JP6331605B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a bulging portion that bulges forward from the frame constituting the front portion of the gaming machine, and an upper plate and a lower plate serving as storage portions for storing game balls in the bulging portion. Some dishes are provided. The game balls stored in the upper plate are sequentially fired into the game area by the game ball launching mechanism.

  For example, when the upper plate is filled with game balls, surplus game balls are paid out to the lower plate (see Patent Document 1). For example, when the number of game balls stored in the upper plate decreases, the game ball stored in the lower plate can be replenished by transferring the game ball to the upper plate. In this way, by using a plurality of storage units in combination, the convenience of the player, such as securing the storage amount, is improved.

JP 2008-29764 A

However, there is room for yet improved in its structure in improving the convenience of the player in combination with reservoir of multiple.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can suitably improve the convenience of the player.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems will be described.

The present invention
In a gaming machine comprising a base portion and a gaming machine front portion having a bulging portion that bulges forward from the base portion to the gaming machine,
Provided in the bulging portion, comprising a first storage portion and a second storage portion for storing game balls;
The first reservoir is located above the second reservoir,
The bulging portion is constituted by perforated and a second bulging portion in which the second reservoir and the first bulging portion where the first reservoir is provided is provided,
A ball passage connecting the second reservoir and the first reservoir;
A hollow operation portion disposed so as to straddle the first bulge portion and the second bulge portion, and operated by a player ,
A part of the spherical passage is provided in an internal space of the operation unit .

  The convenience of the player can be preferably improved.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a game board. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is a front perspective view of a front door frame. FIG. 10A is a partial enlarged view showing an operation button unit in the front door frame and its peripheral configuration, and FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. (A) The perspective view which looked at the operation button unit from upper direction, (b) The perspective view which looked at the operation button unit from the downward direction. It is the disassembled perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the operation button unit for every main structure. It is sectional drawing of an operation button unit. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows a variable unit. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment structure of a variable unit. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a variable unit. It is the schematic which shows the stress distribution structure of a variable unit. It is the schematic which shows the structure concerning a vibration transmission and a braking function. (A) Sectional drawing of the operation button unit in 2nd Embodiment, (b) The top view of an operation button unit. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process for single operation corresponding | compatible effects performed by MPU of an alerting | reporting / effect control apparatus. It is the schematic which illustrated the single operation corresponding | compatible effect. It is a flowchart which shows the process for selection operation corresponding | compatible effects. It is the schematic which illustrated the selection operation corresponding | compatible effect. It is the elements on larger scale which show the operation button unit in 3rd Embodiment, and its periphery structure. FIG. 26 is a partial sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 25. (A) Schematic diagram showing a ball feeding device, (b) a partial cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 27 (a), (c) a partial cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 27 (a), and (d) FIG. It is the EE sectional view taken on the line of (a). FIG. 28A is a partially enlarged view showing the upper bulging portion 28, and FIG. 28B is a schematic view showing the relationship between the operation button unit 500 and the like and the ball feeding device 610. It is a flowchart which shows the process for operation corresponding | compatible production restrictions performed by MPU of a alerting | reporting / production control apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the collection | recovery channel | path, discharge channel | path, and its periphery structure in 4th Embodiment. (A) Schematic diagram showing a state in which the operation button unit and the ball feeding device are not linked, (b) Schematic diagram showing a state in which the operation button unit and the ball feeding device are linked. (A) The elements on larger scale of the front door frame in 5th Embodiment, (b) It is the FF line | wire partial sectional view of Fig.32 (a). (A) Schematic showing the relationship between the operation lever and the ball feeding device, (b) Schematic showing the relationship between the operation lever and the ball feeding device, (c) showing the relationship between the operating range of the operation lever and the lift unit. FIG.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an unfolded main configuration of the pachinko machine 10. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outline of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main part 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

  The outer frame 11 is configured by connecting plate members to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the island facility of the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an essential configuration, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in an island facility such as a game arcade.

  The game machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in an openable and closable state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper support bracket 17 is fixed to a connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further, the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. The lower support metal fitting 18 is fixed to the connecting portion. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 constitute a support mechanism. The support mechanism causes the main part 12 of the gaming machine to turn to the left in the front view of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11. Can be rotated to the front of the pachinko machine 10 with the rotation tip side thereof.

  Note that a detection sensor that detects opening and closing of the gaming machine main part 12 is provided in the upper right part of the outer frame 11, more specifically, the connection part between the upper frame part and the right frame part, and detection information from this detection sensor. Based on the above, the opening of the gaming machine main part 12 is monitored.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine main part 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack arranged behind the inner frame 13. And a unit 15 (see FIG. 3). The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably attached to an end of the inner frame 13 on the rotation base end side, and the front door frame 14 rotates on the right side with the left side as the rotation base end side in a front view. It can be turned forward as the tip side. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to an end of the inner frame 13 on the rotation base end side, and the back pack unit 15 rotates on the left side when viewed from the front. The moving base end side is set to the right and the right side is set to the rotating tip end side so that it can be rotated rearward.

  Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 includes a synthetic resin frame 20 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and a cover body that is attached to the front surface of the frame 20 and is decorated with various decorations. 21 and covers almost the entire area of the inner frame 13 on the front side. A substantially oval window portion 22 (see FIG. 1) is formed in the central portion of the front door frame 14 so that almost the entire gaming area PE described later can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine. The part 22 is covered with a glass unit 30 from the back side of the front door frame 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a glass unit installation portion 23 is formed on the frame 20 so as to surround the window portion 22. Specifically, the glass unit installation portion 23 is disposed on the back side of the frame body 20 and is recessed toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the window portion 22 is disposed at the bottom thereof. The glass unit 30 is restricted from being displaced in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction by being fitted into the glass unit installation portion 23.

  The glass unit 30 includes a pair of front and rear glass panels 31 having transparency and a glass holder 32 that holds the glass panels 31. The glass holder 32 has an annular frame portion formed along the window portion 22, and the glass panel 31 is accommodated in a region surrounded by the frame portion.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the window portion 22. For example, an annular illumination part 24 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 22. In the annular illumination unit 24, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. More specifically, a top lamp portion 25 provided with a function of turning on at a predetermined error is provided at the uppermost portion of the pachinko machine 10 at the center of the annular illumination portion 24, and prizes are provided on both the left and right sides of the window portion 22. A side lamp portion 26 to which a function of lighting during ball payout is given is provided. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the top lamp unit 25, speaker units 27 for outputting sound effects corresponding to the gaming state are provided.

  Below the window portion 22 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 28 and a lower bulging portion 29 bulging toward the front side are arranged in parallel. The upper bulging portion 28 is provided with an upper dish 33 (corresponding to “upper storage portion” or “first storage portion”) that opens upward, and the lower bulging portion 29 has a lower opening that is also open upward. A dish 34 (corresponding to a “lower storage part” or a “second storage part”) is provided. The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device (to be described later) and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism (to be described later) while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 34 has a function of storing game balls that are surplus in the upper tray 33.

  An operation button unit 500 that is manually operated by the players is provided at a position in front of the upper plate 33 (game ball storage area) in the upper bulging portion 28. The operation button unit 500 is an operation device for a player to give a predetermined instruction in the course of the game for the purpose of performing a predetermined effect on, for example, a display screen of a symbol display device described later. A specific configuration of the operation button unit 500 will be described in detail later.

  A game ball launching handle 45 is provided at a position side by side with the lower bulging portion 29 so as to protrude to the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 45, a game ball is launched from the game ball launch mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of a synthetic resin, and includes a front door side upper dish passage that leads to the upper dish 33 and a front door side lower dish path that leads to the lower dish 34. A receiving portion 53 that protrudes rearward and opens upward is formed at the upper corner of the passage forming unit 50, and the receiving portion 53 is divided into left and right by a partition wall 54, so that the front door side upper dish passage is formed. An entrance portion and an entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage are formed. The upstream side of the front door side upper dish path and the front door side lower dish path are connected to a game ball distributing section described later, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish path are guided to the upper plate 33 and are moved to the lower side of the front door. The game ball that has entered the dish passage is guided to the lower dish 34.

  Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the inner frame 13. In FIG. 4, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted as in FIG. 2.

  The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 60 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. Inner frame fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (the left side in FIG. 4) on the front surface of the resin base 60. Also, bearing fittings 57 and 58 are provided on the rotation base end side (the left side in FIG. 1) on the back surface of the front door frame 14 so as to correspond to the inner frame fittings 71 and 72. Shaft portions are formed on the inner frame fittings 71, 72, and the shaft portions are inserted into the bearing holes of the bearing fittings 57, 58 of the front door frame 14, so that the front door frame 14 is located with respect to the inner frame 13. It is rotatably supported. That is, these inner frame fittings 71 and 72 and bearing fittings 57 and 58 constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

  A locking device 75 is provided on the front surface of the inner frame 13. The locking device 75 has a plurality of front door flange members 76 extending toward the front door frame 14. Corresponding to these front door collar members 76, a plurality of collar receiving members 59 extending toward the inner frame 13 are provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 (see FIG. 2). When the front door brim member 76 is caught by the hook receiving member 59, the front door frame 14 is locked in a closed state. As shown in FIG. 3, the locking device 75 includes an inner frame collar member 77 extending rearward of the inner frame 13. These inner frame hook members 77 are hooked on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11, so that the gaming machine main part 12 is locked in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

  A cylinder lock 78 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device 75 is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 60. The cylinder lock 78 is integrated with the locking device 75, and the tip portion (key hole portion) is exposed to the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the hole provided in the front door frame 14. Turning the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78 to the right releases the locking of the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13, and turning the key to the left releases the locking of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11. .

  A game board housing portion 61 for housing the game board 80 is formed at a substantially central portion on the front surface of the resin base 60. The game board accommodating portion 61 is recessed behind the pachinko machine 10 to define an accommodation space for accommodating the game board 80, and the game board 80 attached to the resin base 60 is fitted in the accommodation space. It has become.

  The game board 80 is formed of a synthetic resin material having transparency, and the front surface thereof is exposed to the front side of the resin base 60 through the open portion of the game board housing part 61. In the exposed portion, that is, the front surface of the game board 80, a game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed. As already described, the game area PE is covered with the glass panel 31. The rear glass panel 31 is arranged so that the gap with the front surface of the game board 80 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game balls flowing down the game area PE are front and back at the same location in the game area PE. It is arranged not to line up. Thereby, the ball blockage in the game area PE is suppressed. Note that the game board 80 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and may be made of wood.

  Hereinafter, the game board 80 (in particular, various configurations arranged in the game area PE) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the game board 80.

  The game board 80 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (front-rear direction) by performing router processing. Each opening is provided with a general winning port 81, a variable winning device 82, operating ports 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, a variable display unit 85, and the like. When game balls enter the general winning port 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operation ports 83a and 83b, the game balls are detected by a detection switch described later, and a predetermined number of award balls are paid out based on the detection result. The In addition, an out port 86 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 80, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 86.

  In addition, in the game board 80, a number of nails 87 are implanted in order to disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball as appropriate, and various members (functions) such as a windmill are arranged. By various configurations such as the nail 87 and the windmill, the flow path of the game ball is differentiated and adjusted so that the winning to the above-described general winning opening 81 or the like occurs with an appropriate probability.

  The variable prize-winning device 82 is normally in a closed state in which game balls cannot be won, and is switched to an open state in which game balls are allowed to win in the event of a big win. As a release mode of the variable winning device 82, a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is regarded as one round, and the variable winning device 82 is opened by a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds). It is set to be repeated as the upper limit.

  The variable display unit 85 is disposed at the upper center of the game board 80, and the operation ports 83a and 83b are disposed below the variable display unit 85. More specifically, the operation ports 83a and 83b are arranged side by side with the operation port 83a on the upper side and the operation port 83b on the lower side. The lower working port 83b is provided with an electric accessory as a guide piece (support piece) composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces. The electric accessory is in a closed state (non-supported state or non-guided state) in which it is difficult to enter the operating port 83b, and an open state (supported state or guide in which game balls can be easily entered than the closed state). When the lottery based on the winning to the through gate 84 is won, the main controller controls the open state. As the opening / closing mode of the electric accessory, the low frequency support mode set so that the winning frequency to the lower operation port 83b is lower than the upper operation port 83a, and the lower operation mode 83a than the upper operation port 83a. The high-frequency support mode is set so that the winning frequency for the operating port 83b is high, and it is low when a predetermined winning result is obtained by a lottery based on entering the operating ports 83a and 83b. The frequency support mode is shifted to the high frequency support mode.

  The variable display unit 85 and the operation ports 83a and 83b are portions that control game play, and the player's attention is likely to be gathered. By arranging the variable display unit 85 and the operation ports 83a and 83b side by side in the center of the gaming machine, the movement amount of the line of sight between the two is suppressed, which contributes to the reduction of the burden on the player's eyes.

  The variable display unit 85 includes a symbol display device 94 that variably displays symbols with a winning in the operation ports 83a and 83b as a trigger. The symbol display device 94 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display (display screen 94a), and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. Specifically, on the display screen 94a, symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled up and down. When a big hit occurs, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, and a transition is made to a special gaming state. The display mode on the display screen 94a may be changed as follows. That is, the symbols may be displayed variably by arranging them in the upper, middle, and lower rows and scrolling the symbols in the left-right direction.

  The variable display unit 85 includes a center frame 95 formed so as to surround the symbol display device 94. Reservation lamp portions 98 and 99 are provided on the upper and lower portions of the center frame 95, respectively. The lower holding lamp unit 98 corresponds to the operation ports 83a and 83b. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the operation ports 83a and 83b is held up to four times, and the number of the holding balls is increased by lighting the holding lamp unit 98. It is displayed. The upper holding lamp unit 99 corresponds to the through gate 84, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the holding number is displayed by turning on the holding lamp unit 99. It has become.

  Referring again to FIG. 4, below the game board housing portion 61 (game board 80) in the resin base 60, a game ball that launches a game ball into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 45. A firing mechanism 110 is provided. The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball placed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying a ball and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components, and the base plate 114 is attached to the resin base 60 via a reinforcing plate described later. ing.

  The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 80 side. A ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is disposed at a position closer to the downstream end portion (that is, the lower end portion) of the firing rail 112. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

  The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power source / launch control device described later. Based on the output of the electrical signal from the power supply / launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction, so that the game ball placed at the launch standby position is on the game board 80 side, more specifically, the game. It is driven out toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 80.

  The guide rail 100 forms a game area PE together with a game area partition member so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. In addition, the guide rail 100 includes an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide passage 103 is defined by both the rails 101 and 102. Is formed. The guide passage 103 includes an inlet portion 104 that is opened to the tip side (obliquely downward) of the firing rail 112, and an outlet portion 105 that is located above the gaming area PE. The game ball fired based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the firing rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (the entrance portion 104 → the exit portion 105). In the game board 80, a reversal prevention member 106 for preventing the reversal of the game ball reaching the game area PE into the guide passage 103 is attached to the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101. Thus, it is possible to prevent the subsequent launch of the game ball from being hindered by the game ball that has reached the game area PE first.

  The guide rail 100 and the firing rail 112 are arranged such that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 face each other with a gap therebetween. A foul ball passage 55 (see FIG. 3) is disposed below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage 55 is integrally formed with the passage formation unit 50 of the front door frame 14. If the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return as foul balls in the guide passage 103, the foul balls enter the foul ball passage 55 through the gap. It becomes. The foul ball passage 55 communicates with the front door side lower tray passage, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball passage 55 are discharged to the lower tray 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  A main display portion D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided at a portion of the game area forming member facing the glass panel 31. The main display unit D displays the lottery result based on the winning to the upper working port 83a, and the lower side displays the lottery result based on the winning to the lower working port 83b. And an operating port display.

  In the upper working port display unit, the variation display of the picture is performed with the winning of the upper working port 83a as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the upper working port 83a is performed. The result is specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper working port 83a is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the upper working port display unit, and the predetermined result is the stop result. After the pattern is displayed, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the lower working port display unit, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the lower working port 83b as a trigger, and the result of stopping the variation display is based on the winning of the lower working port 83b. The result of the internal lottery is clearly indicated. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the lower working port 83b is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the change display is stopped on the lower working port display unit, and the stop result After a predetermined pattern is displayed, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  Here, on the basis of winning in any one of the operation ports 83a and 83b, the display of variation is started at the corresponding operation port display unit, until a predetermined stop result is displayed and the variation display is stopped. It corresponds to one time. However, the number of game times is not limited to the above-mentioned contents. For example, a single display area is provided, and even if a winning to any of the operation ports 83a and 83b occurs, the single game area In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the above-mentioned variable display is stopped once in a state where a predetermined stop result is displayed. And

  The resin base 60 is provided with a plurality of lock devices that can be switched between a locked state in which the game board 80 cannot be removed from the game board housing 61 and an unlocked state in which the game board 80 is allowed to be removed. Yes. The locking device has an abutting portion that abuts against the front surface of the game board 80 in the locked state, and the abutting portion abuts against the front surface of the game board 80, thereby moving the game board 80 toward the front door frame 14 side. The displacement will be suppressed.

  A through hole that penetrates the resin base 60 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing rail 112 (specifically, the side that supports the front door frame 14) in the resin base 60, and covers the through hole. A passage forming member 121 is disposed. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 60 and has a main body side upper dish path 122 and a main body side lower dish path 123. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicates with a game ball distributing section described later. A receiving portion 53 (see FIG. 2) of the passage forming unit 50 attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side is below the main body side upper dish passage 122. An upper plate passage is arranged, and a front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side lower plate passage 123.

  In the resin base 60, a shutter 124 that restricts the outflow of game balls from the main body side upper dish path 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 is provided below the passage forming member 121. The shutter 124 is supported by the resin base 60 in a state where the shutter 124 can be switched between a blocking position where the outlet portions of both passages are narrowed to prevent the gaming ball from flowing out and an allowable position where the gaming ball is allowed to flow out. Further, a biasing member that biases the shutter 124 toward the blocking position is attached to the resin base 60. When the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the shutter is driven by the biasing force of the biasing member. 124 is configured to remain in the blocking position. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state where the game balls are stored in the main body side upper tray passage 122 or the main body side lower tray passage 123, the disadvantage that the stored balls spill out is avoided. . In contrast, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the shutter 124 is pushed back to the allowable position against the urging force by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage communicate with the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage, respectively, and the movement of the game ball is allowed.

  Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 60 and the game board 80) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

  A bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 6) of the back surface of the resin base 60. A bearing portion 133 is formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. A plurality of fixing levers 134 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame 13 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 60.

  As already described, a central opening 64 that penetrates in the thickness direction of the resin base 60 and opens to the back side of the resin base 60 is formed at the bottom portion of the game board housing 61 in the resin base 60. The central opening 64 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board 80 housed in the game board housing part 61. Various components such as a control device are mounted on the back of the game board 80, and these various components are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the central opening 64. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 80 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game board 80 as seen from the rear.

  A synthetic resin pedestal member 141 on which the variable display unit 85 (see FIG. 5) is mounted on the game board 80 is fixed to the back of the game board 80. The pedestal member 141 has a substantially box shape opened to the game board 80 side, and covers almost the entire rear surface of the game board 80. A part of the pedestal member 141 protrudes to the back side of the resin base 60 through the central opening 64 of the resin base 60. The symbol display device 94 (see FIG. 5) described above with respect to the protruding portion and the symbol display thereof. A display control device for driving the device 94 is attached. The symbol display device 94 and the display control device are arranged so that the symbol display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the resin base 60). Further, the game board 80 is equipped with a notification / production control device unit so as to be located behind the display control device. The notification / production control device unit includes a notification / production control device 142 and a mounting table 144, and the notification / production control device 142 is mounted on the mounting table 144.

  The notification / production control device 142 includes a notification / production control board that controls sound and lamp display and control of the display control device in accordance with instructions from a main control device, which will be described later. It is accommodated in a substrate box 145 made of, for example.

  A main control unit 160 is provided below the notification / production control unit so as to cover the base member 141 from the rear. The main controller unit 160 includes a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the back of the game board 80 and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power source, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be unsealed by a box sealing portion 164 as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for sealing processing.

  Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. However, by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole that forms the box sealing portion 164, the box sealing portion 164 The base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. The sealing process by the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. Even after opening, the sealing process can be performed again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole portion among the plurality of box sealing portions 164. When the substrate box 163 is opened, such as when a failure occurs in the accommodated main control board or when the main control board is inspected, a connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the substrate box 163 main body. Disconnect. As a result, the box base and the box cover of the substrate box 163 are separated, and the internal main control substrate can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of opening the substrate box 163 is left in the substrate box 163, it can be easily found that the unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.

  The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected by a base seal part 165 so that they cannot be opened. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole portion and a locking pin similarly to the box sealing portion 164, and the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole portion so that the board box 163 and The mounting base 161 is coupled so as not to be separable. This makes it easier to grasp the fact that the substrate box 163 has been illegally removed.

  The portion of the pedestal member 141 that faces the back of the game board 80 corresponds to the game board opening of the general winning port 81, variable winning device 82, upper operating port 83a, lower operating port 83b and on the downstream side. Thus, a collection passage that gathers in one place is formed. Thereby, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 81 and the like are gathered below the game board 80 through the collection passage. That is, the pedestal member 141 is provided with a function of collecting game balls won in various winning openings.

  A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board 80 by the collection passage are led out into the discharge passage. Similarly, the out port 86 leads to the discharge passage, and a game ball that has not won any winning port is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 86.

  Further, in the collection passage, a winning port switch for detecting a game ball won in the general winning port 81 on the front side of the game board 80, a count switch for detecting a game ball won in the variable winning device 82, and an operation port 83a, An operating port switch for detecting a game ball entering 83b is mounted, and a winning detection mechanism is constituted by these various switches. Furthermore, gate switches for detecting game balls passing through the through gate 84 are provided on the left and right sides of the variable display unit 85 in the base member 141. These various switches are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and the detection information by each switch is output to the main control device 162.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inner frame 13 is covered from behind by the back pack unit 15. As shown in FIG. 8, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201.

  The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and includes a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which left and right side surfaces and an upper surface are closed and only a lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 85.

  The base part 211 is provided with an external terminal board (not shown) at the upper right part thereof. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal plate, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the latch pins 214 are inserted through the bearing portions 133 provided on the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner frame 13. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions 215 through which the fixing levers 134 provided in the inner frame 13 are inserted, and the base portion 211 is rearward of the base portion 211 in a state where the fixing levers 134 are inserted through the insertion portions 215. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by contact with the inner frame 13.

  In the base portion 211, a payout mechanism portion 202 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is arranged at the top of the back pack 201 and that opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. The A tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the lower side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.

  The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any one of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. It is formed so that it communicates with the upper plate 33 through the side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening communicates with the lower plate 34 through the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage. Has been.

  At the lower end portion of the base portion 211, the discharge passage board and the control device collective unit 204 are attached so as to sandwich the lower end portion in the front-rear direction. In the discharge passage board, a discharge passage opened rearward is formed on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and an open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led to the discharge passage from the recovery passage described above passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Discharged.

  The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power supply / launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is accommodated in the board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power source / launch control device 243 includes a power source / launch control board housed in the board box 246, and a predetermined power source required for various control devices and the like is generated and output by the board. Control of the launch of the game ball accompanying the operation of the firing handle 45 is performed. Further, the power source / launch control device 243 is provided with a power switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched to the on state (on state) or the shut off state (off state).

  Here, this pachinko machine 10 has a function for storing various data, and even if a power failure occurs, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure. It can be done. For example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure as in the case of a game hall being closed, the state before the shutdown is stored and held. The main controller 162 is provided with a RAM erase switch 166. When power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166, the RAM data is initialized.

(Operation button unit 500 and related structure)
In the present embodiment, the mounting structure of the operation button unit 500 provided in the upper bulging portion 28 of the front door frame 14 and the configuration related thereto are one of the features. Therefore, in the following description, first, an outline of the operation button unit 500 and its peripheral configuration will be supplementarily described with reference to FIGS. 9 is a perspective view of the front door frame 14 as viewed from the front side, FIG. 10A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 9 showing the operation button unit 500 and its peripheral configuration, and FIG. It is an A line partial end view.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the upper bulging portion 28 constitutes the cover body 21 together with the annular electrical decoration portion 24, the cover member for the speaker portion 27, and various decorative members. The upper bulging portion 28 has a base end portion (rear end portion) fixed to the frame body 20 and is in a so-called cantilever state. The securing strength is improved by setting a plurality of the above and below fixed portions in the vertical and horizontal directions while securing the vertical and horizontal widths of the upper bulging portion 28 to some extent.

  The upper bulging portion 28 is formed by combining a pair of upper and lower bulging portion constituting bodies 301 and 302 (see FIG. 10A). Specifically, the lower bulging portion constituting bodies 301 and 302 having a substantially box-like shape opened upward are covered from above by a pair of left and right upper bulging portion constituting bodies 301 and 302 whose upper surfaces are decorated. Both these structural bodies 301 and 302 are combined. By setting it as such a structure, the fall of the yield of the upper side bulging part 28 is suppressed, improving the appearance of the upper side bulging part.

  The front-rear width of the upper bulge part structure 301 is set smaller than the front-rear width of the lower bulge part structure 302. In other words, the upper bulged portion constituting body 301 is formed along the front side and the left and right edges of the lower bulged portion constituting body 302, and the rear end edges of both the constituent bodies 301 and 302 are arranged in the front-rear direction. Deviation has occurred at. Due to the existence of such a gap, an accommodation recess 315 as an installation portion for the upper plate 33 is formed on the upper surface portion 311 of the upper bulging portion 28. The housing recess 315 is opened upward, and the open portion is closed by fitting the upper plate 33 from above.

  Although illustration is omitted, an engaging portion that engages with the upper plate 33 is provided on the back surface portion 314 of the upper bulging portion constituting body 301. When the upper plate 33 is pushed into the housing recess 315, the engaging portion is engaged, and the upper plate 33 and the upper bulging portion 28 are integrated. The frame body 20 is also provided with an engaging portion that engages with the upper plate 33 by fixing the upper bulging portion 28 to the frame body 20. Thereby, in the state which fixed the upper side bulging part 28 to the frame 20, the removal of the top plate 33 from the frame 20 is controlled by the said engaging part. That is, the upper plate 33 is sandwiched between the upper bulging portion 28 and the frame body 20, and when the upper plate 33 is removed during maintenance or the like, the upper bulging portion 28 (the cover body 21) is removed from the frame body 20 in advance. ) Is necessary. This is a device for strengthening a defense function against various illegal acts such as unauthorized removal of the upper plate 33.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the upper plate 33 is disposed on the base end side of the upper bulging portion 28 and is opened not only upward but also rearward. The rear open portion is closed by the front surface portion 36 of the frame body 20, and a storage area SE capable of storing a large number of game balls is partitioned by the upper plate 33 and the frame body 20 (specifically, the front surface portion 36). Has been. The bottom surface portion of the upper plate 33 is inclined downward to the right, and a supply port 37 as an inlet portion to which game balls are supplied from the payout device 224 is located at the uppermost portion of the storage area SE in the front surface portion 36. Is formed.

  In addition, a discharge port 38 that guides the game ball to the game ball launching mechanism 110 is formed in a portion of the front surface portion 36 that is located on the most downstream side of the storage area SE. The discharge port 38 is covered from above by the upper bulging portion structure 301, and unauthorized access to the discharge port 38 is suppressed.

  An alignment passage 320 that guides the game balls to the discharge port 38 in a state of being aligned in a line is formed from the middle to the downstream (discharge port 38) of the storage area SE. As for the alignment passage 320, its front-rear width (the distance between the vertical wall of the upper plate 33 and the front surface portion 36 of the frame 20) is suppressed to be slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball, and a plurality of the same portions are arranged. The game balls cannot pass at the same time. By guiding the game balls to the discharge port 38 through the alignment passage 320, the game balls are smoothly supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 110.

  Here, the movement of the game ball when playing a game will be briefly described. When a game ball that has reached the game area PE based on the player's launch operation enters a variety of game units such as the variable winning device 82, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a bonus. . Specifically, when the payout device 224 operates, the game ball is supplied to the storage area SE through the supply port 37. The game ball that has reached the storage area SE moves downstream due to its own weight, and is guided to the discharge port 38 while being rectified in the alignment passage 320. Then, it reaches the ball feeding device 113 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 through the discharge port 38. When a game ball launch operation is performed, the ball feeding device 113 supplies the game ball to the launch standby position at regular intervals, and accordingly, the game ball stored in the storage area SE Then, it moves to the downstream side sequentially.

  In addition to the above-described upper plate 33, an operation button unit 500 and a controller unit 41 are disposed in the upper bulging portion 28. The operation button unit 500 is provided with a function of executing a predetermined game effect or the like in conjunction with the symbol display device 94 or the like, and the controller unit 41 has a function of selecting a game mode (for example, customization of the background, characters, etc.). Has been granted. 10B, when the operation button unit 500 and the controller unit 41 are compared, the operation part of the operation button unit 500 is formed to be much larger than the operation part of the controller unit 41. The operation button unit 500 is operated as a part of the production when the game progresses, whereas the controller unit 41 is not used for the game production, but mainly waits before the game starts or after the game ends. It is assumed that it is operated in the state (in standby mode).

  Considering the difference in the use conditions / use environment / shape and the like detailed above, there is a difference in the fixed object. Specifically, although the controller unit 41 and the operation button unit 500 have a common arrangement target (upper bulging portion 28), the controller unit 41 is fixed to the upper bulging portion 28 itself. On the other hand, the operation button unit 500 looks as if it is fixed to the upper bulging portion 28, and the fixed object is not the upper bulging portion 28 but the frame body 20.

  The arrangement (fixed mode) of the operation button unit 500 will be described. The operation button unit 500 is disposed in front of the upper plate 33, specifically in front of the alignment passage 320. On the upper surface portion 311 of the upper bulging portion 28 (specifically, the upper bulging portion constituting body 301), an opening opened upward by arranging the pair of upper bulging portion constituting bodies 301 apart from each other on the left and right sides. 316 is formed. The opening 316 extends over the upper surface portion 311, the front surface portion 313, and the rear surface portion 314 of the upper bulging portion 28, and the operation button unit 500 is disposed so as to cover the opening 316.

  The operation button unit 500 is fixed to the frame body 20 via a metal mounting frame. That is, the fixing mode with respect to the frame 20 is in the same relationship with the upper bulging portion 28. By directly attaching to the frame 20 using the attachment frame without using the upper bulging portion 28, it is possible to suitably distribute the load applied to the operation button unit 500 to the frame 20 by a pressing operation or the like. . Further, although the mounting frame is accommodated in the internal space of the upper bulging portion 28, the mounting frame is in a floating state, and contact with the upper bulging portion 28 and the upper plate 33 is avoided. By adopting such a configuration, even if a large load is applied to the operation button unit 500, it is possible to suppress the load from being transmitted to the upper bulging portion 28.

  The upper plate 33 can be easily accessed from the front of the gaming machine by being disposed in the upper bulging portion 28 that bulges in front of the gaming machine. Thereby, the improvement of workability | operativity at the time of performing replenishment of a game ball, elimination of a ball clogging, etc., and easy of confirmation of a remaining ball, etc. are implement | achieved. Here, by disposing the operation button unit 500 in the upper bulging portion 28 on which the upper plate 33 is to be disposed, it is easy to access the operation button unit 500 as in the case of the upper plate 33, and convenience. Can contribute to the improvement.

  As described above, although the operation button unit 500 is provided in the upper bulging portion 28, the fixing object is not the upper bulging portion 28 but the frame body 20. For this reason, even if a large load is generated, for example, when the operation button unit 500 is strongly pressed, the load is distributed to the frame body 20 via the attachment frame. Therefore, it can suppress suitably that distortion arises in the upper swelling part 28 (especially the upper plate 33 and the storage area | region SE) by the influence of the said load. In this way, by suppressing the influence on the upper plate 33 (storage area SE), it is possible for the upper plate 33 and the operation button unit 500 to preferably coexist in the upper bulging portion 28.

  The handling of the operation button unit 500 varies depending on the player and the gaming situation. For example, the possibility that the operation button unit 500 may be hit with power in a situation where the game is not progressing advantageously cannot be denied. In this way, when the operation button unit 500 is handled, it is assumed that the load increases due to the impact, as compared to the case where the game is performed with the hand placed on the operation button unit 500. In this respect, in the present embodiment, since the displacement of the operation button unit 500 (the bending deformation of the mounting frame) is allowed, the impact can be reduced. Even in the case of such bending deformation, since the operation button unit 500 and the upper bulging portion 28 are independent, the upper bulging portion 28 can be preferably prevented from being deformed.

  If the amount of deformation becomes too large, the attachment frame may hit the upper surface (inner surface) of the lower surface portion 312 of the upper bulging portion 28. However, in this case, a large impact generated instantaneously is distributed to the frame body 20 side, and the impact is absorbed by deformation of the mounting frame. Therefore, it is suitably avoided that a large load is applied to the upper bulging portion 28.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, the storage region SE is formed by the upper plate 33 and the front surface portion 36 of the frame body 20. In this case, a boundary portion BP (see FIG. 9) is generated between the rear edge of the upper plate 33 and the front surface portion 36. In such a configuration, if the upper bulging portion 28 is deformed, there is a concern that the storage function or guidance function of the game ball applied to the upper plate 33 may be impaired. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the occurrence of such inconvenience is preferably avoided.

  In this regard, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, even if the operation button unit 500 is displaced, the mounting frame only deforms, and the influence does not affect the upper bulging portion 28 and the upper plate 33. Therefore, it can suppress suitably that boundary part BP expands or the width dimension of the alignment channel | path 320 expands.

  Hereinafter, the operation button unit 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. 11A is a perspective view of the operation button unit 500 as viewed from above, FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the operation button unit 500 as viewed from below, and FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the operation button unit 500 for each main configuration. It is a disassembled perspective view shown.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the operation button unit 500 has a configuration corresponding to an “operation unit” and a “display effect device” as one unit, and the front door frame 14 (in detail, in this state) It is fixed to the mounting frame.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the operation button unit 500 includes an operation block 501 as an operation target by the player, a movable movable decoration unit 502 housed in the operation block 501, and the operation block 501 and the movable decoration unit 502. And a holder 503 as an attachment target.

  The operation block 501 includes a cover unit 510 that covers the movable decorative unit 502, and a variable unit 520 that serves as a base to which the cover unit 510 is fixed. Regarding the cover unit 510, a first cover member 511 and a second cover member 512 made of a synthetic resin having transparency are combined, and visibility of the movable decorative unit 502 through the cover members 511 and 512 is ensured. Yes. That is, when a display effect using the movable decoration unit 502 is performed, the display effect can be visually recognized from the outside of the operation button unit 500 through the cover unit 510.

  The first cover member 511 has a hook shape that is convex (upward) on the opposite side (upward) to the pressing operation direction, and the upper surface portion is an operation surface portion 513 to which a function as a target of the pressing operation is given. The second cover member 512 is assembled to the annular portion constituting the side surface portion of the first cover member 511, and the cover unit 510 is configured by both the cover members 511 and 512.

  The second cover member 512 has an annular shape that is formed along the annular portion of the first cover member 511. The upper end portion of the second cover member 512 has a wavy shape in which a plurality of irregularities are formed in the circumferential direction, and the finger hanging portion 514 is configured by these irregularities.

  Although details will be described later, the operation button unit 500 according to the present embodiment is configured so that a player can perform a pressing operation and a rotating operation. The operation surface portion 513 has a smooth curved surface so that the edge of the cover unit 510 does not easily hit the finger or palm when a pressing operation is performed. This is preferable for avoiding corner hits and protecting the player's hand. However, in such a configuration, it is assumed that the operation is difficult to perform because there is no portion where the finger is caught when the rotation operation is performed. In view of this, the finger cover 514 is provided on the second cover member 512 at a portion corresponding to the annular portion of the first cover member 511, thereby eliminating the difficulty of the rotation operation.

  The cover unit 510 is fixed to the housing 521 that constitutes the variable unit 520. More specifically, the housing 521 is formed in a hollow box shape, and a cover unit 510 is fixed to an upper surface portion (a housing 521 described later).

  A space surrounded by the cover unit 510 and the housing 521 functions as a housing space for the movable decorative unit 502. Here, the movable decoration unit 502 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the operation button unit 500.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the movable decorative unit 502 is mounted with a light emitting substrate 572 on which a plurality of light emitting elements (specifically, LEDs) are mounted, and the light emitting substrate 572 with its element mounting surface facing the operation surface portion 513. Mounting base 571. The light emitting board 572 is connected to the notification / production control device 142, and light emission control such as lighting / extinguishing / flashing is performed based on a signal from the notification / production control device 142.

  A substrate cover 573 formed of a colored transparent resin material is fixed to the mounting base 571 so as to cover the element mounting surface of the light emitting substrate 572. The substrate cover 573 is formed with a light diffusion portion, and light from the light emitting substrate 572 is irradiated to the operation surface portion 513 while being diffused through the substrate cover 573.

  A decorative member 574 is disposed on the mounting base 571 so as to be positioned closer to the operation surface portion 513 than the substrate cover 573. The decoration member 574 is pivotally supported by the mounting base 571, and a predetermined operation gap is secured between the decoration member 574 and the upper surface of the decoration member 574. Thereby, interference with the decoration member 574 and the board | substrate cover 573 is avoided.

  The mounting base 571 is formed with a bulging portion 579 that bulges on the opposite side of the light emitting substrate 572, and the lower surface of the bulging portion 579 (specifically, the plate surface of the light emitting substrate 572 opposite to the mounting surface). A motor 575 is fixed as a driving means for the decorative member 574. The motor 575 is connected to the notification / production control device 142 and operates based on a drive signal from the notification / production control device 142. As the motor 575 operates, the decorative member 574 rotates.

  The decorative member 574 is formed with a plurality of arm portions extending in a direction intersecting with the rotation center axis. These arm portions are formed so as to be colored and opaque, and are provided with a light blocking property to block light from the light emitting substrate 572. Under the situation where the light emitting substrate 572 emits light, the light shielding position changes as the decorative member 574 rotates. Thus, the apparent light emission mode changes due to the occurrence of switching between light shielding / non-light shielding for each part.

  In this embodiment, there are cases where the flashing pattern is changed by light emission control to draw the player's attention and the apparent flashing pattern changes due to the rotation of the decorative member 574. When the unit 500 blinks, it is possible for the player to grasp which pattern the blinking being generated is by visually confirming whether or not the decorative member 574 is rotating.

  The holder 503 has a bottomed box shape (see FIG. 12). A base 552 is formed on the bottom 551 of the holder 503 so as to protrude in the same direction as the peripheral wall 561 (upward: the front side in the pressing direction). The pedestal 552 has a cylindrical shape, and the movable decorative unit 502 is placed on the top 552a. Specifically, the movable decorative unit 502 is supported by the pedestal 552 by the bulging portion 579 of the mounting base 571 coming into contact with the top 552 a of the pedestal 552.

  A through hole 553 is formed in the top portion 552a, and the motor 575 protrudes into the cylindrical portion 552b (hollow portion) of the base 552 through the through hole 553. Thereby, interference with the motor 575 and the base 552 is avoided. Incidentally, in view of the fact that the entire motor 575 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 552b, the base 552 (specifically, the cylindrical portion 552b) is referred to as an “accommodating portion” that accommodates the driving portion of the movable decorative unit 502. You can also.

  With the movable decorative unit 502 placed on the pedestal 552 as described above, the bulging portion 579 of the mounting base 571 is fixed to the top 552a of the pedestal 552 by the screw 565 (fixing tool), so that the movable decorative unit 502 is integrated with the holder 503.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, the movable decorative unit 502 has the motor 575, so that its weight is increased. The center of gravity is configured to be located in the vicinity of the attachment location of the motor 575 in the bulging portion 579. As described above, by improving the support balance of the movable decorative unit 502 by the pedestal 552, the motor 575 is projected downward through the through hole 553 so that the bulging portion 579 is placed on the pedestal 552. .

  Next, the variable unit 520 provided with functions related to operation and support of the operation block 501 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the variable unit 520, and FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable unit 520. In FIG. 15, for convenience of explanation, each configuration of the cover unit 510, the movable decoration unit 502, and the holder 503 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 521 of the variable unit 520 is a combination of a pair of case components (a case body 522 and a lid body 523), and a base member 531 is accommodated therein. The base member 531 is sandwiched between the case structural bodies 522 and 523 in a state in which relative displacement with the housing 521 is allowed in the same direction as the combination direction (vertical direction or pressing operation direction) of the housings 521.

