provided below the front surface of the front door 4, and a lower plate discharge port 42 is formed on the back side of the lower plate unit 5. ing. When the game balls are fully stored in the upper plate 18 and the payout passage 55 and the game balls are paid out from the payout device 28, the lower plate discharge passage 57 and the lower plate discharge port 42 are provided. The game balls are also paid out to the lower plate 41. A speaker 43 is provided above the lower dish outlet 42. An ashtray 44 is formed adjacent to the lower plate 41.

  The lower surface of the operation unit 100 including the bulging portion on the front surface of the front door 4 is cut out in a trapezoidal shape (convex shape) (in fact, a lower part of a stop button operation surface 113 described later is cut out). The speaker 43 is installed in an area formed by the notch. The speaker 43 has a horizontally long shape in order to ensure a sufficient sound volume in a space limited in the vertical direction. A space below the operation unit 100 (a space formed by the cutout) is also a space in which a hand is inserted in order to scrape out the game balls stored in the lower plate 41. In this case, in the lower space of the operation unit 100, the speaker 43 is surrounded by the operation unit 100 on the upper side and the left and right sides, and the lower plate 41 (lower plate unit 5) on the lower side.

  A ball punching hole 45 is formed in the lower tray unit 5, and a ball punching mechanism (not shown) is interlocked by pressing the ball punching button 46, and the game balls stored in the lower tray 41 are discharged downward from the ball punching hole 45. It has come to be.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, when the front door 4 is closed, the front door 4 is provided with a front panel 60 immediately in front of the belt unit 70. Two display windows 61, 62, 63 are provided. The display windows 61 to 63 are provided side by side, and the inside can be visually recognized through the display windows 61 to 63.

  Further, a front light member 64 having a panel shape is similarly attached to the back surface of the front panel 60 so as to overlap. The front light member 64 constitutes a light emitting means, and is a transparent light guide that introduces light from the light source (light) and the light from the light source along the panel surface, reflects the light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the panel surface, and emits the light to the outside of the panel. And an optical panel. That is, according to the front light member 64, surface light emission is performed substantially vertically toward the rear thereof, and a belt surface (symbol) of the belt unit 70 described later is illuminated brightly. In this case, surface light emission is performed with respect to the visible range of the symbols by the display windows 61 to 63. In the present embodiment, a light source is individually provided for each of the display windows 61 to 63. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, light sources 65, 66, and 67 and inverters 65a, 66a, and 67a corresponding to them are individually provided.

  Next, the configuration of the belt unit 70 as a display device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 10 to 12. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the belt unit 70 taken out from the gaming machine main body. In FIG. 11, the front surface of the belt unit 70, that is, the symbol display surface is shown on the left front side. FIG. 12 is a front view of the belt unit 70 as seen from the back side.

  The belt unit 70 is installed on the back set board 16 from the front on the back side of the front door 4. That is, the belt unit 70 includes a metal case 80 (case member) having a square box shape. The case 80 includes a back surface portion 80a on the back surface side of the belt unit 70 and left and right and upper and lower side wall portions 80b. Further, the case 80 is provided with support fixing portions 81 which are fixed portions at two upper portions by bending a part thereof. A mounting bracket 82 is attached to the support fixing portion 81, and the case 80 is attached and fixed to the back set panel 16 via the mounting bracket 82. As shown in FIG. 11, locking holes 83, 84, and 85 are provided in the lower portion of the case 80, and locking portions (not shown) on the back set panel 16 side are provided in the locking holes 83 to 85. By being locked, the lower end of the belt unit is positioned in the front-rear direction. In other words, a plurality (for example, two) of the respective locking holes 83 to 85 are provided in the front and rear, and the inclination angle of the belt unit 70 is determined depending on which of the front and rear locking holes 83 to 85 is used. Yes.

  Further, the case 80 accommodates a left rotator 71, a middle rotator 72, and a right rotator 73 that constitute a pattern changing unit. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 includes a driving roller 74 and a driven roller 75 that are rotatably supported by the case 80, and a belt that is stretched between the rollers 74 and 75. (Endless belt) 76. The drive roller 74 is provided with a plurality of external teeth 74a at equal intervals on the left and right edges along the rotation direction, and the driven roller 75 is similarly provided with a plurality of teeth on the left and right edges along the rotation direction. The external teeth 75a are provided at equal intervals. On the other hand, the belt 76 is provided with engaging holes 76a at the same intervals as the external teeth 74a and 75a on both the left and right edges. The belt 76 is stretched around the rollers 74 and 75 so that the engagement hole 76a of the belt 76 is engaged with the external teeth 74a and 75a of the rollers 74 and 75. In the present embodiment, the driven roller 75 has a smaller diameter than the drive roller 74, but they may have the same diameter or the driven roller 75 may have a larger diameter. Moreover, although the driving roller 74 is arranged on the upper side and the driven roller 75 is arranged on the lower side, they may be arranged upside down. Under such a configuration, the belt 76 (rotating bodies 71 to 73) is formed in a flat shape as a whole, unlike the case where the rotating body is configured by a circular reel.

  The driving roller 74 of each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 is connected to motors 77, 78, and 79 each formed of a stepping motor or the like. The rotating bodies 71 to 73 are driven to rotate individually, that is, independently, by driving the motors 77 to 79. When the rotating bodies 71 to 73 are rotated, the rotating bodies 71 to 73 (each belt 76) are visually recognized through the display windows 61 to 63 as if moving from top to bottom. Note that the roller mechanism described above can be changed to another mechanism using a pulley, a gear, or the like.

  On the outer surface of each belt 76, a large number of symbols (symbols) which are pictures as identification information are attached. Among these symbols, the number of symbols visible through the display windows 61 to 63 is limited to a predetermined number mainly determined by the vertical length of the display windows 61 to 63. In the present embodiment, the vertical lengths of the display windows 61 to 63 are set so that three symbols can be visually recognized for each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73.

