JP5669382B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game is played by a game ball flowing down a game area provided on a game board.

  A pachinko machine, which is a typical gaming machine, has a frame-shaped decorative member (a so-called center accessory) disposed at a substantially central position of a gaming area defined on the surface of the gaming board. A symbol display device such as a liquid crystal type or a drum type that displays a plurality of symbols by variably displaying them via the rear faced from behind, and a pachinko ball (game ball) below the decorative member on the game board Many proposals have been proposed in which a start winning device that starts fluctuations in the symbol display device by winning a prize and a special winning device that opens at a big hit or the like are arranged. In such a pachinko machine, the pachinko ball launched into the game area gradually flows down due to its own weight while bouncing off by contact with a game nail or the like implanted in the game area, and starts in the process of flowing down the game area. By winning the winning device, various game effects such as a reach effect accompanying the symbol variation game are made on the symbol display device, and when the symbols stop on the symbol display device in a predetermined combination, a so-called big hit occurs. A special winning device provided on the game board is configured to be opened to obtain a large number of prize balls. On the other hand, pachinko balls that have flowed down to the bottom of the game area without winning the various prize-winning devices such as the start prize device provided on the game board in the process of flowing down the game area are out provided at the bottom of the game area. It is collected in the ball collecting part on the back side of the pachinko machine through the mouth (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  By the way, as described above, the pachinko ball once launched into the game area is basically bounced down, although it rebounds due to contact with a game nail or the like implanted in the game area. Yes, the pachinko balls flow down to the lowest part of the game area in a relatively short time, and the game is not interesting. Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, a stage on which the pachinko ball can roll is provided on the decorative member that the symbol display device faces to increase the time during which the pachinko ball stays in the game area, thereby attracting the player's interest. ing. Further, in Patent Document 1, a pachinko ball that rolls on the stage is provided with a rendering device provided with a rotating body (movable body) that rolls behind the stage and a magnet attached to the peripheral surface of the rotating body. Is magnetically attached to the magnet of the rotating body of the effect device and lifted upward, thereby extending the time during which the pachinko ball stays in the game area and complicating the flow-down mode of the pachinko ball. Note that, as in Patent Document 1, an effect device that moves a pachinko ball by the operation of a movable body is referred to as a ball moving device.

JP 2004-97800 A

  However, as in Patent Document 1, in a ball moving device that moves a pachinko ball that rolls on a stage by magnetizing a magnet provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body, whether or not the pachinko ball is moved, It depends on the pachinko ball that rolls on the stage and the timing of the rotating body that rotates. For this reason, although the time for which the pachinko ball stays in the game area can be lengthened, the timing for moving the pachinko ball cannot be controlled. That is, it is difficult to intentionally execute the effect of moving the pachinko ball by the effect device, and there is a limit to the effect using the pachinko ball. In addition, since it is necessary to magnetically attach the pachinko ball to the rotating body, it is necessary to arrange the ball moving device at a position where the pachinko ball launched into the game area can pass, and the installation position of the ball moving device is restricted. There are disadvantages.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed to solve this problem in view of the above-mentioned problems inherent in the gaming machine according to the prior art, and it is possible to perform a ball movement capable of producing an effect using a game ball at an arbitrary timing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine provided with a device.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application is
In a gaming machine in which a ball moving device (50) for performing an effect by moving a sphere is arranged on a gaming board (20) in which a gaming area where a gaming ball can flow down is defined,
The ball moving device (50)
A device body (51) attached to the game board (20) and encapsulating a ball (S) enclosed in an internally defined enclosure space (53);
A ball circulation mechanism (60) for circulating the enclosed sphere (S) enclosed in the enclosed space (53) of the apparatus body (51) in the enclosed space (53);
Drive means (55) for driving the ball circulation mechanism (60);
A visual recognition part (85) provided in the apparatus main body (51) and capable of visually recognizing the enclosed sphere (S) circulated by the sphere circulation mechanism (60);
The front surface of the device body (51) has a through hole (53) that communicates the enclosed space (53) with the outside of the device at a position facing the moving path of the enclosed sphere (S) circulated by the sphere circulation mechanism (60). 85a) is formed, the hole (85a) is configured so as to face the game area of the game board (20) Rutotomoni,
The gist is that a protective member (30) covering the front surface of the device body (51) is detachably disposed on the game board (20) from the front side of the game board (20) .

As described above, the enclosing ball is enclosed in the enclosing space defined in the apparatus main body, and the enclosing ball is circulated in the enclosing space of the apparatus main body. There is no need to use a game ball launched into the game area. That is, the movement of the enclosed sphere can be arbitrarily controlled by driving and stopping the sphere circulation mechanism. This makes it possible to produce an effect using an enclosed ball at an arbitrary timing, diversify the game production by the ball moving device, and enhance the interest of the game. Further, the arrangement position of the ball moving device is not restricted by the relationship with the game ball flowing down the game area. Furthermore, a through hole that communicates the enclosed space defined in the device body of the ball moving device to the outside of the device is formed at a position facing the moving path of the enclosed ball that is circulated by the ball circulating mechanism. When the enclosed sphere is clogged in the enclosed space during circulation of the enclosed sphere, the clogged ball can be easily eliminated by directly inserting the instrument into the through hole.
In addition, by forming a through hole on the front surface of the device main body so as to face the game area of the game board, the game board can be removed without removing the ball moving device when a ball of the enclosed ball occurs in the enclosed space. It is possible to eliminate clogging by inserting an instrument into the through hole of the apparatus main body from the front side of the device, and the work efficiency of eliminating clogging is high.
In addition, a protective member that covers the front surface of the device main body is disposed on the game board to prevent dust and dirt from entering the device main body through the through hole of the device main body, which may cause clogging of the ball. it can.

In the gaming machine according to claim 2 , the device main body (51) includes a ball storage portion (53b) capable of storing the encapsulated ball (S), and the encapsulated ball (53b) stored in the ball storage portion (53b). The gist of the invention is that it includes a ball feeding device (115) that sends a predetermined number of S) toward the ball circulation mechanism (60).

  As described above, since the encapsulated sphere stored in the sphere storage unit can be sent to the sphere circulation mechanism by a predetermined number according to the operation of the sphere feeding device, the encapsulated sphere can be moved at an appropriate timing. It is possible to diversify the production mode by moving the sphere.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to produce an effect by moving the enclosed ball provided in the enclosed space of the ball moving device at an arbitrary timing. Moreover, the ball clogging generated in the enclosed space can be easily eliminated.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game board of the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. It is a front view which shows the back unit provided in the game board which concerns on an Example. It is a side view of the back unit concerning an example. It is a perspective view which shows the decorative cover member which concerns on an Example. It is a front view which shows the decorative cover member which concerns on an Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the game board which concerns on an Example, a decorative cover member, and a ball | bowl movement effect device, Comprising: Each of a game board and a decorative cover member shows the state fractured | ruptured by the AA line in FIG. It is a front view which shows the state which removed the decoration cover member from the game board which concerns on an Example. It is a front view which shows the ball | bowl movement production apparatus which concerns on an Example. It is a front view which shows the ball | bowl movement production apparatus which concerns on an Example, Comprising: It shows in the state which removed the front cover member. It is a perspective view which shows the ball movement production apparatus based on an Example. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the ball movement production | presentation apparatus which concerns on an Example in the state seen from the front side. It is a disassembled perspective view shown in the state which looked at the ball movement production device concerning an example from the back side. It is the schematic which shows the ball | bowl conveyance part of the ball | bowl movement production apparatus which concerns on an Example in the state fractured | ruptured by the BB line in FIG. It is a rear view which shows the ball movement production | presentation apparatus which concerns on an Example, Comprising: The switching member of a ball feeder shows the state which exists in a 1st attitude | position. It is a rear view which shows the ball movement production | presentation apparatus based on an Example, Comprising: The state which displaced the switching member of the ball feeder to the 2nd attitude | position is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between the control means which concerns on an Example, and each member. It is a flowchart figure which shows the control aspect of the drive motor of the ball movement production | presentation apparatus based on an Example. It is a side view which shows a part of ball movement direction device concerning an example in the state where it cut longitudinally in the formation position of the 2nd communicating path, and shows the state where this ball movement direction device was held at the attachment posture. It is a side view shown in the state where a part of ball movement direction device concerning an example was cut longitudinally in the formation position of the 2nd communicating path, and shows the state where this ball movement direction device was tilted to the front side. It is a side view shown in the state where a part of ball movement direction device concerning an example was cut longitudinally in the formation position of the 2nd communicating path, and shows the state where this ball movement direction device was tilted to the back side.

  Next, the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of preferred embodiments. In the embodiment, a pachinko machine 10 that plays a game using a pachinko ball as a game ball will be described as an example. In the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” refer to the pachinko machine 10 viewed from the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. Named by state.

(About pachinko machines)
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment is formed in a rectangular frame shape, and is opened on the front side of the outer frame 11 that is installed in a vertically installed posture that opens forward and backward on an installation frame base (not shown) of the amusement shop. Further, the middle frame 12 holding the game board 20 so as to be detachable is assembled so as to be openable and detachable, and on the back side of the game board 20, a symbol display device 17 capable of variably displaying various symbols is detachably disposed. ing. In addition, a front frame 13 having a glass plate that protects the game board 20 from seeing through is assembled to the front side of the middle frame 12 so as to be openable and closable, and a lower ball that stores pachinko balls below the front frame 13 The tray 15 is assembled so that it can be opened and closed. In the embodiment, an upper ball tray 14 for storing pachinko balls is integrally assembled at a lower position of the front frame 13, and the upper ball tray 14 is also opened and closed integrally with the opening and closing of the front frame 13. Configured to do. An operation handle 16 for operating a ball hitting device (not shown) disposed on the middle frame 12 is provided at a lower right position of the middle frame 12. By operating the launching device, the pachinko balls stored in the upper ball tray 14 are launched toward the game board 20. In the embodiment, as the symbol display device 17, a liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying various symbols is housed in a housing case is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this. Various conventionally known symbol display devices 17 capable of stopping and variably displaying various symbols such as the device 17 and the dot matrix type symbol display device 17 can be adopted. Further, the upper ball tray 14 may be formed separately from the front frame 13 and assembled to the middle frame 12 so as to be opened and closed.

