JP5374477B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a variable winning device to be made compact. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 includes the variable winning device 100 disposed in front of a variable display device 35 and beside a stage part 80, and distributing a received game ball to a first winning port 104 or a second winning port 103. The variable winning device 100 includes: a reception port 101 receiving the game ball into the device; an opening/closing part 102 changing a state of the reception port 101; an upper passage 151 making the game ball received from the reception port 101 flow down; a first passage 152 branched from the upper passage 151 such that the first passage 152 leads the game ball from the upper passage 151 into the first winning port 104; a second passage 153 branched from the upper passage 151 such that the second passage 153 leads the game ball from the upper passage 151 into the second winning port 103; and a distribution part 170 which can change a flow-down direction of the game ball flowing down through the upper passage 151 to the second passage 153 side when a distribution condition is satisfied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using a game ball.

  In a conventional gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a player based on establishment of a variable display device for effect display of a variable display game in a game area formed on the game board and establishment of a predetermined condition related to the variable display game And a variable prize device that is converted from a first state that is disadvantageous to a second state that is advantageous to the player.

  In Patent Document 1, a variable winning device is arranged in front of the variable display device, and game balls guided into the variable winning device are distributed to any of a plurality of winning areas, and the winning area where the gaming balls have won is selected. A gaming machine that generates a predetermined gaming state in response is disclosed.

JP 2010-99120 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, since the game ball distribution unit in the variable prize apparatus is connected in the left-right direction, when the variable prize apparatus is arranged near the stage part, An arrangement | positioning area | region will become narrow and the rolling pattern of the game ball which rolls a stage part will become monotonous. Therefore, in order to enhance the interest of the game, it is desirable to make the variable prize winning device compact and to secure the arrangement area of the stage portion.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of downsizing a variable winning device.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising: a variable display device capable of displaying a predetermined effect display; and a stage unit on which a game ball can roll in front of the variable display device. Fluctuation winning device that is arranged on the side of the section, distributes the received game balls to the first winning port or the second winning port, and can generate a predetermined gaming state according to the winning port in which the distributed game balls have won The variable prize apparatus is configured to change the state of the inlet into an accepting opening that accepts a game ball in the variable prize winning device, an open state that can accept a game ball, and a closed state that cannot accept a game ball. An opening / closing part for conversion, an upper passage disposed below the receiving port and allowing a game ball received from the receiving port to flow down, and the upper passage so as to guide the game ball from the upper passage to the first winning opening From the downstream end of A first passage that branches in parallel to the rear of the first passage, and a second passage that branches from the downstream end of the upper passage so as to guide the game ball from the upper passage to the second winning opening And a distribution part capable of converting the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the upper passage to the second passage side when the distribution condition is satisfied , wherein the upper passage is the first of the game ball rolling surface. A notch portion is provided on one passage side and closer to the front side than directly below the receiving port, and the distribution portion is disposed so as to be able to appear and retract in the upper passage through the notch portion, and when the distribution condition is satisfied, The distribution of the game ball to the first passage is caused by the distribution portion protruding from the rolling surface of the game ball and contacting the front side of the center of the game ball received from the receiving port. the isosamples regulate caused to flow down the game balls from the upper passage to the second passage And butterflies.

According to the present invention, since distributes the game balls in the longitudinal direction by juxtaposed first passage and second passage in the longitudinal direction, it can be made compact fluctuations winning equipment.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board with which a gaming machine is equipped. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on the game control apparatus with which a gaming machine is provided. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on the production | presentation control apparatus with which a game machine is provided. It is a perspective view of a game board, a center case, and a control base unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a center case. It is a disassembled perspective view of the 2nd fluctuation prize-winning device seen from the front. It is a disassembled perspective view of the 2nd fluctuation prize-winning device seen from back. It is a back view of the 2nd variation winning device. (A)-(D) is a figure explaining distribution of the game ball in the 2nd variation prize-winning device. It is a disassembled perspective view of the center case seen from the front. It is a disassembled perspective view of the center case seen from the back. It is a perspective view of the lower part of a center case. (A) is a back view of a guidance path, (B) is a figure explaining the flow of the game ball in a guidance path. (A)-(F) is a figure explaining the flow-down of the game ball in case the two game balls flow down the guidance path | route continuously. It is a figure explaining the modification of a guide passage. It is a front view of the stage part arrange | positioned under the center case. (A)-(C) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a stage part. (A) is a perspective view of a stage part, (B) is an enlarged view of the edge part of a stage part. It is a side view of the 2nd variation prize-winning apparatus provided with a guidance crevice. It is a timing chart explaining the game ball which flows down from the edge part of a stage part to a game area. (A)-(C) is a schematic block diagram of the valve body arrange | positioned in the exit part of a projecting ball guide path. It is a schematic block diagram of the valve body which concerns on a 1st modification. It is a schematic block diagram of the valve body which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is a schematic block diagram of the valve body which concerns on a 3rd modification. It is a figure explaining the other aspect of the valve body which concerns on a 3rd modification. It is a schematic block diagram of the valve body which concerns on a 4th modification. It is a schematic block diagram of the valve body which concerns on a 5th modification. (A) And (B) is the perspective view and side view of a windmill. (A) is a perspective view of the modification of a windmill. (B) And (C) is the side view and longitudinal cross-sectional view of the windmill concerning a modification. (A) And (B) is the perspective view and longitudinal cross-sectional view of a center case. It is a figure which shows the guide part which concerns on a modification. It is a perspective view of a gaming machine with a glass frame open. It is a disassembled perspective view of the upper plate unit arrange | positioned under the glass frame. It is a front perspective view of a ball stop unit. It is a back surface perspective view of a ball stop unit. (A) is a front view of a ball launcher, and (B) is a front view of a front cover of the ball launcher. (A)-(C) are figures which show the supply part which concerns on a 1st-3rd modification. It is the figure which expanded the discharge port part of the discharge part which concerns on a 1st modification. (A) And (B) is the back surface perspective view and side view of the discharge part which concern on a 2nd modification. It is a block diagram relevant to control of the heating apparatus with which the discharge part which concerns on a 2nd modification is equipped.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the front, rear, left, and right in the description of the embodiment refer to a direction viewed from the game board (a direction viewed from the player).

  A gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an opening / closing frame 4 that is attached to a main body frame 2 fixed to an island facility via a hinge 3 so that a right side portion can be freely opened and closed. The open / close frame 4 includes a front frame 5 and a glass frame 6.

  A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is disposed on the front frame 5, and a glass frame 6 having a cover glass 6 a that covers the front surface of the game board 30 is attached. The front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 can be opened individually. For example, only the glass frame 6 can be opened to access the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. Further, by opening the front frame 5 in a state where the glass frame 6 is not opened, it is possible to access a game control device 600 (see FIG. 3) or the like disposed on the back side of the game board 30.

  A decorative member 7 is disposed around the cover glass 6 a of the glass frame 6. A frame decoration device 21 (see FIG. 4) configured by LEDs or the like is accommodated inside the decoration member 7, and the light emission state of the decoration member 7 can be adjusted by controlling the frame decoration device 21.

  An illumination unit 8 is disposed above the glass frame 6, and a movable illumination 9 is disposed on the left and right sides of the illumination unit 8. The illumination unit 8 accommodates an illumination member such as an LED inside, and performs a light emission effect according to the gaming state. The movable illumination 9 includes an illumination member such as an LED, and a frame effect device 22 (see FIG. 4) that includes an illumination drive motor that drives the illumination member. The frame effect device 22 of the movable illumination 9 is controlled so as to drive (for example, rotationally drive) the illumination member according to the gaming state. In addition, the illumination member arrange | positioned inside the illumination unit 8 and the movable illumination 9 also comprises some frame decoration apparatuses 21 (refer FIG. 4).

  The gaming machine 1 includes an upper speaker 10a and a lower speaker 10b that emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, and the like. The upper speaker 10 a is disposed on both upper side portions of the glass frame 6, and the lower speaker 10 b is disposed below the upper plate 11 a constituting the upper plate unit 11.

  A gaming state notification LED 12 for notifying abnormality in the gaming machine 1 is provided on the upper right side of the movable illumination 9 disposed on the left side. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, the gaming state notification LED 12 is turned on or blinks, and a notification sound for notifying the abnormality is output from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  Abnormalities occurring in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and implementation of fraud. The illegal act includes, for example, an act of illegally manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet or an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with the magnetic sensor switch 23 (see FIG. 3) or detecting vibration with the vibration sensor switch 24 (see FIG. 3).

  Further, the act of opening the open / close frame 4 illegally is also included in the illegal act. The open / closed state of the front frame 5 is detected by a front frame open detection switch 25 (see FIG. 3), and the open / closed state of the glass frame 6 is detected by a glass frame open detection switch 26 (see FIG. 3).

  An upper plate unit 11 including an upper plate 11 a is provided at the lower part of the glass frame 6. The game balls stored in the upper plate 11a are supplied to a ball launcher 460 (see FIG. 33) provided at the lower part of the front frame 5.

  A fixed panel 13 that is positioned below the glass frame 6 and fixed to the front frame 5 is provided with a lower plate 14 and an operation unit 15 for driving the ball launcher 460. When the player rotates the operation unit 15, the ball launcher 460 launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 11a to the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. The lower plate 14 is provided with a ball removal mechanism 16 for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 14 to the outside.

  The upper plate unit 11 is provided with an effect button 17 for receiving an operation input from a player on the front side of the upper plate 11a. When the player operates the effect button 17, it is possible to perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the variable display game on the variable display device 35 (see FIG. 2). In the normal game state, the effect pattern (Production mode) can be changed. The fluctuation display game includes a special figure fluctuation display game and a common figure fluctuation display game. In the present specification, when the fluctuation display game is simply referred to, the special figure fluctuation display game is indicated.

  The normal gaming state is a gaming state in which a specific gaming state has not occurred. The specific game state is, for example, a probability change state with a high probability of drawing a variable display game, a short time state capable of improving the number of executions of the variable display game per unit time, a jackpot game state (special game state), Or a small hit gaming state.

  In addition, after the variable display game is started, an operation promotion effect for promoting the operation of the effect button 17 is executed. By operating the effect button 17 while the operation promotion effect is being executed, the start memory is stored. It is possible to execute a notice effect or the like for notifying the result of the corresponding variable display game in advance.

  Below the decorative member 7 of the glass frame 6, a ball lending button 18 that is operated when a player rents a game ball, and a discharge button 19 that is operated to discharge a prepaid card or the like from a card unit (not shown). Are arranged. Further, a balance display unit 20 for displaying a balance of a prepaid card or the like is provided between the ball lending button 18 and the discharge button 19.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the gaming board 30 disposed in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 provided in the gaming machine 1.

  The game board 30 is provided with guide rails 33 as partition members on the surface of a rectangular game board main body 32 made of plywood, plastic, or the like, thereby forming a substantially circular game region 31.

  A center case 34 having an opening 34 a is disposed in the game area 31. An opening 30 a (see FIG. 5) having a shape along the outer periphery of the center case 34 is formed in the game board 30, and the center case 34 is fitted into the opening 30 a from the front of the game board 30.

  A control base unit 60 (see FIG. 5) including a variable display device 35 is disposed on the back surface of the game board 30. The variation display device 35 includes a display unit 35a capable of displaying a variation display game that variably displays a plurality of pieces of identification information. The control base unit 60 further includes an effect device 70 (see FIG. 5) capable of executing an operation effect and a light emission effect. The effect device 70 includes a first movable effect device 71 provided at a position corresponding to the lower portion of the center case 34 and a second movable effect device 72 provided at positions corresponding to the side portion and the upper portion of the center case 34. ing.

  The opening 34 a of the center case 34 is provided corresponding to the display unit 35 a of the variable display device 35, and the display unit 35 a of the variable display device 35 is disposed so as to face the opening 34 a of the center case 34. The display unit 35a of the variable display device 35 is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying an arbitrary image, and is based on the progress of the game, such as a plurality of identification information (special symbols) and a character that produces a variable display game on the display screen. An image is displayed. The variable display device 35 is configured such that a plurality of variable display areas (for example, three variable display areas on the left side, the center, and the right side) are set on the display unit 35a, and independent images can be displayed in each of the display areas. ing.

  In the game area 31 on the upper right side of the center case 34, a normal figure start gate 36 is provided that establishes a start condition for a normal symbol (normal figure) variable display game when a game ball passes.

  A gaming area 31 below the center case 34 is provided with a first start winning opening 37 that can give a start condition for a first special symbol (first special figure) variable display game based on winning of a game ball. In the center case 34, the warp passage 200 for guiding the game balls flowing down the game area 31 to the inside of the center case 34 and the game balls passing through the warp passage 200 can roll and roll. A stage unit 80 is provided for allowing the game ball to flow down to the game area 31 above the first start winning opening 37.