  In front of each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73, a plate member 86 is provided as a blinding means for concealing the engagement hole 76a of each belt 76. The plate member 86 is provided in common with each rotating body so as to extend in the arrangement direction of the rotating bodies 71 to 73, and the vertically long through holes 87, 88, 89 corresponding to the respective rotating bodies 71 to 73. Is formed. The through holes 87 to 89 have substantially the same size as the display windows 61 to 63, and the engagement holes 76a of the belts 76 are hidden from the front by the plate portions on both sides of the through holes 87 to 89. It has become. In this case, the plate member 86 is disposed in the belt circumferential region between the driving roller 74 and the driven roller 75, and is disposed in close proximity to the belt 76 so as not to contact the belt 76. . Further, a light collecting plate 90 in which a part of the plate member 86 is bent at a predetermined angle is provided above and below each of the through holes 87 to 89, and light emitted from the front light member 64 is emitted by the light collecting plate 90. It can be collected in the central direction. The plate member 86 is fixedly attached to both side surfaces of the case 80 by left and right attachment portions 91.

  Further, the belt unit 70 is provided with a backlight 92 (rear light emitting means) for illuminating a symbol visible through the display windows 61 to 63 from the rear. The backlight 92 is composed of a fluorescent lamp or the like, and is disposed between the driving roller 74 and the driven roller 75.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the back surface (back surface portion 80 a) of the case 80 has a main board (main control device) 131 that comprehensively manages various controls relating to games, and is subordinate to the main board 131. A sub-board (sub-control device) 132 that operates in a line is arranged so as to be arranged side by side. That is, in the present embodiment, the main board 131 and the sub board 132 are integrated with the belt unit 70. As a fixing method of the main board 131 and the sub board 132, fixing by screws, fixing by locking a locking tool such as a hook, and the like can be considered.

  The main board 131 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port for communicating with various devices, and a random number generator used in various lotteries. And a control circuit board including a clock pulse generation circuit used for counting time and synchronizing. Similarly, the sub-board 132 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The main board 131 and the sub board 132 are both housed in a transparent or non-transparent control board box, and are fixed to the case back surface of the belt unit 70 in a state of being housed in the control board box.

  When the rotating bodies 71 to 73 of the belt unit 70 are rotationally driven, if the rotation and the stop are repeated, the influence of vibration may reach the main board 131 and the sub board 132. Therefore, a vibration absorbing mount member (shock absorbing member) may be interposed between the case 80 and the main substrate 131 and the sub substrate 132 (however, illustration is omitted). As the mounting member, a sheet made of rubber or resin can be considered. 10 and 11, reference numeral 93 denotes a relay board for relaying drive output from the main board 131 to the motors 77 to 79.

  Here, the belt unit 70 is tilted somewhat according to the player's line-of-sight direction and is attached to the gaming machine main body. Therefore, the back portion 80a of the case 80 is also tilted. In this case, the main board 131 and the sub board 132 are arranged in an empty space formed by the inclination of the belt unit 70 (the back surface portion 80a of the case 80). Therefore, the free space can be used effectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in a state where the belt unit 70 having the above configuration is attached to the gaming machine body, the belt unit 70 is surrounded by a colorless and transparent (or translucent) protective cover 135 as a cover member. The protective cover 135 is fixed to the back set board 16 so as to be open at least on the front side of the gaming machine, and has a sufficient size to surround the entire belt unit 70. In this case, since the main board 131 and the sub board 132 are integrated with the belt unit 70, the main board 131 and the sub board 132 are similarly surrounded by the protective cover 135. Therefore, even if a game ball falls from the supply path of game balls, island facilities, or the like, the fall ball can be prevented from hitting the belt unit 70 or the respective boards 131 and 132. Reference numeral 135a in the figure is a vent hole.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the back set panel 16 is provided with a power supply unit 133 as a power supply device below the belt unit 70. The power supply unit 133 includes a power supply board for supplying power necessary for the control device such as the main board 131 and the sub board 132 described above, and the other payout device 28, a colorless and transparent board box that accommodates the power supply board, A metal plate for noise suppression for eliminating noise generated inside and outside the power supply board is provided, and these are integrally assembled.

  Next, the symbols attached to the belts 76 of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 will be described. FIG. 13 shows a symbol arrangement for the belt 76 of each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73. This figure can be viewed as a developed view of the surface of the belt 76. As shown in the figure, each belt 76 is provided with 20 symbols in a row. In the figure, a serial number of 1 to 20 is attached to the left side of each symbol, and the number will be appropriately used in the following description. The belts 76 of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 are different in the number of the same symbols and the arrangement order, but only one of them is illustrated and described here for convenience.

  As symbols, (1) “7” symbol as a big bonus symbol for shifting to the big bonus game (for example, the 19th symbol of FIG. 13), (2) Regular bonus symbol for shifting to the regular bonus game “BAR” symbol (for example, the 20th symbol in FIG. 13), (3) “Replay symbol” (for example, the 17th symbol in FIG. 13) for shifting to the replay game, (4) small character The “watermelon” symbol (for example, the 18th symbol in FIG. 13), the “bell” symbol (for example, the sixteenth symbol in FIG. 13), the “cherry” symbol (for example, FIG. 13) as the small role symbol to be paid out. 15th design).

  In the present embodiment, when the “7” symbol, which is a combination of the big bonus symbols, is aligned with the left, middle, and right on the effective line described later, 75 game balls are paid out and the big bonus game is played. When the “BAR” symbol, which is a combination of regular bonus symbols, is aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, 75 game balls are paid out and the regular bonus game is entered. A rush is made. Further, when the “replay” symbols are aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, the game balls are not paid out and the player enters the replay game.

  Furthermore, regarding the small role design, when the “Watermelon” design is aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, 75 game balls are paid out, and the “Bell” design is on the left, middle, and right on the active line. In the event that they are aligned, 40 gaming balls are paid out. Further, when the “cherry” symbol of the left rotating body 71 is stopped on the active line, 10 game balls are paid out. In other words, the “cherry” symbols of the middle rotator 72 and the right rotator 73 are irrelevant to the payout of the game ball, and are meaningless in other words. In addition, for the “cherry” symbol, the game ball is paid out regardless of the combination with other symbols, and therefore the position where the plurality of effective lines of the left rotating body 71 overlap (specifically, the upper or lower level). ), When the “cherry” symbol is stopped, game balls are paid out by multiplying the number of the overlapping active lines. As a result, in this embodiment, 20 game balls are A payout is made.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the gaming machine 1 has three display windows 61 to 63 connected to each other, three in parallel in the horizontal direction, and two in the diagonal direction. Five active lines are set. That is, as the effective lines, upper, middle, and lower horizontal lines (upper line, center line, and lower line) and a pair of diagonal lines (upward and rightward lines) are set. Of course, the maximum number of effective lines may be 6 or more, or less than 5, and the maximum number of effective lines may be changed according to a predetermined condition. As shown in FIG. 2, a bet number display unit 95 is provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the display windows 61 to 63, and the bet number display unit 95 responds to the activated line activated each time. The number of bets is displayed in segments. In order to make it easier for the player to understand the effective line, a line display unit that explicitly displays the line activated according to the number of bets may be provided.