(About game board)
As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 20 is a plate member in which cells are attached to the surface of a plywood formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a predetermined plate thickness, and the game board 20 has a substantially circular shape on the surface of the game board 20. A curved rail 21 is provided, and a game area 20a in which a pachinko ball can flow down is defined by the rail 21, and a pachinko ball launched from the hitting ball launcher is launched into the game area 20a. ing. In addition, a plurality of mounting holes 22 penetrating forward and backward are opened in the gaming area 20a in the gaming board 20 (see FIG. 8), and various components are attached to the mounting holes 22 from the front side, and the gaming area 20a. In the lowermost position, an out-out port 23 for discharging the pachinko balls launched into the game area 20a is opened. The game board 20 has a large number of game nails (not shown) planted in the game area 20a, and the pachinko balls flowing down the game area 20a come into contact with the game nails so that the pachinko balls The flow direction is changed irregularly. A back unit 40 (described later) to which the symbol display device 17 is attached is provided on the back surface of the game board 20. Note that the number of the mounting openings 22 is appropriately determined depending on the number of various parts attached to the game board 20, the arrangement position, and the like.

  Here, the gaming board 20 has a frame shape in which a window 24a opened in the front-rear direction is formed in a mounting opening (not shown) in which most of the game area 20a surrounded by the rail 21 is opened at the substantial center. A decorative body 24 (see FIG. 2) is attached, and the display surface of the symbol display device 17 faces the front side of the game board 20 through the window 24a of the frame-shaped decorative body 24. Further, a start winning device 25 and a special winning device 26 that can win a pachinko ball flowing down the game area 20a are attached to the mounting opening 22 opened below the frame-shaped decorative body 24. Then, when a pachinko ball wins the winning opening 25a of the start winning device 25, the symbol display effect is changed on the symbol display device 17, and the symbol change effect is displayed on the symbol display device 17 as a result of the symbol change effect. When the symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined symbol combination (for example, a set of three identical symbols), the special prize-winning device 26 is opened to generate a so-called jackpot, giving an opportunity to obtain a large number of prize balls. It is like that.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, a ball movement effect device (ball movement device) disposed in the back unit 40 is installed in the mounting opening 22 formed in the lower right portion of the game area 20a in the game board 20. ) 50 is inserted from the rear, and the mounting opening 22 is closed by the decorative cover member 30. In the following description, the mounting port 22 refers to the mounting port 22 formed in the lower right portion of the game area 20a in the game board 20.

(About decorative cover members)
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the decorative cover member 30 is fixed to the board surface of the game board 20 and covers the mounting opening 22. And a transparent plate 32 formed of a transparent synthetic resin material covering the transparent window portion 31a. Here, the see-through window portion 31 a is formed on the base plate 31 so as to be positioned on the front side of the mounting opening 22, and the ball movement effect device 50 facing the mounting opening 22 is disposed via the transparent plate 32. The game board 20 can be viewed from the front side.

  Further, a ball receiving portion 33 that opens upward and rearward is formed on the lower portion of the upper edge of the decorative cover member 30 so as to protrude forward of the base plate 31 and communicates with the rear of the ball receiving portion 33. The ball guiding portion 34 extends rearward from the base plate 31, and the ball guiding portion 34 is inserted into the mounting opening 22 with the decorative cover member 30 attached to the game board 20. That is, the upper opening of the ball receiving portion 33 functions as a normal winning port 27 through which a pachinko ball flowing down the game area 20 a can win, and the winning ball that has won the normal winning port 27 is inserted into the mounting port 22. It is guided to the back side of the game board 20 via the ball guide portion 34 thus made. In addition, on the lower edge portion and the upper right end portion of the see-through window portion 31a in the base plate 31, base-like portions 35, 35 projecting forward are formed, and a pachinko ball flowing down the game area 20a is connected to the out mouth. 23 to be directed to.

(About the back unit)
As shown in FIG. 3, the back unit 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape opening forward, and the front end portion is fixed to the back side of the game board 20. The symbol display device 17 is detachably attached to the back side of the back plate 41 facing the game board 20 in the back unit 40, and the position corresponding to the display surface of the symbol display device 17 on the back plate 41. In addition, an opening 41a that opens forward and backward is established, and the display surface of the symbol display device 17 is located on the front side of the game board 20 through the opening 41a of the back unit 40 and the window 24a of the frame-shaped decorative body 24. It comes to face. Various rendering devices 42 and 50 are disposed inside the back unit 40. That is, the back unit 40 functions as an installation member for the symbol display device 17 and the effect devices 42 and 50 related to the game effect of the pachinko machine 10. Here, the rear unit 40 of the embodiment is provided with a movable effect device 42 that performs an effect by operating a movable body on the left and right side portions of the opening 41a, and at a position corresponding to the mounting opening 22. In addition, a ball movement effect device 50 that moves the encapsulated ball S enclosed in the device to produce an effect is disposed.

(About ball movement effect device)
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 16, the ball movement effect device 50 disposed in the back unit 40 includes an apparatus main body 51 in which an enclosed space 53 for enclosing the enclosed sphere S is movably formed, A ball moving member (ball circulation mechanism) 60 that is disposed in the apparatus main body 51 and circulates and moves the enclosed ball S in the enclosed space 53, a drive motor (driving means) 55 that drives the ball moving member 60, and an enclosure A ball feeding device 115 for sending a predetermined number (one in the embodiment) of encapsulated spheres S to the sphere moving member 60 in the space 53 and circulatingly moving the encapsulated spheres S in the enclosed space 53. The system is configured to perform an effect by moving the sphere. Here, the enclosed space 53 defined in the apparatus main body 51 does not need to be a completely closed space, and is configured to communicate with the outside of the apparatus through an opening having a size through which the enclosed sphere S cannot pass. Any configuration may be used as long as the encapsulated sphere S can be constantly held in the encapsulated space 53. The encapsulated sphere S of the embodiment is a metal sphere colored on the surface of the pachinko sphere launched into the game board 20, but the size and material of the encapsulated sphere S are matters that can be appropriately determined.

(About the ball moving member)
As shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, the ball moving member 60 is provided with a shaft-like portion 62 for moving the encapsulated ball S on the outer peripheral surface of a shaft (rod-like member) 61 having a predetermined length. It is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 51 through bearings 64 and 65 attached to the unit. Here, the ball moving member 60 of the embodiment is supported by the apparatus main body 51 in an inclined posture inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane (see FIG. 10). A gear portion 64 a is formed in a bearing portion 64 attached to the upper end portion of the shaft 61 in the ball moving member 60, and the drive gear 56 attached to the drive shaft 55 a of the drive motor 55 is geared. By engaging with the portion 64 a, the ball moving member 60 is rotated about the shaft 61 around the shaft 61 by driving of the drive motor 55.

  As shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, the shaft portion 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape through which the shaft 61 can be inserted, and protrudes spirally on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 62. The piece 62a is formed so as to protrude. That is, on the outer peripheral surface of the ball moving member 60, a groove portion 63 (hereinafter referred to as a spiral groove portion) extending spirally between the protruding pieces 62a is formed. Here, the spiral groove portion 63 is configured so that the encapsulated sphere S comes into contact with the spiral groove portion 63 in a slidable state along the spiral groove portion 63, and the encapsulated sphere S rotates with the rotation of the sphere moving member 60. It is designed to move in the direction. The shaft-like portion 62 is composed of two half-cylindrical halves 62b and 62b, and both halves 62b and 62b are fixed to the shaft 61 to rotate integrally with the shaft 61. The protruding pieces 62a formed on the half bodies 62b and 62b are formed so as to form one spiral as a whole.

(About the main unit)
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the apparatus main body 51 includes a base member 70 attached to the back unit 40, a front cover member 80 attached to the front side of the base member 70, and a rear side of the base member 70. The enclosed cover 53 is defined between the base member 70 and the front and rear cover members 80, 100. Here, the enclosing space 53 includes a ball conveying portion 53a in which the enclosing ball S is lifted and moved by the ball moving member 60, and a plurality (7 in the embodiment) of enclosing the spherical conveying portion 53a. The sphere storage unit 53b that can store the sphere S is basically used, and the encapsulated sphere S sent from the sphere storage unit 53b to the sphere transport unit 53a by the sphere feeding device 115 is lifted and moved by the sphere moving member 60. It is comprised so that it may circulate to the bulb | ball storage part 53b. Further, each of the base member 70, the front cover member 80, and the rear cover member 100 constituting the apparatus main body 51 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the enclosed space 53 (the ball transporting portion 53a, the ball storage portion) is formed. The inside of the portion 53b, first and second communication passages 90 and 91, and a communication passage 104), which will be described later, can be viewed from the outside of the apparatus.

(About the configuration of the ball transport unit)
The ball conveying portion 53a will be described based on the configurations of the base member 70 and the front cover member 80. The base member 70 is formed with a wall portion projecting forward on the front surface of the flat plate portion 71 fixed to the back unit 40, and the rear box defining the rear side of the ball transport portion 53a by the wall portion. A shaped portion 72 is formed. Here, the rear-side box-shaped portion 72 has a substantially rectangular box shape opening forward, and is formed so as to be inclined upward toward the right, and the ball moving member 60 is inclined upward toward the right. It is accommodated in the ball transport section 53a in a posture. The base member 70 is formed with a winning path 76 that opens forward from a position above the lower end of the rear box 72 to a position of the left end of the base member 70. The winning path 76 is configured to communicate with an ordinary winning opening 27 provided in the decorative cover member 30, and a pachinko ball (hereinafter referred to as a winning ball) that has won the ordinary winning opening 27 is passed through the winning path 76. A discharge guide is provided to a ball collecting section (not shown) on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. A path of the winning path 76 is provided with a first ball detection sensor 78 capable of detecting a winning ball, and the upper and lower ball trays 14 are detected by the detection of the winning ball by the first ball detection sensor 78. , 15, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls are paid out.