  In the game area 31 on the lower right side of the center case 34, a second start winning opening 38 (see FIG. 5) to which a start condition for the second special symbol (second special figure) variable display game can be given based on the winning of the game ball. Is disposed. Since the second start winning opening 38 is located behind the decorative plate 39, the second starting winning opening 38 is not shown in FIG. The second start winning opening 38 is movable so that it projects forward of the game area 31 when the result of the normal variation display game is a win and can guide the flowing game ball to the second starting winning opening 38. A receiving part (not shown) is provided. The movable receiving portion is housed on the back side of the game board 30 in a normal state, and the game ball passing behind the decoration board 39 cannot enter the second start winning opening 38 (a disadvantageous state for the player). The game ball flows down without winning the second start winning opening 38. On the other hand, when the result of the universal figure change display game is a win, the movable receiving portion projects forward of the game area 31 based on the driving force of the universal solenoid 27 (see FIG. 3), and the decorative board 39 The game ball passing behind is likely to flow into the second start winning opening 38 (a state advantageous to the player). The movable receiving part provided in the second start winning opening 38 is controlled by the game control device 600 (FIG. 3). The game control device 600 generates a short-time state (a general power support state) as a specific game state by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state or increasing the occurrence time of the easy-to-win state.

  In the game areas 31 on both the left and right sides of the first start winning opening 37, a plurality of general winning openings 40 are provided which satisfy only the conditions for paying out a winning ball when a winning game ball is won.

  In the game area 31 on the right side of the first start winning opening 37, an attacker-type opening / closing door that can be opened by turning the upper end side to the front side by a large winning opening solenoid 28 (see FIG. 3). A first variable winning device 41 having a large winning opening 41a is provided. When the result of the first special figure variation display game is a big hit, the first variable prize winning device 41 changes from a state in which the big prize opening is closed (blocking state unfavorable to the player) to an open state (state advantageous to the player). By converting and facilitating the inflow of game balls into the special winning opening, prize balls are given to the players.

  In addition to the above-described start winning opening, the game area 31 includes a flow direction changing member such as a windmill 330 or a obstacle nail (not shown) that changes the flow direction of the game ball, or a game ball that has flowed down without winning a prize. An out-out port 42 for collecting the water is disposed.

  A second variable winning device 100 is provided on the right side of the center case 34. The second variable winning device 100 distributes the game balls received in the device to the special winning port 103 (see FIG. 9) or the general winning port 104 (see FIG. 9), and according to the winning port to which the distributed game ball has won. This is a device capable of generating a predetermined gaming state. The second variable winning device 100 includes a receiving port 101 that receives a game ball, and an opening / closing unit 102 that opens and closes the receiving port 101 by a first solenoid 111 (see FIGS. 3 and 8). The receiving port 101 of the second variable winning device 100 is disposed so as to be positioned between the second start winning port 38 provided behind the decorative plate 39 and the usual start gate 36 in the vertical direction. The detailed configuration of the second variable winning device 100 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The second variable winning device 100 is configured to be able to execute a small hit game based on the result of the second special figure variable display game. When the result of the second special figure variation display game is out of place, the opening / closing unit 102 closes the receiving port 101 and the game ball cannot flow into the second variation winning device 100 (a disadvantage to the player). State). On the other hand, when the result of the special figure 2 variable display game is a win, the opening / closing unit 102 opens the receiving port 101 and the game ball easily flows into the second variable prize winning device 100 (for the player). Advantageous state). The game balls that have flowed into the second variable winning device 100 are distributed to the special winning port 103 or the general winning port 104.

  In the lower right part of the game board 30, a special figure fluctuation display of the special figure fluctuation display game (the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game), the special figure winning memory number (the first special figure) Fluctuation display game and second special figure fluctuation display game start memory number), ordinary figure fluctuation display game usual figure fluctuation display, ordinary figure winning memory number (ordinary figure fluctuation display game start memory number), and determination of jackpot A status indicator 50 for displaying the number of rounds and the like is provided.

  In the gaming machine 1, the game ball launched by the ball launcher 460 (see FIG. 33) is launched into the game area 31 through the launch ball guide passage 43 defined along the inner peripheral wall of the guide rail 33, The game area 31 flows down while changing the falling direction by a direction changing member (not shown). The firing ball guide passage 43 is formed by the guide rail 33 and the inner rail 44, and a valve body 400 is provided at the end of the inner rail 44 located at the exit of the firing ball guide passage 43. The lower end of the valve body 400 is fixed to the inner rail 44, and the valve body 400 is disposed so as to close the outlet of the firing ball guide passage 43. The valve body 400 is a leaf spring member made of a metal plate, and allows a game ball to be launched from the launch ball guide passage 43 to the game region 31, while playing from the game region 31 side to the launch ball guide passage 43. The back flow of the sphere is prohibited.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the player makes a left or right strike according to the gaming state, and a short-time state does not occur after a normal gaming state or a big hit gaming state such as immediately after the game starts. Is left-handed by the player. Note that a left-handed or right-handed instruction is displayed on the display unit 35a of the variable display device 35 so that the player can easily make a game according to the gaming state.

  When left-handed, the game ball flows down the game area 31 on the left side of the center case 34, and the first winning prize opening 37 and the general winning opening provided on the left side of the first starting prize opening 37 are displayed. The player wins the prize 40 or is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the out port 42 provided at the bottom of the gaming area 31. The game ball guided to the stage unit 80 through the warp passage 200 also wins the first start winning opening 37 or wins the general winning opening 40 on the left side of the first starting winning opening 37. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 40 or the first start winning opening 37, the number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning winning opening is paid out to the player as a winning ball.

  When a game ball wins in the first start winning opening 37, the first special figure variation display game is executed on the status display 50, and the decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the first special figure variation display game is displayed in a variable manner. It is executed by the device 35. In the variation display device 35, a decoration special figure fluctuation display game in which identification information composed of three numbers and the like is sequentially displayed in a variable manner is started, and an image related to the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is displayed on the display unit 35a. When the game ball is won at the first start winning opening 37 at a predetermined timing, the result of the first special figure variation display game becomes a special result (big hit), and in the decorative special figure variation display game, three display symbols are displayed. Stops when all are aligned. In this case, the open / close door 41a of the first variable winning device 41 is opened, and a big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is entered.

  During the big hit gaming state, in order to make the game ball win a big winning opening of the first variable winning device 41, the player will make a right strike. When a right strike is made, the game ball flows down the game area 31 on the right side of the center case 34. The game winning ball from the closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) that does not accept the game ball until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls wins the game winning port. Is in an open state (a state advantageous to the player). When a game ball wins a big winning opening, a player is given a game value capable of acquiring many game balls. One round is defined as opening the grand prize opening until a predetermined number of game balls are won in the big prize opening or a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the grand prize opening. The number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times) is continued.

  By the way, when the stop symbol at the time of the big hit is a specific symbol or the like, the gaming state after the big hit gaming state becomes a short time state. The time reduction state is continued until the special figure fluctuation display game (the first special figure fluctuation display game or the second special figure fluctuation display game) is performed 100 times. During the short-time state, the gaming machine 1 is set so that the player makes a right turn. Note that if a short-time state does not occur after the big hit gaming state, a left-handed instruction is displayed on the display unit 35a of the variable display device 35, and the player left-handed.

  When a right-handed strike is made during the short-time state and the game ball passes through the usual figure start gate 36, a usual figure change display game is started on the state display 50. When the game ball is passed to the usual figure start gate 36 at a predetermined timing, the result of the usual figure change display game is won. In this case, the movable receiving portion of the second start winning opening 38 (see FIG. 5) located behind the decorative plate 39 is located in front of the game area 31 based on the driving force of the general electric solenoid 27 (see FIG. 3). It protrudes and the winning possibility of the game ball to the second start winning opening 38 is increased.

  When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 38, the second special figure variation display game is executed on the status display 50. When the game ball is won at the second start winning opening 38 at a predetermined timing, the result of the second special figure variation display game is a win (small hit). In this case, the opening / closing part 102 of the second variable winning device 100 is opened, and a small hit gaming state is entered. When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 38, the second special figure variation display game is executed on the status display 50, and the decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the second special figure variation display game is changed. When the result of the second special figure variation display game is a win (small hit) when executed by the display device 35, the result corresponding to the decorative special figure variation display game (for example, three display symbols are “1, 2”). 3 ”, etc. may be displayed in a state where they are arranged in a specific arrangement order.

  In the small hit gaming state, the opening / closing part 102 of the second variable winning device 100 opens the receiving port 101, and the game ball is likely to flow into the second variable winning device 100. The game balls that have flowed into the second variable winning device 100 are distributed to the special winning opening 103 (see FIG. 9) or the general winning opening 104 (see FIG. 9). When the distributed game balls win the special winning opening 103, the opening / closing door 41a of the first variable winning device 41 is opened, and the big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is entered. On the other hand, when the game ball wins the general winning opening 104, the big hit gaming state does not occur. As described above, when the game ball is won in the special prize opening 103, the second variable prize winning device 100 generates a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than when winning in the general prize opening 104.

  In addition, after completion of the time-short state, a left-handed instruction is displayed on the display unit 35a of the variable display device 35, and left-handed by the player. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game progresses while the player makes a left strike or a right strike.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the game control device 600 and the effect control device 700 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on the game control device 600 of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on the effect control device 700 of the gaming machine 1.

  A game control device 600 shown in FIG. 3 is a main control device (main board) that comprehensively controls games in the gaming machine 1. A power supply device 800, a payout control device 640, and an effect control device 700 are connected to the game control device 600. The game control device 600 transmits a control signal (command) to the payout control device 640 and the effect control device 700 to instruct execution of various processes. Furthermore, the game control device 600 is connected to various switches, solenoids to be controlled, and the like.

  The game control device 600 includes a CPU unit 610 that performs various arithmetic processes, an input unit 620 that receives input of various signals, and an output unit 630 that outputs various signals and control signals. The CPU unit 610, the input unit 620, and the output unit 630 are connected to each other by a data bus 680.

  The input unit 620 receives signals output from various switches provided on the game board 30 and the like and signals output from the payout control device 640. The input unit 620 includes a proximity interface (I / F) 621 and input ports 622 and 623.

  The input ports 622 and 623 receive a signal input via the proximity I / F 621 or directly receive a signal input from the outside. Information input to the input ports 622 and 623 is provided to the CPU unit 610 and the like via the data bus 680.

  The proximity I / F 621 is an interface that receives signals output from various switches, converts the input signals, and outputs the converted signals to the input port 622. The proximity I / F 621 is connected to a first start port switch 601, a second start port switch 602, a gate switch 603, winning port switches 604a to 604n, and a count switch 605.

  The first start port switch 601 is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the first start winning port 37. The second start port switch 602 is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the second start winning port 38. The gate switch 603 is a switch that detects that the game ball has passed the usual start gate 36. The winning award opening switches 604a to 604n are switches for detecting that the game ball has won the general winning opening 40.

  Detection signals of the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602 are output to the input port 622 and also to the gaming microcomputer 611 via the inversion circuit 612 of the CPU unit 610. This is because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 611 is designed to detect the low level as an effective level.

  The count switch 605 is a switch for detecting that a game ball has won a big winning opening. When a winning game ball is detected by the count switch 605, the number of winning game balls is counted, and the counted number of gaming balls is stored in a memory provided in the game control device 600.

  Since the voltage of the input signal to the proximity I / F 621 is normally within a predetermined range, according to the proximity I / F 621, disconnection of lead wires in various switches based on voltage values of signals from the various switches, Short circuit, abnormal voltage value, etc. can be detected. When such an abnormality is detected, the proximity I / F 621 outputs a signal indicating the abnormality from the abnormality detection output terminal.

  In addition, since the output value (ON / OFF) of the signal input to the proximity I / F 621 is switched by attaching / detaching the connector of the switch connected to the proximity I / F 621, the proximity I / F 621 is not connected to the switch. Even so, the output is kept constant.

  Further, signals from the magnetic sensor switch 23 and the vibration sensor switch 24 are directly input to the input port 622, and from the front frame opening detection switch (SW) 25 and the glass frame opening detection switch (SW) 26 to the input port 623. The signal is input directly. Various signals from the payout control device 640 are also input to the input port 623.

  The magnetic sensor switch 23 detects a magnetic force in order to detect an illegal act of manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet. The vibration sensor switch 24 detects the vibration of the gaming machine 1 in order to detect an illegal act that vibrates the gaming machine 1.

  The front frame opening detection SW 25 detects that the front frame 5 is opened. The front frame opening detection SW 25 is set to ON when the front frame 5 is released from the main body frame 2, and is set to OFF when the front frame 5 is closed to the main body frame 2.

  The glass frame open detection SW 26 detects that the glass frame 6 has been opened. The glass frame open detection SW 26 is set to ON when the glass frame 6 is released from the front frame 5, and is set to OFF when the glass frame 6 is closed to the front frame 5.

  The CPU unit 610 of the game control device 600 includes a game microcomputer 611, an inversion circuit 612, and a crystal oscillator 613.

  The gaming microcomputer 611 includes a CPU 611a, a ROM 611b, and a RAM 611c, and executes various processes such as a big hit lottery by executing a program stored in the ROM 611b based on a signal input via the input unit 620. . The gaming microcomputer 611 is connected via an output unit 630 to a collective display device including a gaming status notification LED 12 and a status indicator 50, a general-purpose solenoid 27, a special winning opening solenoid 28, a first solenoid 111, and a second solenoid. 113, a control signal is transmitted to the production control device 700 and the payout control device 640 to control the gaming machine 1 in an integrated manner. The gaming microcomputer 611 selects a port for inputting or outputting a signal by chip selection.