  A plurality of bosses extending in the combination direction are provided on a portion of the case body 522 opposite to the side on which the cover unit 510 is mounted. The housing 521 has an annular shape as a whole, and these bosses are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the housing 521. The lid body 523 is fixed to the boss with a screw 524 in a state where the lid body 523 is in contact with the tip portion of the boss. As a result, the separation between the case body 522 and the lid body 523 is regulated.

  The base member 531 is formed with boss receiving portions formed so as to correspond to the bosses on a one-to-one basis, and the direction of the relative displacement is defined by inserting each boss into the boss receiving portion. ing. Further, relative displacement of the housing 521 and the base member 531 in the circumferential direction is limited by the boss and the boss receiving portion.

  The housing 521 accommodates a spring member 535 that urges the base member 531 toward the side opposite to the case body 522 to which the cover unit 510 is fixed, that is, the lid body 523 side. A plurality of spring members 535 are arranged at equal intervals in the rotation operation direction, and are sandwiched between the base member 531 and the case body 522. The spring member 535 is configured to be in a slightly compressed state when the case body 522 and the lid body 523 are fixed by the screws 524, and in the state where the pressing operation is not performed (standby state), The member 531 is pressed against the lid 523.

  Note that the lid body can also be referred to as a “stopper” when attention is paid to the fact that the lid body 523 prevents the base member 531 from falling off or being further displaced in the urging direction.

  The housing 521 is formed with a circular central opening 525 penetrating in the combination direction. A communication port 532 that communicates with the central opening 525 is formed in the base member 531 portion. Similarly to the central opening 525, the communication port 532 has a circular shape and is formed so as to be coaxial with the central opening 525.

  The minimum inner diameter dimension of the communication port 532 is set to be smaller than the minimum inner diameter dimension of the central opening 525, and a part of the base member 531 protrudes into the central opening 525. As shown in FIG. 15, an annular ball bearing 541 that contributes to smooth rotation operation is attached to the protruding portion of the base member 531. Specifically, an engagement recess 533 that engages with the ball bearing 541 is formed in a portion of the base member 531 that faces the bottom 551 of the holder 503, and the ball bearing that engages with the engagement recess 533 is formed. 541 is caught on the claw portion 534 formed on the base member 531, thereby preventing the 541 from dropping from the engaging recess 533. Thus, the ball bearing 541 and the base member 531 are integrated.

  Here, a support structure of the variable unit 520 (operation block 501) by the holder 503 will be described with reference to FIGS. An annular protrusion 554 is formed on the bottom 551 of the holder 503 so as to surround the pedestal 552. A ring plate 555 having an annular shape is placed on the annular protrusion 554.

  The inner diameter of the ring plate 555 is equal to the outer diameter of the pedestal 552 (specifically, the cylindrical portion 552b), and is engaged with the cylindrical portion 552b. The ball bearing 541 is placed on the ring plate 555. By interposing the ring plate 555 between the annular protrusion 554 and the ball bearing 541, the load (support load) of the operation block 501 is suppressed from being concentrated on a part of the annular protrusion 554.

  The inner diameter dimension of the ball bearing 541 is equal to the outer diameter dimension of the cylindrical portion 552b. When the ball bearing 541 is placed on the ring plate 555, the ball bearing 541 engages with the cylindrical portion 552b. It has a configuration. The bottom portion 551 is formed with a locking claw portion 556 as a stopper that prevents the ball bearing 541 from lifting.

  The operation block 501 is fixed to the holder 503 by the latching claw portion 556 being hooked on the ball bearing 541. That is, for the operation block 501, the base member 531 constituting the variable unit 520 is a target to be fixed to the holder 503.

  Here, the movement of the operation button unit 500 accompanying the pressing operation will be described with reference to FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram showing a standby state of the operation button unit 500, and FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram showing a pressed state of the operation button unit 500.

  When the player presses the operation surface portion 513 of the cover unit 510 in the standby state shown in FIG. 16A, the cover unit 510 and the housing 521 are resisted against the biasing force of the spring member 535. Displacement in the pressing direction (downward). Since the base member 531 constituting the variable unit 520 is fixed to the holder 503, the relative position between the housing 521 and the base member 531 changes due to the lowering of the housing 521. Specifically, the base member 531 and the lid body 523 are separated from each other, and the gap between the case body 522 and the base member 531 in the pressing direction is reduced. Along with this, the spring member 535 is further compressed, and the restoring force to the standby state is accumulated.

  As shown in FIG. 16A → FIG. 16B, when the cover unit 510 is pushed to a predetermined pressing position, the outer peripheral flange 529 formed on the housing 521 is stopped by the peripheral wall 561 of the holder 503. It abuts on the portion 562 and further displacement in the pressing direction is restricted.

  16B, even when the cover unit 510 has reached a predetermined pressing position (maximum pressing position) defined by the stopper portion 562, the operation surface portion 513 of the cover unit 510 and the movable decorative unit 502 A gap is secured between the operation surface portion 513 and the movable decoration unit 502, and interference between the operation surface portion 513 and the movable decoration unit 502 is avoided. Thereby, even if it is a case where pressing operation is performed, it is suppressed that the load which generate | occur | produces with the said operation is transmitted to the movable decoration unit 502 directly.

  In the present embodiment, a position detection sensor 576 is provided on the mounting base 571 of the movable decorative unit 502. The position detection sensor 576 is connected to the notification / production control device 142, and when the cover unit 510 is pushed down to a predetermined pressing position, detection information indicating that fact is output to the notification / production control device 142. The notification / production control device 142 grasps whether or not a pressing operation has been performed based on detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor 576.

  When the pressing operation of the cover unit 510 is finished, the cover unit 510 and the housing 521 are displaced toward the standby position by the urging force stored in the spring member 535. Then, as shown in FIG. 16A, the cover unit 510 and the housing 521 are moved to the standby positions by contacting the base member 531 with the lid 523 of the housing 521 from the side opposite to the pressing direction (lower side). Return is complete.

  In the present embodiment, by devising the support structure of the operation block 501 and the movable decoration unit 502 by the holder 503, the function of distributing loads such as loads and impacts caused by pressing operations is improved. One. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 17, a configuration related to load distribution will be supplementarily described. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing how the load is applied.

  As already described, the operation button unit 500 shown in the present embodiment has three configurations, that is, an operation block 501, a movable decoration unit 502, and a holder 503. The operation block 501 and the movable decoration unit 502 are supported by the holder 503. Yes. As described above, the holder 503 includes the annular protrusion 554 that constitutes the “first support portion” that supports the operation block 501, and the base 552 that constitutes the “second support portion” that supports the movable decorative unit 502. The support structure for the operation block 501 and the movable decorative unit 502 is provided independently.

  In the standby state shown in FIG. 17A, the weight (load F <b> 2) of the operation block 501 is transmitted to the annular protrusion 554 and distributed to the holder 503 through the annular protrusion 554. Thereby, it is avoided that the weight of the operation block 501 is transmitted to the pedestal 552 and further transmitted to the movable decoration unit 502 via the pedestal 552 and the like. In this way, by preventing the influence of the weight of the operation block 501 from being transmitted to the movable decorative unit 502, operation guarantee and protection of the movable decorative unit 502 are achieved.

  Here, the cover unit 510 and the like are biased to the opposite side to the pressing direction by a spring member 535 provided in the operation block 501. This urging force is configured to maintain its action even in a standby state, and the variable unit 520 is potentially in a state of being loaded. However, in this embodiment, an internal completion system is adopted so that this load does not propagate outside the variable unit 520. Therefore, in the standby state, the load generated on the annular protrusion 554 due to the biasing force of the spring member 535 is avoided.

  The weight (load F <b> 1) of the movable decoration unit 502 is transmitted to the pedestal 552 and is distributed to the holder 503 through the pedestal 552. This prevents the weight of the movable decorative unit 502 from being transmitted to the annular protrusion 554 and further to the operation block 501. In this way, by ensuring that the influence of the weight of the movable decoration unit 502 is not transmitted to the operation block 501, the operation block 501 is secured.

  Here, the relationship between the mounting frame 450 and the holder 503 will be supplemented. The bottom portion 551 of the holder 503 has a stepped shape on the peripheral wall portion 561 side and the center side, and a portion on the peripheral wall portion 561 side thereof is a contact portion 558 that contacts the mounting frame 450 (FIG. 11 ( b)). A plurality of locking pieces 559 that are hooked on the mounting frame 450 are formed on the contact portion 558, and the operation button unit 500 is fixed to the mounting frame 450 by the hooking pieces 559 being hooked on the mounting frame 450. .

  The abutting portion 558 is disposed so as to have a front / back positional relationship with the annular protrusion 554. Thus, the weight of the operation block 501 is easily transmitted to the mounting frame 450 via the holder 503. The operation block 501 is heavier than the movable decorative unit 502. Therefore, by arranging the annular protrusion 554 that supports the operation block 501 at a position closer to the contact portion 558 than the pedestal 552 that supports the movable decoration unit 502, the above-described support function can be suitably exhibited. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 17A → FIG. 17B, when the operation block 501 is displaced in accordance with the pressing operation, the spring member 535 is thereby compressed, thereby increasing the load F2. Even when such an increase in the load F2 occurs, the load is propagated from the bottom 551 to the mounting frame 450. That is, even if an increase in load occurs, it is avoided that the increased amount is transmitted from the base 552 to the movable decoration unit 502.

  An escape hole is formed in the mounting frame 450 so as to avoid contact with portions other than the contact portion 558. In other words, the object to be supported by the mounting frame 450 is limited to a portion closer to the peripheral wall portion 561 rather than the entire lower surface of the bottom portion 551. Here, if the bottom portion 551 that is the placement target of the pedestal 552 and the annular protrusion 554 is bent and deformed due to the increase in the load or the like, the bottom portion 551 that is the same placement target is deformed. Thereby, it can suppress that the clearance gap between the operation surface part 513 and the movable decoration unit 502 is reduced. In particular, in the present embodiment, the contact portion 558 → the annular protrusion 554 → the pedestal 552 has a positional relationship from the outside to the inside, and therefore the bottom portion of the pedestal 552 rather than the bending amount of the bottom portion 551 of the annular protrusion 554. The amount of bending of 551 increases. Thereby, the said avoidance function will be exhibited more suitably.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, when the operation block 501 is pushed to a predetermined pressing position, the outer peripheral flange 529 hits the stopper portion 562 of the peripheral wall portion 561. Thereby, a part of the pressing force (load F3) is transmitted to the peripheral wall portion 561 of the holder 503 through the outer peripheral flange 529 → the stopper portion 562. The load F3 transmitted to the peripheral wall portion 561 is transmitted to the mounting frame 450 via the bottom portion 551. In this way, by releasing a part of the pressing force toward the peripheral wall portion 561, the influence of the pressing force on the annular protrusion 554 is suppressed.

  Since the contact portion 558 is located immediately below the peripheral wall portion 561, the load F3 is more directly transmitted to the mounting frame 450, and is prevented from being transmitted to the movable decorative unit 502 through the bottom portion 551. Thereby, the protection function of the movable decoration unit 502 is further strengthened.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, an attachment location (contact location) of the cover unit 510 to the variable unit 520, an outer peripheral flange 529, a stopper portion 562, a peripheral wall portion 561, a bottom portion of the variable unit 520 551 (contact part 558) is arranged vertically. By adopting such a positional relationship, it is possible to suppress the generation of a bending moment and allow the load F3 to escape to the mounting frame 450 more directly.

  As already described, the operation button unit 500 is allowed to be pressed and rotated. Here, with reference to FIG. 18, the structure which concerns on pressing operation is supplementarily demonstrated.

  A vibrator 557 is disposed on the bottom 551 of the holder 503. Vibrator 557 is connected to notification / production control device 142 and vibrates based on a signal from notification / production control device 142.

  The vibrator 557 includes a motor 557a and a cover member 557b for the motor 557a, and is fixed to the lower surface of the bottom portion 551 via the cover member 557b. A through hole penetrating the inside and outside of the holder 503 is formed in the bottom portion 551, and a part of the cover member 557 b protrudes into the holder 503 through the through hole. A rubber cushion 557c is fixed to the protruding portion.

  As shown in FIG. 18B, the rubber cushion 557c faces the lid 523 of the housing 521 with a gap therebetween. The lid 523 and the rubber cushion 557c come into contact with each other while the operation block 501 is pushed into the predetermined pressing position by the pressing operation, and the rubber cushion 557c reaches the predetermined pressing position as shown in FIG. It will be slightly compressed. At this time, if the vibrator 557 vibrates, the vibration is transmitted to the rubber cushion 557c → the lid 523 (variable unit 520) → the cover unit 510, and the operation button unit 500 vibrates to the player who performs the pressing operation. Will be taught.

  When the pressing operation is not performed, the spring member 535 is involved in the vibration transmission path, and the spring member 535 functions as an absorber (vibration control unit) that suppresses the vibration of the cover unit 510. Thereby, it is suppressed that the vibration of vibrator 557 is transmitted to the player through cover unit 510.

  An effect accompanied by vibration of the vibrator 557 is likely to occur at game times in which a variable display mode with a high expectation level such as a big hit is selected. That is, when the occurrence of vibration is confirmed, it is understood that there is a high possibility of winning a jackpot at the corresponding game times. Such vibration can be grasped by performing a pressing operation. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game for a player to confirm the presence or absence of vibration by a pressing operation, and to contribute to an improvement in the degree of attention to the operation button unit 500.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 18A, the operation block 501 can be rotated. As shown in FIG. 18C, in a state where the operation block 501 is pushed into a predetermined pressing position, the rubber cushion 557c hits the lid 523, thereby generating a resistance that hinders the rotation operation. This prevents the operation block 501 from rotating against the player's intention when the rotation operation is not intended.

  According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

  In the operation button unit 500, the display effect by the movable decoration unit 502 can be visually recognized through the operation surface portion 513 of the cover unit 510. For example, the degree of attention to the operation button unit 500 can be improved by performing a display effect under various conditions such as before and after the operation.

  By supporting the operation block 501 as the operation target by the player and the movable decorative unit 502 for display effects individually by the holder 503 (independent support structure), the bias of the support load is suppressed. This is advantageous in improving the durability of the operation button unit 500.

  Specifically, since the operation block 501 is an operation target by the player, a load (load) larger than the own weight of the operation block 501 may be applied to the support portion or the like. When such a large load is transmitted to the movable decorative unit 502, there is a concern that the load may cause a malfunction or failure of the movable decorative unit 502. In this case, the effect of improving the appearance by incorporating the movable decoration unit 502 in the operation button unit 500 and the effect of improving the attention level by the display effect cannot be exhibited well.

  In particular, it is assumed that the display effect is visible through the operation surface unit 513. For this reason, even if it is intended to enhance the configuration of the movable decorative unit 502 in consideration of an improvement in the impact of the display effect, restrictions on the arrangement space of the movable decorative unit 502 become strong, and such a response becomes difficult. obtain. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the strength while improving the appearance (impact) in a limited space and strengthening the presence, and it is assumed that it is easily affected by the above-described load and the like. On the other hand, simplification of the movable decorative unit 502 in consideration of such influences is not preferable because it can obstruct the display effects of the movable decorative unit 502 and exert the various effects described above. Here, according to the present embodiment, by suppressing the influence from the operation block 501 from reaching the movable decorative unit 502, the occurrence of the above various problems is suitably avoided.

  Further, by supporting the movable decorative unit 502 by the holder 503, it is not necessary to support the movable decorative unit 502 by the operation block 501. That is, it is not necessary to integrate the operation block 501 and the movable decoration unit 502 (that is, it is possible to suppress an increase in the weight of the operation block 501). In addition, since the support structure is independent, it is possible to suppress the load or the like due to the weight or operation of the movable decorative unit 502 from being transmitted to the operation block 501. Therefore, even if the above attention level is improved by the display effect of the movable decoration unit 502, it is possible to suitably avoid the decrease in operability caused by it.

  In the configuration in which the operation button unit 500 is attached to the attachment frame 450 via the holder 503, the holder 503 provided with the function as the attachment target is provided with a base 552 for the operation block 501 and an annular shape for the movable decorative unit 502. By providing the projection 554, the load related to the operation block 501 is distributed to the mounting frame 450 through the annular projection 554 (holder 503), and the load related to the movable decorative unit 502 is applied to the mounting frame 450 through the base 552 (holder 503). Will be distributed. Thereby, the said various effects can be exhibited suitably.

  The annular protrusion 554 as the “first support portion” and the base 552 as the “second support portion” are provided side by side on the bottom portion 551 located on the back side in the pressing direction in the holder 503. Thereby, the transmission of the load to the operation block 501 → the annular protrusion 554 → the base 552 → the movable decoration unit 502 or the movable decoration unit 502 → the base 552 → the annular protrusion 554 → the operation block 501 can be suitably suppressed.

  In particular, in a configuration in which a pressing operation is permitted, a large load can be generated when the player pushes the operation surface portion 513 with power. If the operation surface portion 513 interferes with the movable decorative unit 502 due to deformation or the like caused by the load exceeding the assumption, it is assumed that inconvenience such as malfunction of the movable decorative unit 502 occurs.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, the movable decorative unit 502 is located behind the operation surface portion 513 in the pressing direction, and is disposed so that a gap is formed between the operation surface portion 513 and the operation surface portion 513 in the pressing direction. ing. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the impact at the initial stage of the operation from being directly transmitted to the movable decorative unit 502. Even if the bottom portion 551 is deformed due to the operation surface portion 513 being strongly pressed or the like, both the pedestal 552 and the annular protrusion 554 are attached to the bottom portion 551. Accordingly, the pedestal 552 is also displaced to the same side as the annular protrusion 554. Therefore, the reduction of the gap can be suitably suppressed, and the protection function of the movable decorative unit 502 can be further enhanced.

  Since the annular protrusion 554 is closer to the fixing portion (contact portion 558) to the mounting frame 450 than the base 552, the load (for example, impact) transmitted from the operation block 501 to the annular protrusion 554 is applied to the attachment frame 450. It is easy to escape. Therefore, propagation of load to the operation block 501 → the annular protrusion 554 → the base 552 → the movable decoration unit 502 can be suitably suppressed.

  Moreover, when the follow-up function mentioned above is considered, the amount of displacement increases as the distance increases from the fixed location. That is, it is possible to contribute to the enhancement of the gap maintenance function (protection function) by moving the pedestal 552 away from the fixed part.

  The outer peripheral surface of the pedestal 552 is formed so that the inner peripheral surface of the ball bearing 541 is engaged, and the pedestal 552 restricts displacement in a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the ball bearing 541. According to such a configuration, the rotational function of the operation block 501 can be stably exhibited by restricting the positional deviation of the ball bearing 541 (displacement in the direction intersecting the rotation center axis) by the pedestal 552. Even in such a configuration, since the weight of the ball bearing 541 is not received by the pedestal 552, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the support function of the movable decorative unit 502.

  In particular, when the movable decoration unit 502 is increased in size to improve the appearance and impact, it is necessary to form the base 552 in consideration of the support strength and support balance of the movable decoration unit 502. Therefore, by using such a configuration to regulate the displacement of the ball bearing 541, it is possible to suitably realize both the stabilization of the rotation function of the operation block 501 and the support function.

  The pedestal 552 and the annular protrusion 554 to which the function as the “supporting portion” is given are formed in an annular shape protruding in the same direction as the pressing direction. Thereby, the strength of the pedestal 552 and the annular protrusion 554 in the pressing direction can be dramatically improved. By controlling the displacement of the ball bearing 541 using such a configuration (the base 552), it is possible to suitably enjoy the various effects described above while suppressing an unnecessary increase in the occupied area of the base 552.

  By configuring the cover unit 510, the housing 521, the base member 531 and the spring member 535 as one unit to constitute the operation unit, and the entire unit is configured to rotate, the biasing function of the spring member 535 can be changed depending on the rotation position. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that it does not work well. That is, the buffer function by the spring member 535 can be suitably secured. This is a preferable configuration for protecting the pedestal 552 by suppressing the generation of a load in a direction intersecting the pressing direction.