  In the bet number display section 95, “1” is displayed as a segment when only one line consisting of the center line is activated. In the present embodiment, in order to validate this one line, it is necessary to throw in five game balls (one bet). Also, in the bet number display section 95, “2” is displayed as a segment when only three lines including the upper and lower lines and the center line are activated. In the present embodiment, it is necessary to insert 10 game balls (2 bets) in order to activate these 3 lines. Further, in the bet number display section 95, “5” is displayed as a segment when 5 lines including all active lines (upper, middle, lower lines, right up and down lines) are activated. In the present embodiment, in order to activate these 5 lines, it is necessary to insert 15 game balls (3 bets). That is, in the present embodiment, the minimum number of game balls (predetermined number) necessary for one game is set to “5”, and the maximum number of game balls that can be thrown into one game is maximum. The number (maximum number of inputs) is set to “15”.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the left side of the operation unit 100 provided in the bulging portion of the front door 4, the rotating bodies 71 to 73 are started simultaneously (not necessarily simultaneously). For this purpose, a start lever 101 is provided. The start lever 101 constitutes start operation means that is operated to start variable display. A stop button operation surface 113 is provided on the right side of the start lever 101, and stop buttons 102, 103, and 104 are provided on the stop button operation surface 113 for individually stopping the rotating rotators 71 to 73. It has been. The stop buttons 102 to 104 are provided for the display windows 61 to 63 corresponding to the rotating bodies 71 to 73 to be stopped, respectively. The stop buttons 102 to 104 constitute stop means for stopping the variable display and stop operation means operated to stop the variable display. In the present embodiment, the rotating bodies 71 to 73 are configured to stop when a predetermined time elapses without the stop buttons 102 to 104 being pressed.

  A flat operation assisting surface 105 is formed on the upper surface of the operation unit 100 (the bulging portion of the front door 4). The operation assisting surface 105 is provided in an arch shape so as to surround the upper tray 18 behind it, and an opening 106 having substantially the same shape as the upper tray 18 is formed between the operation assisting surface 105 and the front surface of the gaming machine. When the front door 4 is closed, the upper plate 18 opens upward through the opening 106. Further, the operation assisting surface 105 is provided with a slight inclination so as to descend toward the front (front side). However, there may be no inclination, and conversely, it may be an inclination that descends backward.

  Here, the portion directly above the stop buttons 102 to 104 (stop button operation surface 113) on the operation assisting surface 105 has a substantially uniform width in the front-rear direction, and the rear edge of the operation assisting surface 105 (L portion in FIG. 1). ) Is configured in a straight line. In this case, assuming that the player presses each of the stop buttons 102 to 104 with the thumb, another finger such as an index finger or a middle finger may be put on the rear edge (L portion) of the operation assisting surface 105. By moving the hand to the left and right in this state, the stop buttons 102 to 104 can be continuously pressed along the operation assisting surface 105. In other words, the above pressing operation can be performed by placing a finger on the upper plate portion. In short, since the operation assisting surface 105 is flat and the rear edge thereof is a straight line, the operation assisting surface 105 is used to perform the continuous pressing operation of the stop buttons 102 to 104 quickly and smoothly. Can do.

  Further, the upper plate 18 (in this embodiment, in particular, the sub-upper plate portion 18 shown in FIG. 6 etc.) may be provided with a step or an inclination so that the operation assisting surface 105 side is somewhat raised. Good. That is, a height difference is provided so that the front of the upper plate 18 is high and the rear is low. According to this, even if game balls are stored in the upper plate 18, many of them are stored in a lower part of the upper plate 18 (that is, a part away from the operation assisting surface 105). Therefore, in the case where the upper plate 18 is used as a finger rest, the inconvenience that the finger and the game ball interfere can be avoided.

  Further, an information sticker S2 describing game information and the like is attached to the operation assisting surface 105. That is, the operation assisting surface 105 is also an information sticker pasting surface.

  Above the start lever 101 (that is, on the left hand side for the player), the operation assisting surface 105 of the operation unit 100 is provided with a button-like bet switch that constitutes an input means for inserting a game ball. . In the present embodiment, a 1-bet switch 107, a 2-bet switch 108, and a max-bet switch 109 are provided as bet switches. Each of the bet switches 107 to 109 is for inserting a required number of game balls as game media (or storage game media).

  The 1-bet switch 107 is set so that five game balls are inserted every time a pressing operation is performed. More specifically, when there are a predetermined number (five) or more of virtual gaming balls credited in the credit mode described later, the virtual gaming ball is credited up to that point by one press operation of the 1-bet switch 107. "5" is subtracted from the number. Further, when the number of virtual game balls is less than a predetermined number or in the direct mode other than the credit mode, “5” game balls on the upper plate 18 are collected and taken in by one press operation of the 1-bet switch 107. It is supposed to be.

  Further, the 2-bet switch 108 is set so that ten game balls are inserted every time a pressing operation is performed. More specifically, when there are a predetermined number (10) or more of virtual game balls credited in the credit mode described later, the virtual game ball is credited up to that point by one press operation of the 2-bet switch 108. "10" is subtracted from the number. Further, when the number of virtual game balls is less than the predetermined number or in the direct mode that is not the credit mode, “10” game balls on the upper plate 18 are collected and taken in by one press operation of the 2-bet switch 108. It is supposed to be.