  On the other hand, the front cover member 80 includes a flat plate portion 81 attached to the base member 70 and a front box-shaped portion 82 protruding forward from the flat plate portion 81. The front box-like portion 82 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape that opens rearward in a shape that matches the opening shape of the rear box-like portion 72, and by assembling the base member 70 and the front cover member 80, The rear box-like portion 72 and the front-side box-like portion 82 define the ball transport portion 53a. The front opening of the winning path 76 formed in the base member 70 is closed by the flat plate portion 81 of the front cover member 80, and corresponds to the ball guiding portion 34 of the decorative cover member 30 in the flat plate portion 81. The rear end portion of the ball guiding portion 34 communicates with the winning path 76 through the through hole 81a opened at the position.

  Further, in the state where the ball movement effect device 50 is disposed in the back unit 40, the front box-like portion 82 projects forward from the front front end of the back unit 40 (see FIG. 4), and the gaming board 20 The front box-like portion 82 is inserted into the mounting opening 22 formed in the above. The front box-like portion 82 is covered with the transparent plate 32 of the decorative cover member 30 that closes the mounting opening 22. That is, in the ball movement effect device 50, the front wall 85 of the front box-shaped portion 82 that defines the front surface of the ball transport portion 53a functions as a visual recognition portion, and the ball moving member 60 is interposed via the front wall 85. The enclosing ball S circulated by the above can be visually recognized from the front surface of the game board 20.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 13, a rear first support image wall 73 that defines a right upper surface of the rear box-shaped portion 72, and a lower left surface of the rear box-shaped portion 72. Semi-arc-shaped shaft support portions 73a and 74a are formed on the rear second support image wall 74 that defines the front side first support image wall 83 that defines the right upper surface of the front box-shaped portion 82. In addition, semicircular arc-shaped shaft support portions 83a and 84a are formed on the front second support image wall 84 that defines the left lower surface of the front box-shaped portion 82, and the front and rear first and second support image walls are formed. Bearing portions 64 and 65 provided at both ends of the ball moving member 60 are supported correspondingly in holes formed by the shaft support portions 73a, 83a, 74a and 84a of 73, 74, 83 and 84, respectively. . As a result, the ball moving member 60 is accommodated in the ball transport unit 53a in a posture in which the shaft 61 (center axis) is inclined upward toward the right (an inclination inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane).

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the front cover member 80, an inclined support wall (support portion) 86 that defines the right lower surface of the front box-shaped portion 82 (ball transport portion 53 a) is provided below the ball moving member 60. A first inclined portion 86a positioned parallel to the axial direction of the ball moving member 60, a front end portion of the first inclined portion 86a and the front surface of the front box-shaped portion 82 (box-shaped portion). Are connected to the front wall 85 that defines the second front wall 85, and a second inclined portion 86b that inclines upward toward the front wall 85. The second inclined portion 86 b is positioned below the ball moving member 60 and extends parallel to the axial direction of the ball moving member 60. Here, the vertical distance from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-shaped portion 62 to the front wall 85 in the sphere moving member 60 is set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the encapsulated sphere S, and the first distance from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-shaped portion 62. The vertical distance to the inclined portion 86a is set to be smaller than the diameter of the encapsulated sphere S, and the encapsulated sphere S that has arrived on the second inclined portion 86b can move to the sphere moving member 60 side by its own weight. Yes. That is, the encapsulated sphere S that has arrived at the sphere transport unit 53a not only rolls downward in the axial direction of the sphere moving member 60 along the inclination of the second inclined portion 86b, but also in a direction close to the sphere moving member 60. It moves so as to roll, and is held slidably in the spiral groove 63 of the ball moving member 60. Therefore, when the ball moving member 60 is rotated, the enclosing ball S is moved in the axial direction of the ball moving member 60 while being placed on the second inclined portion 86b.

  Note that the vertical distance from the shaft-like portion 62 of the ball moving member 60 to the flat plate portion 71 of the base member 70 (the back surface of the ball conveying portion 53a) is set smaller than the diameter of the encapsulated sphere S, and the ball conveying portion 53a. The enclosing sphere S that has arrived at the position of the ball moving member 60 is configured not to move to the back side of the ball moving member 60. The vertical distance to the wall portion 88 that defines the upper surface is set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the encapsulated sphere S to prevent the occurrence of clogging in the sphere conveying portion 53a.

  9, 11, 12, and 14, the front wall 85 of the front box-shaped portion 82 of the front cover member 80 includes a front wall 85 and an inclined support wall 86 (second inclined wall). A spherical break-out hole 85a extending along a continuous edge with the portion 86b) is formed so as to penetrate in the front-rear direction. That is, the ball transport unit 53a is opened forward via the ball breaker hole 85a, and the clogged ball generated in the ball transport unit 53a is moved into the ball transport unit 53a via the ball breaker hole 85a. It can be solved by inserting (not shown). Here, the front wall 85 of the front box-like portion 82 is covered with the transparent plate 32 of the decorative cover member 30 disposed on the game board 20, so that the decorative cover member 30 is attached to the game board 20. In this state, dust, dust, and the like are prevented from entering the sphere conveying portion 53a through the sphere breaking hole 85a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, the bearing portion 64 in which the gear portion 64a is formed is supported by the shaft support portions 73a and 83a of the front and rear first support image walls 73 and 83, and The gear portion 64a is configured to be positioned outside the front and rear first support image walls 73 and 83. A motor installation portion 75 for installing the drive motor 55 is formed on the outer surface (upper surface) side of the rear first support image wall 73, and a drive gear 56 and a gear attached to a drive shaft 55 a of the drive motor 55 are formed. The portion 64a meshes with the outside of the ball transport portion 53a. Thus, the ball moving member 60 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions according to the drive direction of the drive motor 55. That is, the enclosing sphere S fitted in the spiral groove 63 of the ball moving member 60 is moved up or down along the axial direction of the ball moving member 60 according to the driving direction of the drive motor 55. In the following description, the upward movement of the enclosing sphere S along the axial direction of the ball moving member 60 is referred to as forward movement, and the corresponding rotation direction of the drive motor 55 is referred to as forward rotation. In some cases, the downward movement of the enclosing ball S along the axial direction is referred to as negative movement, and the corresponding rotation direction of the drive motor 55 is referred to as reverse rotation.

  As shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, a disk-shaped position detection plate 57 having a detection portion 57a formed by cutting out an outer peripheral edge portion is fixed to the drive gear 56, and the device main body 51 (rear side) The position detection sensor 58 (see FIGS. 19 to 21) capable of detecting the detection unit 57a is disposed on the rear end portion of the first side support image wall 73, and the position detection sensor 58 detects the position detection sensor 58. By detecting the portion 57a, the reference position of the ball moving member 60 is detected. Here, the detection unit 57a is formed at two positions 180 ° apart in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral edge of the disc-shaped position detection plate 57, and the position detection sensor 58 detects one detection unit 57a. Then, when the other detection unit 57a is detected, the ball moving member 60 is set to rotate once. In other words, the ball moving member 60 is at the same reference position regardless of which detection unit 57 a is detected by the position detection sensor 58.

  Here, the drive motor 55 is configured to be driven and controlled based on the control of the control means 140 that controls the symbol display device 17 in accordance with the detection state of the detection unit 57a by the position detection sensor 58. The ball movement effect device 50 is configured to perform the movement effect of the encapsulated sphere S in accordance with the effect performed by the symbol display device 17. In addition, the structure which directly controls the said ball movement production | presentation apparatus 50 by the control means 140 which controls the said symbol display apparatus may be sufficient, and the ball movement to another control means 140 controlled by the control means which controls a symbol display apparatus The structure which connects the production | presentation apparatus 50 and controls the ball movement production | presentation apparatus 50 indirectly may be sufficient.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a first communication passage 90 penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the base member 70 at a position above the inclined lower end portion of the ball transport portion 53 a (ball moving member 60). ing. The first communication path 90 is configured to communicate with the sphere transport part 53 a and the sphere storage part 53 b, and the encapsulated sphere S stored in the sphere storage part 53 b is connected to the sphere transport part via the first communication path 90. Configured to move to 53a. That is, the front opening of the first communication path 90 serves as a ball entrance 90a through which the encapsulated sphere S enters the sphere transport portion 53a. Here, the front end portion of the first communication passage 90 is formed to extend to the front side of the axis of the ball moving member 60 accommodated in the ball transport portion 53a. Thereby, the encapsulated sphere S that has passed through the first communication passage 90 naturally moves to the front side of the sphere moving member 60, and moves onto the second inclined portion 86b that defines the sphere conveying portion 53a. It is slidably held in the spiral groove 63.

  In addition, the flat plate portion 71 that defines the rear surface of the ball transport portion 53a in the base member 70 is positioned below the upper end of the ball moving member 60 accommodated in the ball transport portion 53a. A ball outlet 71b that opens in 53a is opened, and a second communication passage 91 that communicates with the ball outlet 71b is formed to extend vertically. The second communication path 91 is configured to communicate with the sphere transport unit 53a and the sphere storage unit 53b, and the enclosed sphere S that has been moved upward along with the rotation of the sphere moving member 60 in the sphere transport unit 53a. It is made to circulate to the ball | bowl storage part 53b. In addition, a holder 93 is formed in the base member 70 at a position below the ball outlet 71 b, and a second sphere detection sensor 94 that detects the enclosed sphere S passing through the second communication passage 91 is provided in the holder 93. It is attached. The second sphere detection sensor 94 is connected to the control means 140, and the display on the symbol display device 17 is changed in accordance with the detection by the second sphere detection sensor 94. Yes.