  The ROM 611b is a non-volatile storage medium and stores programs, data, and the like for game control.

  The RAM 611c is a volatile storage medium, and is used as a work area for temporarily storing information (for example, random number values) necessary for game control.

  The inversion circuit 612 inverts the logical value of the signal (the signal from the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602) input via the proximity I / F 621 and outputs the inverted value to the gaming microcomputer 611.

  The crystal oscillator 613 is configured as an operating clock source of a hard random number for performing a timer interrupt, a system clock signal, a big hit lottery, and the like.

  The output unit 630 of the game control device 600 includes ports 631a to 631e, buffers 632a and 632b, drivers 633a to 633d, and a photocoupler 634.

  The ports 631a to 631e receive signals input via the data bus 680.

  The buffers 632a and 632b temporarily hold signals input via the data bus 680 and the ports 631a and 631b.

  The drivers 633a to 633d generate various drive signals from the signals input via the ports 631c to 631e and output them to each device.

  The photocoupler 634 is configured to be connectable to an external inspection device 670, and removes noise from various signals that are input and output to shape the waveforms of the various signals. Information is transmitted and received between the photocoupler 634 and the inspection device 670 by serial communication.

  Information output from the CPU unit 610 by parallel communication is transmitted to the payout control device 640 via the port 631a. Since there is no need to secure one-way communication for the payout control device 640, a control signal is directly transmitted from the port 631a to the payout control board of the payout control device 640.

  The payout control device 640 discharges the winning ball from the payout unit (not shown) based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 600, or the payout unit based on the lending request signal from the card unit (not shown). Or renting a ball. The payout control device 640 outputs a payout abnormality status signal, a shot ball shortage switch signal, and an overflow switch signal to the game control device 600 when a failure such as a ball breakage or a failure occurs.

  The payout abnormality status signal is a signal output when the game ball is not paid out normally. The payout chute ball switch signal is a signal that is output when there is a shortage of game balls before payout. The overflow switch signal is a signal output when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 14 (see FIG. 1).

  The effect control device 700 receives a data strobe signal (SSTB) from the port 631a of the output unit 630 and an 8-bit data signal from the port 631b via the buffer 632a. The data strobe signal (SSTB) is a 1-bit signal indicating whether data is valid or invalid. The 8 + 1 bit signal (subcommand) from the buffer 632a is output by parallel communication. The buffer 632a is provided to secure one-way communication so that a signal cannot be transmitted from the effect control device 700 to the game control device 600. The subcommands transmitted to the effect control device 700 include effect control command signals such as a change start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, and an error designation command.

  A signal output from the CPU unit 610 is input to the special winning opening solenoid 28, the first solenoid 111, the second solenoid 113, and the general electric solenoid 27 via the port 631c and the driver 633a. The large winning opening solenoid 28 rotates the open / close door 41a (see FIG. 2) of the first variable winning apparatus 41, and the general electric solenoid 27 is a movable receiving portion of the second starting winning opening 38 disposed behind the decorative board 39. Is moved back and forth. The first solenoid 111 opens and closes the opening / closing portion 102 (see FIG. 10A) of the second variable winning device 100, and the second solenoid 113 is the distributing portion 170 (see FIG. 10A) of the second variable winning device 100. ).

  The collective display device includes a gaming state notification LED 12, a state indicator 50, and the like. The anode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device is connected to a driver 633c via a segment line, and the driver 633c and the port 631d are connected. The cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device is connected to a driver 633b through a digit line, and the driver 633b and the port 631c are connected. The on / off drive signal from the driver 633c is input to the anode terminal of the LED of the collective display device, and the on / off drive signal is output to the driver 633b from the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device.

  The external information terminal 660 is a terminal for outputting game data such as a start signal indicating the start of the variable display game and a special prize signal indicating the occurrence of the big hit gaming state to the information collecting terminal device. The game data is output to the external information terminal 660 via the port 631e and the driver 633d.

  The game control device 600 is configured to be connectable to an external test test device via a relay board 650. The test firing test apparatus is an apparatus for performing a type test of the gaming machine 1 in a predetermined engine. The test firing test apparatus includes signals from the first start port switch 601, the second start port switch 602, the gate switch 603, the winning port switches 604a to 604n, and the count switch 605, the big winning port solenoid 28, and the first solenoid 111. Signals necessary for the test fire test, such as signals output to the second solenoid 113 and the general electric solenoid 27, are input.

  The game control device 600 is connected to the power supply device 800 via a Schmitt circuit 624 provided in the input unit 620. The Schmitt circuit 624 is a circuit that removes fluctuation (noise) of the input signal in order to prevent the operation of the gaming machine 1 from becoming unstable when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. The Schmitt circuit 624 receives a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 800.

  The power supply device 800 includes a normal power supply unit including an AC-DC converter that generates a DC32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply, and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V and DC5V from the DC32V voltage. 810, a backup power supply unit 820 that supplies a power supply voltage to the RAM 611c in the gaming microcomputer 611 at the time of a power failure, a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch, and notifies the game control device 600 of the occurrence and recovery of the power failure And a control signal generation unit 830 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal.

  The backup power supply unit 820 is a power supply for backing up game data stored in the RAM 611c of the game microcomputer 611. After the power failure is restored, the game control device 600 restores the gaming state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 611c.

  The control signal generator 830 monitors the input voltage (guaranteed DC 32V) of the switching regulator that generates DC 12V and DC 5V. When the detected voltage is DC 17.2 V to DC 20.0 V, it is determined that there is a power failure, and a power failure monitoring signal is output from the control signal generation unit 830. The power failure monitoring signal is input to the input port 623 of the input unit 620 via the Schmitt circuit 624. After the power failure monitoring signal is output, the power failure monitoring circuit outputs a reset signal. The reset signal is input to each port 631a to 631e of the gaming microcomputer 611 and the output unit 630 via the Schmitt circuit 624. When the game control device 600 receives the power failure monitoring signal, the game control device 600 performs a predetermined power failure process, and stops the operation of the CPU unit 610 after receiving the reset signal.

  The control signal generation unit 830 includes an initialization switch (not shown), and an initialization switch signal is output from the control signal generation unit 830 when the initialization switch is in an ON state when the power is turned on. The initialization switch signal is input to the input port 623 of the input unit 620 via the Schmitt circuit 624. The initialization switch signal is a signal for forcibly initializing information stored in the RAM 611c of the gaming microcomputer 611 and the RAM of the payout control device 640.

  The effect control device 700 shown in FIG. 4 controls the video under the control of the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 composed of an amusement chip (IC) and the main control microcomputer 710 in the same manner as the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600. A video control processor (2ndCPU) 720 that performs the above and a VDP (Video Display Processor) that performs image processing for video display on the variable display device 35 (see FIG. 2) according to commands and data from the video control microcomputer 720 730, and a sound source LSI 705 for reproducing various melody and sound effects from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) 702 and 703 storing programs executed by the CPUs are connected to the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720, respectively. Character images and video data are stored in the VDP 730. An image ROM 704 is connected, and an audio ROM 706 storing audio data is connected to the tone generator LSI 705. The main control microcomputer 710 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600, instructs the video control microcomputer 720 about the contents of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 705 to reproduce the sound, LEDs, etc. Processing such as lighting, motor drive control, production time management, etc. is executed.

  RAMs 711 and 721 that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720 are provided in the respective chips. The RAMs 711 and 721 that provide the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Data transmission / reception is performed between the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720 and between the main control microcomputer 710 and the tone generator LSI 705 in a serial manner. In contrast, the main control microcomputer 710 and the VDP 730 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By transmitting and receiving data in the parallel system, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the serial system.

  The VDP 730 includes an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 731 used for expanding and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 704, and a scaler 732 for enlarging and reducing the image. , And a signal conversion circuit 733 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the variation display device 35 by the LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is output from the VDP 730 to the main control microcomputer 710 in order to synchronize the image of the variation display device 35 and the lighting of LEDs and the like provided on the front frame 5 and the game board 30. Also, the VDP 730 notifies the video control microcomputer 720 that it is waiting to receive commands and data from the interrupt signals INT0 to n and the video control microcomputer 720 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM 731. A wait signal WAIT is output.

  From the video control microcomputer 720 to the main control microcomputer 710, a synchronization signal SYNC for notifying that the video control microcomputer 720 is operating normally and giving command transmission timing is output.

  Between the main control microcomputer 710 and the tone generator LSI 705, an interrogation signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged in order to transmit and receive commands and data by the handshake method.

  The video control microcomputer 720 uses a CPU that is faster than the main control microcomputer 710. By providing a video control microcomputer 720 separately from the main control microcomputer 710 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen, which is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer 710 alone, on the variable display device 35. In addition to this, an increase in cost can be suppressed as compared with the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to those of the video control microcomputer 720 are used.

  The effect control device 700 includes an interface chip (command I / F) 701 for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 600. The effect control device 700 receives the change start command, the customer waiting demo command, the fanfare command, the probability information command, the error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 600 as the effect control command signal via the command I / F 701. To do. Since the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer 710 of the effect control device 700 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 701 is provided with a signal level conversion function. Yes.

  The effect control device 700 includes a panel decoration LED control circuit 741 that controls a panel decoration device 760 including LEDs and the like provided on the center case 34 and the game board 30, and a frame decoration device 21 that includes LEDs and the like provided on the front frame 5 and the like. The frame decoration LED control circuit 742 for controlling the display, the board effect motor / SOL (drive control for the board effect device 770 including the electric accessory and the effect device 70 which enhance the effect of the effect in cooperation with the effect display on the variable display device 35) Solenoid) control circuit 743, and a frame effect motor control circuit 744 for driving and controlling the frame effect device 22 including an illumination drive motor for the movable illumination 9 and the like are provided. These control circuits 741 to 744 are connected to the main control microcomputer 710 via an address / data bus 740.

  Further, the effect control device 700 includes an effect button switch (SW) 751 for detecting that the effect button 17 (see FIG. 1) is operated and an effect motor switch (SW) for detecting that various drive motors are driven. An amplifier circuit 707 including a switch (SW) input circuit 750 that detects an on / off state of 752a to 752n and transmits a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 710, an audio power amplifier that drives the upper speaker 10a, and the lower speaker 10b. 708 are provided.

  The normal power supply unit 810 of the power supply device 800 is configured to be able to generate a plurality of types of voltages in order to supply a predetermined level of DC voltage to the effect control device 700 and the electronic components controlled by the effect control device 700. ing. Specifically, in addition to DC 32V for driving the drive motor and solenoid, DC 12V for driving the variable display device 35 including a liquid crystal panel, DC 5V serving as the power supply voltage of the command I / F 701, the upper speaker 10a and It is possible to generate a DC 18V for driving the lower speaker 10b and an NDC 24V voltage used as a reference for these DC voltages or for turning on the power monitor lamp.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 830 of the power supply device 800 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 710, the video control microcomputer 720, the VDP 730, the tone generator LSI 705, and the various control circuits 741 to 744, 707, and 708. To the reset state. The power supply device 800 has a function of generating and supplying a reset signal for the VDP 730 using a general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 720. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 720 and the VDP 730 can be improved.

  Next, the center case 34 and the control base unit 60 of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game board 30, the center case 34, and the control base unit 60. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the center case 34.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the center case 34 is attached to the front surface of the game board 30, and the control base unit 60 is attached to the back surface of the game board 30.

  The control base unit 60 includes a frame-shaped control base 61 installed on the back surface of the game board 30, an effect device 70 disposed on the front surface of the control base 61, and a variable display disposed on the back surface of the control base 61. Device 35.

  The control base 61 is formed with an accommodating portion 61a that can accommodate the effect device 70 and an opening 61b that the display portion 35a of the variable display device 35 faces. The variable display device 35 is attached to the back surface of the control base 61, and the display unit 35a of the variable display device 35 is visible through the opening 61b.

  The first movable effect device 71 and the second movable effect device 72 constituting the effect device 70 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 61a along the outer edge of the opening 61b.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the center case 34 is a deformed ring-shaped member having an opening 34a, and is formed of a synthetic resin. The center case 34 includes a fitting portion 34b fitted into the opening 30a formed in the game board 30, and a collar portion 34c formed in a bowl shape with respect to the fitting portion 34b. And fixed to the game board 30. Therefore, the center case 34 is disposed in the game area 31 in front of the collar portion 34c.

  The center case 34 is formed so as to stand forward from the collar portion 34 c and includes a guide portion 340 that guides a game ball flowing down the game area 31. The guide portion 340 is formed along the opening 34 a in the upper portion of the center case 34.

  The center case 34 is provided with the second variable winning device 100 capable of performing the above-described small hit game in front of the variable display device 35 and on the right side of the stage unit 80. The second variable prize winning device 100 distributes the received game balls to the special prize opening 103 (see FIG. 9) or the general prize opening 104 (see FIG. 9), and the predetermined game balls according to the prize winning opening where the distributed game balls have won. A game state is generated.