  Further, the maximum bet switch 109 is provided so that a plurality of (three times) pressing operations such as the 1 betting switch 107 can be omitted. The game balls are set to be inserted (for 3 bets). More specifically, when there are a predetermined number (15) or more of virtual game balls credited in the credit mode, which will be described later, the virtual game ball is credited up to that point by one press operation of the max bet switch 109. "15" is subtracted from the number. In addition, when the number of virtual game balls is less than a predetermined number or in the direct mode that is not the credit mode, “15” game balls on the upper plate 18 are collected and taken in by one pressing operation of the max bet switch 109. It is supposed to be. The actual game balls are taken in by the take-in device 23 as described above. However, during the big bonus game in the special game state, five (one bet) game balls are inserted by one press operation of the max bet switch 109.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum bet (3 bets) is reached when the 5 lines are activated (15 game balls are inserted). In other words, for example, when the 1-bet switch 107 is pressed three times or the max-bet switch 109 is pressed once, no further insertion is performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the maximum bet (3 bets) state is reached and the bet switches 107 to 109 are further pressed, the operation is invalidated. However, if the bet switches 107 to 109 are further pressed after reaching the maximum bet (3 bets), game balls corresponding to the extra operation are stored and stored as credits (virtual game balls). It is also possible to make it.

  Further, in the operation unit 100, a button-like changeover switch 110 is provided in the vicinity of the start lever 101. In addition, a settlement switch 111 is provided on the operation assisting surface 105 in the right part of the operation unit 100.

  The changeover switch 110 is operated to change the handling format of game balls that have already been taken in and stored, and game balls that are paid out to the player as a result of establishment of a predetermined condition. That is, for example, when power is turned on, excess game balls up to a predetermined maximum value (for example, 250 game balls: maximum memory number) are stored and stored as credits (virtual game balls: stored game media) and paid out. “Credit mode” is set so that the played game balls are stored and stored as credits (virtual game balls). When the changeover switch 110 is pressed, if there is a credit, the corresponding game balls are used as real game balls. The surplus game balls and acquired game balls are also switched to the “direct mode” set so as to be paid out directly as actual game balls. If the “credit mode” and the “direct mode” are alternately switched each time the change-over switch 110 is operated, the player can execute the game in a format according to his / her preference. The changeover switch 110 constitutes a changeover operation means for changing over the input value and game value handling formats.

  Further, the settlement switch 111 is for discharging the game balls stored in the upper tray 18 to the lower tray 41. That is, when the player finishes the game and tries to take out the game ball stored in the upper plate 18, the game ball in the upper plate 18 is moved to the lower plate 41 by pressing the settlement switch 111. Discharged. At this time, in order to prevent a malfunction, a condition for enabling the operation only when the settlement switch 111 is pressed for a predetermined time or more may be added.

  In addition to this, the settlement switch 111 may also have a function of paying out a game ball once taken in by a pressing operation of each of the bet switches 107 to 109 and a game ball credited in the credit mode. More specifically, in the game, (a) a game ball taken in by pressing the bet switches 107 to 109, (b) a game ball credited under the credit mode, and (c) stored in the upper plate 18. If any of the above (a) to (c) exists for the game balls being played, the game is played in the order of (a) → (b) → (c) every time the settlement switch 111 is pressed once. The sphere is settled. That is, at this time, when the settlement switch 111 is pressed a total of three times, all the game balls (A) to (C) are discharged (settled) to the lower plate 41. If one or two of the game balls (b) to (c) are applicable, the corresponding game ball is settled with the pressing operation of the settlement switch 111 each time ( The order of priority is (I) → (B) → (C)). Incidentally, instead of the settlement switch 111, a configuration in which the game ball of the upper plate 18 is discharged to the lower plate 41 by a lever slide operation may be employed. It is also possible to individually provide switches for adjusting the game balls of the above (a) to (c).

  Further, the display unit 120 of the front door 4 displays a remaining number display unit 121 as a stored number display unit that displays the number of game balls that are activated and stored in the credit mode, and the number of acquired game balls. An acquisition number display unit 122 and an information display unit 123 for displaying information (for example, the number of games, etc.) during the big bonus game are provided. In the present embodiment, each of the display units 121 to 123 is constituted by a 7-digit display of 3 digits or 2 digits, but the number of digits is not particularly limited, and may be replaced by a liquid crystal display or the like. Of course it is also possible.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, as described above, the maximum storage number in the credit mode is set to, for example, “250” (corresponding to 50 bets). The remaining number display section 121 can display the number of stored memories from “0” to “250”. In the credit mode, the number displayed on the remaining number display portion 121 is displayed by subtracting 5 for each bet (15 for the maximum bet). Therefore, if the numerical value displayed on the remaining number display unit 121 is not a multiple of 5, the player indicates that the currently stored storage number is a fraction between “0” and “4”. Can be easily recognized.

  Note that various notification units (not shown) such as a big notification unit, a replay notification unit, and a small role notification unit may be appropriately provided on the upper portion of the gaming machine 1 (front door 4). These various notification units may be provided in places other than the upper part of the gaming machine 1, or different types of notification may be performed by a common notification unit. Moreover, you may utilize the annular parts 6 and 7 as this alerting | reporting part. For example, when the “7” symbols are aligned on the active line when the rotating bodies 71 to 73 are stopped, the big notification unit displays and notifies that the big bonus game has been acquired by lighting, flashing, or the like. When the “replay” symbols are aligned on the active line when the rotation of each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 is stopped, the replay notification unit notifies the player that the replay game has been acquired by lighting, flashing, or the like. When the “watermelon” symbol as the small role symbol is aligned on the effective line when the rotation of each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 is stopped, the small symbol notification unit lights up, flashes, etc. that a predetermined number of game balls have been acquired. Display notification. In addition, although each of these alerting | reporting parts decided to alert | report by display, you may alert | report by the audio | voice with the speaker 11 with which it replaces with this or in addition to this, the gaming machine 1 (upper part of the front door 4).

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration in the gaming machine 1. In the figure, double arrows indicate the connection and direction of the power supply, and normal arrows indicate the connection and direction of the signal. Power from the power supply unit 133 (power supply board) is supplied to the main board 131 and the dispensing device 28. Further, power is supplied to the sub board 132 via the main board 131.

  On the input side of the main board 131, a start detection sensor 141 that detects the operation of the start lever 101, stop detection sensors 142, 143, and 144 that individually detect the operations of the stop buttons 102 to 104, and a press of the 1-bet switch 107 A 1-bet detection sensor 145 that detects an operation, a 2-bet detection sensor 146 that detects a pressing operation of the 2-bet switch 108, a max-bet detection sensor 147 that detects a pressing operation of the max-bet switch 109, and a pressing operation of the changeover switch 110 are detected. Switching detection sensor 148, rotational position detection sensors 151, 152, 153 for individually detecting the rotational positions (origin positions) of the respective rotating bodies 71 to 73 (belt 76), and payout for detecting a game ball paid out from the payout device 28 Detection sensor 154 and play taken in from take-in device 23 A count sensor 155 for detecting a ball, and a storage ball detection sensor 156 for detecting whether or not one bet (5 pieces) or max bet (15 pieces) of game balls can be taken at once in the take-in device 23. Various sensors such as are connected.