  In the configuration in which the spring member 535 generates a drag force (buffer force) against the pressing operation, the position and posture of the cover unit 510 can be adjusted by compressing the spring member 535 to some extent even in the standby state (the state before the pressing operation). Disturbance can be suppressed. However, when the compressive force of the spring member 535 is applied to the holder 503 (specifically, the annular protrusion 554), the load on the annular protrusion 554 exceeds the weight of the cover unit 510 and the like. In consideration of such circumstances, it is not preferable to reinforce the annular protrusion 554 because the occupied area becomes bulky and the like, which causes a pressure on the occupied area of the second support portion and the display effect device.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, it is avoided that the urging force is transmitted outside the operation block 501 (variable unit 520) in the standby state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience such as the compression of the above-described occupied area, and it is possible to preferably allow the operation block 501 and the movable decoration unit 502 to coexist in the operation button unit 500.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the movable button unit is built in the operation button unit as a display effect device. One of the features of the present embodiment is that a display device unit is incorporated instead of the movable effect unit, and a device for further improving the degree of attention to the operation button unit 500 is provided. First, the structure of the operation button unit 500X in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19A is a plan view of the operation button unit 500X, and FIG. 19B is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the operation button unit 500X.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a display device unit 502 </ b> X is mounted on a base 552 of the holder 503. The display device unit 502X includes an attachment base 571X to be attached to the base 552, and a display device 572X mounted on the attachment base 571X so that the display screen 572aX faces the operation surface portion 513 of the cover unit 510. ing. A display screen 572aX of the display device 572X is visible through the cover unit 510 (operation surface unit 513). That is, the cover unit 510 functions as a protection unit that protects the display device 572X by covering the display device 572X.

  A control device 573X for the display device 572X is accommodated in the bulging portion 579X of the mounting base 571X. The control device 573X is connected to the notification / production control device 142, and performs display control of the display device 572X based on information (command) from the notification / production control device 142. In addition, about the other structure in the operation button unit 500X, since it is the same as that of the operation button unit 500 shown in the said 2nd Embodiment, description is used.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 according to the second embodiment will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  An MPU 802 is mounted on a main control board 801 provided in the main controller 162. The MPU 802 includes a ROM 803 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 802 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 803 is executed. A RAM 804 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are incorporated.

  The MPU 802 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the MPU 802, a power failure monitoring board 805, a payout control device 242 provided in the main control device 162, a switch group (not shown), and the like are connected. The power failure monitoring board 805 is connected to a power source / emission control device 243, and power is supplied to the MPU 802 via the power failure monitoring board 805. Further, as a part of the switch group, a plurality of detection sensors provided in various ball entering portions such as the operation ports 83a and 83b and the variable winning device 82 are connected, and the MPU 802 of the main control device 162 enters the ball entering portion. Entry determination is performed. In addition, the MPU 802 executes a jackpot generation lottery based on the entrance to the operation ports 83a and 83b in the entrance portion.

  Here, an electrical configuration in performing a big hit occurrence lottery or the like in the MPU 802 will be described.

  The MPU 802 uses lots of counter information in the game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, setting the emission color of the display unit for the operating port of the main display unit D, setting the symbol display of the symbol display device 94, etc. Includes a jackpot random number counter C1 used for lottery occurrence, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining a jackpot type such as a probabilistic jackpot state or a normal jackpot state, and the symbol display device 94 when the symbol display device 94 is changed. A reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting an initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a period for switching colors displayed on the operation port display section of the main display section D, and A variation type counter CS that determines the variation display time of the symbol in the symbol display device 94 is used.

  Among these counters, the counters C1 to C3, CINI, and CS are loop counters that add 1 to the previous value every time they are updated, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 804. The RAM 804 is provided with a holding ball storage buffer including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game to the operation ports 83a and 83b is provided. The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in time series in accordance with the ball entry history.

  For details of each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 676, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 804 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 83a and 83b. That is, the pachinko machine 10 (specifically, the MPU 802) is provided with a big hit occurrence lottery means for lottering whether or not a big hit state has occurred based on the establishment of a predetermined lottery start condition.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 49, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 49) and then returns to 0. In the present embodiment, the jackpot type counter C2 determines whether the probability variation state (high probability state) or the normal state (low probability state) is determined after the jackpot state ends. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 804 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 83a and 83b. That is, the pachinko machine 10 (specifically, the MPU 802) is provided with a jackpot type lottery means for lottering a jackpot type according to the establishment of a predetermined lottery start condition.

  Here, the probability variation state refers to a gaming state in which the probability of occurrence of a jackpot state is higher than that in the normal state until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied after the jackpot state ends. Specifically, in the normal state, the number of random number values that will generate the jackpot state is two, and the values are “337, 673”. In the probability variation state, the jackpot state occurs. The number of random values is 10, and the values are “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661”.

  In the pachinko machine 10, the normal jackpot state (first special game state) that becomes the normal state after the end of the jackpot state and the probability change jackpot state (second special game state) that becomes the probability change state after the end of the jackpot state are established. In the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, the manner of symbols that are stopped and displayed after the variable display is different. Specifically, when a normal jackpot state occurs, the combination of the normal jackpot symbols as the first special display result (more specifically, the combination of symbols with the same even number) is stopped and displayed. When the big hit state occurs, the combination of the probabilistic big hit symbols as a second special display result (more specifically, the combination of symbols given the same odd number) is stopped and displayed.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 238) and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 804 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 83a and 83b. That is, the pachinko machine 10 (specifically, the MPU 802) includes reach generation lottery means for lottering whether or not a reach display is generated based on establishment of a predetermined lottery start condition.

  For example, the variation type counter CS is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0.

  The display type of the symbol display device 94, such as the type of reach effect that occurs during reach display and other general symbol change modes, is determined by the change type counter CS. That is, the pachinko machine 10 (specifically, the MPU 802) is provided with effect type lottery means for drawing the type of reach effect.

  Here, the reach display (reach state) includes a symbol display device 94 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of symbols (pictures), and the stop display result after the variable display becomes a special display result. In the case where the gaming state is a special gaming state advantageous to the player, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variation display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 94 is started. This means a display state for making the player think that the variable display state is likely to be the special display result in the previous stage.

  In other words, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the jackpot state is established by stopping the symbols for a part of the symbol strings displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. This is a display state in which possible reach symbol combinations are displayed, and in that state, symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

  More specifically, as a step before ending the symbol variation display, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the jackpot state is established on a preset active line in the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying possible combinations of reach symbols, and symbols are displayed in a variable manner by the final stop symbol sequence in a situation where the reach line is formed.

  In the reach display, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variation display of symbols is performed on the remaining symbol rows, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen. There are those that produce an effect, and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen 94a after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols.

  In the pachinko machine 10, as part of various reach effects or reach notice effects, an operation-related effect that displays different operation-related effects according to the operation of the operation button unit 500X (specifically, the cover unit 510 of the operation block 501) is set. Has been.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 20, the power failure monitoring board 805, the payout control device 242, and the notification / production control device 142 are connected to the output side of the MPU 802 in the main control device 162. For example, a prize ball command is output to the payout control device 242 based on the result of determining whether or not the player has entered the pitching unit.

  Various commands such as a change start command, a type command, a stop display command, a jackpot start command, and a jackpot end command are output to the notification / production control device 142. Here, the change start command and the type command are sent to the notification / production control device 142 when the switching display on the working port display section of the main display section D is started based on the information stored in the holding ball storage buffer. Is output. In this case, the variation start command includes the symbol variation display time, information on whether or not a jackpot has occurred, information on whether or not reach display, information on the reach type, etc. Contains type information. Further, the stop display command is output to the notification / production control device 142 when the switching display in the working port display section of the main display section D is terminated. The jackpot start command is output to the notification / production control device 142 when shifting to the jackpot state, and the jackpot end command is output to the notification / production control device 142 when the jackpot state ends.

  The MPU 802 is connected to a drive unit or the like provided in the variable winning device 82. In the big hit state, drive control of the driving unit is executed, and the variable winning device 82 is opened and closed. . As described above, when the variable winning device 82 is opened and closed in the big hit state, a large number of game balls are paid out to the player. That is, the big hit state as the special game state can be made more advantageous to the player than the normal game state.

  The power failure monitoring board 805 relays between the main control board 801 and the power / fire control device 243, and monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power / fire control device 243.

  The payout control device 242 controls payout of prize balls and lending balls by the payout device 224. When the prize ball command is input, the number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command is paid out. The payout device 224 is driven and controlled. In other words, when a prize ball command is input, the payout control device 242 executes a payout control process and controls the payout device 224 to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command. . That is, the pachinko machine 10 has a payout function for executing payout of game balls based on the game result.

  The power source / launch control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control board 801, the payout control device 242 and the like, and the generated operating power is indicated by a double line arrow. Supply through the route. The power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

  The notification / production control device 142 is provided with a notification / production control board 811 on which an MPU 812 for controlling the speaker unit 27, the light emitting units 24-26, the operation button unit 500X, and the display control device 143 is mounted. The MPU 812 includes a ROM 813 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 812 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 813 is executed. A certain RAM 814 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are incorporated.

  The MPU 812 is provided with an input port and an output port. Detection sensors 576 and 577 provided in the main controller 162 and the operation button unit 500X are connected to the input side of the MPU 412. Further, a display control device 143 that controls the symbol display device 94, a display device unit 502X (display device 572X) provided in the operation button unit 500X, and a vibrator 557 are connected to the output side of the MPU 412.

  When the MPU 812 receives an effect command (variation start command, type command, stop display command, jackpot start command, jackpot end command, etc.) output from the main controller 162, the MPU 812 analyzes the command or converts it to the command. A predetermined calculation process is performed to determine an effect mode, and display control is performed so that a display effect is performed in the effect mode.

  As various areas provided in the ROM 813, for example, various table storage areas 815 are set. In the various table storage areas 815, an operation-corresponding effect is performed in a table for determining the outline of the variation display when the variation display of the symbol is started based on the variation start command input from the main controller 162, or in the variation display time. In this case, a table for specifying the details of the effect contents is stored.

  As various areas provided in the RAM 814, various flag storage areas 816 and a counter area 817 are set. The various flag storage area 816 is an area for storing information for specifying the effect pattern in the variation display time when the symbol variation display is started based on the variation start command, for example. In the timing counter area 426, a timing counter for specifying the start timing and end timing of various effects and a counter for specifying the number of operations of the operation button unit 500X are provided.

  The display control device 143 starts the symbol variation display on the symbol display device 94 based on the variation start command input from the notification / production control device 142, and in a manner corresponding to the information included in the variation start command. After the change display is performed, the symbol change display is terminated in a state where the stop result corresponding to the type command is displayed. As the symbol variation display in a mode corresponding to the information included in the variation start command, for example, the above-described reach display or reach effect is displayed on the symbol display device 94. In addition, when displaying the stop result, in the variable display times where the normal jackpot state will occur, a combination of normal jackpot symbols will be displayed, and in the variable display times where the probability variation jackpot state will occur The combination of the probable jackpot symbol is displayed.

(Various processes executed by the main controller 162)
Next, a timer interrupt process and a normal process that are executed when the MPU 802 of the main controller 162 advances the game in each game time will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt process and the normal process, the MPU 802 executes a main process activated when the power is turned on and an NMI interrupt process activated by input of a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). Description of these processes is omitted.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, timer interrupt processing will be described. This process is periodically activated by the MPU 802 (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec). In the timer interrupt process, first, various sensor detection monitoring processes are executed. Specifically, signals from various detection sensors and switches connected to the main control device 162 are read, and these signals are determined to store detection information (for example, winning detection information).

  Thereafter, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 804.

  Subsequently, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are each incremented by 1 and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 804.

  Thereafter, a winning process for the working port is performed in accordance with winning in the working ports 83a and 83b. In the winning process for the operating port, when a winning has occurred in the operating ports 83a and 83b, the number of start-pending memories stored in the holding ball storage area is less than the upper limit number (for example, “4”). Under certain conditions, the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the holding area of the holding ball storage area. In this case, among the first area to the fourth area of the holding area, the first empty holding area corresponding to the starting reserved memory number stored in the first empty holding area, that is, the holding area corresponding to the current starting reserved memory number. A process for lighting 98 is executed.

  Subsequently, after executing a through winning process for winning through the through gate 84, the timer interrupt process is terminated. In the through winning process, if a winning to the through gate 84 has occurred, the number of stored bonus items stored in the electronic role holding area is less than the upper limit (for example, “4”). As a condition, the value of the electric accessory release counter C4 is stored in the electric utility reservation area, and a process for turning on the second reservation lamp unit 99 corresponding to the number of stored accessory reservations is executed.

<Normal processing>
Next, an outline of normal processing will be described. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is activated when the power is turned on, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As its outline, various processes related to game progress are executed as a periodic process with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update process is executed with the remaining time.

  In the normal process, first, a process of transmitting output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process to each control device on the sub side is executed. Specifically, the presence / absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 242, and a command for effects such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, etc. Is set, it is transmitted to the notification / production control device 142. The command transmitted to the notification / production control device 142 is transmitted to the display control device 143 via the notification / production control device 142.

  Next, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 804.

  Subsequently, a prize ball command setting process is performed. In the winning ball command setting process, first, with reference to the flags corresponding to the winning detection stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 804, whether or not winning has occurred in various winning portions such as the general winning opening 81 or not. When a winning occurs, the number of game balls to be paid out is determined according to the winning. Then, a prize ball command to be output to the payout control device 242 is set based on the number of game balls determined in the above-described processing.

  Thereafter, a game time control process for controlling a game in each game time is executed. In the game times control process, jackpot determination, setting of symbol variation display by the symbol display device 94, display control of the operation port display portion of the main display portion D that performs variation display, and the like are performed.

  After executing the game times control process, a game state transition process for shifting the game state is performed. By this gaming state transition processing, the gaming state transitions to an opening / closing execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, etc., and in the opening / closing execution mode, control of the variable prize winning device 82 so as to open the big winning opening. Is executed.

  After the game state transition process is executed, an electric role support process for driving and controlling the electric charge provided in the lower operation port 83b is executed. In this electric combination support process, it is determined whether or not the electric combination is opened.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing.

  Here, since the execution time of each process such as the game times control process described above changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next normal process execution timing is not constant and varies. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) can be updated at random. Similarly, The variation type counter CS can also be updated at random.

(Various processes executed by the notification / production control device 142)
Next, various processes executed by the MPU 812 of the notification / production control device 142 will be described. The MPU 812 executes normal processing that repeats a plurality of types of predetermined processes in a predetermined order while operating power is supplied. The normal process is executed as a periodic process with a period of 4 msec.

  For the process executed in the normal process, for example, the type of command input from the main control device 162 is specified, the command determination process for executing the process corresponding to the specified command, and the effect mode based on the determined command. An effect mode determination process to be determined and a game effect execution process to execute a game effect in the determined effect mode are set.

  The effects determined by the effect mode determination process are broadly classified into operation-compatible effects corresponding to the operation of the operation button unit 500X and operation-incompatible effects executed regardless of the operation button unit 500X. As the operation-corresponding effects, (1) a one-shot operation-corresponding effect that performs a display effect based on the fact that one designated operation has been performed, and (2) when a reach display is performed, the type is selected by the player. Selection operation-compatible effects are set.

  In the present embodiment, since the operation corresponding effects (1) and (2) using the operation button unit 500X have a characteristic configuration, the following is executed by the MPU 812 of the notification / effect control apparatus 142. Of the various processes that are performed, the process for the operation corresponding effect related to the operation button unit 500X will be described. Since there is a common part in the processing corresponding to each of the above effects (1) and (2), in the following description, the single operation operation corresponding effect is first referred to with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21 and the schematic diagram of FIG. The single operation corresponding effect processing that is executed when selected will be described, and then the operation corresponding effect processing according to (2) will be described focusing on differences from the single operation corresponding effect processing.

(Processing for direct operations compatible production)
As shown in FIG. 21, in the single operation corresponding effect processing, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the generation timing of the single operation corresponding effect has come. If a negative determination is made in step S1001, the single-shot operation corresponding effect processing is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002.

  In step S1002, it is determined whether it is the timing after the single operation teaching. If a negative determination is made in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, it is determined whether it is the suggestion start timing of the single operation. Specifically, the information is stored in advance in the ROM 813 of the notification / production control device 142 as information on a predetermined count value after the start of the variable display of symbols. Then, every time an affirmative determination is made in step S1001 after the start of the symbol variation display, the value of the suggestion start timing counter provided in the various counter areas 817 is updated, and the value of the counter becomes the predetermined count value. If it has been reached, an affirmative determination is made in step S1003.

  If a positive determination is made in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, an operation suggestion image display command is set. The operation suggestion image display command is output to the display control device 143, and the display control device 143 executes a process of displaying an operation suggestion image on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on the command.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22 (a), the operation button unit 500X is schematically displayed on the display screen 94a, but an image (button icon) is displayed and an image (timer icon) indicating an operation valid period is displayed. indicate. However, as shown in FIG. 22A, these images do not include the content that suggests or teaches the operation mode of the operation button unit 500X. Therefore, at the stage when these images are displayed on the display screen 94a, the player who sees the display screen 94a can grasp that the operation of the operation button unit 500X is valid, but grasps the operation mode. It remains impossible.

  Returning to FIG. 21, after the processing of step S1004 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1005 to set an operation mode teaching command. The operation mode teaching command is output to the control device 573X of the display device unit 502X, and the control device 573X executes processing for displaying an operation mode teaching image on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X based on this command. As already described, in the present embodiment, a pressing operation, a left rotation operation, and a right rotation operation are set as the operation mode of the operation button unit 500X. The operation mode teaching command includes information on which operation corresponds to the current single operation operation effect, and the display device 572X displays an image and a message corresponding to the current operation among the above three operations. To do.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 22B, a clockwise arrow and a “right rotation” message are displayed on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X as an image indicating the operation mode. However, the display timing is set to be delayed from the display timing of the operation suggesting image on the display screen 94a. In the present embodiment, various operation teachings are performed after the operation suggestion on the display screen 94a. Therefore, the display timing is intentionally delayed as described above so as to increase the opportunity for the player to display the operation suggestion image while viewing the operation button unit 500X. This is effective in increasing attention to the operation button unit 500X.

  After executing the process of step S1005, in step S1006, an operation waiting state setting process is executed, and the single-shot operation corresponding effect process is terminated. Specifically, an operation waiting flag is stored in various flag storage areas 816 of the RAM 814. Thereby, the operation of the operation button unit 500X is validated (operation judgment based on the detection information from the detection sensors 576 and 577 is validated).

  Returning to the description of step S1002, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, that is, when it is determined that it is the timing after the teaching of the single operation, the process proceeds to step S1007. In step S1007, it is determined whether or not the operation is waiting. Specifically, it is determined whether an operation waiting flag is stored in various flag storage areas 816 of the RAM 814. If a negative determination is made in step S1007, the single-shot operation corresponding effect processing is terminated as it is.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1007, the operation proceeds to step S1008. In step S1008, it is determined whether or not the operation button unit 500X has been operated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1008, the operation proceeds to step S1009 to set an operation acceptance image display command. The operation acceptance image display command is output to the display control device 143, and the display control device 143 displays an image indicating that the operation is accepted on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. Specifically, a light emitting effect is added to the operation suggestion image that has already been displayed, and then the operation suggestion image is hidden.

  After executing the process of step S1009, the process proceeds to step S1010. In step S1010, it is determined whether or not the current operation matches the taught operation content. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1010, a teaching operation corresponding image display command is set in step S1011. The teaching operation corresponding image display command is transmitted to the control device 573X of the operation button unit 500X, and the control device 573X displays the teaching operation corresponding image on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X based on this command. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22C, first, a message indicating that the operation has been performed correctly (specifically, “COMPLETE”) is displayed, and then an image showing the degree of expectation of winning the jackpot at the game round. (Details are star icons).

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1010, a teaching operation non-corresponding image display command is set in step S1012. The teaching operation non-corresponding image display command is transmitted to the control device 573X of the operation button unit 500X, and the control device 573X displays the teaching operation non-corresponding image on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X based on this command. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22 (d), first, a message indicating that the operation has not been correctly performed (specifically, “INCOMPLETE”) is displayed, and thereafter, the winning expectation degree for jackpot in the game round is indicated. Instead of the image, an image not including information related to the winning expectation (specifically, “...”) Is displayed.

  After executing the processes of steps S1011 and S1012, the process for canceling the operation waiting state is executed in step S1013, and the single-action operation corresponding effect process is terminated. In the release processing, the operation waiting flag stored in the various flag storage areas 816 of the RAM 814 is deleted.