<Second variation winning device>
With reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the second variable winning device 100 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the second variable winning device 100 as viewed from the front. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second variable winning device 100 as seen from the rear. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the second variable winning device 100. FIGS. 10A to 10D are diagrams illustrating the distribution of game balls in the second variable winning device 100. FIG. 10A and 10B show a case where game balls are distributed to the special winning opening 103, and FIGS. 10C and 10D show a case where game balls are distributed to the general winning opening 104. Show.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second variable winning device 100 includes a base member 110 fixed to the center case 34, a cover member 120 that covers the front surface of the base member 110, a base member 110, and a cover member 120. And a partition member 130 disposed between the two.

  A decorative part 121 plated is provided on the front surface of the cover member 120, and a game ball flowing down the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) is received in the second variable winning device 100 at the upper part of the cover member 120. A possible receiving port 101 is formed.

  An opening / closing part 102 is provided on the front surface of the cover member 120 at a position corresponding to the receiving port 101. The opening / closing part 102 is driven by the first solenoid 111 to convert the state of the receiving port 101 into an open state where the game ball can be received and a closed state where the game ball cannot be received. The first solenoid 111 is disposed on the back surface of the base member 110 via the stay 112.

  A rotation shaft 141 is provided at the lower end of the opening / closing portion 102, and the rotation shaft 141 is rotatably supported by a bearing hole 123 formed in the front-rear direction of the cover member 120. The end of the rotating shaft 141 protruding from the back surface of the cover member 120 is fixed to one end of a link 142 (see FIG. 8) connected to the arm 144 of the first solenoid 111. An engagement shaft 143 is provided at the other end of the link 142, and the engagement shaft 143 is engaged with an engagement hole 144 a of an arm 144 fixed to the plunger of the first solenoid 111. The driving force of the first solenoid 111 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 141 via the arm 144 and the link 142. The opening / closing part 102 changes the open / closed state of the receiving port 101 by rotating the rotating shaft 141 based on the driving force of the first solenoid 111.

  A restriction shaft 145 is provided at the upper end of the opening / closing part 102, and the restriction shaft 145 engages with a restriction groove 122 formed in an arc shape on the front surface of the cover member 120. The movement range of the restriction shaft 145 is restricted by the restriction groove 122, thereby restricting the rotation range of the opening / closing part 102.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a flow-down passage 150 through which a game ball received from the receiving port 101 flows down is formed by the base member 110, the cover member 120, and the partition member 130 in the second variable winning device 100. . The downflow passage 150 is formed by meandering in the vertical direction. In FIG. 9, the base member 110 is not shown in order to facilitate understanding of the flow-down passage 150.

  The flow-down passage 150 includes an upper passage 151 that causes the game ball received from the receiving port 101 to flow down, a first passage 152 that branches from the downstream end of the upper passage 151 and guides the game ball to the downstream general winning port 104, and an upper portion A second passage 153 branched from the downstream end of the passage 151 to guide the game ball to the downstream special prize opening 103, a discharge passage 154 for guiding the game ball that has passed through the special prize opening 103 to the outside of the gaming machine 1, A merge passage 155 that guides the game ball that has passed through the winning opening 104 to the upstream portion of the discharge passage 154.

  The upper passage 151 is formed to be curved so as to guide the game ball flowing down from the receiving port 101 from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. The upper passage 151 is a passage formed with a width in the front-rear direction, and the receiving port 101 allows the game ball to flow down toward the front side of the upper passage 151.

  A game ball detection sensor 161 that detects that a game ball has flowed into the second variable winning device 100 is provided at an upstream portion of the upper passage 151. When the game ball detection sensor 161 detects the passage of the game ball, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. Note that a gaming ball detection sensor may be further installed at a position upstream of the detection sensor 161 in order to detect whether or not an illegal gaming ball stays in the upper passage 151.

  The first passage 152 is connected to the downstream end near the front side of the upper passage 151, and the second passage 153 is connected to the downstream end near the rear side of the upper passage 151. As described above, the second passage 153 is provided behind the first passage 152 in parallel with the first passage 152. Since the reception port 101 causes the game ball to flow down toward the front side of the upper passage 151, the game ball received from the reception port 101 flows down from the upper passage 151 toward the first passage 152.

  The game ball rolling surface 152 a of the first passage 152 and the game ball rolling surface 153 a of the second passage 153 are formed by the partition member 130. The first passage 152 and the second passage 153 are separated from each other by a rib-like wall portion 156 that is formed so as to protrude in the downward direction of the game ball between the game ball rolling surface 152a and the game ball rolling surface 153a. .

  In addition, by forming the game ball rolling surface 152a of the first passage 152 at a position lower than the game ball rolling surface 153a of the second passage 153, the first passage 152 and the second passage 153 are separated from each other. Also good.

  The downstream end portion of the first passage 152 is connected to the general winning opening 104 opened in the vertical direction. The general winning opening 104 is provided with a gaming ball detection sensor 162 (see FIG. 7) that detects that a game ball has passed through the general winning opening 104.

  A downstream end portion of the second passage 153 is connected to a special winning opening 103 that is open in the vertical direction. The special winning opening 103 is arranged behind the general winning opening 104. The special prize opening 103 is provided with a game ball detection sensor 163 that detects that a game ball has passed through the special prize opening 103. When the game ball detection sensor 163 detects the passing of the game ball through the special winning opening 103, it becomes a big hit game state (special game state).

  The discharge passage 154 is connected to the special winning opening 103 and is formed to be curved so as to guide the game ball from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. The discharge passage 154 is configured to roll the game ball in a direction (left direction in FIG. 9) opposite to the game ball rolling direction (right direction in FIG. 9) of the upper passage 151. A junction passage 155 is connected to the upstream portion of the discharge passage 154.

  The merge passage 155 is a passage that connects the general winning opening 104 and the discharge passage 154. The merge passage 155 is formed to bend from the front to the rear, and guides the game ball that has passed through the general winning opening 104 to the upstream portion of the discharge passage 154.

  The game ball that has passed through the special winning opening 103 or the general winning opening 104 is guided to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the discharge passage 154.

  The second variable winning device 100 described above further includes a distribution unit 170 for distributing the game balls received from the receiving port 101 to the special winning port 103 or the general winning port 104.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B, the sorting portion 170 is a substantially L-shaped member, and the base end portion 171 of the sorting portion 170 is rotatably supported by the partition member 130. A cutout portion 151a penetrating in the vertical direction is formed at a downstream end portion of the upper passage 151 on the first passage 152 side, and a distal end portion 172 of the sorting portion 170 is disposed so as to be able to pass through the cutout portion 151a. The distribution unit 170 is rotated based on the driving force of the second solenoid 113 (see FIG. 8), and the tip 172 can be moved into and out of the upper passage 151 according to the rotation state of the distribution unit 170. .

  The distribution unit 170 has a rotation shaft 173 extending rearward. The rotating shaft 173 of the distribution unit 170 is coupled to the lower end of a link 174 (see FIG. 8) that is connected to the plunger of the second solenoid 113 (see FIGS. 3 and 8). The second solenoid 113 is disposed on the back surface of the base member 110 via the stay 112. The stay 112 is provided with a first solenoid 111 and a second solenoid 113 adjacent to each other.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10 (A) to FIG. 10 (D), the distribution of game balls in the second variable winning device 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 (A) and 10 (B), when the small hit gaming state is reached, the first solenoid 111 is turned on, the opening / closing part 102 rotates and the receiving port 101 (see FIG. 7) is opened. It becomes. When a predetermined time elapses after the opening / closing part 102 rotates (when the distribution condition is satisfied), the second solenoid 113 is turned on, and the distribution part 170 rotates upward. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 172 of the distribution part 170 protrudes from the game ball rolling surface of the upper channel | path 151 via the notch part 151a. The tip portion 172 protruding into the upper passage 151 restricts the gaming ball that has rolled in the upper passage 151 from flowing down to the first passage 152. The game balls that have flowed down toward the front side of the upper passage 151 collide with the tip 172, are guided to the second passage 153, and are distributed to the special winning opening 103 through the second passage 153. The game ball that has passed through the special winning opening 103 is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the discharge passage 154 (see FIG. 9).

  When a predetermined time elapses after the second solenoid 113 is turned on (when the sorting condition is not satisfied), the second solenoid 113 is turned off, and as shown in FIGS. 10 (C) and 10 (D). The minute portion 170 rotates downward. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 172 of the distribution part 170 does not protrude from the game ball rolling surface of the upper channel | path 151. FIG. Accordingly, the game balls that have flowed into the upper passage 151 from the receiving port 101 are guided to the first passage 152 as they are, and are distributed to the general winning opening 104. The game balls that have passed through the general winning opening 104 are discharged from the junction passage 155 (see FIG. 9) to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the discharge passage 154 (see FIG. 9).

  According to the second variable winning device 100 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  The second variable prize winning device 100 disposed in front of the fluctuation display device 35 and on the side of the stage unit 80 flows down the opening / closing unit 102 that converts the opening / closing state of the receiving port 101 and the game ball received from the receiving port 101. An upper passage 151 to be played, a first passage 152 branched from the downstream end of the upper passage 151 so as to guide the game ball to the general winning opening 104, and a rearward side of the first passage 152. A second passage 153 branched from the downstream end of the upper passage 151 so as to lead to the port 103, and a distribution portion capable of converting the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the upper passage 151 to the second passage 153 side when the distribution condition is satisfied 170. The distribution unit 170 sets the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the upper passage 151 to the first passage side when the distribution condition is not satisfied. Since the game balls are distributed in the front-rear direction by arranging the first passage 152 and the second passage 153 in the front-rear direction, the second variable winning device is compared with the case where the game balls are distributed in the left-right direction as in the prior art. 100 shape in the left-right direction can be made compact. Thereby, it is possible to secure an arrangement area of the stage unit 80 provided on the side of the second variable prize winning device 100.

  Further, a notch portion 151a is formed on the game ball rolling surface of the upper passage 151 of the second variable prize winning device 100, and the tip portion 172 of the sorting portion 170 appears and disappears in the upper passage 151 through the notch portion 151a. It is possible. When the sorting condition is satisfied, the tip 172 of the sorting unit 170 is projected into the upper passage 151, so that the game ball from the upper passage 151 collides with the tip 172 and is guided to the second passage 153. When the distribution condition is not satisfied, the tip 172 of the distribution unit 170 is not protruded into the upper passage 151, so that the game balls from the upper passage 151 are guided to the first passage 152 as they are. In this way, by causing the tip portion 172 of the sorting unit 170 to appear and disappear in the upper passage 151, it is possible to reliably sort the game balls.

  Since the first passage 152 and the second passage 153 are separated by a wall portion 156 formed in the direction in which the game ball flows downward, it is possible to prevent the game ball from flowing from one passage to the other passage and to secure the game ball. It becomes possible to distribute to.

  The game ball rolling surface 152a of the first passage 152 communicating with the general winning port 104 is formed at a position lower than the game ball rolling surface 153a of the second passage 153 communicating with the special winning port 103. If the first passage 152 and the second passage 153 are separated from each other, the flow of game balls from the first passage 152 to the second passage 153 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably guide the game ball that has passed through the first passage 152 to the general winning opening 104.

<Warp passage and stage section>
The warp passage 200 disposed in the center case 34 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the center case 34 as viewed from the front. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the center case 34 viewed from the rear. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lower part of the center case 34.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the center case 34 includes a plate-like lower component member 300 that constitutes a lower portion of the center case 34. A front decorative portion 310 is attached to the front surface of the lower component member 300 at the lower left portion of the center case 34. A stage portion 80 having a rolling surface 81 on which a game ball can roll is attached to the back surface of the lower component member 300 at the center lower portion of the center case 34. In addition, a cover member 320 is installed on the back surface of the lower component member 300 so as to be positioned behind the front decoration unit 310 and the stage unit 80.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the warp passage 200 that guides the game ball flowing down the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) to the stage portion 80 is separated by a front decoration portion 310, a lower component member 300, and a cover member 320. Formed as a passage.

  The warp passage 200 includes a receiving unit 201 that receives a game ball from the game area 31, an inlet 202 through which the game ball from the receiving unit 201 flows, and a rolling surface 81 of the stage unit 80 that receives the game ball from the inlet 202. A discharge port 203 that discharges to one end of the player, and a guide passage 210 that allows the game ball to flow down from the inflow port 202 to the discharge port 203.

  The receiving part 201 is formed between the front decoration part 310 and the lower component member 300. The receiving unit 201 is opened obliquely upward to the left so that a left-handed game ball can be easily received. A guide portion 311 for guiding the received game ball backward is formed on the back surface of the front decoration portion 310 where the receiving portion 201 is provided.

  The inflow port 202 is a circular opening formed through the lower component 300 in the front-rear direction. The game ball received by the receiving unit 201 is guided backward by the guide unit 311 and flows into the guide passage 210 on the back surface side of the lower component member 300 through the inlet 202.

  The details of the guide passage 210 constituting the warp passage 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14 to 16.