  The payout device 28 is connected to the output side of the main board 131 via a power supply unit 133. In addition, on the output side of the main board 131, the motors 77, 78, 79, the bet number display unit 95, the remaining number display unit 121, the acquired number display unit 122, the information display unit 123, and the capture device A solenoid 125 for opening the gate at 23 is connected.

  Further, a sub-board 132 is connected to the output side of the main board 131. The light emitters 8 and 9, the lamp display units 10, 12 and 13, the speakers 11 and 43, the front light member 64 and the like are connected to the output side of the sub-substrate 132. From the main board 131, game information at that time is transmitted as a signal to the sub board 132. The sub-board 132 to which signals relating to each game information are input executes various effects based on various signals and based on its own control program. In the present embodiment, the sub-substrate 132 constitutes “light emitter control means”, “front light control means”, and the like. Incidentally, the light emitter control refers to control in which the light emitters 8 and 9 in the annular portions 6 and 7 are circulated in one direction or both directions, and the light emitters 8 and 9 are turned on all at once. Further, the front light control means that each of the front light members 64 corresponding to each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 is matched to the stop order in order to teach the player the order of stopping the belt 76 of each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73. Control that causes the light sources 65 to 67 to emit light in order.

  As described above, the main board 131 and the sub board 132 include the CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. However, in the following description, the main board 131 and the sub board 132 are realized without being restricted by their actual configurations. This will be explained as a collection of means. That is, the various functions described below are functions realized under the control of the CPU, and the control program is based on the storage contents of the ROM (or RAM in some cases), and the necessary data at that time is stored in the RAM. Although temporarily stored and held, those program requirements and the like can be achieved by those skilled in the art by adopting an appropriate table configuration or the like, and will not be described individually. However, a specific description will be given as appropriate in cases where it is necessary to grasp the game content of the present embodiment.

  The main board 131 includes “small role lottery means”. The small role lottery means performs a lottery to determine whether or not the small role payout condition is satisfied based on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 141 is input, and thereby determines whether or not the small role flag is satisfied. The lottery for the small role is configured to change according to the number of game balls inserted (the number of bets) together with other lotteries. Generally, the larger the number of inserted balls, the more advantageous the lottery result can be obtained for the player. It has become.

  The main board 131 includes “small role control means”. When the small combination flag is established during the normal game, the small combination control means applies a certain pull-in stop control while referring to the contents of the small combination establishment table described later when each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 is stopped. Semi-forcefully stop the small role symbol on the active line.

  The main board 131 includes “replay game lottery means”. The replay game lottery means draws whether or not the replay game transition condition is satisfied based on the timing when the detection signal from the start detection sensor 141 is input, and thereby determines whether or not the replay flag is satisfied.

  The main board 131 includes “replay game control means”. When the replay flag is established during the normal game, the replay game control means applies a certain pull-in stop control while referring to the contents of a replay establishment table described later when each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 is stopped. Force the replay symbol to stop on the active line. Then, on the condition that the replay symbol stops on the active line, the next game can be performed free of charge. Of course, various lotteries are also executed when this replay game is performed.

  The main board 131 includes “big bonus lottery means”. The big bonus lottery means performs a lottery to determine whether or not the big bonus transition condition is established at the timing when the detection signal from the start detection sensor 141 is input, and thereby determines the presence or absence of the big bonus establishment flag.

  The main board 131 includes “big bonus control means”. When the big bonus flag is established during the normal game, the big bonus control means applies a certain pull-in stop control while referring to the contents of the big bonus establishment table described later when each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 is stopped. Semi-forcefully stop the big bonus symbol on the active line. Then, on the condition that the big bonus symbol stops on the active line, the big bonus game which is changed from the normal game which is the current game state to the special game state, with a predetermined number of games (here, 30 times) as an upper limit. After that, in principle, the original normal gaming state is restored.

  The main board 131 includes “big bonus medium lottery means”. The lottery means during the big bonus is activated only during the big bonus, and the lottery symbol lottery and jack-in lottery are performed at the timing when the detection signal from the start detection sensor 141 is input, and the small bonus flag and jack-in Whether the flag is established is determined. The big bonus control means refers to each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 while referring to the small role formation table so that a predetermined small role symbol (for example, “watermelon” symbol) is aligned on the effective line when the small role flag is established. Semi-forced pull-in stop control is performed.

  Further, the big bonus control means semi-forcibly pulls in and stops the rotation of each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 while referring to the contents of the replay establishment table in order to jack in when the jack-in flag is established. The jack-in is a state in which a predetermined bonus game is executed during the big bonus game, and specifically occurs when “replay” symbols are arranged. Therefore, for the jack-in execution, the big bonus control means semi-forcibly pulls in and stops the rotation of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 so that the jack-in symbols (replay symbols) are aligned on the effective line. When it is jacked in, a jack-in game is executed.

  Here, the jack-in game will be described. When the jack-in symbol stops at the active line, the game proceeds to the jack-in game, which is a special game in the big bonus game that is currently in a gaming state, with a predetermined number of games (here 12 times) as an upper limit. Then return to the original big bonus game. During the jack-in game, the effective line is only one line (center line). During the jack-in game, a predetermined symbol (in this case, a replay symbol) is drawn by the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 141 is input. Unlike the normal lottery, the symbol lottery is set so that a predetermined number (for example, 75) of game balls are paid out when the replay symbols are aligned with the active line (only the center line). With the symbol as a game ball payout symbol, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a condition for matching the game ball payout symbols is met. As a result of the lottery, when the replay flag (here, the replay flag is newly set for the jack-in game is different from the normal game), the game ball payout is established. The rotating bodies 71 to 73 are controlled so that symbols other than symbols are not aligned on the effective line, and when the game ball payout symbols are aligned a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times), the predetermined number of games ( The predetermined bonus game ends even if it has not reached 12 times.