  The front cover member 80 (front-side box-shaped portion 82) is formed with a ball guide portion 87 that is inclined downward toward the ball outlet 71b at a position corresponding to the ball outlet 71b of the base member 70. ing. The ball guide portion 87 is connected to the upper end portion of the inclined support wall 86, and the enclosed sphere S moved on the inclined support wall 86 (second inclined portion 86 b) as the ball moving member 60 rotates. Is configured to move to the ball guide portion 87. In other words, the encapsulated sphere S that has been moved upward in the sphere conveying portion 53a by the sphere moving member 60 moves from the ball outlet 71b to the second communication passage 91 via the sphere guide portion 87, and the second sphere. After being detected by the detection sensor 94, it moves to the ball reservoir 53b.

(About the configuration of the sphere reservoir)
Next, the ball storage portion 53b will be described based on the configurations of the base member 70 and the rear cover member 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the rear cover member 100 is formed with an image wall portion 102 protruding forward on the front surface of a flat plate portion 101 fixed to the back side of the base member 70, and the image wall portion 102. The communication passage communicating with the rear opening of the first communication passage 90 and the lower opening of the second communication passage 91 formed in the base member 70 by bringing the front end portion of the base member 70 into contact with the flat plate portion 71 of the base member 70. 104 is defined. The communication passage 104 communicates with the lower opening of the second communication passage 91 and extends downward, and from the lower end of the first passage 104a to the rear opening of the first communication passage 90. The enclosing sphere S that has flowed into the communication passage 104 naturally moves toward the first communication passage 90 (the ball transport portion 53a). It is configured as follows. The communication passage 104 (the first passage 104a and the second passage 104b) is formed in a shape in which the enclosing balls S can move in a row.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the upper opening of the communication passage 104 is configured to have a front and rear opening width larger than the lower opening of the second communication passage 91, and the communication passage 104. The lower wall portion 93a of the holder 93 faces the rear side of the upper opening of the (first passage 104a). That is, a path (a connection portion between the second communication path 91 and the communication path 104) from the ball transport unit 53a to the ball storage unit 53b is formed in a bent shape that bends in the front-rear direction. As a result, when the ball movement effect device 50 is tilted rearward from the mounting posture, the enclosed ball S that has flowed back along the rear surface of the communication passage 104 comes into contact with the lower wall portion 93 a of the holder 93. ing.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 13, 15, and 16, the ball movement effect device 50 according to the embodiment restricts the passage of the enclosed sphere S that passes through the communication passage 104 and includes a predetermined number of enclosed spheres S. The ball feeding device 115 for feeding toward the ball moving member 60 in units of one ball in the embodiment is provided. That is, in the communication passage 104, the ball feeder 115 (specifically, a first ball regulating unit 119 described later) regulates the passage of the enclosed sphere S, whereby the enclosed ball S is regulated by the ball feeder 115. A region upstream of the position functions as the sphere storage portion 53b that stores the encapsulated sphere S. That is, the downstream end of the sphere storage unit 53b communicates with the upstream end side (the lower end side of the ball moving member 60) of the ball transfer unit 53a, and the downstream end side (the upper end of the ball moving member 60). The upstream end of the sphere storage part 53b communicates with the part side. Therefore, in the ball movement effect device 50 of the embodiment, the encapsulated sphere S stored in the communication passage 104 (the sphere storage portion 53b) is transported through the first communication passage 90 by the driving of the ball feeder 115. The encapsulated sphere S that is sent to the upstream end of the portion 53a and lifted and moved to the downstream end of the ball transport portion 53a by the rotation of the ball moving member 60 provided in the ball transport portion 53a is passed through the second communication path 91. It is circulated to the upstream end of the communication passage 104 (the first passage 104a and the second passage 104b).

(About ball feeder)
The ball feeder 115 is attached to an electromagnetic solenoid 116 as a driving means driven based on the control of the control means 140, and a plunger 116a of the electromagnetic solenoid 116, and a plunger according to switching of energization to the electromagnetic solenoid 116. An operation member 117 that moves forward and backward integrally with 116 a and is connected to the operation member 117, and is switched between a first posture (see FIG. 15) and a second posture (see FIG. 16) in accordance with the operation of the operation member 117. The switching member 118 is displaced, and when the switching member 118 is switched between the first posture and the second posture, the enclosed sphere S in the ball storage portion 53b is one ball at a time in the first communication path 90 (ball It is sent out toward the moving member 60). Here, the electromagnetic solenoid 116 is attached to a solenoid installation portion 106 formed above the ball storage portion 53b in the rear cover member 100 so that the plunger 116a moves forward and backward in the left-right direction. When the energization to 116 is stopped, the plunger 116a and the actuating member 117 project sideward (projecting from the solenoid body 116b toward the first communication path 90) by the energizing force of the energizing spring 116c, and the electromagnetic solenoid 116 is energized. As a result, the plunger 116a is drawn into the solenoid body 116b and the actuating member 117 is linearly moved.

  As shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 15 or FIG. 16, the switching member 118 is formed so as to have a substantially disk shape, and has a rotating shaft in a shaft hole 118b formed so as to penetrate back and forth at the center position. 121 is inserted. The rotating shaft 121 is supported by a shaft hole 107 formed in the rear cover member 100, and a switching member 118 can be rotated about the rotating shaft 121. Here, the switching member 118 is provided so as to be positioned above the ball reservoir 53b (second passage 104b) and defines an upper surface of the ball reservoir 53b (second passage 104b). A part of the switching member 118 is configured to face the ball storage part 53b (second passage 104b) through a notch part 108 formed in the wall part 102. The rear cover member 100 is formed with a surrounding wall 109 that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the switching member 118.

  Further, the switching member 118 is provided with an operating shaft 118a that protrudes rearward at a position eccentric from the rotating shaft 121, and the operating shaft 118a is connected to the switching member 118 through a guide hole 110 formed in the rear cover member 100. The rear cover member 100 protrudes rearward. The operating shaft 118a of the switching member 118 is configured to engage with an engaging groove 117a formed in the operating member 117, and the operating member 117 is moved in response to switching of energization to the electromagnetic solenoid 116. Thus, the switching member 118 swings between the first posture and the second posture around the rotation shaft 121. Here, the first posture is the position of the switching member 118 in a state where the energization to the electromagnetic solenoid 116 is stopped, and the second posture is the position of the switching member 118 in the state where the electromagnetic solenoid 116 is energized. Position.

  As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 15, and 16, the outer peripheral edge portion of the switching member 118 is notched at a portion facing the notch portion 108, and the switching member 118 is swung. A first sphere restricting portion 119 and a second sphere restricting portion 120 that appear and disappear in the communication passage 104 (sphere storing portion 53b) are provided. Here, the first ball restricting portion 119 is a claw-like portion formed at a position of the switching member 118 on the first communication path 90 side, and the second ball restricting portion 120 of the embodiment is the switching member. Reference numeral 118 denotes an outer peripheral end face on the second communication path 91 side (upstream side) facing the notch portion 108. In the state where the switching member 118 is in the first posture, the first ball restricting portion 119 is held at the restricting position protruding into the communication passage 104 (the ball storing portion 53b) and comes into contact with the enclosing ball S, While restricting the passage of the encapsulated sphere S in the communication passage 104 (sphere storage portion 53b), the second sphere restriction portion 120 is held at a retracted position where it is retracted from the communication passage 104 (sphere storage portion 53b) (FIG. 15). In the state where the switching member 118 is in the second posture, the first ball restricting portion 119 is held at the retreat position where the first ball restricting portion 119 is retracted from the communication passage 104 (the ball storing portion 53b), while the second ball restricting portion. 120 is held at a restricting position protruding into the communication passage 104 (sphere storage portion 53b) and comes into contact with the encapsulated sphere S so as to restrict the passage of the enclosed sphere S within the communication passage 104 (sphere storage portion 53b). (See FIG. 16).

  That is, the switching member 118 is swung from the first posture to the second posture by driving the electromagnetic solenoid 116, whereby the first ball restricting portion 119 is displaced from the restricting position to the retracted position and the second ball restricting portion. 120 is displaced from the retracted position to the restricting position, and the switching member 118 is swung from the second posture to the first posture, whereby the first ball restricting portion 119 is displaced from the retracted position to the restricting position and the second ball. The restricting portion 120 is displaced from the restricting position to the retracted position. Here, when the switching member 118 is swung from the first posture to the second posture (the second ball restricting portion 120 is displaced from the retracted position to the restricted position), as shown in FIG. The ball restricting section 120 is configured to enter between the first encapsulated sphere S that has been restricted by the first sphere restricting section 119 and the second encapsulated sphere S that is continuous one upstream thereof. Thus, only the first encapsulated sphere S stored in the sphere storage section 53b at the timing when the first sphere control section 119 is displaced from the control position to the retracted position is in the first communication path 90 (sphere transport section 53a). On the other hand, the subsequent (second and subsequent balls) encapsulated sphere S is regulated by the second sphere regulating unit 120 and is retained in the sphere storage unit 53b. In the embodiment, when the switching member 118 swings from the first posture to the second posture, the second ball restricting portion is earlier than the timing when the restriction of the enclosed ball S by the first ball restricting portion 119 is released. The timing at which 120 restricts the encapsulated sphere S is configured to arrive earlier, and the encapsulated sphere S can be reliably delivered one by one.