  14A is a rear view of the guide passage 210, and FIG. 14B is a diagram for explaining the flow of the game ball in the guide passage 210. FIG. FIG. 15A to FIG. 15F are diagrams illustrating the flow of the game ball when two game balls flow down the guide passage 210 continuously. FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B are diagrams for explaining a modification of the guide passage 210.

  As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14A, the guide passage 210 includes a back surface of the lower component member 300, a partition wall 301 formed to protrude rearward from the back surface of the lower component member 300, and a front surface of the cover member 320. It is a passage separated by The guide passage 210 communicates with the inflow port 202 and has a curved passage 220 formed in an arc shape so as to guide the game ball downward, an inclined passage 230 inclined obliquely downward from a downstream end of the curved passage 220, and an inclined passage. 230, a drop passage 240 provided at the downstream end of 230 to guide the game ball to the discharge port 203.

  The inclined passage 230 is a passage inclined downward from the inflow port 202 toward the discharge port 203, and includes an upper inclined wall 302 and a lower inclined wall 303 that constitute a part of the partition wall 301. A drooping wall 304 that hangs vertically downward is formed at the downstream end of the upper sloping wall 302 of the slant passage 230, and a protrusion (flow direction changing portion) 305 that projects into the slant passage 230 is formed at the bottom end of the droop wall 304. Is done. The protrusion 305 formed to protrude at the downstream end of the inclined passage 230 has a function of changing the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the inclined passage 230. That is, the game ball that has flowed down the inclined passage 230 collides with the protrusion 305, whereby the flow direction of the game ball is changed from the inclination direction of the inclined passage 230 to the vertically downward direction.

  The falling passage 240 is a passage extending in the vertical direction from the downstream end of the inclined passage 230 and connects the inclined passage 230 and the discharge port 203. The falling passage 240 includes a bottom portion 241 that constitutes a part of the partition wall 301. The bottom portion 241 is formed with an inclined surface 242 that guides the game ball that has fallen through the drop passage 240 to the discharge port 203.

  The drop direction length L of the drop passage 240 (the distance from the downstream end of the inclined passage 230 to the bottom portion 241) is a length that cannot be dropped when two or more game balls are arranged in the drop direction, that is, one game ball. Only the length that can be dropped is set.

  In addition, a guide groove 306 that guides the flow of the game ball is formed in the lower component member 300 that constitutes the guide passage 210, corresponding to the curved passage 220, the inclined passage 230, and the falling passage 240. Since the guide groove 306 is formed so as to penetrate in the front-rear direction of the lower component member 300, the player can visually recognize the state of the game ball flowing down in the guide passage 210 via the guide groove 306.

  With reference to FIG. 14 (B) and FIGS. 15 (A) to 15 (F), the flow of the game ball in the warp passage 200 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, when one game ball is received by the receiving unit 201 (see FIG. 13), the game ball flows into the guide passage 210 from the receiving unit 201 through the inlet 202. To do. The game ball that has flowed into the guide passage 210 is guided from the curved passage 220 to the inclined passage 230 and flows down on the lower inclined wall 303 of the inclined passage 230. The game ball that has flowed down the inclined passage 230 falls down the fall passage 240 vertically downward after colliding with the protrusion 305. The game ball that has flowed down the drop passage 240 falls on the inclined surface 242 of the drop passage 240, rolls on the bottom portion 241, and is guided from the discharge port 203 to one end portion of the rolling surface 81 of the stage portion 80.

  In the warp passage 200, the game ball that has flowed down the inclined passage 230 collides with the protrusion 305, thereby changing the flow direction of the game ball and reducing the flow speed of the game ball in the left-right direction. The flow speed of the game ball when discharged from the game can be suppressed, and the game ball can be stably supplied to the stage unit 80.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15 (A) to FIG. 15 (F), a case where the guide passage 210 flows down in a contact state where two game balls are arranged will be described.

  When the two game balls flow into the guide passage 210 in contact with each other, the two game balls pass through the curved passage 220 to the inclined passage 230 as shown in FIGS. 15 (A) and 15 (B). Led. The two game balls flow down while accelerating the inclined passage 230 as shown in FIG. 15C, and the previous game ball collides with the protrusion 305 at the downstream end of the inclined passage 230 as shown in FIG. 15D. . As a result, the previous game ball falls vertically downward in the fall passage 240 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15E, when the previous game ball is in contact with the bottom portion 241 (inclined surface 242) and located in the drop passage 240, the subsequent game ball is placed at the downstream end of the inclined passage 230. positioned. The center of the subsequent game ball is shifted in the horizontal direction so as to be closer to the inflow port 202 with respect to the center of the previous game ball. In this way, when the two game balls flow down in contact with each other and the previous game ball is located in the fall passage 240, the inclined path 230 is centered on the previous game ball. It is formed so as to be displaced in the horizontal direction with respect to the center. When the previous game ball is in contact with the bottom portion 241 and positioned in the drop passage 240, the center of the subsequent game ball is shifted in the horizontal direction with respect to the center of the previous game ball, so that two or more games Even if the balls flow down the guide passage 210 in a state where the balls are lined up, these game balls will not be clogged in the drop passage 240.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 (E) and 15 (F), when the previous game ball falls on the inclined surface 242 of the drop passage 240 and passes through the discharge port 203, the subsequent game ball becomes a protrusion 305 of the inclined passage 230. And fall down the fall passage 240 vertically downward. Even when two game balls flow side by side and flow down the guide passage 210, these game balls collide with the protrusions 305, and the flow down speed is reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the inclined surface 242 is formed on the bottom 241 of the drop passage 240, but the inclined surface 242 may not be provided as shown in FIGS. 16 (A) and 16 (B). In this case, the bottom 241 is set such that the passage center of the drop passage 240 and the upper surface of the bottom 241 are approximately 90 °. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the flow-down speed of the game ball when being discharged from the discharge port 203.

  According to the warp passage 200 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  The guide passage 210 of the warp passage 200 includes an inclined passage 230 that inclines downward from the inflow port 202 toward the discharge port 203, a projection 305 that converts the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the inclined passage 230 into a vertical direction, and an inclination A drop passage 240 that extends vertically from the downstream of the passage 230 and a bottom 241 that is formed in the drop passage 240 and guides the dropped game ball to the discharge port 203. The length of the drop passage 240 in the drop direction is a game ball. Only one is set to a dropable length. Since the game ball that has flowed down the inclined passage 230 collides with the protrusion 305, the flow velocity in the left-right direction of the game ball is reduced, so that the game ball can be stably supplied to the stage unit 80. In addition, since the drop direction length of the drop passage 240 is set to a length that allows only one game ball to fall, when the two or more game balls flow down in a line, the previous game ball The rear game ball is positioned at the downstream end of the inclined passage 230 when it is located in the fall passage 240, and the previous game ball and the rear game ball are not lined up and down in the fall passage 240. The occurrence of clogging at 240 can be prevented.

  In the inclined passage 230, when the previous game ball is located in the fall passage 240, the subsequent game ball is located at the downstream end of the inclined passage 230, and the center of the subsequent game ball is the center of the previous game ball. On the other hand, it is close to the inflow port 202 and is formed so as to be displaced in the horizontal direction.

  The protrusion 305 is formed to protrude inside the inclined passage 230 at the downstream end of the inclined passage 230. When the game ball collides with the protrusion 305, the flow direction of the game ball is changed. Thus, in the warp passage 200, it is possible to realize conversion of the game ball in the flow direction and reduction of the flow speed with a simple configuration.

  Next, the stage unit 80 disposed in the lower center of the center case 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 17 to 21.

  FIG. 17 is a front view of the stage unit 80 disposed under the center case 34. 18A to 18C are longitudinal sectional views of the stage unit 80. FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the stage unit 80, and FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of the end of the stage unit 80. FIG. 20 is a side view of the second variable winning device 100 including the guide recess 124. FIG. 21 is a timing chart for explaining the game balls flowing down from the end of the stage unit 80 to the game area 31.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 17, the stage unit 80 is disposed in the lower center of the center case 34. The stage unit 80 includes a rolling surface 81 that extends in the left-right direction and allows a game ball to roll. A cover member 320 is provided behind the stage unit 80. The first movable effect device 71 (see FIG. 2) is disposed behind the cover member 320. However, since the cover member 320 is formed of a transparent member, the first movable effect device 71 is interposed via the cover member 320. Can be visually recognized.

  The rolling surface 81 of the stage unit 80 is formed in a wavy shape in which both left and right end portions and the central portion are high. A first guide portion 82 is provided at the center of the rolling surface 81 so as to incline downward, and the rolling surface 81 on both sides of the first guide portion 82 descends toward the game area 31 (front). An inclined second guide portion 83 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 13, 18 </ b> A to 18 </ b> C, the cover member 320 includes a standing wall portion 321 that rises upward behind the rolling surface 81 (stage unit 80), and a rolling surface 81. And a folded wall portion 322 that is folded forward from the standing wall portion 321. The standing wall portion 321 and the folded wall portion 322 of the cover member 320 can prevent the game ball rolling on the rolling surface 81 from flowing into the fluctuation display device 35 side.

  In addition, the folded wall portion 322 is formed so that the tip of the folded wall portion 322 protrudes forward from the front surface of the stage portion 80. Even if it collides and jumps up, it is bounced back to the game area 31 side by the folding wall portion 322. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the game ball jumped up from the game area 31 from entering the fluctuation display device 35 side.

  The standing wall portion 321 of the cover member 320 communicates with an opening portion 321 a formed at a position corresponding to the first guide portion 82, and an opening portion 321 a and an outflow port 84 opened at the lower front portion of the stage portion 80. A passage 321b (see FIG. 18B) is formed. The game ball that has flowed into the communication path 321b from the first guide part 82 through the opening 321a is guided below the rolling surface 81 and is discharged from the outlet 84 to the game area 31.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the game ball guided from the warp passage 200 to the stage portion 80 rolls on the rolling surface 81, and then from the first guide portion 82 through the communication passage 321b to the game from the outlet 84. It is discharged to the area 31 or discharged from the second guide part 83 to the game area 31. Since the outlet 84 of the stage 80 is formed immediately above the first start winning opening 37, the second guide 83 is disposed so as to be shifted to the left and right sides of the first starting winning opening 37 ( 2), the probability that the game ball discharged from the outlet 84 is guided to the first start winning opening 37 is higher than the game ball discharged from the second guide portion 83.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 18A, the cover member 320 includes a protrusion 323 provided along the rolling surface 81 of the stage portion 80 and protruding forward from the front surface of the standing wall portion 321. In a state where the cover member 320 is installed behind the stage portion 80, the lower surface of the protrusion 323 of the standing wall portion 321 contacts the rolling surface 81. The protrusion 323 functions as a positioning member when the cover member 320 is installed on the stage unit 80. In addition, the protrusion 323 also functions as a spacer that prevents the game ball rolling on the rolling surface 81 from coming into contact with the standing wall 321, so that damage to the standing wall 321 is avoided. Since the standing wall portion 321 is hardly damaged, it is possible to suppress the rendering operation of the first movable rendering device 71 (see FIG. 2) disposed behind the cover member 320 from becoming invisible.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the second variable prize device 100 is disposed on the right side of the stage unit 80. A guide recess 124 is formed on the left side of the cover member 120 of the second variable winning device 100, and the guide recess 124 is configured to be continuous with the right end of the rolling surface 81 of the stage unit 80. The guide recess 124 guides the game ball that has been rolling on the rolling surface 81 forward.

  The game ball that passes through the warp passage 200 and is supplied to the left end of the stage unit 80 rolls on the rolling surface 81 toward the right end. Since the downward flow of the game ball is suppressed when passing through the warp passage 200, the game ball supplied from the warp passage 200 rolls gently on the rolling surface 81. When a plurality of game balls are rolling on the rolling surface 81, the game balls collide with each other, and depending on the collision state, the game ball vigorously rolls toward the right end of the rolling surface 81. When a game ball having a certain speed rolls toward the right end portion of the rolling surface 81, the game ball reaches the guide recess 124 from the right end portion of the rolling surface 81, and FIG. 19B and FIG. As shown, it is guided forward by the guide recess 124 and flows down to the game area 31 (see FIG. 2). Since the guide recess 124 is formed immediately above the opening / closing door 41a (see FIG. 2) of the first variable prize winning device 41, the game ball passing through the guide recess 124 is discharged to the game area 31 above the opening / closing door 41a. It will be.

  With reference to the timing chart of FIG. 21, a description will be given of winning a game ball that has fallen into the game area 31 through the guide recess 124 to the big winning opening.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the gaming machine 1 is left-handed at the start of the game or the like, and when the game ball wins the first start winning opening 37, the first special figure variation display game is executed. When the result of the first special figure variable display game is a win, the game is stopped in a state where three special symbols displayed on the variable display device 35 are aligned, and a big hit game is started. When the big hit gaming state is reached, the open / close door 41a of the first variable prize winning device 41 is opened, so the player stops left-handing and starts right-handing. At this point in time, the game ball at the time of making a left strike may roll on the rolling surface 81 of the stage unit 80. Since the guide recess 124 is located immediately above the open / close door 41a of the first variable prize winning device 41, the game ball rolling on the rolling surface 81 at the timing when the open / close door 41a is opened is guided by the guide recess 124. When the game ball flows down to the game area 31, the game ball easily wins a big winning opening of the first variable winning device 41. Thus, by providing the guide recess 124 above the open / close door 41a of the first variable winning device 41, it is possible to increase the possibility of winning a big winning opening and to improve the fun of the game. .