  Here, the big bonus game can be jacked in up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) within the predetermined number of games (30 times), and the number of games during the jack-in during the big bonus game is It is not added to 30 times. Then, the big bonus control means is configured to end the predetermined bonus game by the third jack-in when the predetermined bonus game is completed the predetermined number of times (three times) even within the predetermined number of games (30 times). Forcibly end the big bonus game.

  The main board 131 includes “rotor control means” and “storage means”. The rotator control means controls the rotators 71 to 73 according to the storage contents of the storage means, and in particular, the rotators 71 to 73 (drives) according to the storage contents of various tables stored in the storage means. The stop position of the roller 74 and the belt 76) is controlled.

  The various tables stored in the storage means (here, ROM but may be RAM) are individually set according to various established flags.

  Specifically, for example, when no flag is established, a “out-of-table” that prevents any symbol from being aligned on the active line, a predetermined small role symbol corresponding to the small role flag is valid “Position formation table” to align on the line, “Replay establishment table” to align the replay symbol on the effective line corresponding to the replay flag, and “7” symbol on the effective line corresponding to the big bonus flag In addition to a “big formation table” for aligning, the “line table” for determining on which effective line the above formation symbols are aligned. The storage unit also stores the number of virtual game balls in the credit mode.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 having the above configuration will be described based on the gaming method.

  At the start of the game, the player presses the bet switches 107 to 109 on the condition that there are a predetermined number of credits or a predetermined number of game balls on the upper plate 18, and the virtual game ball based on the stored memory Or, an actual game ball is inserted. The insertion is detected by each of the bet detection sensors 145 to 147. Upon receiving the detection signal, the main board 131 determines that a game ball (including a virtual game ball) has been inserted. At this time, in the credit mode, the stored and stored virtual game balls are inserted. For example, in the credit mode, when there is a storage number (credit number) of 15 or more and the max bet switch 109 is pressed, the remaining number display number in the remaining number display unit 121 is decreased by “15”. The storage means stores the number reduced by “15” as the stored storage number. On the other hand, when the maximum bet switch 109 is pressed when the stored number (credit number) is less than 15 or when the stored number (credit number) is less than 5, the 1-bet switch 107 is pressed. When it is operated, the pressing operation is invalidated.

  In the direct mode, the actual game ball on the upper plate 18 is taken in and thrown in. For example, in the direct mode, when the max bet switch 109 is pressed when 15 or more game balls are on the upper plate 18, 15 game balls on the upper plate 18 are moved by the take-in device 23. When the 1-bet switch 107 is pressed when five or more game balls are on the upper plate 18, five game balls on the upper plate 18 are taken in by the take-in device 23. On the other hand, when the max bet switch 109 is pressed when there are less than 15 game balls, or when the 1 bet switch 107 is pressed when there are only 5 gaming balls, the pressing operation is invalidated. Is done.

  The main board 131 displays the bet number display section 95 as a segment according to the number of game balls inserted (= the number of bets × 5). Here, if the one-press operation of the one-bet switch 107 (five game balls is thrown in), “1” is displayed on the bet number display section 95 and only one line consisting of the central line is activated. The If the 1-bet switch 107 is pressed twice or the 2-bet switch 108 is pressed once (10 game balls are thrown in), “2” is displayed on the bet number display portion 95. Three lines consisting of the upper and lower lines and the center line are activated. Further, if the max bet switch 109 is pressed (15 game balls are thrown in), “3” is displayed on the bet number display section 95, and five lines including upper and lower lines, a center line, and left and right diagonal lines are displayed. Is activated. In this embodiment, the bet number display section 95 displays the bet number, that is, the effective line. Instead of this, in addition to this, an effective line display lamp corresponding to the effective line is provided. It is also possible to more explicitly display which line is activated.

  In addition, in the case of inserting virtual game balls by operating the bet switches 107 to 109 in the credit mode, the main board 131 subtracts the stored memory number of credited game balls by that amount, and according to the subtraction value. Display control is performed so that the remaining number display unit 121 performs display. In addition, when the game ball is thrown in by operating the bet switches 107 to 109 in the direct mode, the main board 131 outputs a signal to that effect to the take-in device 23, and the corresponding game ball is sent from the upper plate 18. The capture device 23 is driven and controlled to capture.

  When the player operates the start lever 101 when at least one line is activated, the operation is detected by the start detection sensor 141, and the main board 131 detects that the start lever 101 is operated in response to the detection signal. Judge that. At the same time, information to that effect is transmitted to the sub-board 132. Then, the main board 131 drives and controls the motors 77 to 79 so as to rotate all the rotating bodies 71 to 73 (belt 76) all at once (may be simultaneous or provided with a predetermined time difference). As a result, each belt 76 rotates in one direction at a speed that makes it difficult for the player to visually recognize the symbols on the surface, and the symbols are displayed from the top to the bottom through the display windows 61-63. It is projected as if it is variably displayed.

  Further, at the timing when the detection signal based on the operation of the start lever 101 is inputted to the main board 131, each lottery is performed by the small role lottery means, the replay game lottery means, and the big bonus lottery means during the normal game.

  When the lottery result by the small role lottery means that the small role flag is established, the right to stop an appropriate small role symbol on the active line is given only in the game. Further, when the lottery result by the replay game lottery means that the replay flag is established, the right to shift to the replay game is given only in that game. That is, the small role flag and the replay flag are not carried over after the next game. If the lottery result by the big bonus lottery means that the big bonus flag is established, the right to shift to the big bonus game is given, and the flag is held until the shift to the big bonus game. Furthermore, when the lottery result of each lottery means does not mean that any condition is satisfied, no flag is set.

  When the player operates the stop buttons 102 to 104 in an arbitrary order after the lottery by each of the above lottery means is completed, the operation is individually detected by the stop detection sensors 142 to 144, and each detection signal is received. The main board 131 determines that each of the stop buttons 102 to 104 has been operated. Then, the main board 131 performs stop control of the motors 77 to 79 so that the rotating bodies 71 to 73 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 102 to 104 are individually stopped.