  Returning to the description of step S1008, if a negative determination is made in step S1008, the process proceeds to step S1014. In step S1004, it is determined by referring to the value of the timer counter whether or not the operation reception end timing has come. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1014, that is, if the reception end timing is reached, the process proceeds to step S1015. In step S1005, a reception end suggestion image display command is set. This acceptance end suggestion image display command is output to the display control device 143. The display control device 143 performs fade display so that the operation suggestion image displayed based on this command gradually disappears. At the same time, the teaching image displayed on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X is not displayed. After executing the command setting process of step S1015, the cancellation process of step S1013 is executed, and the single-shot operation corresponding effect process is terminated.

  In the single operation corresponding effect detailed above, when the player performs the correct operation, the display device 572X of the operation button unit 500X displays the big win expectation degree, and when the correct operation is not performed, the win expectation The degree is not displayed. When trying to grasp the information related to the winning expectation, it is necessary to check how the operation is performed by looking at the operation button unit 500X. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the player who wants to grasp the above information to pay attention to the operation button unit 500X.

  The operation button unit 500X is a part operated by the player by hand, and the operation surface unit 513 functioning as an information confirmation window is covered by hand. The display corresponding to the operation is once prevented from being visually recognized by the player's own hand, and it is possible to give the impression that the display mode has changed due to the withdrawal of the hand. That is, rather than simply displaying information, it is possible to give an impression that the information has been grabbed by the player's own selection, and to actively participate in the game (operation).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23 and the timing chart of FIG. 24, the process for the selection operation corresponding effect executed when the selection operation corresponding effect is selected will be described.

(Processing for selecting operation-compatible effects)
As shown in FIG. 23, in the selection operation corresponding effect processing, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the generation timing of the selection operation corresponding effect has come. If a negative determination is made in step S1101, the process for the effect corresponding to the selection operation is ended as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1101, the process proceeds to step S1102.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether it is the timing after the teaching of the selection operation. If a negative determination is made in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1103. In step S1103, it is determined whether it is the suggestion start timing of the selection operation. Specifically, the information is stored in advance in the ROM 813 of the notification / production control device 142 as information on a predetermined count value after the start of the variable display of symbols. Then, each time an affirmative determination is made in step S1101 after the start of the symbol variation display, the value of the suggestion start timing counter provided in the various counter areas 817 is updated, and the value of the counter becomes the predetermined count value. If it has reached, an affirmative determination is made in step S1103.

  If a positive determination is made in step S1103, the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, an operation suggestion image display command is set. The operation suggestion image display command is output to the display control device 143, and the display control device 143 executes a process of displaying an operation suggestion image on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 based on the command. The operation suggesting image is the same as in the case of the single operation corresponding effect (see FIG. 22A), and thus the description thereof is incorporated.

  After executing the process of step S1104, the process proceeds to step S1105 to set a selection operation teaching command. The selection operation teaching command is output to the control device 573X of the display device unit 502X, and the control device 573X executes processing for displaying an image for teaching the selection operation on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X based on the command. Note that the display timing of the teaching image is also delayed so as to be slower than the display of the suggestion image, as in step S1005.

  The effect corresponding to the selection operation has a configuration in which an effect mode executed thereafter is changed in response to the rotation operation of the operation button unit 500X. Specifically, a character that appears in a subsequent reach effect is selected by a rotation operation (left rotation operation or right rotation operation) of the operation button unit 500X.

  When the selection operation teaching command is received, a message prompting the player to perform a rotation operation (for example, “Please rotate”) is displayed, and then the display screen 572aX is divided in the rotation direction instead of the message. A plurality of character display areas and an arrow indicating a character to be selected (character display area) are displayed. The arrow is a target for fixed display in which the position change associated with the rotation operation is avoided, and the character display area is configured to be displaced in accordance with the rotation operation (in the same direction and the same rotation angle). That is, the character area indicated by the arrow is switched according to the rotation operation.

  After executing the process of step S1105, an operation waiting state setting process is executed in step S1106. Specifically, an operation waiting flag is stored in various flag storage areas 816 of the RAM 814. Thereby, the operation of the operation button unit 500X is validated (operation judgment based on the detection information from the detection sensors 576 and 577 is validated).

  After executing the process of step S1106, a pressing operation invalidating process is executed in subsequent step S1107. In the present embodiment, operation button unit 500 is allowed to perform a rotation operation while performing a pressing operation. For this reason, if the selection target is determined by the pressing operation after the selection is performed by the rotation operation, there may be a problem that the selection target is erroneously determined during the rotation operation. That is, there is a possibility that an unintended character is selected due to a player's operation mistake. Therefore, the occurrence of the above inconvenience is avoided by invalidating the pressing operation in step S1107 and disabling the determining operation by the pressing operation. Note that the selection operation depends on the rotation operation, and the pressing operation is irrelevant. If such a situation is taken into consideration, it is possible not to perform the invalidation process, but to set so that only the rotation operation is effectively accepted during the selection operation corresponding effect.

  Returning to the description of step S1102, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, that is, if it is determined that the timing is after the teaching of the selection operation, the process proceeds to step S1108. In step S1108, it is determined whether or not the operation is waiting. Specifically, it is determined whether an operation waiting flag is stored in various flag storage areas 816 of the RAM 814. If a negative determination is made in step S1108, the process for the effect corresponding to the selection operation is ended as it is.

  If a positive determination is made in step S1108, the process proceeds to step S1109. In step S1109, it is determined whether or not the operation reception end timing has come, that is, whether or not the operation valid period has ended. If a negative determination is made in step S1109, an operation corresponding display change command is set in step S1110, and the actual selection operation corresponding effect processing is terminated.

  In the command setting process in step S1110, the rotation operation direction and rotation angle of the operation block 501 are calculated based on the information from the detection sensor 577 of the operation button unit 500, and the display position of the character display area is changed accordingly. Set a command that contains information. Based on this command, the control device 573X of the display device unit 502X performs a process of changing the display position of the character display area.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1109, the process proceeds to step S1111. In step S1111, a reception end suggestion image display command is set. This acceptance end suggestion image display command is output to the display control device 143. The display control device 143 performs fade display so that the operation suggestion image displayed based on this command becomes gradually thinner.

  In a succeeding step S1112, it is determined whether or not a rotation operation has been performed by the player. When the rotation operation is not performed at all, the teaching image displayed on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X is not displayed, the operation waiting state is canceled in step S1116, and then this selection is performed. The operation corresponding effect production process is terminated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1112, that is, if it is determined that a rotation operation has been performed even at a level that is not related to whether or not the selection target has been changed, the process proceeds to step S1113. In step S1113, selection operation teaching image update processing is performed. Specifically, as in step S1110, a command including information for changing the display position of the character display area is set according to the operation mode. Based on this command, the control device 573X of the display device unit 502X finally changes the display position of the character display area.

  In subsequent step S1114, the selection result is grasped. That is, the player performs a process of grasping which character display area is the character display area indicated by the arrow image by the rotation operation of the player. In this case, first, the area other than the selected character display area is hidden, and then a command for changing the display mode is output to the control device 573X so that the selected character is enlarged and displayed on the entire display screen 572aX of the display device 572X. To do.

  Thereafter, the display effect content is updated in step S1115. Specifically, a process of outputting an effect mode determination command including the information to the display control device 143 is performed so that a reach effect using the selected character is executed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94. . As a result, the character selected by the player is displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, and the reach display is advanced. It should be noted that the character displayed on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X is not displayed at the timing when the character is displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94.

  After executing the process of step S1115, an operation waiting state canceling process is executed in step S1116, and the present selection operation corresponding effect process is terminated.

  Here, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 24, the flow of the selection operation corresponding effect will be described. At the timing of ta2 when a predetermined period has elapsed from the timing of ta1 at which the game is started, first, an operation suggesting image (button icon and timer icon) is displayed on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94.

  At the subsequent timing of ta3, the image for selecting operation teaching is displayed on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X with a delay from the display of the image for suggesting the operation. In the example shown in FIG. 24, three types of characters that can appear in the subsequent reach display are set, and a character display area corresponding to each character is set on the display screen 572aX. At the same time, an arrow image is displayed on the display screen 572aX.

  When the player performs a rotation operation, the display content of the display screen 572aX is changed accordingly. Here, the displayed character display area is displaced according to the rotation operation. Note that the display device 572X in the present embodiment is a fixed type, and the character display area is displaced in the same direction and by the same amount as the rotation operation, so that the display device 572X appears as if it is rotating. It is possible.

  At the timing of ta4, the player's rotation operation ends, and the arrow indicates the character display area that is the selection target. At the subsequent timing ta5, the symbol variation display mode of the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 shifts from the normal variation display to the reach variation display. Then, when the operation effective period ends at the timing of subsequent ta6, the display effect using the character selected at that time is determined.

  After the timing ta6, the character selected on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X is enlarged and displayed, and the character moves from the display screen 572aX to the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94.

  After the character moves from the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X to the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 at the timing ta6, the entire display screen 572aX of the display device 572X emits light in a specific color. This light emission is continued until the game round ends.

  By displaying the selection target on the operation button unit 500X where the selection operation is performed, it is possible to collect the points that the player should pay attention to. As a result, a configuration is realized in which it is easy to intuitively understand what operation can be selected. Further, the image displayed on the operation button unit 500X (display device 572X) rotates following the player's rotation operation. This makes it clear at a glance how the operation is reflected, and at the same time confirming the operation at hand, the result can be grasped at the same time, thereby contributing to the improvement of the convenience of the player.

  According to the second embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

  A predetermined effect is executed by moving (operating) the cover unit 510 as a “cover body” that covers the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X. In this way, by providing the cover unit 510 as a protective member of the display screen 572aX with a function as an operation unit, the cover unit 510 inevitably enters the field of view when the display screen 572aX is being watched. When the unit 510 is operated, the display content of the display screen 572aX can easily enter the field of view. Thereby, it can suppress that the cover unit 510 is operated in the state which remove | deviated from the visual field. Therefore, for example, the relationship between the display screen 572aX and the operation can be strengthened, and it is possible to favorably contribute to an improvement in the degree of attention to the game using the operation means.

  The operation mode of the operation button unit 500X is taught by the display device 572X (display screen 572aX) built in the operation button unit 500X. Since the teaching contents can be visually recognized through the cover unit 510, it is difficult to understand the meaning of the contents displayed on the display screen 572aX, and it is possible to prevent the operation function of the operation button unit 500X from being effectively utilized.

  Moreover, since it has the structure which can grasp | ascertain which aspect should be operated by visually confirming the display screen 572aX, a player's attention can be directed to the operation button unit 500X. Thereby, the game of confirming the operation mode is added, and it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the operation is appropriately performed without looking at the operation button unit 500X.

  Even if a display suggesting the operation of the operation button unit 500X is made on the display screen 94a in a situation where the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 is being watched, what kind of operation should be actually performed. This is unknown until the display screen 572aX of the operation button unit 500X is confirmed. Therefore, when operating, a game of confirming in what operation mode the operation should be performed first is added on the display screen 572aX, and the monotonousness of the game can be suitably suppressed by changing the eyes.

  When an operation is suggested on the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94, an operation error may occur if the operation is performed without confirming the operation mode on the display screen 572aX of the operation button unit 500X. The configuration is such that the display mode changes depending on whether or not the operation is possible (success / failure). Specifically, the predetermined effect is executed when the answer is correct, and the predetermined effect is not executed when the answer is incorrect. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the player who wants to see a predetermined effect to confirm the display screen 572aX of the operation button unit 500X.

  By moving the cover unit 510, the display mode on the display screen 572aX built in the operation button unit 500X changes in conjunction (follows) with the movement thereof. According to such a configuration, it is possible to strengthen the relationship between the operation and the display mode, and it is possible to perform an integrated effect by the cover unit 510 and the display screen 572aX.

  By operating the operation button unit 500X, the pattern displayed on the display screen 572aX of the display device 572X built in the operation button unit 500X changes, and the display screen 94a of the symbol display device 94 changes according to the change. The displayed pattern will also change. As described above, by combining the cover unit 510, the display device 572X, and the symbol display device 94, it is possible to perform an integrated production with these various configurations, and to draw attention to the operation button unit 500X. .

<Third Embodiment>
In each of the first and second embodiments, a plurality of storage units (upper plate 33 and lower plate 34) are used in combination to increase the amount of game balls stored (the amount of possessed balls) in the pachinko machine 10. In this way, the convenience of gaming is realized. In the configuration in which the game balls are supplied to the game ball launching mechanism 110 through the upper plate 33, when the game balls stored in the upper plate 33 are reduced, the game balls are manually transferred from the lower plate 34, A game ball can be replenished. However, when the game balls are replenished manually, various inconveniences such as the grabbed game balls spill from the hands or the hands become dirty may occur. In other words, there is still room for improvement in the structure in order to improve the convenience of the player by using a plurality of storage units in combination. In particular, the upper bulging portion 28 exists above the lower plate 34, and the upper bulging portion 28 may be a factor that hinders the supply of the game ball.

  In the present embodiment, in view of such circumstances, a ball feeding device 610 is provided as a conveying means for conveying (transferring) the game balls stored in the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33. One of them. Therefore, hereinafter, the ball feeding device 610 and a configuration related thereto will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. 25 is a partially enlarged view of the front door frame 14, and FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 25.

(Configuration related to ball feeder 610)
The ball feeding device 610 is provided on the front door frame 14 that forms the front portion of the gaming machine, more specifically, the cover body 21 that bulges forward from the frame body 20 on the front door frame 14 from the frame body 20. First, a supplementary description will be given of the configuration of the front door frame 14 (cover body 21) with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 25, a woofer 46 is provided in a portion between the lower plate 34 and the game ball launching handle 45 in the lower bulging portion 29, and the cover body 21 surrounds the woofer 46 so as to surround the woofer 46. A housing portion 47 for the woofer is formed. As described above, the speaker unit 27 corresponding to the mid / high range is arranged in the upper part of the gaming machine in order to easily deliver the sound of the speaker unit 27 to the player's ear, and the woofer corresponding to the low range. 46 is arranged in the lower part of the gaming machine to make it easy to transmit the vibration to the player's body (trunk) by outputting heavy bass at a position close to the player's body.

  The housing portion 47 for the woofer 46 has a box shape opened rearward, and bulges forward of the gaming machine in the same manner as the upper bulge portion 28. Accordingly, a partition wall portion 331 surrounding the woofer 46 is formed by the frame body 20 and the cover body 21, and the partition wall portion 331 functions as an enclosure for the woofer 46.

  The partition wall portion 331 includes a front wall portion 332 in which slits (corresponding to a sound output path) are formed, and vertical wall portions 333 and 334 provided on the left and right sides of the front wall portion 332, and includes a storage portion. The sound amplified in 47 is output to the front of the gaming machine through the slit. Here, the left and right vertical wall portions 333 and 334 protrude forward from the partition wall portion 331, and the diffusion of the output sound is suppressed.

  In particular, the left vertical wall portion 333 is provided with a function as a partition portion that partitions the lower bulging portion 29 into a region for the lower plate 34 and a region for the accommodating portion 47, and collects in the lower plate 34. The game ball is restricted from moving toward the accommodating portion 47 side. These vertical wall portions 333 and 334 straddle the upper bulging portion 28 and the lower bulging portion 29, and the lower bulging portion 29 has a function as a column supporting the upper bulging portion 28.

  As a result, for example, even if the player plays a game with his / her hand placed on the upper bulging portion 28, the upper bulging portion 28 is distorted such as bending with the rear end as the base end due to this. To suppress. In particular, the left vertical wall portion 333 is located at the center position, that is, directly below the operation button unit 500, so that the lower bulging portion 29 is divided into the lower plate 34 and the accommodating portion. The positional relationship and shape of the operation button unit 500, the lower plate 34, and the housing portion 47 (specifically, the left vertical wall portion 333) are technically related to improving strength, storage function, performance function, appearance, and the like. .

  The vertical wall portions 333 and 334 are hollow, and a certain amount of lateral width is secured (while ensuring the support strength and the function as an enclosure), and an increase in weight due to the width is suppressed. The internal space of the vertical wall portions 333 and 334 is connected to the internal space of the upper bulge portion 28 through an opening formed in the upper bulge portion 28 (specifically, the lower surface portion 312).

  The ball feeding device 610 is disposed in front of the upper plate 33 (below the operation button unit 500: see FIG. 26) and on the side of the lower plate 34. More specifically, it is disposed so that a part thereof is located in the vertical wall portion 333.

(Ball feeder 610)
As shown in FIG. 26, the ball feeding device 610 includes a path forming member that partitions and forms a ball path 620 for guiding a game ball, and a ball serving as a transport unit that transports the ball from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33 through the ball path 620. A feeding mechanism 630. The ball passage 620 is connected to the lower plate 34 and takes in a game ball 621 from the lower plate 34, the supply passage 623 connected to the upper plate 33 and supplies the game ball to the upper plate 33, The intermediate passage 622 connects the insertion passage 621 and the supply passage 623.

  The intake passage 621 is provided in the lower bulging portion 29, and the inlet portion thereof is connected to the most downstream portion of the lower plate 34. Specifically, a supply port 39 for supplying a game ball to the lower plate 34 is formed at the end (left end) opposite to the vertical wall 333 in the back wall 671 constituting the lower plate 34. Yes. The bottom portion 670 of the lower plate 34 is inclined downward (toward the center side) toward the vertical wall portion 333, and an end portion of the bottom portion 670 on the vertical wall portion 333 side and an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction is the lower plate 34 is the most downstream region.

  The game ball supplied to the lower plate 34 through the supply port 39 is along the inclination of the bottom 670, on the vertical wall portion 333 side, specifically, on the lower end portion of the vertical wall portion 333 and on the right side wall portion of the lower plate 34. It flows down toward the part which forms 672. When the supply of the game ball is continued, the game ball is accumulated along the bottom portion 670 with the side wall portion 672 as the head.

  An opening 673 as an inlet portion of the ball passage 620 (take-in passage 621) is formed in the right side wall portion 672 constituting the lower plate 34. The opening 673 is formed so that the size thereof is slightly larger than the outer shape of the game ball so that a plurality of game balls do not pass simultaneously. Although illustration is omitted, a discharge port for discharging the game ball is formed in a portion below the opening 673 in the bottom portion 670, and the player can operate the ball removal operation unit to operate the lower plate The game balls stored in 34 are discharged out of the pachinko machine 10 (for example, a storage box).

  The opening 673 is provided with a shutter 633 that can be switched between an open state that allows the passage of game balls and a closed state that prohibits the passage of game balls. The shutter 633 is connected to the changeover switch 660 via a link mechanism (not shown) so as to be interlocked with a changeover switch 660 (specifically, an operation piece 660a) described later.

  The game ball that has flowed into the intake passage 621 through the opening 673 moves to the intermediate passage 622 along the inclination of the intake passage 621. The intermediate passage 622 is configured by a hollow flange member 641 extending vertically (vertically). The collar member 641 contains a movable body 651 extending in the same direction as the collar member 641. The movable body 651 includes a shaft portion 652 extending vertically and a ball receiving portion 653 formed so that a game ball can be placed thereon.

  The ball receiving portion 653 protrudes in a direction intersecting with the shaft portion 652, and has a spiral shape centering on the central axis CL <b> 2 of the shaft portion 652. That is, it is a three-dimensional curved surface that changes so as to gradually increase its height position while circling around the shaft portion 652. The ball receiving portion 653 has a plurality (3 or more) of convex portions in a specific direction (for example, rearward) intersecting the central axis CL2, and the interval (pitch) between the convex portions is the diameter of the game ball. It is formed to be larger than the dimension.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 27, the structure which concerns on the intermediate | middle channel | path 622 is supplementarily demonstrated. 27A is a schematic view showing the ball feeding device 610, FIG. 27B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 27A, and FIG. 27C is a DD of FIG. 27A. FIG. 27D is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of FIG. 27A.

  The flange member 641 has a substantially rectangular cross section orthogonal to the central axis CL2 (see FIGS. 27B to 27D). The front wall portion 642 and the gap between the side wall portion and the shaft portion 652 that define the internal space of the heel member 641 are formed to be smaller than the diameter size of the game ball. On the other hand, the rear wall portion 643 formed as a communication portion with the take-in passage 621 is configured such that the gap size with the shaft portion 652 is larger than the diameter size of the game ball. Thereby, a passing area ME through which a game ball passes is formed between the rear wall portion 643 and the shaft portion 652.