  According to the stage unit 80 and the cover member 320 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  The stage unit 80 has a rolling surface 81 on which a game ball supplied from the warp passage 200 can roll, and a cover member 320 is disposed behind the stage unit 80. The cover member 320 includes a standing wall portion 321 that rises upward behind the rolling surface 81, and a folded wall portion 322 that is folded forward from the standing wall portion 321 so as to face the rolling surface 81. The game ball rolling on the rolling surface 81 does not flow into the fluctuation display device 35 side.

  Since the tip of the folding wall portion 322 of the cover member 320 is formed so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the stage portion 80, the game ball collides with an obstacle nail or the like in the game area 31 below the stage portion 80. Even if it bounces upward, it is bounced back to the game area 31 side by the folding wall portion 322, so that it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the fluctuation display device 35 side.

  The standing wall portion 321 of the cover member 320 includes a protrusion 323 that extends along the rolling surface 81 and can come into contact with the rolling surface 81 from above. Since the protrusion 323 functions as a positioning member and a spacer, it is easy to install the cover member 320 on the stage portion 80 and prevent the game ball rolling on the rolling surface 81 from coming into contact with the standing wall 321. can do.

<Countermeasures against fraud>
By the way, the gaming machine 1 is configured to be able to detect an act of manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet, an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1 and the like as an illegal act. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of fraudulent acts in which a fraudulent ball having a fishing ball or a piano wire or other thread-like member attached to a game ball is awarded to a start winning opening or the like by operating the thread-like member.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is also provided with countermeasures against fraudulent acts caused by illegal spheres connected with thread-like members. Hereinafter, countermeasures against illegal acts in the gaming machines 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Valve>
First, with reference to FIG. 22, the valve body 400 disposed at the outlet portion of the firing ball guide passage (launch passage) 43 will be described.

  FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the game board 30 in the vicinity of the installation position of the valve body 400. FIG. 22B is a front view of the valve body 400, and FIG. 22C is an enlarged view of the valve body 400 in the circular region of FIG. 22B.

  As shown in FIG. 22A, the valve body 400 closes the outlet portion of the launch ball guide passage 43 by having the upper edge abutting against the guide rail 33 and the lower end portion being fixed to the inner rail 44. The valve body 400 is a member that prohibits the backflow of the game ball from the game region 31 to the shot ball guide passage 43 while allowing the game ball to be launched from the shot ball guide passage 43 to the game region 31. In addition, the side edge of the valve body 400 in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 1 is disposed with a predetermined gap from the cover glass 6a (see FIG. 1) and the game board 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 (B) and 22 (C), the valve body 400 includes a plurality of notches 410 that are cut from the upper edge toward the inside (downward) in the front-rear direction. The notch portion 410 functions as an engaging portion that can engage with the thread member 420 of an irregular sphere. The notch portion 410 is formed in a V shape so that the notch width becomes narrower from the upper edge of the valve body 400 toward the inside.

  According to the valve body 400 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  When the illegal ball connected to the thread-like member 420 is launched from the launch ball guide passage 43 into the game area 31, the thread-like member 420 of the illegal ball bites into the notch portion 410 as shown in FIG. Engage. Thus, by engaging the thread-like member 420 with the notch 410, it is possible to prevent the illegal ball from flowing down the game area 31. In particular, the notch portion 410 is V-shaped so that the notch width is narrow, and therefore the thread-like member 420 is easily bited. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to prevent an illegal act using an illegal ball having the thread-like member 420.

  In addition, when a player who performs an illegal act operates the thread-like member 420 while the thread-like member 420 is engaged with the notch 410, the thread-like member 420 is cut by the frictional force between the notch 410. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud using illegal balls.

  With reference to FIGS. 23 to 28, first to fifth modifications of the valve body 400 will be described.

  First, a first modification of the valve body 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a valve body 400 according to a first modification. FIG. 23B is a front view of the valve body 400 according to the first modification, and FIG. 23C is an enlarged view of the valve body 400 in the circular region of FIG. 23B.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 (A) to 23 (C), the notch 410 of the valve body 400 according to the first modification includes an engagement receiving part 412 that communicates with the notch bottom 411 of the notch 410, and a notch A guide protrusion 413 protruding from the bottom 411.

  The inner edge of the engagement accommodating portion 412 is formed in a concavo-convex shape so as to be engageable with the thread member 420 of an irregular sphere. The engagement accommodating portions 412 are respectively disposed on both sides of the notch bottom 411 in the front-rear direction, and these two engagement accommodating portions 412 communicate with the notch bottom 411 of one notch portion 410.

  The guide protrusion 413 is a triangular protrusion that protrudes upward toward the notch bottom 411, and guides the thread-like member 420 guided into the notch 410 to the engagement receiving portion 412.

  According to the valve body 400 according to the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 23C, the thread-like member 420 of an irregular sphere is guided to the engagement accommodating portion 412 via the guide convex portion 413 and is engaged and accommodated. Since it engages so that it may bite into the concavo-convex portion of the portion 412, it is possible to prevent cheating by an illegal ball. Since the engagement accommodating portion 412 of the valve body 400 according to the first modification is formed in an uneven shape, it is easier to engage with the thread member 420 than the notch portion 410 of the valve body 400 shown in FIG. Moreover, the cutting effect of the thread-like member 420 can be improved.

  With reference to FIG. 24, the 2nd modification of the valve body 400 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a valve body 400 according to a second modification. FIG. 24B is a front view of the valve body 400 according to the second modification, and FIG. 24C is an enlarged view of the valve body 400 in the circular region of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 24 (A) to 24 (C), the notch 410 of the valve body 400 according to the second modification includes an engagement accommodating part 412 that communicates with the notch bottom 411 of the notch 410. The engagement accommodating portion 412 is formed so as to communicate with the notch bottom 411, and is formed so that the gap is narrowed from the notch bottom 411 toward the game board 30 side.

  Since the upper end portion of the gaming machine 1 is slightly inclined rearward, the game board 30 is also inclined in the same manner. Therefore, when the illegal ball flows down the game area 31 of the game board 30, the thread-like member 420 that has passed through the notch 410 is pulled toward the game board 30.

  According to the valve body 400 according to the second modified example, as shown in FIG. 24C, the thread-like member 420 pulled toward the game board 30 is engaged so as to bite into the gap of the engagement accommodating portion 412. It is possible to prevent illegal spheres from flowing down and prevent illegal acts caused by illegal spheres.

  A third modification of the valve body 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a valve body 400 according to a third modification. FIG. 25B is a front view of the valve body 400 according to the third modification, and FIG. 25C is an enlarged view of the valve body 400 in the circular region of FIG. 25B.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 (A) to 25 (C), the notch 410 of the valve body 400 according to the third modified example not only includes the notch 410 on the upper edge, but also on the side edge in the vertical direction. A plurality of cutout portions 410 are provided. The side edge notch portion 410 is formed in a V shape so that the notch width becomes narrower from the side edge toward the inside and obliquely downward.

  When the illegal ball to which the thread-like member 420 is connected is launched from the launch ball guide passage 43 to the game area 31, the thread-like member 420 does not pass through the upper edge of the valve body 400, and the valve body 400 and the cover glass. 6a (see FIG. 1) or the game board 30 may be passed.

  According to the valve body 400 according to the third modified example, as shown in FIG. 25C, the thread-like member 420 that has passed through the side of the valve body 400 has a notch 410 formed at the side edge of the valve body 400. Since the thread-like member 420 of the illegal sphere passes through the side of the valve body 400, the illegal sphere can be prevented from flowing down, and illegal acts caused by the illegal sphere can be prevented. It becomes possible.

  Depending on the position of the cover glass 6a, the gap between the valve body 400 and the cover glass 6a may become wide. In such a case, as shown in FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (B). In addition, it is desirable that the front side portion of the valve body 400 extends forward and the front edge of the valve body 400 is close to the cover glass 6a.

  With reference to FIG. 27, the 4th modification of the valve body 400 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 27A is a perspective view of a valve body 400 according to a fourth modification. FIG. 27B is a front view of the valve body 400 according to the fourth modification, and FIG. 27C is an enlarged view of the valve body 400 in the circular region of FIG. 27B.

  As shown in FIGS. 27 (A) to 27 (C), the valve body 400 according to the fourth modification includes one notch portion 410 on the upper edge. The notch 410 is a slit formed with a gap substantially parallel to the inside (downward) from the upper edge of the valve body 400. The gap of the notch 410 is set to be narrower than the diameter of the thread-like member 420 so as to be able to engage with the thread-like member 420 of an irregular sphere.

  According to the valve body 400 according to the fourth modified example, as shown in FIG. 27C, when an illegal ball connected with the thread-like member 420 is launched from the firing ball guide passage 43 to the game area 31, Since the thread-like member 420 of the sphere is sandwiched and engaged with the gap of the notch portion 410, the illegal sphere can be prevented from flowing down and illegal acts caused by the illegal sphere can be prevented.

  In the valve body 400 according to the fourth modification, the slit-shaped notch 410 is provided on the upper edge, but the slit-shaped notch 410 may be provided on the side edge. A plurality of slit-shaped notches 410 may be provided on the upper edge or side edge of the valve body 400.

  A fifth modification of the valve body 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a valve body 400 according to a fifth modification. FIG. 28B is a front view of the valve body 400 according to the fifth modification, and FIG. 28C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of the valve body 400 of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 28 (A) to 28 (C), the valve body 400 according to the fifth modified example is a slit-shaped notch formed with a substantially parallel gap from the upper edge to the inside (downward). Part 410 is provided. By the cutout portion 410, the upper portion of the valve body 400 is divided into a front valve body portion 414 and a rear valve body portion 415. The rear valve body portion 415 is formed to extend to the front valve body portion 414 across the gap of the notch portion 410 and to overlap the back surface of the front valve body portion 414. The rear valve body 415 may be formed so as to overlap the surface of the front valve body 414.

  According to the valve body 400 according to the fifth modified example, when the illegal ball is launched and collides with the valve body 400, the game ball firing direction so that the rear valve body portion 415 is separated from the front valve body portion 414. Therefore, the thread member 420 of the illegal sphere passes through the notch 410. Thereafter, the rear valve body portion 415 and the front valve body portion 414 are integrated, and the thread-like member 420 is sandwiched and engaged by the overlapping portion of the rear valve body portion 415 and the front valve body portion 414. It is possible to prevent the illegal spheres from flowing down and to prevent illegal acts caused by the illegal spheres.

<Flow direction changing member>
29 to 32, a windmill 330 (see FIG. 2) disposed in the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) and a guide portion of the center case 34 as a downflow direction changing member for changing the downflow direction of the game ball. 340 (see FIG. 6) will be described.

  First, the wind turbine 330 will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30.

  FIG. 29A is a perspective view of the windmill 330, and FIG. 29B is a side view of the windmill 330. FIG. 30A is a perspective view of a modified example of the windmill 330. FIG. 30B is a side view of a wind turbine 330 according to a modification, and FIG. 30C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of the wind turbine 330 in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the windmill 330 includes a fixed shaft 331 fixed to the game board 30 (see FIG. 2), and a rotating body 332 rotatably attached to the fixed shaft 331. .

  The fixed shaft 331 is fixed to the game board 30 so as to stand in the front-rear direction from the game area 31 (see FIG. 2).

  The rotating body 332 is a member that changes the flow direction of the game ball. The rotating body 332 includes a cylindrical support part 333, a disk part 334 provided at the tip of the support part 333, and a wall part 335 provided on the outer periphery of the support part 333.

  The support portion 333 has an insertion hole along the axis, and is rotatably supported by a fixed shaft 331 that passes through the insertion hole. A head 331a having a larger diameter than the insertion hole is formed at the tip of the fixed shaft 331 to prevent the support 333 from coming off, and the support 333 is disposed between the head 331a and the game board 30. The

  The disk portion 334 is provided on the outer periphery of the tip of the support portion 333. The center of the disk part 334 is set to coincide with the axis of the support part 333.

  The wall portion 335 is formed so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 333, and extends along the axial direction of the support portion 333. Three wall portions 335 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the support portion 333. In the present embodiment, the three wall portions 335 are provided for one rotating body 332, but the number of the wall portions 335 is arbitrarily set as necessary.

  A notch 336 is formed on the front end surface of the wall portion 335 as an engaging portion that can engage with the thread member 420 of an irregular sphere. The notch 336 is formed in a V shape so that the notch width becomes narrower toward the bottom. A plurality of the notches 336 are provided along the extending direction (axial direction) of the wall portion 335.