  The stop positions of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 (belt 76) are determined with reference to the tables stored in the storage means of the main board 131 based on the establishment flags that are the lottery results of the lottery means. Is done. At this time, if there is a symbol corresponding to the establishment flag from the effective line to the four symbols before the rotating body rotation direction, in principle, control is performed so that the symbol is actively drawn on the effective line. Thus, if the rotating body stop timing is an error up to 4 symbols, the error can be absorbed (retraction stop control). As a result, even if the player is not skilled, the main board 131 can stop the symbol corresponding to the establishment flag on the effective line as much as possible.

  Note that at a predetermined timing (for example, when the first stop button 102, 103, or 104 is pressed), the sub-board 132 includes the light emitters 8, 9, the lamp display units 10, 12, 13, and the speakers 11, 43. Then, various auxiliary displays are performed using the front light member 64 and the like, and a reach effect display is performed.

  When each of the rotating bodies 71 to 73 is stopped, the combination of the stop symbols on the active line is a predetermined symbol combination that is determined in advance, that is, a combination of a small role symbol, a combination of replay symbols, a big bonus symbol In the case of a combination, the main board 131 causes the acquired number display unit 122 to display the number of game balls to be paid out according to the combination of each stop symbol.

  In parallel with the display on the acquired number display unit 122, the main board 131 performs payout control for paying out as many game balls as the game value according to the combination of each stop symbol. In such a case, in principle, the main board 131 drives and controls the payout device 28 via the power supply unit 133, so that the game ball is paid out directly as an actual game ball to the upper plate 18 or the like. However, when the switch detection sensor 148 detects the operation of the changeover switch 110 and determines that the main board 131 is in the credit mode, if the maximum value (250 pieces) that can be stored and stored has not been reached, the corresponding amount is obtained. The payout device 28 is not paid out directly and is stored and stored as a credit game ball (virtual game ball). In this case, the main board 131 adds the number of game balls acquired this time to the stored storage number of credited game balls, and performs display control so that the remaining number display unit 121 performs display according to the added value. To do. Of course, even in this case, game balls are paid out directly from the payout device 28 for the amount exceeding the maximum value that can be stored and stored.

  When the symbols arranged on the active line are a combination of small symbols or symbols that are not paid out, the normal game is continued. On the other hand, when the combination of symbols arranged on the active line is a combination of replay symbols, a replay game that allows the next game to be performed free of charge is executed by the replay game control means. Further, when the combination of symbols arranged on the active line is a combination of big bonus symbols, the big bonus game is executed by the big bonus control means. Here, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as an end condition of the big bonus game, in addition to a predetermined number of games (30 games end or 3 jack-in games end), the number of payout game balls is an upper limit value. A condition of whether or not (specifically, 2250) has been reached is also included. Therefore, when the number of payout game balls reaches the upper limit of 2250 without waiting for the end of 30 games or 3 jack-in games, the big bonus game is ended there, and the gambling performance is more than necessary. I ’m not going to scramble.

  When the small role symbol, the replay symbol, the big bonus symbol, etc. are aligned on the effective line, the sub-board 132 includes the light emitters 8, 9, the lamp display units 10, 12, 13, the front light member 64, etc. Display control is performed to notify that a small role has been established, a transition to a replay game, or a bonus game has been established, and the speakers 11 and 43 are appropriately driven to provide voice notification. It should be noted that the sound notification by the speakers 11 and 43 is more serious as the profit from the return of the game value to the player is larger (such as increasing the volume, increasing the tone, or changing the rhythm). Is preferred. The same applies to the display mode of each notification unit. For example, by changing the display mode such as blinking rapidly in a big bonus game, it is possible to make the player estimate the amount of profit to be obtained.

  Now, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the following excellent effects are achieved particularly in the configuration relating to the upper plate 18.

  Since the game ball can be guided from the upper plate 18 to the payout passage 56 through the guide passage 52, the game balls to be replenished from the ball box or the like can be stored in the payout passage 56 when the balls of the upper plate 18 are insufficient. it can. Therefore, a large amount of game balls can be supplied at one time, and the number of game balls supplied can be reduced. As a result, when a game ball is supplied from a ball box or the like, the complexity of the game ball supply can be eliminated, and an improvement in game performance can be realized. That is, it is possible to remarkably improve convenience with respect to the supply of game balls. In this case, even if there is a restriction (limit) on increasing the capacity of the upper plate 18 because the amount of protrusion to the front side is restricted, the game ball can be replenished satisfactorily, and the complexity of the game ball replenishment Therefore, the upper plate 18 is not forced to be enlarged.

  Since the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to take in a plurality (15 at the time of max betting) of gaming balls at once, the digestion speed (injection speed) of the gaming balls is higher than that of a ball gaming machine such as a pachinko machine. Is considered large. Therefore, when the volume of the upper plate 18 is small with respect to the digestion speed of the game ball, the supply of the game ball is repeatedly forced. However, according to the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment described above, there is a problem with the game ball supply. Can be resolved.

  In the case of the game ball 1 configured as described above, it is generally considered that the player often operates the start lever 101 and the stop buttons 102 to 104 with the right hand, and the left hand is less used than the right hand. Assuming this, it is considered that the player supplies the game ball with the left hand. Since the guide passage 52 is provided on the left hand side, the guide passage 52 is suitable for a place where game balls are supplied, and a suitable game ball can be supplied. Also, for a player who uses both hands to play a game, a large amount of game balls can be replenished at a time, reducing the number of times that at least one hand must be used to replenish the game balls. Convenient configuration.

  When a player moves the gaming machine 1 with the acquired gaming balls in a ball box or the like (so-called moving table), a large number of gaming balls are first supplied by the gaming machine 1 that starts a new game. I can leave. In this case, the game can be continued without supplying the game ball for a while. Therefore, an advantageous configuration can be obtained even when the table is moved.

  Since the guide passage 55 is provided upstream of the discharge passage 51 in the upper plate 18 (that is, on the higher side), the game ball discharged from the payout passage 56 through the discharge passage 51 in the normal state is unintentional. It is difficult for a situation such as returning to the payout passage 56 to occur. Therefore, obstacles to the game can be avoided.

  In addition to the embodiment described above, for example, the following may be implemented.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the upper plate 18 is provided so that the main upper plate 18a and the sub upper plate 18b are folded back. However, the upper plate 18 may be configured not to be folded. In this case, the discharge passage 51 and the guide passage 52 leading to the plate portion 18 are provided so as to be arranged side by side, but the discharge passage 51 is on the downstream side (that is, on the lower side) and the guide passage 52 is on the upstream side (that is, on the lower side). It is configured to be provided on the higher side.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the game ball is guided to the payout passage 56 through the guide passage 52. However, the game ball may be guided to a storage section different from the payout passage 56. In short, the configuration is not limited as long as it is a storage unit (internal storage unit) that is located inside the gaming machine main body and allows the game balls to be discharged from the upper plate 18.