(About backflow prevention member)
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 19 to 21, the ball movement effect device 50 appears and disappears in the communication passage 104 and is stored in the communication passage 104 (ball storage portion 53b). A backflow prevention member 125 (ball movement restriction member) that prevents backflow of the enclosed ball S is provided. The backflow prevention member 125 includes a plate-shaped restricting piece 126 and shaft portions 127 and 127 protruding from both end portions of the restricting piece 126, and the restricting piece is attached to the mounting hole 111 formed in the rear cover member 100. The shafts 127 and 127 are rotatably held between the fixing member 128 attached to the rear cover member 100 so as to close the attachment hole 111 with the 126 facing the surface. Here, the backflow preventing member 125 is provided so as to be positioned at the upstream end portion (connection portion with the second communication passage 91) of the communication passage 104 (first passage 104a). The restricting piece 126 is retracted from the communication passage 104 (ball storage portion 53b) and stored in the mounting hole 111 in the mounting posture in which the ball movement effect device 50 is mounted on the game board 20 (back unit 40). And the movement of the encapsulated sphere S from the sphere transport unit 53a to the sphere storage unit 53b is allowed. In the tilting posture in which the ball movement effect device 50 tilts forward from the mounting posture, the restriction piece 126 hangs down in the communication passage 104 (ball storage portion 53b) around the shaft portions 127 and 127 by its own weight. It is rotationally displaced (see FIG. 20). Here, the mounting posture is a posture in a state where the pachinko machine 10 is held in a vertical posture used for gaming and is attached to the game board 20 (back unit 40) (see FIGS. 2 and 19). ). That is, in the mounting posture, in the ball movement effect device 50, the front wall 85 that defines the front surface of the ball transport unit 53a faces the front.

  Here, when the ball movement effect device 50 is displaced from the mounting posture to the tilting posture tilting forward, the upper edge of the restriction piece 126 is the opening edge of the mounting hole 111 as shown in FIG. The regulating piece 126 is pivotally regulated at a projecting position where the regulating piece 126 projects into the communication passage 104. In a state where the restricting piece 126 is rotated to the projecting position, the distance from the projecting end portion (lower end portion in FIG. 20) of the restricting piece 126 to the connection end portion of the second communication passage 91 and the communication passage 104 is enclosed. It is set to be smaller than the diameter of the sphere S. In other words, in a state where the restriction piece 126 is in the protruding position, the enclosed sphere S moving from the communication passage 104 (the ball storage portion 53b) toward the second communication passage 91 (the ball conveyance portion 53a) contacts the restriction piece 126. Thus, the movement to the second communication path 91 (the ball transport unit 53a) is regulated. In other words, in a state where the restriction piece 126 is in the protruding position, the encapsulated sphere S can be retained in the sphere storage portion 53b. Since the restriction piece 126 is configured to hang under its own weight with the shafts 127 and 127 as the center, the restricting piece 126 is moved to the mounting position by being displaced from the posture of tilting the ball movement effect device 50 to the front side. It returns naturally and does not hinder the movement of the encapsulated sphere S from the second communication path 91 (sphere transport section 53a) to the communication path 104 (sphere storage section 53b).

  Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 19-21, the recessed part 113 is formed in the front surface (namely, flat plate part 71 of the base member 70) which opposes the installation surface of the said backflow prevention member 125 in the said communication channel 104. As shown in FIG. The recess 113 is formed at a position downstream of the ball reservoir 53b with respect to the position where the ball backflow prevention member 125 is disposed, and when the ball movement effect device 50 is tilted from the mounting posture to the front side, The enclosing ball S that flows backward in the communication passage 104 is configured to fit into the recess 113 before contacting the backflow preventing member 125 displaced to the protruding position. That is, the encapsulated sphere S that has flowed back through the communication passage 104 is reduced in force by fitting into the recess 113 before contacting the backflow prevention member 125, and the impact when contacting the backflow prevention member 125 is reduced. Yes.

(About the control mode of the ball movement effect device)
Next, drive control of the ball movement effect device 50 by the control means 140 will be described. The drive motor 55 and the electromagnetic solenoid 116 that rotate the ball moving member 60 are connected to a control means 140 that controls the symbol display device 17, and the drive motor 55 is controlled based on a control signal from the control means 140. The forward / reverse rotation is performed, and the energization switching for the electromagnetic solenoid 116 is performed. The drive motor 55 may be rotated forward in accordance with the drive start timing of the electromagnetic solenoid 116, or may be drive-controlled so as to always rotate forward.

  The control unit 140 includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the position detection sensor 58 has detected the detection unit 57a, and performs drive control so that the drive motor 55 rotates forward and backward according to the determination by the determination unit. To do. Specifically, the drive motor 55 rotates forward (ie, the ball moving member 60) by a specified number of steps necessary for the ball moving member 60 to rotate from the reference position to the reference position (one rotation in the embodiment). When the detection signal of the detection unit 57a is input from the position detection sensor 58 to the determination means (when the detection time is reached) during the first time necessary for one rotation of The control means 140 rotates the drive motor 55 in the forward direction so that the ball moving member 60 drives and controls the encapsulated sphere S in the forward direction. On the contrary, when the detection signal is not input to the determination unit from the position detection sensor 58 during the first time (in the non-detection state), the control unit 140 rotates the drive motor 55 in the reverse direction. The ball moving member 60 is controlled to carry the encapsulated ball S in the negative direction. Further, even when the determination by the determination unit is in the detection state, the control unit 140 is driven when the detection signal from the position detection sensor 58 continues for a predetermined reference time (for example, 5 seconds). The motor 55 is driven and controlled to rotate in the reverse direction. That is, when the detection signal is not input from the position detection sensor 58 by the time point when the first time elapses in the state where the drive motor 55 is rotated forward, or when the detection signal is continuously input, the ball transport unit Since it is highly possible that the ball moving member 60 does not rotate at 53a due to a ball clogging or the like, the ball moving member 60 is rotated in the reverse direction to eliminate the ball clogging.

  Further, when a predetermined second time has elapsed after the drive motor 55 is rotated in the reverse direction, the drive motor 55 is rotated in the forward direction and the circulation direction of the encapsulated sphere S by the ball moving member 60 is reversed again in the forward direction. The control means 140 controls the drive motor 55 so that the drive motor 55 is driven. Here, the second time is appropriately determined as the time necessary for resolving the clogging by rotating the ball moving member 60 in the reverse direction. Then, the position of the position detection sensor 58 is not changed until the first time elapses after the drive motor 55 is rotated forward to reverse the conveying direction of the encapsulated sphere S by the ball moving member 60 in the forward direction. The determination unit determines whether or not a detection signal indicating detection of the detection unit 57a of the detection plate 57 is input.

  In the non-detection state where the detection signal is not input from the position detection sensor 58 at the time when the first time has elapsed since the conveying direction of the encapsulated ball S by the ball moving member 60 is reversed, the drive motor 55 is turned on. The control unit 140 controls the drive so that the drive motor 55 is rotated in the forward direction after the second time has elapsed and the drive motor 55 is rotated forward. Similarly, when the detection signal of the detection unit 57a from the position detection sensor 58 continues for a predetermined reference time (for example, 5 seconds), the drive motor 55 is similarly reversely rotated again and the drive motor 55 is turned on after the second time has elapsed. The control means 140 controls driving so as to rotate forward. In other words, in the ball movement effect device 50 according to the embodiment, the rotation direction of the drive motor 55 (enclosed by the ball moving member 60) every first time period according to the detection state of the detection unit 57a by the position detection sensor 58. The control means 140 determines whether to reverse the conveying direction of the sphere S). Further, when the number of reversals in the rotational direction of the drive motor 55 (the direction in which the encapsulated sphere S is conveyed by the ball moving member 60) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times), the control means 140 causes the drive motor 55 to The drive is set to stop emergency. Here, when the control means 140 makes the drive motor 55 stop in an emergency, the control means 140 does not drive and control the ball movement effect device 50 unless the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on again. . In this embodiment, the number of inversions of the drive motor 55 is set to once including a series of operations in which the drive motor 55 is reversely rotated from the normal rotation and further returned to the normal rotation.

  The control unit 140 drives the electromagnetic solenoid 116 of the ball feeder 115 on the condition that the drive motor 55 is driven and controlled to rotate forward. That is, only when the encapsulated sphere S is conveyed in the forward direction by the sphere moving member 60, the sphere feeding device 115 is driven and the next encapsulated sphere S is directed toward the sphere moving member 60 (the sphere conveying portion 53a). Are sent out.

  Next, an example of the control mode of the drive motor 55 by the control means 140 will be described with reference to FIG. When driving is started to rotate the drive motor 55 forward based on the control of the control means 140, it is first determined whether or not a first time has elapsed (step S1). If the first time has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the position detection sensor 58 (whether or not the detection unit 57a has been detected) (step S2), and non-detection is performed. In this case, the process returns to step S1 described above. When it is determined in step S2 that the detection unit 57a is detected, it is determined whether or not the detection state of the detection unit 57a continues for the reference time (step S3), and the detection state does not continue for the reference time. In the case (that is, when the ball moving member 60 is rotating normally), the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not a first time has elapsed since the detection of the detection unit 57a. If the first time has not elapsed, whether or not a detection signal is input from the position detection sensor 58 is determined. (Whether or not the detection unit 57a is detected) is determined (step S5), and if the detection unit 57a is not detected, the process returns to step S4 described above. When it is determined in step S5 that the detection unit 57a is detected, it is determined whether or not the detection state of the detection unit 57a continues for the reference time (step S6), and the detection state does not continue for the reference time. In the case (that is, when the ball moving member 60 is rotating normally), the process returns to step S4. That is, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the position detection sensor 58 to the control means 140 every time the first time elapses, and the detection signal is continuously input from the position detection sensor 58 (detection unit). It is determined whether or not the detection of 57a is continued).