  As shown in FIGS. 27B to 27D, the rear wall portion 643 has a stepped shape, and a stopper portion 644 that prevents the game ball from moving left and right is formed by the stepped portion. When the game ball is placed on the ball receiving portion 653, the game ball can move so as to descend along the ball receiving portion 653, but the movement of the game ball is thus blocked by the stopper portion 644.

  The ball receiving portion 653 is formed such that its plate surface is lowered in a predetermined rotation direction in a situation where the ball receiving portion 653 passes through the above-described passage region ME. Although the rotation of the movable body 651 within the gutter member 641 is allowed, the movement of the game ball in the rotation direction (predetermined rotation direction), specifically, the central axis of the game ball placed on the ball receiving portion 653 The rotational movement around CL2 is blocked by the flange member 641. Therefore, when the movable body 651 rotates, the game ball that has reached the passage region ME of the intermediate passage 622 is sandwiched between the rear wall portion 643, the shaft portion 652, and the left and right stopper portions 644. Dropping from the region ME is prevented, and the movable body 651 moves (rises) upward as the movable body 651 rotates.

  As shown in FIG. 27A, an upper opening 646 that communicates with the supply passage 623 is formed at the upper end of the rear wall 643 of the flange member 641. The game ball pushed up to the upper end portion of the passage area ME by the movable body 651 flows into the supply passage 623 through the upper opening 646.

  The supply passage 623 is disposed in the upper bulging portion 28. The supply passage 623 extends backward from the flange member 641 in the upper bulging portion 28, and the rear end portion thereof is connected to the upper plate 33. An opening communicating with the supply passage 623 is formed in the upper plate 33, and supply of game balls from the ball feeding device 610 to the upper plate 33 through the opening is allowed.

  About the height position of the said opening, it is provided in the position above the bottom face of the alignment channel | path 320 mentioned above, specifically the distance from a bottom face becomes larger than the diameter dimension of a game ball. This prevents the game balls flowing down the alignment passage 320 from flowing into the supply passage 623, and prevents the game balls from the supply passage 623 from being able to join the alignment passage 320 well. Incidentally, when the lower end of the opening is compared with the upper end, the latter is formed so that it is located on the front side rather than the former. For this reason, if a large amount of game balls are supplied to the upper plate 33 and a game ball is supported in the vicinity of the opening, the subsequent game balls will escape upward. This prevents the supply of game balls from being hindered by the preceding game balls while ensuring the alignment function.

  Transparency is imparted to portions of the front wall portion 642 and the vertical wall portion 333 of the flange member 641 that face the front wall portion 642. Thereby, the ball passage 620 (intermediate passage 622) is visible from the front of the gaming machine. The shaft portion 652 of the movable body 651 described in this embodiment is configured so that the diameter dimension thereof is smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. For this reason, at least a part of the game ball existing in the passage area ME protrudes from the shaft 652 to the left and right. Therefore, although the passage area ME is provided behind the shaft portion 652, it is avoided that it becomes a factor that hinders visual confirmation of the game ball.

(Cooperation with operation button unit 500)
In the present embodiment, one of the features is that the operation button unit 500 is used as a power source for operating the ball feeding device 610. That is, one of the features is that the ball feeding block 600 as the ball feeding means is constructed by the ball feeding device 610 and the operation button unit 500. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 28, a configuration related to the operation of the ball feeding device 610 will be described. 28 (a) is a partially enlarged view showing the upper bulging portion 28, and FIG. 28 (b) is a schematic view showing the relationship between the operation button unit 500 and the like and the ball feeding device 610.

  A link unit 632 that transmits the rotational force to the movable body 651 when the operation button unit 500 is rotated is disposed between the operation button unit 500 and the lift unit 631 (inside region of the upper bulging portion 28). Has been. The link unit 632 functions as a conversion unit that converts the operation force of the operation button unit 500 into the drive force of the movable body 651.

  The variable mechanism 635 constituting the link unit 632 has a so-called one-way link in its power transmission structure, and performs power transmission when a rotation operation is performed in a preset direction, but in a different direction. When the rotation operation is performed at, power transmission is not performed. Specifically, when the operation button unit 500 is rotated in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise), an operation force is transmitted to the movable body 651, while the operation button unit 500 is in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction ( In the case of a clockwise operation, the operation force is not transmitted to the movable body 651.

  As already described, the operation button unit 500 is disposed to be tilted forward from the viewpoint of improving the player's convenience, and the center axis CL1 when the operation block 501 is rotated is vertical. Inclined obliquely to the direction. On the other hand, it extends in the vertical direction about the central axis CL2 when the ball feeding device 610 (movable body 651) rotates. Such a difference in the inclination of the rotating shaft is allowed by the variable mechanism 635.

  In the configuration in which the ball feeding device 610 operates by operating the operation button unit 500, the following inconvenience may occur. In the first place, the operation button unit 500 is configured to be operated when performing a game effect. For this reason, if the game ball of the lower plate 34 is supplied to the upper plate 33 by an operation intended for production, there is a high possibility that the operation will not match the player's intention. In the present embodiment, a contrivance is made in consideration of such circumstances.

  As shown in FIG. 28A, the upper bulging portion 28 is in an interlocking state in which the operation button unit 500 and the ball feeding device 610 are interlocked, and the operation button unit 500 and the ball feeding device 610 are not interlocked. A changeover switch 660 for switching to the non-interlocking state is provided. As shown in FIGS. 28 (b1) and 28 (b2), the changeover switch 660 has an operation piece 660a that can be moved to a linked position / non-linked position by a player's slide operation. To the link unit 632 (specifically, the variable mechanism 635). When the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is operated by the player, the state of the variable mechanism 635 is switched between a linked state and a non-linked state based on a change in the position of the operation piece 660a.

  Specifically, the variable mechanism 635 is provided with a movable gear 636 that can be switched between connection / disconnection to a fixed gear 654 fixed to the shaft portion 652 of the movable body 651. As shown in the group (1) of FIG. 28, the movable gear 636 and the fixed gear 654 are disconnected when the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is disposed at the non-interlocking position (standby position). Even when the unit 500 is operated, the operation piece 660 a is not transmitted to the ball feeding device 610. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28 (2) group, the movable gear 636 and the gear 564 are connected (engaged) in a state where the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is arranged at the interlocking position (operation position). The operation force when the operation button unit 500 is operated is transmitted to the ball feeding device 610.

  By enabling the ball feeder 610 and the operation button unit 500 to be switched in an interlocked / non-interlocked manner according to the player's needs, the player operates the operation button unit 500 in accordance with the production as described above. Regardless of the intention, the game ball can be prevented from being supplied to the upper plate 33.

(Relationship between changeover switch 660 and operation corresponding effect)
The upper bulging portion 28 is provided with a detection sensor that detects whether the operation piece 660a is disposed at the interlocking position (operation position) or the non-interlocking position (standby position). The detection sensor is connected to the notification / production control device 142. In the notification / production control device 142, based on the detection information (detection signal) from the detection sensor, it is determined whether the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is located at the interlocked position or the non-interlocked position.

  The notification / production control device 142 refers to information from the detection sensor when the notification / production control device 142 determines the production mode based on the command from the main control device 162. And based on the result, the detail of an effect aspect is determined including selection of whether the operation corresponding | compatible effect mentioned above is performed. When determining the production mode, the operation piece 660a is restricted from being executed on the condition that the operation piece 660a is arranged at the interlocking position.

  In the following, the operation-corresponding effect restriction process executed by the MPU 812 of the notification / effect control device 142 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation corresponding effect regulation process is a process executed as part of the regular process (normal process) in the MPU 812.

(Operation-related production regulation processing)
In the operation corresponding effect regulation processing, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is arranged at the interlocking position with reference to detection information from the detection sensor. If a negative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1202.

  In step S1202, it is determined whether or not the operation corresponding effect is restricted. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an effect restriction flag is stored in various flag storage areas 816 of RAM 814. That is, it is determined whether or not the operation corresponding effect has already been regulated. If a negative determination is made in step S1202, the operation-corresponding effect restriction process is terminated as it is.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, the operation corresponding effect restriction canceling process is executed in step S1203, and then the operation corresponding effect restricting process is terminated. In the process of step S1203, the effect restriction flags stored in the various flag storage areas 816 of the RAM 814 are deleted.

  Returning to the description of step S1201, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if it is determined that the operation piece 660a is disposed at the interlocking position, the process proceeds to step S1204. In step S1204, it is determined whether the operation corresponding effect is restricted. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an effect restriction flag is stored in various flag storage areas 816 of RAM 814. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1204, this operation-corresponding effect restriction process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1204, the operation corresponding effect restriction process is executed in step S1205, and then the operation corresponding effect restriction process is terminated. In the process of step S1205, the effect restriction flag is stored in the various flag storage area 816 of the RAM 814. Thereby, until then, the effect corresponding to the operation is excluded in the effect mode determination process executed by the MPU 812 of the notification / effect control device 142 until the effect restriction flag is deleted. That is, when the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is disposed at the interlocking position, the above-described operation-corresponding effects are avoided.

  According to the third embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

  The game balls stored in the upper plate 33 are sequentially fired into the game area PE by the game ball launching mechanism 110, and when the game ball wins a ball-winning part such as the general winning opening 81, the upper plate is given as a bonus. A game ball is paid out to 33. Here, for example, when the upper plate 33 is filled with game balls, the excess game balls are paid out to the lower plate 34. When the number of game balls stored in the upper plate 33 decreases, the game balls stored in the lower plate 34 can be replenished by moving them to the upper plate 33. However, when the game balls are replenished manually, various inconveniences such as the grabbed game balls spill from the hands or the hands become dirty may occur. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, based on the operation (rotation operation) of the operation button unit 500, the game balls stored in the lower plate 34 are sent to the upper plate 33. A direct operation such as grabbing the game ball stored in the lower plate 34 by hand and moving it to the upper plate 33 becomes unnecessary, and the convenience of the player can be improved.

  In the first place, the operation button unit 500 is configured on the assumption that it is operated by a player when an operation corresponding effect or the like is performed. Therefore, ease of access, ease of operation, etc. are secured to some extent. Therefore, by providing a configuration in which the game balls are replenished from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33 by operating the operation button unit 500, the above-described convenience is improved, and the resulting configuration is complicated. It can suppress suitably. Moreover, it can suppress that the structure arrange | positioned at a game machine front part becomes uselessly diversified by utilizing an existing structure well.

  The ball feeding device 610 has a configuration in which an operating force applied to the operation button unit 500 (operation block 501) is transmitted to the movable body 651 of the lift unit 631, and the movable body 651 operates (moves the game ball). Yes. As described above, the driving force for moving the game ball is provided by the operating force applied to the operation button unit 500, so that a driving source such as a motor and a configuration for performing drive control are unnecessary, and the configuration is simple. Can contribute.

  In particular, when the operation button unit 500 and each of the dishes 33 and 34 are provided at the bulging portion of the front door frame 14, the ball feeding device 610 is also provided at the bulging portion of the front door frame 14, that is, By unifying the arrangement targets in these various configurations, it is possible to prevent the transmission mechanism and the like from becoming complicated. In addition to the above-described various configurations, the gaming machine front portion includes a configuration such as a game ball launch handle 45 and an electrical decoration unit 24. By eliminating the need for a drive unit or the like as described above, the ball feeding device 610 and various configurations associated therewith can be simplified, and can be suitably coexisted with the peripheral configuration in a limited space.

  The movable body 651 constituting the ball feeding device 610 is configured to rotate following the rotation of the operation button unit 500 (operation block 501). According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the loss of the operation force or to suitably improve the responsiveness of the ball feeding when the rotation operation is performed. For example, the movable body 651 can be configured to rotate based on the pressing operation of the operation button unit 500, but in such a configuration, the operation block 501 returns to the standby position from the pressed position until the next operation block 501 is returned. The operation cannot be performed. For this reason, a certain waiting time (time lag) occurs in the ball feeding operation → the next ball feeding operation. This is not preferable because it causes a decrease in ball feed response. In this regard, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, even when the rotation operation is performed continuously, the occurrence of the time lag can be suppressed and the ball feeding efficiency can be preferably improved.

  When the operation block 501 is rotated in a predetermined direction, the movable body 651 is similarly rotated in the predetermined direction. However, when the operation block 501 is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the rotation of the movable body 651 is avoided. The Thereby, even when the operation block 501 is reversed while the operation means is rotated in a predetermined direction due to an operation mistake or the like, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience such as a clogged ball due to the operation block 501.

  The effect operation button unit 500 used when the operation-related effect is performed is used as means for moving the game ball between the plates 33 and 34, and the operation button unit 500 and the ball feeder 610 are used to block the ball feed block. In the case of configuring 600, it is assumed that various inconveniences such as an increased load generated during operation occur compared to the case where the operation button unit 500 is dedicated to production. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the changeover switch 660 (operation piece 660a) is used to switch between interlocking and non-interlocking, the operation button unit 500 and the ball feeding device 610 (lift unit 631) are used when performing an effect. ) Is not interlocked, an increase in operation load can be suppressed. Thereby, it can suppress that having given two functions to operation button unit 500 becomes a factor which reduces an original function (production function).

  For example, when a plurality of operation-related effects special effects are set, it is possible to electrically switch between interlocking and non-interlocking depending on the type of operation-compatible effects. Thereby, the operation load can be changed, and monotonization of the operation corresponding effect can be suitably suppressed.

  When a game ball is replenished from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33, the operation button unit 500 and the lift unit 631 of the ball feeding device 610 are arranged by disposing the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 at the interlocking position (operation position). Are connected via a link unit 632. That is, by operating the operation button unit 500 with the operation piece 660a disposed at the interlocking position, the operation force is transmitted from the operation button unit 500 to the link unit 632 to the lift unit 631 (movable body 651) and the ball feeding device 610. Drive. On the other hand, when the game ball is not replenished, the connection is released by placing the operation piece 660a at the non-interlocking position. Thereby, the effect mentioned above can be exhibited suitably. In addition, since an electrical configuration is not necessary for switching whether to connect or not, it is possible to prevent the switching function from being a factor that complicates the electrical configuration.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, since the ball feeding device 610 (ball passage 620) is disposed in a portion that bulges in front of the gaming machine, the configuration bulges behind the front portion of the gaming machine. Can be suppressed. Thereby, it can be avoided that the improvement in convenience becomes a factor of pressing the arrangement areas of various configurations arranged inside the gaming machine or the like.

  About the front door frame 14 which comprises a game machine front part, it is a part which influences the appearance of a game machine. Therefore, if the ball passage is accommodated in the bulging portion (the bulging portions 28 and 29 and the vertical wall portion 333) as shown in the present embodiment, the presence of the ball feeding device 610 may cause a decrease in appearance. Can be suitably suppressed.

  As described above, when the game ball is conveyed by the ball feeding device 610, the convenience can be improved, but the player does not notice that the game ball remains in the ball passage 620. The possibility increases. Therefore, in such a configuration, it is preferable that the presence or absence of remaining spheres can be confirmed visually.

  In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the ball feeding device 610 and the ball feeding device 610 are bulged by disposing the ball feeding device 610 (ball path 620) in the front portion of the gaming machine that bulges ahead of the gaming machine. Various gaming machine components can be prevented from intervening between the parts. Making a part of the vertical wall portion 333 and the like transparent so that the ball feeding device 610 can be seen through can help to suitably exhibit the effect of easily checking the presence or absence of the remaining game ball in the ball passage 620 visually. . This is advantageous in further improving the convenience of the player.

  By connecting the upper and lower bulging portions 28 and 29 with the vertical wall portion 333, the upper bulging portion 28 can be supported by the lower bulging portion 29, and the strength of the front surface portion of the gaming machine (particularly the upper bulging portion 28). Can contribute to improvement. Specifically, in the configuration having the press-type operation button unit 500 described above, a load applied to the upper bulging portion 28 and the like can be increased by pressing the operation button unit 500 and its peripheral portion. When the upper plate 33 and the operation button unit 500 are provided side by side on the upper bulging portion 28, the influence of the load may reach the upper plate 33. In this regard, if the vertical wall portion 333 is disposed below the operation button unit, the load can be released from the vertical wall portion 333 to the lower bulge portion 29.

  By making the inside of the vertical wall portion 333 for reinforcement as an accommodation region of the ball feeding device 610, that is, by using a dead space generated by the reinforcement configuration, the bulging portion 28 is formed at the front portion of the gaming machine. 29, dishes 33 and 34, and ball feeding device 610 can coexist suitably. Moreover, it becomes possible to protect the said ball feeder 610 suitably by surrounding the ball feeder 610 by the vertical wall part 333 for reinforcement.

  Furthermore, since it can suppress that the distance of the upper side bulging part 28 (upper plate 33) and the lower side bulging part 29 (lower plate 34) changes, it is set as the structure which distributes the ball feeder 610 in a bulging part. Thus, it is possible to preferably avoid the hindrance to the ball feeding function.

  By forming the entrance portion of the ball passage 620 in the side wall portion 672 that forms the lower plate 34, the ball feeding device 610 can be arranged with an offset as far as possible in front of the gaming machine with respect to the frame body 20 as the base portion. . The visibility improvement effect mentioned above can be exhibited suitably.

  In a state where the operation button unit 500 and the ball feeding device 610 are interlocked, the operation corresponding effect related to the operation button unit 500 is restricted. Thereby, it can suppress that operation of the operation button unit 500 becomes difficult when performing operation corresponding | compatible effect, and it can suppress that an operation corresponding | compatible effect becomes a factor which reduces game motivation.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the configuration is such that the operation force when the operation button unit 500 (operation block 501) is operated by the player is transmitted to the lift unit 631 via the link unit 632. Although the power source is secured, in the present embodiment, the configuration related to securing the power source is different from that of the third embodiment. In other words, although the purpose and action are common in that the ball feeding device 610 is operated to move the game ball from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33, the operation button unit 500 does not depend on securing the power. This is different from the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a configuration relating to securing of power in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing a collection passage, a discharge passage, and a peripheral structure thereof in the fourth embodiment. In addition, description is used about the structure which is common in 3rd Embodiment.

  As described above, on the back side of the game board 80, a collection passage 701 for collecting game balls discharged from the game area PE, a game ball collected through the collection passage 701, and a game ball flowing into the out port 86. And a discharge passage 702 for returning to the island facility of the game hall. Between the discharge passage 702 and the collection passage 701, when a game ball that has reached the back side of the game board 80 through the entrance portion such as the general winning opening 81 or the out-port 86 falls along the back side, the landing is made. A ball receiving portion 703 is formed.

  The ball receiving portion 703 is located above and in front of the inlet portion of the discharge passage 702, and is inclined downward toward the inlet portion. The game ball that has dropped along the back surface of the game board 80 collides with the ball receiving portion 703 from above, and flows into the discharge passage 702 in a state where its momentum is weakened. That is, the ball receiving portion 703 is provided with a depressing function for weakening the falling moment of the game ball and a guide function for guiding the game ball to the discharge passage 702. Although illustration is omitted, the ball receiving portion 703 extends to the left and right, and the game balls that have reached the ball receiving portion 703 are guided to a specific location in the left-right direction and aligned in a line through the specific location. Thus, it flows into the discharge passage 702.

  The discharge passage 702 dropped along the vertical passage at a midway position of the vertical passage extending from the entrance portion, specifically, at a lower position separated by a gap larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball than the entrance portion. A rotating body 710 that rotates when the game ball hits is provided.

  The rotating body 710 has a shaft portion extending in a direction (left-right direction) orthogonal to the vertical passage, and the shaft portion is held by a passage forming member that forms the discharge passage 702, so that the rotating member 710 rotates on the passage forming member. It is installed as possible.

  The rotating body 710 has a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) arm portions 711 projecting radially from the shaft portion. These arm portions 711 are arranged at equal intervals in the rotation direction, and the rotation position of the rotating body 710 is changed so that the protruding position and the protrusion protruding to the discharge passage 702 are avoided. It moves to the retracted position.

  Each arm portion 711 has a magnetic body 712 embedded therein, and any one of the magnetic bodies 712 is attracted to a magnet 715 fixed to the passage forming member, so that variation in posture is suppressed. ing. That is, even if any arm part 711 protrudes into the discharge passage 702, the arm part 711 is configured to face upward. The magnetic force applied to the magnet 715 is set so as to be released by an impact that occurs when the game ball that has flowed into the discharge passage 702 collides with the arm portion 711.