  When the illegal ball connected to the thread-like member 420 flows down the game area 31 and collides with the windmill 330, the windmill 330 changes the flow direction of the illegal ball. When the illegal ball whose flow direction has been converted passes through the windmill 330, the thread-like member 420 of the illegal ball engages so as to bite into the notch 336 provided in the wall portion 335 of the windmill 330, as shown in FIG. . In this way, the thread-like member 420 is engaged with the notch 336, so that the illegal ball can be prevented from flowing down the game area 31. In addition, when the game ball collides and the rotating body 332 of the windmill 330 rotates, the rotation of the rotating body 332 can wind up the thread-like member 420 around the three wall portions 335, and the illegal ball enters the game area 31. It is possible to prevent the flow down more reliably.

  A modification of the wind turbine 330 will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 (A) and 30 (B).

  As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, in the wind turbine 330 according to the modified example, the wall 335 of the rotating body 332 is not formed with a notch and can be engaged with the thread member 420 of an irregular sphere. A claw portion 337 is formed as an engaging portion.

  The claw portion 337 protrudes laterally from both side surfaces of the tip portion of the wall portion 335. The tip of the claw portion 337 is sharp. Two claw portions 337 are disposed on one wall portion 335 at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the shaft portion 333). In the present embodiment, the claw portions 337 of the three wall portions 335 are arranged on the same circumference, but the position of the claw portion 337 may be shifted in the front-rear direction for each wall portion 335.

  When the game ball collides and the rotating body 332 of the wind turbine 330 rotates, the claw portion 337 of the wall portion 335 of the rotating body 332 engages with the thread member 420 of the illegal ball that has passed through the wind turbine 330. When the rotating body 332 rotates in a state where the thread-like member 420 is caught by the claw part 337, the thread-like member 420 can be wound around the three wall parts 335, and the illegal ball can flow down the game area 31 more. It can be surely prevented.

  According to the windmill 330 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  Since the windmill 330 that can change the flow direction of the game ball includes the notch 336 or the claw portion 337 as an engagement portion that can be engaged with the thread member 420 of the illegal ball, it prevents the illegal ball from flowing down the game area 31. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can prevent an illegal act by an illegal ball.

  The rotating body 332 of the windmill 330 includes a support portion 333 that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft 331 and a wall portion 335 that extends along the axial direction of the support portion 333. A notch 336 having a notch width that narrows toward the bottom is formed on the front end surface of the wall 335. When the game ball collides and the rotating body 332 of the windmill 330 rotates, the thread-like member 420 engaged with the notch 336 is wound around the tip of the wall portion 335, so that the illegal ball flows down the game area 31. It becomes possible to prevent reliably.

  Further, a claw portion 337 may be provided in the wall portion 335 of the rotating body 332 of the windmill 330 instead of the notch. The claw portion 337 is formed so as to protrude laterally from the side surface of the tip of the wall portion 335. When the game ball collides and the rotating body 332 of the windmill 330 rotates, the claw portion 337 is caught by the thread member 420 of the illegal ball, and the thread member 420 is wound around the tip of the wall portion 335. It is possible to reliably prevent the region 31 from flowing down.

  Next, with reference to FIG.31 and FIG.32, the guide part 340 arrange | positioned at the upper part of the center case 34 is demonstrated.

  31A is a perspective view of the upper portion of the center case 34, and FIG. 31B is a longitudinal sectional view of the center case 34 at a position where the guide portion 340 is provided. FIG. 32A is a plan view of a guide portion 340 according to a modification. 32B and 32C are longitudinal sectional views of the center case 34 at a position where the guide portion 340 according to the modification is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 31 (A) and 31 (B), the center case 34 has a guide part 340 that is formed to stand forward from the flange part 34c (see FIG. 6). The guide part 340 is a flow direction conversion member that converts the flow direction of the game ball that has flowed down the game area 31 (see FIG. 2).

  The guide part 340 includes a rolling surface 341 on which a game ball can roll, and a plurality of grooves 342 extending along the rolling direction of the game ball are formed on the rolling surface 341. These grooves 342 are arranged in parallel to the width direction of the rolling surface 341. The groove 342 is formed in a V shape so that the groove width becomes narrower toward the bottom.

  When the illegal ball to which the thread-like member 420 is connected flows down the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) and reaches the guide part 340, the illegal ball rolls on the rolling surface 341 and moves to the right side of the center case 34. It flows down to the game area 31. When the illegal ball passes through the rolling surface 341 of the guide portion 340, the thread member 420 of the illegal ball engages so as to bite into the groove 342 as shown in FIG. In this way, the thread-like member 420 is engaged with the groove 342, so that the illegal ball can be prevented from flowing down the game area 31.

  A modification of the guide portion 340 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 32A, a guide part 340 according to a modification includes a protrusion 343 in a groove 342 that can be engaged with a thread member 420 of an irregular sphere.

  The groove 342 extending along the game ball rolling direction includes a pair of inclined surfaces 344 that are inclined from the rolling surface 341 toward the groove bottom. The protrusion 343 is formed to protrude on the inclined surface 344. The protrusion 343 extends along the inclination direction of the inclined surface 344, and the cross section of the protrusion 343 perpendicular to the inclined surface 344 is formed in a substantially triangular shape.

  The pair of inclined surfaces 344 are provided with a plurality of protrusions 343 at equal intervals along the game ball rolling direction, and the protrusions 343 of one inclined surface 344 and the protrusions of the other inclined surface 344 are arranged to face each other. The The protrusion 343 is disposed so as to be accommodated in the groove 342 so as not to obstruct the course of the game ball rolling on the rolling surface 341.

  When the illegal ball passes through the rolling surface 341 of the guide portion 340, the thread member 420 of the illegal ball engages with the groove 342 sandwiched between the groove bottom portion and the protrusion 343 (see FIG. 32B). , Illegal balls can be prevented from flowing down the game area 31. Further, even if the thread member 420 of the illegal sphere meanders, the meandering flow prevention effect of the illegal sphere can be enhanced because the meandering thread member 420 is hooked on the projections 343 provided as shown in FIG. .

  Note that in the protrusion 343, the bottom surface on the groove bottom side is formed in an uneven shape as shown in FIG. 32B, or the top and the lower surface are formed in an uneven shape as shown in FIG. Also good. Thus, by forming the surface of the protrusion 343 in an uneven shape, the thread member 420 of an illegal sphere is easily caught.

  According to the guide part 340 of the center case 34 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  The guide part 340 which is a flow direction changing member includes a rolling surface 341 on which a game ball can roll and a groove 342 provided on the rolling surface 341. Since the groove 342 extends along the direction of rolling of the game ball and is formed so that the groove width becomes narrower toward the bottom, the thread member 420 of the illegal ball engages with the groove 342 so as to bite. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the illegal ball from flowing down the game area 31 and to prevent an illegal act by the illegal ball in the gaming machine 1.

  The inclined surface 344 of the groove 342 is provided with a protrusion 343 extending in the inclination direction. Since a plurality of protrusions 343 are provided along the rolling direction of the game ball, the thread-like member 420 of the illegal ball is engaged with the groove bottom portion of the groove 342 and the protrusion 343 and the thread-like member 420 of the illegal ball is engaged. Even when meandering meanders, the thread-like member 420 is easily caught on the protrusion 343. As a result, the effect of preventing illegal spheres from flowing down can be enhanced.

  Since the surface of the protrusion 343 is formed in a concavo-convex shape, the thread-like member 420 of an illegal sphere is easily caught. In addition, when a player who is cheating operates the thread-like member 420 while the thread-like member 420 is caught by the protrusion 343, the thread-like member 420 is cut by the unevenness of the protrusion 343. As a result, the effect of preventing illegal spheres from flowing down can be enhanced.

<Supply passage>
With reference to FIGS. 33 to 37, the supply passage 450 for supplying the game balls stored in the upper plate 11a to the ball launcher 460 will be described.

  FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 with the glass frame 6 open. FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the upper dish unit 11 disposed in the lower part of the glass frame 6. 35 and 36 are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the ball stopper unit 440, respectively. FIG. 37A is a front view of the ball launcher 460, and FIG. 37B is a front view of the front cover 461 of the ball launcher 460.

  As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, an upper plate unit 11 having an upper plate 11 a is disposed at the lower part of the glass frame 6.

  The upper plate unit 11 is formed with an upper plate 11a capable of storing a plurality of game balls and has a base member 431 installed on the lower front surface of the glass frame 6 and an effect button 17 so as to cover the front surface of the base member 431. A cover member 432 disposed, a protection plate 433 installed on the lower back surface of the glass frame 6, and a ball stop unit 440 disposed on the back surface of the protection plate 433 are provided.

  One end of the upper plate 11a is connected to a payout passage 434 for paying out a prize ball or a rental ball, and the other end is connected to a supply passage 450. The bottom surface of the upper plate 11a is formed so as to incline downward from one end to the other end. The game balls stored in the upper plate 11a are guided to the supply passage 450 and supplied to the ball launching device 460 disposed on the lower front surface of the front frame 5 through the supply passage 450. A game ball that is bulleted by the bullet emitting unit 462 (see FIG. 37) of the ball launcher 460 is emitted from a guide passage (launching passage) 463 formed in the lower part of the front frame 5 to a firing ball guide passage 43 (see FIG. 2). To the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) through the firing ball guide passage 43. As shown in FIG. 33, the guide passage 463 is a passage formed so as to incline from the lower right to the upper left.

  As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, a supply passage 450 for supplying a game ball to the ball launcher 460 includes an upstream passage 451 formed on the base member 431 and flowing down the game ball stored in the upper plate 11a. A discharge part 452 formed in the stop unit 440 for discharging the game ball from the upstream passage 451 downstream, and a game ball formed in the front cover 461 of the ball launcher 460 and discharged from the discharge part 452 to the ball launcher 460 And a supply unit 453 for supplying.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the upstream passage 451 is formed so that the game ball guided to the other end of the upper plate 11a flows backward. In a state where the base member 431 is installed in the glass frame 6, the upstream passage 451 protrudes rearward through the openings 6 b and 433 a provided in the glass frame 6 and the protection plate 433. The downstream end of the upstream passage 451 is connected to the discharge portion 452 of the ball stop unit 440 fixed to the back surface of the protection plate 433.

  As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the ball stop unit 440 includes a substantially triangular plate-shaped mounting base 441 installed on the back surface of the protective plate 433, a discharge portion 452 penetrating the mounting base 441 in the front-rear direction, And a shutter portion 442 that is rotatably disposed on the back surface of the base 441.

  The discharge part 452 is a passage through which only one game ball can pass. The bottom surface 452a of the discharge portion 452 is inclined downward and the central portion of the rear end of the bottom surface 452a extends to a supply portion 453 (see FIG. 37A) described later. The game balls that have flowed down the upstream passage 451 pass through the discharge unit 452 one by one and are guided to the supply unit 453.

  The discharge unit 452 discharges the game ball in the front-rear direction, while the ball launching device 460 launches the game ball diagonally upward in the left-right direction from a position lower than the discharge unit 452. In other words, the discharge unit 452 is configured such that the discharge direction of the game ball discharged through the discharge unit 452 and the discharge direction of the game ball discharged by the ball discharge device 460 are twisted. Connected to the supply unit 453. Note that the discharge unit 452 may be configured such that the discharge direction of the game ball discharged through the discharge unit 452 and the discharge direction of the game ball discharged by the ball launching device 460 intersect.

  The discharge portion 452 includes a notch groove 452c as an engaging portion that can engage with the thread member 420 of the illegal ball on the inner wall portion 452b located on the game ball launch direction side. The cutout groove 452c extends along the passing direction (front-rear direction) of the game ball at the lower portion of the inner wall portion 452b. The notch groove 452c is notched in the horizontal direction, and is formed in a V shape so that the notch width becomes narrower toward the bottom of the groove. Note that the notch groove 452c may be a notch that is notched in the horizontal direction but is inclined from the inner wall 452b in the same direction as the game ball firing direction.

  The shutter portion 442 disposed on the back surface of the mounting base 441 has a blocking state that prevents the game ball from being discharged from the discharge portion 452 and an allowable state that allows the game ball to be discharged from the discharge portion 452. It can be converted into a member. The shutter portion 442 is a substantially L-shaped plate member that includes a first arm 442a and a second arm 442b. The shutter portion 442 is pivotally supported by a shaft portion 443 provided on the mounting base 441 at a corner portion 442c where the first arm 442a and the second arm 442b are coupled.

  The shutter portion 442 is biased by a spring (not shown) so that the first arm 442a rotates to a position where the discharge port of the discharge portion 452 is closed. Further, the second arm 442b of the shutter unit 442 is configured to be able to abut on an arm driving protrusion 464 (see FIG. 33) that is formed to protrude from the front cover 461 of the ball emitting device 460.

  When the glass frame 6 is open with respect to the front frame 5, the first arm 442 a closes the discharge port of the discharge part 452 based on the biasing force of the spring (see FIG. 36), so that it is upstream of the discharge part 452. Even if the game ball stays there, the game ball is not discharged from the discharge unit 452.

  On the other hand, when the glass frame 6 is closed, the tip inclined portion 464a (see FIG. 33) of the arm driving projection 464 abuts against the inner portion of the second arm 442b, and resists the biasing force of the spring, and the second arm 442b. Rotates counterclockwise in FIG. As a result, the first arm 442a also rotates counterclockwise. When the glass frame 6 is closed with respect to the front frame 5, the first arm 442 a retracts to a position above the discharge port of the discharge unit 452, so that the game ball can pass through the discharge unit 452. The game ball that has passed through the discharge unit 452 is guided to the supply unit 453 of the ball launcher 460.