  On the other hand, in steps S1 and S4, if the first time has elapsed since the start of driving of the drive motor 55 and if the first time has elapsed since detection by the detection unit 57a, the process proceeds to step S7. Then, the drive motor 55 is rotated in the reverse direction. Similarly, in steps S3 and S6, when the detection state of the detection unit 57a continues for the reference time, the process proceeds to step S7, and the drive motor 55 is rotated in the reverse direction. When the second time elapses after the drive motor 55 is rotated in the reverse direction, the drive motor 55 is rotated forward again (step S8). Next, it is determined whether or not the first time has elapsed since the drive motor 55 has been rotated forward (step S9). When the first time has not elapsed, a detection signal is received from the position detection sensor 58. It is determined whether or not there is an input (whether or not the detection unit 57a has been detected) (step S10). If the detection unit 57a is not detected, the process returns to step S9 described above. When it is determined in step S10 that the detection unit 57a is detected, it is determined whether or not the detection state of the detection unit 57a continues for the reference time (step S11), and the detection state does not continue for the reference time. In the case (that is, when the ball moving member 60 is rotating normally), the process returns to step S4.

  In step S9, if the first time has elapsed since the drive motor 55 is rotated forward, and if the detection state of the detection unit 57a continues for the reference time in step S11, step The process proceeds to S12. In step S12, it is determined whether or not the number of inversions of the drive motor 55 has reached the prescribed number. If the prescribed number has not been reached, the process returns to step S7 to reversely rotate the drive motor 55, while the prescribed number of times. If it has reached, the drive motor 55 is stopped (step S13). Thereby, the drive motor 55 is reversed until the number of reversals reaches the specified number, so that the ball clogging is eliminated. On the other hand, when trouble other than ball clogging or ball clogging that cannot be resolved by the reverse drive control of the drive motor 55 occurs, when the number of reversals reaches the specified number of times, the drive motor 55 is stopped driving, The drive motor 55 is protected.

(Effects of Example)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  The pachinko balls launched into the game area 20a along the rails 21 provided on the game board 20 come into contact with the game nails provided on the game board 20 while changing the flow direction. Then, when the pachinko ball flowing down the game area 20a wins the start winning device 25, the symbol variation effect on the symbol display device 17 is started based on the control of the control means 140, and as a result of the symbol variation effect, When a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the symbol display device 17, a big hit occurs. When a big hit occurs, the special winning device 26 provided below the game board 20 is opened according to the symbol combination displayed on the symbol display device 17, and the symbol display is performed based on the control of the control means 140. A big hit effect is performed in the device 17.

  Then, the ball movement effect device 50 arranged in the back unit 40 is operated based on a control signal from the control means 140 in accordance with a symbol variation effect or a big hit effect developed in the symbol display device 17. Thus, an effect is produced by the movement of the enclosed ball S. In the ball movement effect device 50, based on the control signal from the control means 140, the drive motor 55 is rotationally driven in the forward direction and the electromagnetic solenoid 116 is energized and driven to the ball reservoir 53b. The stored encapsulated spheres S are sent out one by one and moved to the sphere conveying portion 53a via the first communication path 90. Here, since the first communication path 90 extends to the front side of the axis of the ball moving member 60 accommodated in the ball transport portion 53a, the enclosed sphere S that has passed through the first communication path 90. Arrives on the inclined support wall 86 (second inclined portion 86b) that defines the ball transporting portion 53a, and naturally fits into the spiral groove 63 provided in the ball moving member 60. The encapsulated sphere S fitted into the spiral groove 63 is moved upward along the inclined support wall 86 (second inclined portion 86b) as the ball moving member 60 rotates. The enclosing sphere S that has been moved up to the upper end of the inclined support wall 86 (second inclined portion 86b) passes through a ball guide portion 87 that is connected to the upper end of the inclined support wall 86 (second inclined portion 86b). It flows into the second communication path 91 and circulates from the second communication path 91 to the ball storage portion 53b of the communication path 104.

  As described above, in the ball movement effect device 50 of the embodiment, the encapsulated sphere S is enclosed in the encapsulated space 53 (the sphere transport unit 53 a and the sphere storage unit 53 b) that is internally defined in the apparatus main body 51, With this configuration, it is not necessary to use a pachinko ball launched into the game area 20a when performing an effect accompanied by the movement of the ball. That is, the movement of the encapsulated sphere S can be arbitrarily controlled by driving and stopping the sphere feeding device 115 and the sphere moving member 60. Thereby, it is possible to perform an effect using the encapsulated ball S at an arbitrary timing, and the game effect by the ball movement effect device 50 can be diversified to enhance the interest of the game. Further, by providing the enclosed ball 53 in the enclosed space 53 defined inside the ball movement effect device 50, the arrangement position of the ball movement effect device 50 is restricted in relation to the pachinko ball flowing down the game area 20a. The design freedom of the pachinko machine 10 (game board 20) is greatly improved.

  Further, in the ball movement effect device 50 according to the embodiment, the encapsulated sphere S that has passed through the first communication path 90 and moved onto the second inclined portion 86b is moved along the inclination of the second inclined portion 86b. In addition to rolling downward in the axial direction of the ball moving member 60, the ball moving member 60 rolls in a direction close to the ball moving member 60 and is held in a state of being fitted into the spiral groove 63 of the ball moving member 60. That is, by rotating the sphere moving member 60 by driving the drive motor 55, the encapsulated sphere S is placed on the second inclined portion 86 b and fitted in the spiral groove portion 63. Move in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). As described above, the configuration is such that the enclosing sphere S is moved in the axial direction along with the rotation of the ball moving member 60, so that the circumferential direction of the rotating member along with the rotation as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-97800. Compared to the configuration in which the encapsulated sphere S is moved, the moving distance of the encapsulated sphere S can be increased without increasing the size of the sphere movement effect device 50. In addition, it is not necessary to separately provide a special means for holding the encapsulated sphere S at a position fitted in the spiral groove 63 in the sphere moving member 60, so that the entire apparatus can be made compact and contribute to cost reduction. obtain. And since the apparatus itself is made compact, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the ball movement effect device 50 on the game board 20 (the back unit 40) can be increased, and a game component such as another effect device or a decorative member. Can be arranged on the game board 20 (back unit 40), and the added value of the pachinko machine 10 can be improved.

  Further, in the ball feeding device 115 for sending the encapsulated ball S from the ball storage unit 53b to the ball transport unit 53a, the first ball regulating unit 119 is in the ball storage unit 53b when the switching member 118 is in the first posture. While being held at the restricting position protruding inward, the passage of the encapsulated sphere S is restricted, and the second sphere restricting portion 120 is held at the retreat position where the second sphere restricting portion 120 is retracted from the sphere storage portion 53b to allow the passage of the enclosed sphere S. Therefore, in the state where the switching member 118 is in the first posture, the encapsulated sphere S that has arrived in the communication passage 104 from the sphere conveying portion 53a by the rotational drive of the sphere moving member 60 is regulated by the second sphere regulating portion 120. Without any movement, the first ball restricting portion 119 is sequentially moved to a position where the passage is restricted or a position where it is abutted against the enclosed sphere S already stored in the ball storage portion 53b and the passage is restricted. Further, in a state where the switching member 118 is in the second posture, the first ball restricting portion 119 is displaced to the retreat position where the first ball restricting portion 119 is retracted from the ball storing portion 53b to allow passage of the encapsulated ball S, and the second ball restricting portion. 120 is displaced to a restricting position protruding into the sphere storage portion 53b to restrict the passage of the encapsulated sphere S.

  Here, when the second ball restricting portion 120 is displaced from the retracted position to the restricting position, the first enclosing ball S restricted by the first ball restricting portion 119 and one upstream side thereof. Since the second ball restricting unit 120 is configured to enter between the second encapsulated sphere S, the first encapsulated sphere S located on the most downstream side of the sphere storage unit 53b is the first. It can go out toward the communicating path 90 (ball conveyance part 53a). That is, only by driving the electromagnetic solenoid 116 of the ball feeding device 115 and switching and displacing the switching member 118 between the first posture and the second posture, a predetermined number (one ball in the embodiment) of encapsulated balls S is provided for the first series. It can be sent out to the passage 90 (the ball transport unit 53a). Then, by oscillating the switching member 118 at an appropriate timing, the encapsulated sphere S is sent out toward the sphere conveying unit 53a (the sphere moving member 60), and an effect due to the movement of the encapsulated sphere S can be arbitrarily set. Can be implemented. Further, when a large number of encapsulated spheres S are fed into the sphere moving member 60 at a time, the encapsulated spheres S may not be properly fitted into the spiral groove 63 and may cause clogging of the spheres. In the rendering device 50, the enclosing sphere S can be intermittently sent to the sphere moving member 60 at an arbitrary timing by a predetermined number (one sphere in the embodiment) in accordance with the driving of the sphere feeding device 115. It is possible to effectively suppress the ball clogging.

  Further, in the ball movement effect device 50 according to the embodiment, the drive motor 55 is driven each time a first preset time elapses after the drive motor 55 is driven to start the rotation of the ball moving member 60. The position detection sensor 58 is configured so that the determination means of the control means 140 determines whether or not the position detection sensor 58 has detected the detection portion 57a (that is, the reference position) of the position detection plate 57 that rotates in conjunction with the position detection sensor 58. When the detection unit 57a is not detected, the drive motor 55 is driven and controlled so as to reverse the transport direction of the encapsulated ball S by the ball moving member 60. Here, when the detection unit 57a is not detected at the predetermined timing to be detected by the position detection sensor 58, there is a possibility that a defect such as a ball clogging has occurred in the ball transport unit 53a. By reversing the conveying direction of the encapsulated sphere S by the sphere moving member 60 as in the embodiment, when an abnormality such as a clogged ball occurs during the circulation of the encapsulated sphere S by the sphere moving member 60, the abnormality can be quickly resolved Problems such as a failure of the movement effect device 50 can be prevented. Further, by stopping the drive motor 55 when the detection of the reference position by the position detection sensor 58 continues even if the circulating direction of the enclosing sphere S by the sphere moving member 60 is reversed in the forward and reverse directions by a predetermined number of times, It is possible to effectively prevent the drive motor 55 from being troubled by being overloaded and damaged.