  (C) The guide passage 52 is provided with an opening / closing member that opens or closes the guide passage 52. Specifically, a shutter, a door, and the like that can be opened and closed are provided near the upper plate side entrance of the guide passage 52. The shutter, door, etc. may be either electric or manual. Further, either a normal closed type or a normal open type may be used. In the case of adopting a normally closed type, it may be configured to be opened by the weight of the game ball. By switching the opening and closing of the guide passage 52, it is possible to allow the player to guide the game ball from the upper plate 18 to the payout passage 56 only when the player desires.

  (D) It is good also as a structure which provides the guidance assistance mechanism for assisting guidance of the game ball from the top plate 18 to the paying-out passage 56 in the guidance channel | path 52. For example, an electric ball feeding mechanism is provided in the vicinity of the upper plate side entrance of the guide passage 52. As a result, game balls can be replenished suitably. In this case, a desired effect can be realized without necessarily tilting the guide passage 52 from the upper plate 18 side toward the payout passage 56 side.

  (E) The lower plate 41 is eliminated from the gaming machine 1 and only the upper plate 18 is provided. In this case, a sufficient amount of game balls can be stored and held as the gaming machine 1 by increasing the capacity of the upper plate 18 and the payout passage 56 behind it.

  (F) Information providing means for auxiliary effects may be installed in the gaming machine 1. For example, the information providing means is installed integrally with the belt unit 70 on the front side of the belt unit 70, or is installed in the vicinity of the display windows 61 to 63 (any one of left, right, up and down) in the central panel portion It may be installed above the front panel 60 (see FIG. 10) or installed on the top portion 6 a of the annular portion 6. As the information providing means, a liquid crystal display device, which is a kind of electrical display device, can be used, and other electrical display devices such as CRT, dot matrix, LED, electroluminescence (EL), fluorescent display tube. Etc. may be used. In addition to the electrical display device, a sound generating device such as a speaker may be used, thereby enabling dynamic sound effects for the player. Furthermore, you may comprise an information provision means as a combination of the speakers 11 and 43 which are audio | voice generators, and a display apparatus.

  (G) The types, arrangements, and the like of the symbols in the above embodiment are merely examples, and any configuration can be adopted, for example, including other small role symbols. Moreover, not only a picture, a number, a character, etc. but a geometric line, a figure, etc. may be sufficient. In addition, a symbol can be configured using light, color, or the like, a symbol can be configured by a three-dimensional shape or the like, and a symbol can be configured even by combining these. That is, the symbol may have any function as information having identification (identification information).

  (H) The arrangement of the operation means represented by the start lever 101 and the like and the display means represented by the remaining number display unit 121 and the like in the above embodiment is merely an example. For example, the start lever 101 is arranged on the right side. It is possible to make any appropriate changes, such as changing to a button instead of a lever.

  (I) The sub-board 132 may be omitted as a configuration in which all control of the gaming machine 1 is governed by the main board 131. Further, the sub-board 132 can be constituted by a plurality of boards by dividing the control sharing such as a sound control board and a lamp control board.

  (J) In the above embodiment, the gaming machine 1 having the big bonus game as the special gaming state has been described. However, the gaming machine 1 may be applied to a gaming machine capable of performing a regular bonus game including one jack-in game. Conversely, the big bonus game may be omitted. Furthermore, after the big bonus game, a game in which the consumption of the game medium (game ball) is suppressed until the predetermined condition is established (end of the predetermined number of games, the predetermined flag is established, etc.) or the chance of acquiring the game medium (game ball) is increased. It is good also as what provided various added values, such as a chance game function which can advance.

  (K) The number of games balls inserted per bet (predetermined number), the maximum number of games inserted, the number of payouts, etc. of the game balls in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited to the above numerical values.

  (L) In addition to the gaming machine 1 described in the above embodiment, the present invention may be applied to a ball and ball payout gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or an arrangement ball machine.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine in one embodiment. It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a front view which expands and shows a game machine main part and a front door side by side. It is a rear view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows the game machine main body of a state which removed the front door etc. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of an upper plate formation body. It is a block diagram of a game ball passage unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a game ball passage unit. It is a figure showing section composition, such as a game ball passage unit. It is a sectional side view showing composition of a belt unit etc. It is a perspective view of a belt unit. It is a rear view of a belt unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of the belt of each rotary body. It is a figure for demonstrating the arrangement | sequence of an effective line. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the electrical structure of a game machine.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Outer frame, 3 ... Front frame, 4 ... Front door, 16 ... Back set board, 17 ... Upper plate formation body, 18 ... Upper plate, 18a ... Main upper plate part, 18b ... Sub upper plate , 28 ... payout device, 29 ... game ball passage unit, 50 ... front panel, 51 ... discharge passage, 52 ... guide passage, 56 ... payout passage, 61-63 ... display window, 76 ... belt, 101 ... start lever , 102 to 104: Stop button.

Claims (6)

A first storage means provided on the front side of the gaming machine main body for storing game balls;
Discharging means constituted by an opening for discharging the game ball to the first storing means;
A second storage means provided at the rear of the gaming machine body relative to the discharge means, for storing game balls and discharging the game balls to the first storage means via the discharge means;
A payout device for paying out game balls according to game results;
A receiving portion for sequentially receiving game balls from the first storage means;
With
A ball passage for allowing the game balls discharged to the first storage means to be stored in the second storage means is provided, and the game balls paid out from the payout device are guided to the second storage means. A gaming machine characterized in that a guide passage is provided. A display device for variably displaying the design;
A control device that generates a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the symbol stopped and displayed on the display device is a predetermined special symbol;
An auxiliary display device provided separately from the display device and having a display screen for performing predetermined auxiliary display;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a sound generation device that generates sound at a position above the display device.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a sound generation device that generates sound at a position below the display device.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a third storage unit at a position below the first storage unit.   A third storage means is provided at a position below the first storage means, and a sound generator for generating sound is provided at a position below the first storage means and above the third storage means. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

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