  The rotating body 710 is connected to the link unit 632, and when the rotating body 710 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the movable body 651 of the lift unit 631 through the link unit 632. That is, in the present embodiment, the rotating body 710 functions as a means for generating a driving force for operating the ball feeding device 610. In the third embodiment, the ball feeding device 610 is configured to operate when the player operates the operation button unit 500. However, in the present embodiment, the result of the game ball firing operation is shown. The ball feeding device 610 is configured to operate as follows. In the first place, when playing a game, it is indispensable to perform an operation of launching a game ball. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which the ball feeding device 610 is operated by this operation, the burden on the player can be suitably reduced.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 can be switched between a linked state in which the rotating body 710 and the lift unit 631 are linked and a non-linked state that is not linked. ing. Here, with reference to FIG. 31, the flow of replenishment of game balls will be described. FIG. 31A is a schematic diagram showing a state where the rotating body 710 and the ball feeding device 610 are not linked, and FIG. 31B shows a state where the rotating body 710 and the ball feeding device 610 are linked. FIG.

  In a state where the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is disposed at the non-interlocking position (standby position), as shown in FIG. 31A, the movable body 651 and the link unit 632 of the ball feeding device 610 (lift unit 631). The movable gear 636 is not connected. For this reason, even if the game ball moves from the collection passage 701 to the discharge passage 702 and the game ball collides with the arm portion 711 and the rotating body 710 rotates, the power is not transmitted to the movable body 651.

  On the other hand, in the state where the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is disposed at the interlocking position (operation position), as shown in FIG. 31B, the movable body 651 and the link unit of the ball feeding device 610 (lift unit 631). A movable gear 636 of 632 is connected. For this reason, when the game ball moves from the collection path 701 to the discharge path 702 and the game ball collides with the arm portion 711 and the rotating body 710 rotates, the power is transmitted to the movable body 651. That is, the movable body 651 rotates as the rotating body 710 rotates.

  Here, a supplementary description will be given of the rotation ratio between the rotating body 710 and the movable body 651. First, the number of arm portions 711 of the rotating body 710 and the height difference from the ball receiving portion 703 are configured to rotate approximately 120 degrees when one game ball collides. That is, the rotating body 710 is configured to make one rotation when the game ball collides three times.

  On the other hand, the movable body 651 is configured to rotate once when the rotating body 710 rotates once. That is, the rotation ratio between the movable body 651 and the rotating body 710 is 1: 1, and approximately three game balls need to flow into the discharge passage 702 in order for the movable body 651 to make one rotation. In the present embodiment, the launch period of the game balls that are launched into the game area PE based on the launch operation of the game ball launch handle 45 is 0.6 sec. That is, the period required for the movable body 651 to make one rotation is about 1.8 seconds.

  Here, the movable body 651 can move one game ball from the intake passage 621 to the supply passage 623 by rotating about nine times (see FIG. 28). That is, when the operation piece 660a of the changeover switch 660 is operated to be in the interlocked state, the period required for the first game ball to be supplied from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33 is about 15 seconds. Thereafter, one game ball is replenished every 1.8 seconds.

  In consideration of the point that the game ball firing cycle is 0.6 sec, the decrease rate of the game balls is faster than the supply speed of the game balls. Therefore, even if the game ball in the lower plate 34 is moved to the upper plate 33 by the ball feeding device 610, the amount of game balls stored in the upper plate 33 can be slowed down, but the decrease cannot be completely stopped. Have difficulty. In the present embodiment, the game balls are replenished to the upper plate 33 on the condition that the game is performed, that is, the game balls are continuously fired. If there is no game ball, the replenishment function cannot be performed well.

  However, in practice, a certain amount of prize balls can be expected by playing a game. For this reason, when this prize ball is taken into account, the overall reduction rate of the game ball is somewhat relaxed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in operating efficiency when the technical idea of lifting another game ball by the fall of the game ball is embodied.

  Ideally, it is preferable that the ball feeding device 610 operates so as to replenish one game ball from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33 based on one game ball that has been launched. In order to realize such a configuration, it is necessary to further increase the kinetic energy when the game ball to be discharged is dropped or to further improve the conversion efficiency into the driving force. For example, it is possible to increase the kinetic energy at the time of dropping by further increasing the distance between the ball receiving portion 703 and the rotating body 710, but in such a configuration, the rotating body 710 or the discharge passage is used. Note the durability guarantee of 702.

  According to the fourth embodiment described in detail above, when a game ball launching operation is continued, the game balls that have been launched are connected to the game hall island facility through the game area PE → the collection passage 701 → the discharge passage 702, etc. Returned to. Here, the power for moving the game ball from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33 by operating the ball feeding device 610 using the potential energy (kinetic energy) of the game ball discharged from the game area PE. Energy that should originally be wasted as a source can be used effectively. Thereby, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

  In the configuration in which the game balls discharged in this way are used as a power source, the rotation ratio can be changed so that the movable body 651 rotates more. This is advantageous in improving the rotation rate of the movable body 651, but the rotational resistance of the rotating body 710 is increased. Such an increase in resistance can cause clogging of game balls and the like, which is not preferable in securing the original function of the discharge passage 702. In particular, in a state where a plurality of game balls are being conveyed together, there is a possibility that sufficient power for rotating the movable body 651 cannot be secured. In this regard, in the present embodiment, by providing the ball passage 620 between the upper plate 33 and the lower plate 34, it is avoided that the length of the intermediate passage 622 increases unnecessarily. Thus, it is possible to suppress the increase in resistance described above by devising the passage structure.

  When the number of game balls is reduced during the game, the game balls can be replenished from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33 while the game is continued. On the other hand, such replenishment is restricted when no game is played. In this way, the player is encouraged to continue the game by making the ball feeding function effective on the condition that a game is being performed (for example, a game ball is being fired). And a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine can be suppressed.

<Fifth embodiment>
In the third and fourth embodiments, the ball passage 620 is secured in the vertical wall portion 333 by housing the lift unit 631 and the flange member 641 constituting the “ball feeding mechanism” in the vertical wall portion 333. However, in the present embodiment, the configuration related to securing the ball passage 620 is different from those of the third and fourth embodiments.

  Therefore, hereinafter, a configuration related to securing the ball passage 620 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32A is a partially enlarged view of the front door frame 14 in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 32B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F in FIG. The power source for driving the ball feeding device 610 is arbitrary. For example, as shown in the third embodiment, an operating force generated when operating the operation button unit 500 may be used. As shown in the fourth embodiment, the rotational force of the rotating body 710 generated when the out-ball is discharged may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 32A, in the present embodiment, an operation lever 751 operated by the player is provided between the upper bulging portion 28 and the lower bulging portion 29. Like the operation button unit 500, the operation lever 751 constitutes an operation means for effect that is operated by the player when an operation-corresponding effect is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 32B, the operation lever 751 has a lever body 752 extending vertically. The lower end portion of the lever main body 752 is inserted through an opening formed in the lower bulging portion 29, and the upper end portion of the lever main body 752 is inserted through an opening formed in the upper bulging portion 28. In the lever main body 752, a shaft pin protruding left and right is formed in a portion inserted through the lower bulging portion 29, and these shaft pins are inserted into a bearing portion 761 formed in the lower bulging portion 29. ing. Accordingly, the lever main body 752 is held by the lower bulging portion 29 so as to be rotatable (tiltable) in the front-rear direction with the lower end portion as the base end.

  A stopper 762 is formed on the upper bulging portion 28 as blocking means for preventing further rotation of the lever body 752 by contacting the upper end of the lever body 752 from the front side or the rear side. The operation range of the operation lever 751 is defined by the stopper 762.

  The lever main body 752 has a cylindrical shape, and a spherical passage 620 (specifically, an intermediate passage 622) is disposed in the inner region IE thereof. More specifically, the eaves member 641 is inserted into the inner region IE of the lever main body 752. Here, the relationship between the operation lever 751 and the ball feeding device 610 (specifically, the hook member 641) will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The operation lever 751 can be tilted back and forth, but is configured such that a part of the inner region IE overlaps regardless of the state of the operation lever 751. The collar member 641 of the ball feeding device 610 is disposed in this region (hereinafter referred to as a specific region SE). As already described, the operation lever 751 is assembled to the bulging portions 28 and 29, and the flange member 641 is also assembled to the bulging portions 28 and 29. That is, the operation lever 751 and the flange member 641 have the same assembly target. However, the operation lever 751 and the eaves member 641 are independent from each other, and even when the operation lever 751 is operated, the eaves member 641 is not displaced in accordance with the operation.

  In the present embodiment, a predetermined gap is secured between the outer peripheral surface of the flange member 641 and the inner peripheral surface of the operation lever 751 (lever main body 752). When the operation lever 751 is tilted forward, the front gap increases and the rear gap decreases. Further, when the operation lever 751 is tilted rearward, the rear gap becomes larger and the front gap becomes smaller. However, although the increase / decrease of the gap occurs by the operation of the operation lever 751, the gap does not completely disappear, and the contact between the flange member 641 and the operation lever 751 is avoided (FIG. 33 ( (Refer to the two-dot chain line in a).)

  It should be noted that the front surface of the lever body 751 is transparent, and the presence or absence of a game ball in the ball passage 620 (intermediate passage 622) can be visually confirmed through this front portion. Thereby, the player can grasp | ascertain the presence or absence of a remaining ball.

  An intake passage 621 and a supply passage 623 extending in a direction intersecting the operation lever 751 are located in a portion of the operation lever 751 that protrudes outside the internal region IE. For this reason, it is avoided that the presence of these passages 621 and 623 hinders slimming of the operation lever 751.

  In the configuration having the operation lever 751 as shown in this embodiment, the operability of the operation lever 751 can be preferably improved by reducing the weight of the lever body 752 of the operation lever 751 to be hollow. Here, by using the inner area IE of the operation lever 751 as a path of the game ball, it is possible to prevent the occupied area of the ball passage 620 from being unnecessarily bulky. Thereby, the operation lever 751, the ball passage 620, etc. can coexist suitably with a periphery structure in the game machine front part.

  Even in the configuration in which the ball passage 620 is accommodated in the operation lever 751, a gap is ensured between the operation lever 751 and the flange member 641, and interference between the two is avoided. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the influence of distortion or the like on the flange member 641 due to the operation of the operation lever 751. Thus, by wiping the influence of the operation lever 751, the ball feeding function can be stably exhibited.

  Further, it is not necessary to support the weight of the game ball passing through the ball passage 620 by the operation lever 751, and it is possible to avoid the presence of the ball feeding device 610 becoming a factor that reduces the operability of the operation lever 751.

  The upper and lower ends of the ball passage 620 protrude from the lever body 752 of the operation lever 751 and are accommodated in the upper bulging portion 28 and the lower bulging portion 29. An intake passage 621 as an inlet portion of the ball passage 620 and a supply passage 623 as an outlet portion are formed in these protruding portions. In this way, by forming the inlet and outlet portions of the ball passage 620 at portions protruding from the operation lever 751, it is not necessary to provide a useless opening or the like in the operation lever 751, and the appearance of the operation lever 751 is reduced. Can be suitably suppressed.

  In the present embodiment described in detail above, the horizontal cross section of the flange member 641 is rectangular (substantially rectangular) as in the ball feeder 610 shown in the third and fourth embodiments. In the case where the collar member 641 is disposed, the operation lever 751 and the ball feeding device 610 can be more preferably coexisted by changing the shape thereof according to the shape of the lever main body 752. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 33B, in the configuration in which the operation lever 751 has a cylindrical shape, the collar member 641 may also have a cylindrical configuration. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce restrictions on the operation range of the operation lever 751 while avoiding interference between the lever main body 752 and the flange member 641.

  More specifically, when the inner peripheral surface of the operation lever 751 is circular, the outer edge of the specific area SE is curved. Therefore, even when the scissors member 641 is configured to fit within the specific area SE, if the outer edge of the scissors member 641 is curved like the specific area SE, the passing area of the game ball in the scissors member 641 is secured. However, the occupation area of the flange member 641 can be reduced in accordance with the specific area SE (see FIG. 33C).

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, the configurations of the following different modes may be applied individually to the configurations of the above embodiments, or may be applied in combination with each other.

  (1) In the third to fifth embodiments, the game balls stored in the upper plate 33 (corresponding to the “upper storage section” or the “first storage section”) are the game ball launch mechanisms 110 (“games”). Is equivalent to a ball launching means) and is fired to the game area PE of the game board 80. The ball feeding device 610 as the "ball feeding means" causes the lower plate 34 ("lower storage part" or "second storage"). The game ball is transferred to the upper plate 33 from the “2 storage section”), but the storage box etc. that is attached to the game machine in the island facility of the game hall, etc. by the configuration that corresponds to the “ball feeding means” It is good also as a structure which supplies a game ball to the upper plate 33 from.

  It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the game ball is transferred from the storage box to the lower tray 34. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of “ball feeding means” are used in combination and the storage box is moved to the lower plate → the upper plate.

  (2) In the third to fifth embodiments, the game ball is lifted from the lower plate 34 to the upper plate 33 by rotating the spiral movable body 651. However, the ball feeding mechanism 630 (movable body) The specific shape of 651) is arbitrary. For example, a transport device such as a conveyor may be used, or a transport device such as a shooter that moves an object using air pressure may be used.

  (3) In the third and fifth embodiments, the operation force applied to the operation button unit 500 (corresponding to “operation means”) by the player is converted to power for lifting the game ball. If the game ball is replenished to the upper plate 33 based on the player's operation, it is sufficient that the operation is at least an opportunity to move the game ball. For example, a motor or the like is provided as a driving means for operating the ball feeding device 610, and when the operation button unit 500 is operated by a player, a driving signal is output from the notification / production control device 142 or the like to the driving means. It is also possible.

  (4) In the third to fifth embodiments described above, the ball feeding device 610 is disposed on the front door frame 14 as the “gaming machine front portion”. It is not limited to the frame 14 and may be provided on the inner frame 13, for example. Even in the case of being arranged on the front door frame 14, the object can be changed from the cover body 21 forming the “bulging portion” to the frame body 20 as the “base portion”.

  However, as the number of members interposed between the ball feeding device 610 and the player increases, it becomes more difficult to visually confirm the game ball being conveyed. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to grasp whether or not the game ball remains in the ball feeding device 610. In consideration of such circumstances, the ball feeding device 610 is arranged on the front door frame 14 (particularly a portion that bulges forward) in order to facilitate visual recognition (confirmation of the remaining sphere) and improve convenience. This has technical significance.

  (5) In the third to fifth embodiments, the player can switch between a state in which the transfer of the game ball is allowed and a state in which the transfer of the game ball is disabled by operating the changeover switch 660. However, such a changeover switch 660 is not essential. A function for determining whether the notification / production control device 142 of the pachinko machine 10 switches between a state in which the transport of the game ball is allowed and a state in which the transport of the game ball is disabled, and the state is switched based on the result. A function may be added. In the case of adopting such a configuration, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an effect by the operation button unit 500 (effect related to the rotation operation) is allowed when the game ball cannot be transported. In other words, when an effect by the operation button unit 500 (effect related to the rotation operation) is executed, it is possible to switch to a state in which the transportation of the game ball is disabled.

  (6) In the third to fifth embodiments, the right side wall portion 672 forming the lower plate 34 is provided with the game ball opening 673 leading to the ball feeding device 610. It is arbitrary about which part in the plate 34 to form. However, in the case where an attempt is made to secure the storage amount as much as possible while providing a level difference in the lower plate 34 to achieve a smooth flow of the game ball, an opening 673 is formed in the back wall portion 671 where the supply port 39 is provided. It is not preferable to form. In order to suppress the separation between the ball feeding device 610 and the opening 673 while arranging the ball feeding device 610 as far as possible in front, the side wall portion 672 (especially the right side (center side wall) It is preferable to form an opening 673 in the portion 672)).

  (7) In the third to fifth embodiments described above, the game ball is configured to move in the rear part (the part on the rear side of the rotation center) in the inner region of the saddle member 641. It may be changed as follows. That is, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the game ball passes through the right side portion, the left side portion, or the front side portion in the inner region of the saddle member 641. Thereby, it can suppress that the axial part 652 becomes obstructive, and can make confirmation with the visual observation of a game ball still easier.

  (8) In the fourth embodiment, the ball feeding device 610 uses the potential energy of the launched game ball by disposing the rotating body 710 in the portion through which the game ball flowing into the discharge passage 702 passes. Is configured to operate. This may be changed to use the energy when the solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 as the “game ball launching unit” returns to the standby position (initial position) after being de-energized. Also in this modified example, it is possible to avoid power consumption for ball feeding by driving the ball feeding device 610 by using wasted energy, and that the game is being played, the operating condition of the ball feeding device 610 The technical idea is the same as that of the fourth embodiment in that it can be incorporated as the fourth embodiment.

  (9) In the fourth embodiment, the game ball (out ball) discharged from the game area PE is configured to rotate the rotary body 710 by colliding with the rotary body 710. Does not necessarily have to be rotated by a game ball collision. In consideration of the point that the out ball returns to the island facility due to its own weight, it is possible to use the weight of the out ball to rotate.

  (10) In the fifth embodiment, a gap is secured between the inner wall surface of the operation lever 751 and the flange member 641 regardless of whether the operation lever 751 is in the operated state or the non-operated state. Although it was configured, the presence or absence of this gap is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the operation lever 751 comes into contact with the flange member 641 when the operation lever 751 enters the operation state. In this case, the collar member 641 can be made to function as a stopper that defines an operation range by the operation lever 751.

  Further, when the direction in which the operation lever 751 is operated is determined in advance, it is sufficient if the hook member 641 is accommodated in the operation lever 751 in at least one of the operation state and the non-operation state. . In this case, the operation lever 751 may be changed to a groove shape instead of a cylindrical shape. If the eaves member 641 can protrude (can be moved in and out) through this groove-like portion, it can contribute to the expansion of the operation stroke of the operation lever 751.

  (11) Although the operation lever 751 shown in the fifth embodiment is a rotary type, the operation lever 751 may be a slide type. Further, the operation lever 751 may be fixed, and a finger-hanging operation unit such as a trigger may be provided at an intermediate portion thereof.

  The operation lever 751 may be provided so as to straddle the upper bulging portion 28 in which the upper plate 33 is formed and the lower bulging portion 29 in which the lower plate 34 is formed, and the shape thereof is limited to a column shape. It is not something. As long as a space capable of forming the ball passage 620 is secured inside, the appearance may be arbitrarily changed. For example, it is possible to make the operation lever substantially spherical or hemispherical.

  (12) In the fifth embodiment, the operation lever 751 and the flange member 641 are fixed to the cover body 21 (specifically, the bulging portions 28 and 29), but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to fix the collar member 641 to the operation lever 751 and to displace the collar member 641 following the operation of the operation lever 751.

  (13) In the fifth embodiment, the configuration of the link unit 632 may be changed so that the operation force when the operation lever 751 is operated is used as power for lifting the game ball. However, in the configuration in which the ball feeding device 610 is operated by operating the operation lever 751, the operation is performed in a state where the operation lever 751 is gripped, so that it is confirmed that there is a remaining ball in the ball feeding device 610. It is assumed that it will be easily disturbed by the hand of the person. Therefore, when the operation force generated by the player's operation is used as the driving force of the ball feeding device 610, the operation means such as the operation button unit 500 provided apart from the ball feeding device 610 is used. It is preferable to do.

  (14) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines that release a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or games in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a big hit when a ball enters, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and the like.

  In addition, the gaming machine main body that is supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage unit and a capture device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capture device. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused to start the rotation of the reel.

<Invention Group Extracted from the Embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

  The invention described in the following feature group A and feature group B is “a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a bulging portion that bulges forward from the frame body constituting the front portion of the gaming machine, Some bulges are provided with an upper plate and a lower plate as storage units for storing game balls, and the game balls stored in the upper plate are sequentially launched into the game area by the game ball launching mechanism. For example, when the upper plate is full of game balls, the surplus game balls are paid out to the lower plate (see Patent Document 1). When the number of game balls stored is reduced, the game balls stored in the lower plate can be replenished by transferring them to the upper plate. ”Is improving the convenience of the player, such as collateral for the storage amount.” “However, when the game balls are replenished manually, various inconveniences such as the grabbed game balls spilling from the hands or the hands may become dirty. In order to improve the convenience of the user, there is still room for improvement in the structure. "

<Feature A group>
Feature A0. Operation means (operation button unit 500) operated by a player;
An upper storage unit (upper plate 33) provided above the lower storage unit (lower plate 34) for storing game balls;
A gaming machine comprising: a game ball stored in one of the lower storage unit and the upper storage unit, and a ball feeding means (ball feeding device 610) on the other based on an operation of the operation means. .