  Further, in the device main body 51 of the ball movement effect device 50, a spherical break hole 85a is formed at a position where the front wall 85 that defines the front surface of the ball transport portion 53a and the second inclined portion 86b are connected. Thus, the ball conveying portion 53a is configured to communicate with the outside of the apparatus. Here, as described above, the encapsulated sphere S is lifted and moved in a state of being located on the front side of the sphere moving member 60, and a sphere breaking hole 85 a is formed in the moving path of the encapsulated sphere S circulated by the sphere moving member 60. I'm here. Therefore, when the encapsulated sphere S is clogged in the sphere transporting portion 53a when the encapsulated sphere S is moved by the sphere moving member 60, the sphere clogging can be easily made by directly inserting the instrument into the sphere breaking hole 85a. Can be resolved.

  In addition, a decorative cover member 30 that closes the mounting opening 22 into which the front box portion 82 of the apparatus main body 51 in the ball movement effect device 50 is inserted is attached to the game board 20, and the front wall 85 of the front box portion 82 is attached. Is covered with the decorative cover member 30, it is possible to prevent dust, dust, or the like that may cause clogging of the ball from entering the inside through the broken hole 85 a. In addition, since the decorative cover member 30 is detachably attached to the front surface of the game board 20, when a ball clogging occurs in the ball transport portion 53 a of the ball movement effect device 50, the decorative cover member 30. And the ball breaking operation through the ball breaking hole 85a can be performed on the front side of the game board 20. That is, without removing the ball movement effect device 50 from the back unit 40, it is possible to eliminate the ball clogging by inserting an instrument from the front side of the game board 20 into the ball breaking hole 85a of the device main body 51, and the work efficiency of eliminating the ball clogging. Is expensive.

  By the way, when carrying the pachinko machine 10 or the game board 20 to which the ball movement effect device 50 is attached, or when carrying the ball movement effect device 50 alone, the ball is caused by vibrations or the like. The encapsulated sphere S that has irregularly moved in the enclosing space 53 (the sphere conveying unit 53a and the sphere storing unit 53b) defined in the movement effect device 50 contacts the sphere moving member 60, and the sphere moving member 60 It can also lead to damage and malfunctions. In this regard, in the ball movement effect device 50 according to the embodiment, in a state where the ball movement effect device 50 is in the mounting posture, the downstream side of the encapsulated ball S stored in the ball storage unit 53b is the downstream side of the ball feeding device 115. The encapsulated sphere S is not moved toward the sphere conveying portion 53a (the sphere moving member 60) by being restricted by the first sphere restricting portion 119 in the switching member 118. In addition, the upstream side of the enclosing sphere S stored in the sphere storage portion 53 b in the mounting posture is regulated by the first passage 104 a and the second communication passage 91 extending in the vertical direction in the communication passage 104. The movement of the encapsulated sphere S toward the sphere conveying portion 53a (sphere moving member 60) is prevented. That is, when the ball movement effect device 50 is in the mounting posture, the movement of the encapsulated ball S from the ball storage unit 53b to the ball transport unit 53a can be prevented.

  Further, in the tilted posture in which the ball movement effect device 50 is tilted forward from the mounting posture, as shown in FIG. 20, the connecting portion of the communication passage 104 with the second communication passage 91 (upstream of the ball storage portion 53b). The backflow prevention member 125 (regulating piece 126) disposed in the position is rotated and displaced to a projecting position projecting into the communication passage 104 (sphere storage portion 53b) by its own weight. In a state where the backflow prevention member 125 (restriction piece 126) is in the protruding position, the enclosed sphere S that backflows from the communication passage 104 (sphere storage portion 53b) toward the second communication passage 91 (sphere transport portion 53a) is restricted. The contact with the piece 126 restricts the movement to the second communication path 91 (the sphere conveying portion 53a), and the movement of the encapsulated sphere S toward the sphere conveying portion 53a (the sphere moving member 60) can be prevented. As described above, when the ball movement effect device 50 is tilted forward from the mounting posture, the backflow prevention member 125 swings from the storage position to the protruding position by its own weight, so that the ball movement effect device 50 is configured. By simply tilting, the backflow preventing member 125 can be quickly displaced to the protruding position, and the encapsulated sphere S can be retained in the sphere storage portion 53b.

  In addition, since the sealed ball S that flows back through the communication passage 104 (the ball storage portion 53b) is fitted into the recess 113 before contacting the backflow preventing member 125 that has been displaced to the protruding position, The momentum of the enclosing ball S that comes into contact can be weakened, and damage to the backflow preventing member 125 can be suppressed. Further, by temporarily fitting in the recess 113 to weaken the momentum of the enclosed ball S, the connecting passage 104 (the ball storage portion 53b) and the second communication passage 91 (the ball transport portion) are moved before the backflow prevention member 125 is displaced to the protruding position. It is possible to prevent the encapsulated sphere S from reaching the connection site with the 53a), and to effectively keep the encapsulated sphere S in the sphere reservoir 53b.

  Further, in the tilted posture in which the ball movement effect device 50 is tilted rearward from the mounting posture, as shown in FIG. 21, the communication path 104 (ball storage part 53b) to the second communication path 91 (ball transport part 53a). The enclosing sphere S that flows backward toward the second abutment comes into contact with the lower wall portion 93a of the holder 93 that holds the second sphere detecting sensor 94 that detects the enclosing sphere S that passes through the second communication passage 91, and thereby the second continuity. The movement to the passage 91 (the sphere conveying portion 53a) is restricted, and the movement of the encapsulated sphere S toward the sphere conveying portion 53a (the sphere moving member 60) can be prevented. That is, the path (second communication path 91 and communication path 104) from the downstream end of the ball transport unit 53a to the ball storage unit 53b is formed in a bent shape, so that the ball from the upstream end of the ball storage unit 53b It is possible to restrict the movement of the encapsulated sphere S that has moved toward the transport portion 53a by bringing it into contact with the step portion (lower wall portion 93a) of the path. Further, even if the encapsulated sphere S arrives from the communication passage 104 (the sphere storage portion 53b) to the second communication passage 91, in the tilted posture in which the sphere movement effect device 50 is tilted rearward, the sphere moving effect device 50 is below the sphere transport portion 53a. Since the second communication path 91 is located, it is possible to effectively prevent the encapsulated sphere S from reaching the sphere transport unit 53a.

  As described above, in the ball movement effect device 50 according to the embodiment, even when the ball movement effect device 50 during transportation or the like is tilted in the front-rear direction, the encapsulated ball S stored in the ball storage unit 53b is stored in the ball transport unit. It can prevent effectively moving to the 53a side, and can keep encapsulated ball | bowl S in the bulb | ball storage part 53b. Further, in the state where the ball movement effect device 50 is attached to the game board 20, the backflow prevention member 125 (the restriction piece 126) is displaced to the storage position, so that the enclosed ball S conveyed by the ball movement member 60 is conveyed by the ball. The movement from the portion 53a to the ball storage portion 53b is not hindered by the backflow prevention member 125 (the restriction piece 126).

  Further, in the posture in which the ball movement effect device 50 is tilted to the left from the mounting posture (the posture in which the left end portion in FIG. 9 faces downward), the first passage 104 a communicating with the second communication passage 91 in the communication passage 104. Is positioned above the second passage 104 b in which the encapsulated sphere S is stored, and the encapsulated sphere S does not move from the communication passage 104 to the second communication passage 91. Further, in the posture in which the ball movement effect device 50 is tilted to the right from the mounting posture (the posture in which the right end portion in FIG. 9 faces downward), the second communication path 91 is located below the ball transport portion 53a. Even if the encapsulated sphere S arrives from the communication passage 104 (the sphere storage portion 53b) to the second communication passage 91, the inclusion sphere S is effectively prevented from reaching the sphere transport portion 53a. Thus, according to the configuration of the ball movement effect device 50 according to the embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent the encapsulated ball S from flowing backward and moving to the ball transport unit 53a regardless of the posture of the ball movement effect device 50. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the encapsulated sphere S from coming into contact with the sphere moving member 60 or the like due to vibration during transportation or the like, thereby preventing the sphere moving member 60 from being damaged or malfunctioning.