  As shown in FIG. 37A, the supply portion 453 constituting the supply passage 450 is formed in the front cover 461 of the ball launcher 460. The front cover 461 is a plate-like member, and the supply unit 453 is formed as a through hole that penetrates the front cover 461 in the front-rear direction. The supply unit 453 is an opening through which only one game ball can pass, and the game ball that has passed through the supply unit 453 flows down the rear of the front cover 461 and is guided to a launch position 463 a positioned at the downstream end of the guide passage 463. . The game ball guided to the launch position 463a is bulleted by a bullet portion 462 driven by a drive motor (not shown), and passes through the guide passage 463 and the launch ball guide passage 43 to play the game area 31 (see FIG. 2). Flow into.

  As shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, the supply unit 453 supplies game balls in the front-rear direction, whereas the ball launcher 460 is obliquely upward in the left-right direction from a position lower than the supply unit 453. Launch a game ball. That is, the supply unit 453 has a ball launcher 460 such that the supply direction of the game ball supplied via the supply unit 453 and the launch direction of the game ball launched by the ball launcher 460 are twisted. Connected. Note that the supply unit 453 may be configured such that the supply direction of the game ball supplied via the supply unit 453 intersects the discharge direction of the game ball launched by the ball launching device 460.

  The supply unit 453 includes a notch 453b as an engagement portion that can be engaged with the thread member 420 of the illegal ball on the inner wall portion 453a located on the game ball launch direction side. The notch 453b is cut obliquely upward at the upper portion of the inner wall portion 453a. The notch 453b is formed in a V shape so that the notch width becomes narrower toward the bottom.

  According to the supply passage 450 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  When the illegal ball supplied from the supply passage 450 to the ball launching device 460 is launched by the ball launching device 460, the thread-like member 420 of the illegal ball is brought into engagement with the engaging portion (the discharge portion 452 of the discharge portion 452). It engages with the notch groove 452c or the notch 453b) of the supply part 453. Thus, by engaging the thread-like member 420, it is possible to prevent the illegal ball from being launched into the game area 31. Thereby, in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to prevent an illegal act using an illegal ball to which the thread-like member 420 is connected.

  The supply portion 453 of the supply passage 450 is in a twisted position such that the supply direction of the game ball supplied via the supply portion 453 intersects the discharge direction of the game ball fired by the ball launcher 460. Since the notch 453b is formed on the inner wall 453a of the supply part 453 located on the firing direction side, the threaded member 420 of the launched illegal sphere engages with the notch 453b. It is easy to prevent the illegal ball from being launched into the game area 31 more effectively.

  In addition, the discharge portion 452 of the supply passage 450 has a twisted position such that the discharge direction of the game ball discharged through the supply portion 453 intersects the discharge direction of the game ball discharged by the ball launcher 460. Since the notch groove 452c is formed in the inner wall 452b of the discharge part 452 located on the firing direction side, the threaded member 420 of the illegal ball that is fired and the notch groove 452c are connected. It is easy to engage, and illegal balls can be more effectively prevented from being launched into the game area 31.

  Further, the notch 452c of the discharge part 452 is provided in the lower part of the inner wall part 452b, and the notch 453b of the supply part 453 is provided in the upper part of the inner wall part 453a, so that when the illegal ball is launched by the ball launcher 460, The thread-like member 420 can be easily engaged with the thread member 420 of the irregular sphere, and the thread-like member 420 can be simultaneously engaged with the notch groove 452c and the notch 453b. In this way, the thread-like member 420 engages with the notch groove 452c and the notch 453b, and is obliquely spanned between the notch groove 452c and the notch 453b, thereby preventing the illegal sphere from being fired more reliably. Can do.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 38 to FIG. 41, modified examples of the engaging portion of the supply portion 453 and the engaging portion of the discharge portion 452 that engage with the thread member 420 of the illegal sphere will be described.

  First, a modified example of the notch 453b of the supply portion 453 of the supply passage 450 will be described with reference to FIGS. 38 (A) to 38 (C). FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C are views showing a supply unit 453 according to the first to third modifications.

  As shown in FIG. 38 (A), the supply unit 453 according to the first modification includes a plurality of notches 453b in the vertical direction on the inner wall 453a located on the game ball firing direction side.

  According to the cutout 453b of the supply unit 453 according to the first modified example, the probability that the thread member 420 of the illegal sphere is engaged with the notch 453b is high, so that the illegal sphere is effectively fired by the ball launcher 460. Can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 38B, the supply unit 453 according to the second modification includes a plurality of notches 453b as in the first modification. In the second modification, the notch 453b is notched so that its bottom portion is inclined in the same direction as the game ball firing direction.

  According to the notch 453b of the supply unit 453 according to the second modified example, when the illegal ball is fired by the ball launcher 460, the thread member 420 of the illegal ball gets deeper into the notch 453b. And the notch 453b are firmly engaged, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the illegal ball from being launched and flowing into the game area 31.

  As shown in FIG. 38 (C), the supply unit 453 according to the third modified example includes notches 453b at two locations on the upper and lower sides of the inner wall 453a located on the game ball firing direction side. The upper cutout 453b is cut obliquely upward, and the lower cutout 453b is cut obliquely downward. The notch 453b is provided with a cutting blade 453c that can cut the thread member 420 of an irregular sphere. The cutting blade 453c is accommodated in the notch 453b so as not to protrude from the inner wall portion 453a.

  According to the notch 453b of the supply unit 453 according to the third modified example, since the thread member 420 of the irregular sphere can be cut by the cutting blade 453c, the manipulation of the unauthorized sphere by the thread member 420 is disabled, and the illegal act by the unauthorized sphere is performed. Can be prevented.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the 1st modification of the discharge part 452 of the supply channel | path 450 is demonstrated. FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of the discharge port portion of the discharge portion 452 according to the first modification. In FIG. 39, illustration of the shutter portion 442 is omitted.

  The discharge part 452 according to the first modification includes a notch groove 452c at the lower part of the inner wall part 452b located on the game ball firing direction side, and a notch 452d at the upper part of the inner wall part 452b. The notch 452d is formed in a V shape so that the notch width becomes narrower from the rear end of the inner wall portion 452b toward the front.

  According to the discharge part 452 according to the first modified example, the notch groove 452c and the notch 452d are formed in the inner wall part 452b. Therefore, it is possible to increase the probability that the thread member 420 of the wrong sphere is engaged, It can be surely prevented from being launched and flowing into the game area 31.

  With reference to FIG. 40 and FIG. 41, the 2nd modification of the discharge part 452 of the supply channel | path 450 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 40A is a rear perspective view of the discharge unit 452 according to the second modification, and FIG. 40B is a side view of the discharge unit 452 according to the second modification. FIG. 41A and FIG. 41B are block diagrams related to control of the heating device 470 provided in the discharge unit 452 according to the second modification.

  As shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B, a heating plate 471 of the heating device 470 is disposed behind the discharge port of the discharge unit 452. The heating plate 471 is formed of a metal plate or the like, and is heated by energization from the heating device 470 body. The heating plate 471 is disposed so as to be located on the side of the discharge direction of the discharge part 452 on the game ball launch direction side so as not to inhibit the rolling of the game ball. The heating plate 471 is disposed with a predetermined gap in the front-rear direction with respect to the discharge port (mounting base 441). A plurality of notches 471a are formed in the side edge on the discharge port side of the heating plate 471 in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 41A, the heating device 470 is controlled by the payout control device 640. Since the relationship between the payout control device 640 and the game control device 600 has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, the control of the heating device 470 by the payout control device 640 will be described here.

  The payout control device 640 displays a launch control board 641 for controlling the ball launch device 460, a payout motor 642 for paying out the game ball, an external information terminal 660 for outputting various data to the information collection terminal device, and an error status. The error number display LED 643 and the thread member 420 of the illegal sphere are connected to a heating device 470 capable of cutting.

  The payout control device 640 controls the heating plate 471 of the heating device 470 for a predetermined time each time a payout control command is received from the game control device 600 or whenever the payout motor 642 is driven.

  Note that the heating device 470 may not be directly controlled by the dispensing control device 640, but may be controlled via the firing control board 641 as shown in FIG. In this case, it is detected whether or not the operation unit 15 (see FIG. 1) for driving the ball emitting device 460 is operated, and the heating plate 471 of the heating device 470 is moved when the operation unit 15 is operated. Control heating.

  According to the discharge unit 452 according to the second modified example, the heating device 470 is provided behind the discharge unit 452, and the heating plate 471 is heated at a predetermined timing. Therefore, the thread-like member engaged with the notch 471a of the heating plate 471 420 can be melted and cut. This makes it impossible to operate the illegal sphere by the thread-like member 420, thereby preventing an illegal act by the illegal sphere.

  Further, since the heating plate 471 is disposed with a predetermined gap in the front-rear direction with respect to the discharge port (mounting base 441) of the discharge portion 452, even if the temperature of the heating plate 471 rises, the mounting base 441. Will not melt.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea.

  For example, the cutting blade 453c is provided in the cutout 453b of the supply portion 453 of the supply passage 450 (see FIG. 38C), but the cutout groove 452c (see FIG. 36) of the discharge portion 452 or the cutout portion of the valve body 400. 410 (see FIG. 22C), a notch 336 in the wind turbine 330 (see FIG. 29B), and a groove 342 in the guide portion 340 (see FIG. 31B) capable of cutting the thread member 420 of an irregular sphere. A blade may be provided.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine as shown in the above embodiment, and can be applied to all gaming machines using gaming balls such as an arrangement ball gaming machine and a sparrow ball gaming machine. is there.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 5 Front frame 6 Glass frame 11a Top plate 30 Game board 31 Game area 34 Center case 35 Fluctuation display apparatus 41 1st variation winning apparatus 43 Launch ball guide passage 80 Stage part 81 Rolling surface 100 2nd variation prize apparatus 101 Receiving port 102 Opening / closing unit 103 Special winning port 104 General winning port 120 Cover member 151 Upper passage 151a Notch 152 First passage 153 Second passage 156 Wall portion 170 Distribution portion 200 Warp passage 202 Inlet 203 Discharge port 230 Inclined passage 240 Falling passage 241 Bottom 305 Protrusion 320 Cover member 321 Standing wall portion 322 Folding wall portion 323 Protruding portion 330 Windmill 332 Rotating body 333 Supporting portion 335 Wall portion 336 Notch 337 Claw portion 340 Guide portion 341 Rolling surface 342 Groove 343 Projection surface 343 400 Disc 410 Notch 411 Notch bottom 412 Engagement receiving part 413 Guidance convex part 414 Front valve body part 415 Rear valve body part 420 Threaded member 440 Ball stop unit 450 Supply passage 452 Discharge part 452b Inner wall part 452c Notch groove 453 Supply part 453a Inner wall part 453b Notch 453c Cutting blade 460 Ball launcher 461 Front cover 463 Guide passage 471 Heating plate 471a Notch

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine comprising: a variable display device capable of displaying a predetermined effect display; and a stage unit on which a game ball can roll in front of the variable display device,
Arranged in front of the variable display device and to the side of the stage unit, the received game balls are distributed to the first winning port or the second winning port, and the predetermined game balls are assigned according to the winning port in which the distributed game balls have won. Equipped with a variable prize device that can generate a gaming state,
The variable winning device is:
An entrance for accepting a game ball in the variable winning device;
An opening / closing part that converts the state of the receiving port into an open state in which a game ball can be received and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be received;
An upper passage disposed below the receiving port and allowing a game ball received from the receiving port to flow down;
A first passage branched from a downstream end of the upper passage so as to guide the game ball from the upper passage to the first winning opening;
A second passage that is arranged in parallel to the rear of the first passage and branches from the downstream end of the upper passage so as to guide the game ball from the upper passage to the second winning opening;
A distribution unit capable of converting the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the upper passage to the second passage side when the distribution condition is satisfied ,
The upper passage includes a notch portion on the first passage side of the game ball rolling surface and closer to the front side than directly below the receiving port,
The allocating portion is disposed so as to be able to appear and retract in the upper passage through the notch portion, and protrudes from the game ball rolling surface when the allocating condition is satisfied,
The distribution portion projecting from the notch contacts the front side of the center of the game ball received from the receiving port, thereby restricting the flow of the game ball to the first passage from the upper passage. gaming machine characterized by Rukoto the game ball passed down into said second passage.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the distribution condition is not satisfied, the distribution unit sets a flow direction of a game ball flowing down the upper passage to the first passage side.   2. The distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein a tip end portion of the distribution unit that is in contact with the game ball received from the receiving port is inclined downward in the front-rear direction from the first passage side toward the second passage side. The gaming machine according to claim 2.   The allocating unit causes the game ball from the upper passage to flow down to the first passage without protruding from the game ball rolling surface when the allocating condition is not satisfied. The gaming machine according to claim 3.

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