(Change example)
The configuration of the gaming machine is not limited to that of the embodiment, and various changes can be made.
(1) In the embodiment, the ball-shaped moving member (ball circulation mechanism) is configured such that the shaft-like portion provided with the spiral protruding piece on the outer peripheral surface is attached to the shaft supported by the apparatus main body. The shaft and the shaft-like portion can be formed integrally.
(2) In the embodiment, the ball moving member (ball circulation mechanism) formed in a rod shape is provided in a posture inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, but may be configured to extend in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.
(3) In the embodiment, the sphere is configured to be in sliding contact with the spiral groove on the lower front side of the ball-shaped sphere moving member (sphere circulation mechanism), but on the upper side of the sphere moving member (sphere circulation mechanism). A spherical body may be brought into sliding contact with the spiral groove.
(4) In the embodiment, the sphere is moved up and down as the sphere moving member (sphere circulation mechanism) rotates in the positive direction. However, when the sphere moving member (sphere circulation mechanism) rotates in the positive direction, You may comprise so that a spherical body may move. Further, the ball moving member may be provided so as to extend in the horizontal direction so that the sphere is moved horizontally. As in the embodiment, in the configuration using the encapsulated sphere, when the encapsulated sphere is moved downward or horizontally by the sphere moving member (sphere circulating mechanism), the downstream of the sphere moving member (sphere circulating mechanism) A member for moving the enclosed sphere moved to the end to the upstream end of the sphere moving member (sphere circulation mechanism) is separately provided.
(5) In the embodiment, the sphere stored in the sphere storage unit is configured so that the sphere feeding device sends the spheres one by one toward the sphere transport unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may comprise so that it may send out toward (ball conveyance part).
(6) The specific configuration of the ball feeding device is not limited to that of the embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as a predetermined number of balls can be sent to the ball circulation mechanism (ball transport unit). For example, a motor can be employed as the driving means of the ball feeding device, and a sprocket can be employed as the switching member.
(7) In the embodiment, the drive motor (drive means) is stopped when the sphere circulation direction by the sphere moving member (sphere circulation mechanism) is reversed in the forward and reverse directions a predetermined number of times. In addition, the abnormality notification may be made by causing the light emitting means provided in the pachinko machine to emit light, or emitting an alarm sound from a speaker. In addition, a signal notifying the abnormality can be transmitted to an information terminal installed at the game store side.
(8) In the embodiment, the front surface of the ball transport unit is exposed to the game area of the game board, and the state in which the inside of the ball transport unit is lifted and moved can be viewed from the front side of the game board. The present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that the sphere that has been moved upward by the ball moving member (ball circulation mechanism) can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board. For example, in the embodiment, it can be realized by exposing the configuration corresponding to the first passage in the second communication passage or the communication passage to the front side of the game board.
(9) In the embodiment, the through-hole for breaking the ball is formed in the front wall that defines the front surface of the ball transport unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the movement path of the sphere circulated by the ball circulation mechanism What is necessary is just to be formed in the position which faces.
(10) In the embodiment, the front wall (viewing part) that defines the front surface of the ball transporting part is protected by a decorative cover member (protective member) attached to the game board so as to be visible from the front side. However, the front wall (viewing part) may be directly exposed to the game area.
(11) In the embodiment, in order to eliminate ball clogging in the ball transport unit, while the first time necessary for the ball moving member (ball circulation mechanism) to rotate from the reference position to the reference position has elapsed, Although the control means is configured to rotate the drive motor (ball moving member) forward and backward based on whether or not the position detection sensor detects the detection unit, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a reference time required for detection by a second sphere detection sensor that detects a sphere that has passed through the sphere transport unit after driving the driving means (electromagnetic solenoid) of the sphere feeder is determined in advance, Drive to drive the drive motor (ball moving member) in the reverse direction on condition that the second sphere detection sensor does not detect the sphere when the reference time has elapsed after the drive means (electromagnetic solenoid) of the device is driven It can also be controlled. In this case, a second reference time until the second sphere detection sensor detects the sphere after the reversely rotated drive motor (ball moving member) is reversed to the forward rotation is determined in advance. By controlling the drive to repeat the reversal of the drive motor (ball moving member) on the condition that the second sphere detection sensor is not detected even after the reference time has elapsed, the same effect as the embodiment is expected. it can.
(12) In the embodiment, the ball moving device is arranged on the back unit provided on the game board. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball moving device may be attached to the game board itself or may be arranged on the game board. It may be provided on a member (for example, a frame-shaped decorative body).
(13) In the embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various gaming machines such as an arrangement ball machine, a pinball machine, and a slot machine machine can be adopted.
(14) In an embodiment, a ball movement restricting member is provided on the rear end side of the upstream end of the ball reservoir, and the ball movement restricting member is placed in the enclosed space (sphere reservoir) when the ball moving device is tilted forward. Although it is configured to protrude, the ball movement regulating member may be configured to protrude into the enclosed space (ball storage part) when the ball moving device is tilted backward, and the ball moving device is tilted to the side. It is also possible to configure so that the sphere movement restricting member protrudes into the enclosed space (the sphere storage portion) when it is set. Further, a plurality of the ball movement regulating members may be provided so that the ball movement regulating member protrudes into the enclosed space (ball storage part) according to the direction in which the ball moving device is tilted.

The following configuration can be added to the gaming machine according to the present invention.
(A) Regarding the gaming machine according to claims 1 to 4,
The ball circulation mechanism (60)
A rod-like member (61) provided in the apparatus main body (51) in a vertical attitude or an inclined attitude inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane, and rotatably supported so that an axis extends along the longitudinal direction;
A spiral groove (63) formed in a spiral shape on the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member (61) and in contact with the enclosing ball (S),
The device body (51)
A support portion (86) extending along the rod-shaped member (61) and holding the enclosing ball (S) in a state of sliding contact with the spiral groove portion (63);
A ball inlet (90a) that is formed on the upstream end side of the rod-shaped member (61) and through which the enclosed sphere (S) stored in the sphere storage portion (53b) can pass;
A ball outlet (which is formed on the downstream end side of the rod-shaped member (61) and communicates with the ball reservoir (53b), through which the enclosed ball (S) lifted by the ball circulation mechanism (60) passes ( 71b) can be added.
With this configuration, the ball moving device moves the encapsulated ball in sliding contact with the helical groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped member simply by rotating the rod-shaped member with the driving means. can do. That is, since the encapsulated sphere is configured to move in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped member, the moving distance of the encapsulated sphere can be increased without increasing the size of the sphere moving device, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the sphere moving device is increased. be able to.
(B) Regarding the gaming machine according to claims 1 to 4 and (A) above,
The rod-shaped member (61) is provided in an inclined posture inclined with respect to a horizontal plane,
The support portion (86) is positioned below the rod-shaped member (61), extends in parallel to the rod-shaped member (61), and tilts upward as it is separated from the rod-shaped member (61). The gist is that the encapsulated sphere (S) formed and placed on the support portion (86) is configured to slidably contact the spiral groove portion (63) by its own weight.
By providing this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a special means for holding the enclosing sphere in sliding contact with the spiral groove, so that the entire apparatus can be made compact and contribute to cost reduction.
(C) Regarding the gaming machine according to claims 1 to 4 and (A) or (B) above,
The ball feeder (115)
A switching member (118) that can be switched and displaced between the first posture and the second posture;
A second driving means (116) for operating the switching member (118) between a first posture and a second posture, and always holding the switching member (118) in the first posture;
The switching member (118) is provided in the switching member (118), and in the state where the switching member (118) is in the first posture, the switching member (118) protrudes into the ball storage portion (53b) to restrict the passage of the encapsulated sphere (S). A first ball restricting portion (119) that retreats from the ball storage portion (53b) and allows the enclosed ball (S) to pass in a state where (118) is in the second posture;
The sphere is provided in the switching member (118) and positioned upstream of the first sphere regulating portion (119) in the sphere storage portion (53b), and the switching member (118) is in the first posture. While retreating from the storage part (53b) and allowing the enclosing ball (S) to pass, when the switching member (118) is in the second posture, it protrudes into the ball storage part (53b) and protrudes into the enclosing ball (S). A second ball restricting part (120) for restricting the passage of
In the state in which the switching member (118) is in the first posture, the enclosed sphere (S) in the sphere reservoir (53b) is regulated by the first sphere regulator (119) and the sphere reservoir (53b). )
When the switching member (118) is switched and displaced from the first posture to the second posture, the enclosed sphere (S) regulated by the first sphere regulating portion (119) becomes the upstream end of the rod-like member (61). The gist of the present invention is that the following enclosing sphere (S) is regulated by the second sphere regulating part (120) and is retained in the sphere storage part (53b) while passing out to the part side.
By providing this configuration, the first ball restricting portion provided on the switching member protrudes into the ball storage portion in a state where the switching member is in the first posture, and restricts the passage of the encapsulated sphere. In the state in the second posture, the enclosing sphere is allowed to pass away from the sphere reservoir. On the other hand, the second ball restricting portion provided in the switching member retreats from the sphere storage portion in a state where the switching member is in the first posture, and allows the enclosed sphere to pass, and the switching member is in the second posture. In this state, it protrudes into the sphere reservoir and restricts the passage of the encapsulated sphere. That is, a predetermined number of encapsulated balls can be sent out to the ball entrance by simply driving the second driving means and switching and displacing one switching member between the first posture and the second posture. In this way, it is possible to arbitrarily perform an effect by moving the encapsulated sphere simply by operating the switching member at an appropriate timing.

20 game board 20a game area 50 ball movement directing device (ball moving device)
51 Device Body 53 Enclosed Space 53b Sphere Reservoir 55 Drive Motor (Drive Unit)
60 Ball moving member (ball circulation mechanism)
85 Front wall (viewing part)
85a Spherical hole (through hole)
115 Ball feeder S Enclosed ball

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine in which a ball moving device for performing an effect by moving a sphere is arranged on a gaming board in which a gaming area where a gaming ball can flow down is defined,
The ball moving device is:
A device body attached to the game board and encapsulating a ball in an enclosed space defined internally,
A ball circulation mechanism for circulating the enclosed sphere enclosed in the enclosed space of the apparatus body in the enclosed space;
Drive means for driving the ball circulation mechanism;
A visual recognition portion provided in the apparatus main body, and capable of visually recognizing the enclosed sphere circulated by the sphere circulation mechanism;
A through hole is formed in the front surface of the apparatus main body at a position facing the moving path of the encapsulated sphere circulated by the sphere circulation mechanism, and the through hole communicates with the outside of the apparatus. Rutotomoni is configured to face the region,
A gaming machine, wherein a protective member that covers a front surface of the apparatus main body is detachably disposed on the gaming board from a front side of the gaming board . The apparatus main body, the encapsulated sphere provided with a spherical reservoir capable of storing, according to claim 1 Symbol having a spherical feeder be transmitted towards the encapsulated spheres that are stored in the spherical reservoir to a predetermined number by ball circulation mechanism The gaming machine listed.

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