  According to the feature A0, the game ball is sent from one of the lower storage unit and the upper storage unit to the other based on the operation of the operation means. For example, it is not necessary to manually move the game ball stored in the storage unit to another storage unit, and the convenience of the player can be improved.

Feature A1. Operation means (operation button unit 500) operated by a player;
An upper storage unit (upper plate 33) provided above the lower storage unit (lower plate 34) for storing game balls;
A gaming machine comprising ball feeding means (ball feeding device 610) for sending game balls stored in the lower storage part to the upper storage part based on an operation of the operation means.

  According to the feature A1, the game ball is sent from the lower storage unit to the upper storage unit based on the operation of the operation means. Work such as grabbing the game ball stored in the lower storage unit by hand and moving it to the upper storage unit becomes unnecessary, and the convenience of the player can be improved.

Feature A2. A game board (game board 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area;
The gaming machine according to Feature A1, further comprising supply means (for example, an alignment passage 320 or a ball feeding device 113) for supplying the game balls stored in the upper storage section to the game ball launching means. .

  According to the feature A2, a game is played by launching the game ball stored in the upper storage unit to the game area through the game ball launching means. By applying the technical idea shown in Feature 1 to this type of gaming machine, it becomes easy to replenish gaming balls from the lower storage section when the number of game balls in the upper storage section is reduced. The effect of improving the convenience can be suitably realized.

Feature A3. The operation means is configured to operate by an operation by a player,
The gaming machine according to Feature A1 or Feature A2, further comprising effect execution means (MPU 812 of the notification / effect control device 142) for performing a special effect based on the operation of the operation means.

  By making it possible to replenish game balls from the lower storage unit to the upper storage unit by using the operation means for production, the convenience shown in the feature A1 and the like is improved, and the resulting configuration is complicated Etc. can be suitably suppressed.

  The configuration shown in this feature may be “a gaming machine according to feature A1 or feature A2 characterized in that it includes an effect execution means for performing a special effect based on the operation of the operation means”. It is.

Feature A4. The ball feeding means is
A ball passage (sphere passage 620) connecting the upper storage portion and the lower storage portion;
A lift mechanism (lift unit 631) for lifting the game ball through the ball path;
Any one of features A1 to A3, further comprising a transmission mechanism (link unit 632) for operating the lift mechanism by transmitting an operation force applied to the operation means to the lift mechanism. The gaming machine described in 1.

  According to the feature A4, the operating force applied to the operating means is transmitted to the lift mechanism, and the lift mechanism operates (moves the game ball). In this way, by providing the driving force for moving the game ball with the operating force applied to the operating means, a driving source such as a motor and a configuration for performing drive control become unnecessary, which simplifies the configuration. Can contribute.

  In addition, when the operation means and each storage part are provided in the front part of the gaming machine (front door frame 14), the ball feeding means is also provided in the front part of the gaming machine. The transmission mechanism and the like can be prevented from becoming complicated by unifying. In addition to the above-described various configurations, configurations such as a game ball launching handle and an electric decoration unit are disposed on the front portion of the gaming machine. By eliminating the need for a drive unit or the like as described above, it is possible to simplify the ball feeding means and the various configurations associated therewith, and to coexist suitably with the peripheral configuration in a limited space.

  Incidentally, when the technical idea shown in this feature is applied to the feature A0, “the ball feeding means has a ball passage (ball passage 620) connecting the upper storage portion and the lower storage portion, and the ball passage. A ball feeding mechanism (lift unit 631) that moves the game ball through the transmission means, and a transmission mechanism (link unit 632) that operates the ball feeding mechanism by transmitting an operation force applied to the operation means to the ball feeding mechanism. The gaming machine described in the feature A0, which is characterized in that it is good. ”

Feature A5. The operation means is provided so as to be rotatable,
The lift mechanism has a movable body (movable body 651) provided so as to be rotatable, and lifts a game ball placed on a receiving portion (ball receiving portion 653) of the movable body by the rotation of the movable body. Is composed of
The game machine according to Feature A4, wherein the movable body is configured to rotate following the rotation of the operation means.

  According to the feature A5, it is possible to reduce the loss of the operation force or to suitably improve the responsiveness of the ball feeding when the rotation operation is performed. For example, when the operating means is a pressing type, the next operation cannot be performed until the operating means returns from the pressing position to the standby position. For this reason, a certain amount of waiting (time lag) occurs between the operation and the operation. This is not preferable because it causes a decrease in the responsiveness. In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, even when the rotation operation is continuously performed, the occurrence of the time lag can be suppressed and the efficiency of ball feeding can be preferably improved.

Feature A6. The operation means is rotatable in both directions of a first predetermined direction and a second predetermined direction opposite to the first predetermined direction,
The movable body rotates following the rotation when the operating means rotates in the first predetermined direction, while the movable body rotates when the operating means rotates in the second predetermined direction. The gaming machine according to Feature A5, wherein the gaming machine is configured not to follow the movement.

  According to the feature A6, even if the operating means is rotated from the first predetermined direction to the second predetermined direction while the game ball is being transferred from the lower storage unit to the upper storage unit, the reverse movement of the movable body is avoided. Is done. Thereby, even when the operation means rotates in the second predetermined direction due to an operation error or the like, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as ball clogging due to the rotation.

  For example, when the operating means is rotated in the first predetermined direction, the movable body follows and rotates, while the special effect is executed by rotating in the second predetermined direction. It is also possible.

  Feature A7. The transmission mechanism includes switching means for switching between an interlocking state in which the operation means and the lift mechanism are interlocked and a non-interlocking state in which the operation means and the lift mechanism are not interlocked. The gaming machine according to any one of Feature A6.

  When using the operation means for the effect where the special effect is performed as the means for moving the game ball between the two storage units, the load when operating the operation means becomes larger compared to the case dedicated to the effect is assumed. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the configuration is such that the switching means switches between interlocking and non-interlocking, an increase in operating load is suppressed by keeping the operating means and the lift mechanism non-interlocking when performing an effect. Can do. Thereby, it can suppress that giving two functions to an operation means becomes a factor which reduces an original function (production function).

  For example, when a plurality of special effects are set, the operation load can be changed by switching between interlocking and non-interlocking depending on the type of the special effects. Thereby, the monotonization of the special effect related to the operation can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A8. The switching means is provided to be displaceable to a second position different from the first position and the first position based on a player's switching operation,
The transmission mechanism is in the interlocked state by connecting the operating means and the lift mechanism via the switching means disposed at the first position, and the switching means is disposed at the second position. The gaming machine according to Feature A7, wherein the gaming machine is configured to be in the non-interlocking state when the connection is released.

  According to the feature A8, when the game ball is replenished from the lower storage unit to the upper storage unit, the operation unit and the lift mechanism are connected via the switching unit by disposing the switching unit at the first position. That is, by operating the operating means with the switching means placed at the first position, the operating force is transmitted to the movable body, and the lift mechanism is driven. On the other hand, when the game ball is not replenished, the connection is released by arranging the switching means at the second position. Thereby, the effect shown to characteristic A7 can be exhibited suitably.

  In addition, since an electrical configuration is not required for switching whether to connect or not, it is possible to prevent the electrical configuration from becoming complicated due to the provision of the switching function.

Feature A9. The operation means is configured to operate by an operation by a player,
Providing effect execution means (MPU 812 of the notification / effect control device 142) for performing a special effect based on the operation of the operation means,
The effect execution means includes means for performing a first special effect that prompts an operation of the operation means, and means for performing a second special effect based on the operation of the operation means,
The gaming machine according to Feature A7 or Feature A8, further comprising an effect restricting means for restricting a special effect by the effect executing means when in the linked state.

  According to the feature A9, when the operation unit is in the interlocking state, the special effect is restricted from being executed. Thereby, it can suppress that operation of an operation means becomes difficult when performing a special effect, and it can suppress that a special effect becomes a factor which reduces game motivation.

Feature A10. A game board (game board 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Based on the operation of the operation means, a game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball toward the game area;
A collection passage (collection passage 701) for collecting game balls discharged from the game area;
The ball feeding means has a ball receiving portion (ball receiving portion 703) for receiving a game ball falling from the collection passage, and uses the weight of the game ball when the game ball collides with the ball receiving portion. The gaming machine according to Feature A1 or Feature A2, wherein the gaming machine is configured to operate.

  According to the feature A10, when the game ball launch operation is continued, the launched game ball is returned to the island facility of the game hall through the game area → recovery passage. Here, as a power source for moving the game ball from the lower storage unit to the upper storage unit by operating the ball feeding means using the positional energy (kinetic energy) of the game ball discharged from the game area Energy that should originally be wasted can be used effectively. Thereby, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

Feature A11. Determining means for determining whether or not a game is being performed;
And a restricting means for restricting the sending of the game ball from the lower storage part to the upper storage part by the ball feeding means when it is determined that the game is not performed by the determination means. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A10.

  According to the feature A11, when the number of game balls decreases during the game, the game balls can be replenished from the lower storage unit to the upper storage unit while continuing the game. On the other hand, such replenishment is restricted when no game is played. In this way, by configuring the ball feeding function to be effective on the condition that a game is being performed (for example, a game ball is being fired or a game is being performed) The player can be encouraged to continue the game, and a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine can be suppressed.

<Feature B group>
Feature B0. A gaming machine front face (front door frame 14) having a base part (frame body 20) and a bulging part (an upper bulging part 28, a lower bulging part 29, etc.) bulging forward from the base part to the gaming machine. In a gaming machine equipped with
A first storage section (upper tray 33) and a second storage section (lower tray 34) that are provided in the bulging section and store game balls;
The first reservoir is located above the second reservoir,
The bulging portion is an intermediate portion (vertical wall portion 333) provided so as to straddle an upper bulging portion provided with the first storage portion and a lower bulging portion provided with the second storage portion. And an operation lever 751),
A ball feeding means (lift unit 631 of the ball feeding mechanism 630 and the saddle member 641) for sending game balls stored in one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit to the other;
The ball feeding means is
A ball passage (ball passage 620) provided in the intermediate portion and connecting the second storage portion and the first storage portion;
A gaming machine having a ball feed mechanism (lift unit 631) for moving a game ball through the ball passage.

  According to the feature B0, the operation of moving the game ball stored in the first storage unit to the upper storage unit by grabbing it by hand becomes unnecessary, and the convenience of the player can be improved. In this feature, in particular, since the ball feeding means (ball passage) is provided in the portion that bulges in front of the gaming machine, it is possible to suppress the configuration from bulging to the rear of the front portion of the gaming machine. Thereby, it can be avoided that the improvement in convenience becomes a factor of pressing the arrangement areas of various configurations arranged inside the gaming machine or the like.

Feature B1. A gaming machine front face (front door frame 14) having a base part (frame body 20) and a bulging part (an upper bulging part 28, a lower bulging part 29, etc.) bulging forward from the base part to the gaming machine. In a gaming machine equipped with
A first storage section (upper tray 33) and a second storage section (lower tray 34) that are provided in the bulging section and store game balls;
The first reservoir is located above the second reservoir,
The bulging portion is an intermediate portion (vertical wall portion 333) provided so as to straddle an upper bulging portion provided with the first storage portion and a lower bulging portion provided with the second storage portion. And an operation lever 751),
Ball feeding means (the lift unit 631 of the ball feeding mechanism 630 and the heel member 641) for sending the game balls stored in the second storage unit from the second storage unit to the first storage unit,
The ball feeding means is
A ball passage (ball passage 620) provided in the intermediate portion and connecting the second storage portion and the first storage portion;
A gaming machine having a lift mechanism (lift unit 631) for lifting a game ball through the ball passage.

  According to the feature B1, an operation of moving the game ball stored in the first storage unit to the upper storage unit by grasping it by hand becomes unnecessary, and the convenience of the player can be improved. In this feature, in particular, since the ball feeding means (ball passage) is provided in the portion that bulges in front of the gaming machine, it is possible to suppress the configuration from bulging to the rear of the front portion of the gaming machine. Thereby, it can be avoided that the improvement in convenience becomes a factor of pressing the arrangement areas of various configurations arranged inside the gaming machine or the like.

Feature B2. A game board (game board 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area;
The game according to Feature B1, further comprising supply means (for example, the alignment passage 320 and the ball feeding device 113) for supplying the game balls stored in the first storage section to the game ball launching means. Machine.

  According to the feature B2, a game is performed by launching the game ball stored in the first storage unit to the game area through the game ball launching means. By applying the technical idea shown in the feature B1 to this type of gaming machine, it becomes easy to replenish gaming balls from the second reservoir when the number of game balls in the first reservoir decreases. Thus, the above-described convenience improvement effect can be suitably realized.

  Feature B3. The gaming machine according to Feature B1 or Feature B2, wherein the ball passage is accommodated in the intermediate portion.

  The front part of the gaming machine is a part that determines the appearance of the gaming machine. Therefore, if the ball passage is accommodated in the intermediate portion as shown in this feature, it can be suitably suppressed that the presence of the ball feeding means becomes a factor of deteriorating the appearance.

  Feature B4. The gaming machine according to Feature B3, wherein the inside of the ball passage is visible through the intermediate portion.

  As shown in the feature B1, etc., when the game ball is transported by the ball feeding means, the convenience can be improved, but the game ball may not be noticed in the ball passage. Sex occurs. Therefore, in such a configuration, it is preferable that the presence or absence of a remaining sphere can be confirmed visually.

  In this respect, as shown in the feature B1, by arranging the ball feeding means (ball passage) in the front part of the gaming machine that bulges ahead of the gaming machine, Intervention of various gaming machine components can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the combination with the feature B1, it is possible to favorably contribute to ensuring visibility. This is advantageous in further improving the convenience of the player.

  Feature B5. The second storage part has a bottom part, a front wall part, a rear wall part, and a lateral wall part (side wall part 672), and an inlet part (opening 673) in the spherical passage is formed in the lateral wall part. The gaming machine according to Feature B4, wherein the gaming machine is formed.

  By forming the entrance portion of the ball passage in the lateral wall portion as shown in this feature, it can be offset as far forward as possible from the gaming machine with respect to the base portion. Thereby, the improvement effect of visibility shown in feature B4 etc. can be exhibited suitably.

  Feature B6. The intermediate portion is a hollow vertical wall that connects the lower bulge portion and the upper bulge portion, and the spherical passage is provided therein, and the features B1 to B5 are characterized in that The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  By connecting the upper and lower bulging portions with a vertical wall, the upper bulging portion can be supported by the lower bulging portion, which can contribute to improving the strength of the front portion of the gaming machine (particularly the upper bulging portion). By making the inside of the vertical wall for reinforcement such as the accommodation area of the ball feeding means, that is, by using the dead space generated by the configuration for reinforcement, the bulging part, the storage part, The ball feeding means can coexist suitably. Moreover, it becomes possible to protect the said ball feeding means suitably by surrounding a ball feeding means with the vertical wall for reinforcement.

  Furthermore, since it can suppress that the distance of an upper bulging part (1st storage part) and a lower bulging part (2nd storage part) changes, the structure which distribute | arranges a ball feeding means to a bulging part It is possible to preferably avoid that the ball feeding function is hindered.

Feature B7. The upper bulging portion is provided with an operation button (operation button unit 500) to be pressed by the player,
The gaming machine according to Feature B6, wherein the intermediate portion is located below the operation button.

  In the configuration having the press-type operation button shown in the feature B7, the load applied to the upper bulging portion can be increased by pressing the operation button. When the 1st storage part and the operation button are provided in the upper bulging part, the influence of the load may reach the 1st storage part. In this regard, if the vertical wall is disposed below the operation button, the load can be released from the vertical wall to the lower bulging portion. A practically preferable configuration can be realized by applying the technical idea shown in the feature B5 to such a configuration.

Feature B8. The intermediate portion is provided with a hollow operation lever (operation lever 751) operated by the player,
The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B5, wherein the operation lever extends vertically, and a part of the ball passage is provided in an internal space of the operation lever.

  In the configuration having the operation lever as shown in the feature B8, the operability of the operation lever can be preferably improved by reducing the weight of the operation lever to be hollow. Here, by using the internal space of the operation lever as a path for the game ball, it is possible to prevent the occupied area of the ball passage from being unnecessarily bulky. Thereby, an operation lever, a ball path, etc. can coexist suitably with peripheral composition in the front part of a game machine.

Feature B9. The operation lever is configured such that a position of the internal space when the operation lever is in an operation state and a position of the internal space when the operation lever is in a non-operation state are partially overlapped. Has been
The game machine according to Feature B8, wherein the ball passage is arranged in the overlapping portion.

  According to the feature B9, it is possible to suppress the presence of the ball passage from interfering with the operation of the operation lever. Moreover, since the influence of an operation lever can be wiped off also about a ball path, it becomes possible to exhibit a ball feeding function stably.

  Feature B10. The ball passage is fixed to at least one of the upper bulge portion and the lower bulge portion, and even when the operation lever is operated, the ball passage is between the inner wall of the operation lever. The game machine according to Feature B9, wherein the game machine is arranged so as to ensure a gap.

  According to the feature B10, it is not necessary to support the weight of the game ball or the like by the operation lever, and it can be avoided that the presence of the ball feeding means becomes a factor that deteriorates the operability. In addition, the positional relationship between the ball passage and the operation lever changes depending on the state of the operation lever, but even when the operation lever is operated, a gap is secured between the inner wall of the operation lever. It is possible to suitably suppress the influence of vibration or the like accompanying the operation on the ball feeding means.

  Feature B11. The gaming machine according to Feature B10, wherein an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the ball passage protrude from the operation lever, and an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the ball passage are formed in the protruding portions. .

  When the ball passage is provided in the operation lever, the entrance and exit portions of the ball passage are formed in the portion protruding from the operation lever, so that it is not necessary to provide a useless opening in the operation lever. A decrease in the appearance of the lever can be suitably suppressed.

Feature B12. The second storage portion is provided with a ball removal portion having a discharge port that can be opened and closed,
The inlet portion into which the game ball located in the second storage portion flows in the ball passage is disposed at a position which is the most downstream in the second storage portion and above the discharge port. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B11, characterized by:

  According to the feature B12, the function of discharging the game ball from the second storage unit and the function of guiding the game ball to the ball path can be preferably made compatible.

  The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means (game ball launching handle 45) operated by the player, game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired A ball path (guide path 103 of the guide rail 100) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area (game area PE) and game parts (eg, nails 87) arranged in the game area, each of these game parts Among these, a gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing portion (general winning opening 81 or the like).

  Ball-use belt-type game machine: Equipped with variable display means that displays the symbol sequence consisting of multiple symbols in a variably displayed state, and then stops and displays the symbol sequence. The special game state (bonus) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operating means or when the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol A throwing device that performs a throwing process for taking in a game ball from the ball tray and a payout device for paying out the game ball to the ball tray, A gaming machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means is made effective when a game ball is inserted by.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 14 ... Front door frame constituting front part of gaming machine, 20 ... Frame body as base part, 21 ... Cover body, 28 ... Upper bulging part, 29 ... Lower bulging part , 33... Upper plate as upper storage part or first storage part, 34... Lower plate as lower storage part or second storage part, 36... Front part, 38. Steering wheel, 80 ... game board, 110 ... game ball launching mechanism as launching means, 143 ... notification / production control device, 320 ... alignment passage as ball passage, 331 ... compartment wall section, 333 ... left longitudinal wall as vertical wall 450, mounting frame, 500, 500X, operation button unit, 501, operation block, 502, movable decorative unit as a display effect device, 502X, display device unit, 503, holder, 510, cover unit, 51 ... operation surface as operation surface, 600 ... ball feeding block, 610 ... ball feeding device, 620 ... ball passage, 621 ... intake passage, 622 ... intermediate passage, 623 ... discharge passage, 630 ... ball feeding mechanism, 631 ... lift Unit, 632 ... Link unit, 641 ... Hook member, 651 ... Movable body, 653 ... Ball receiving part, 660 ... Changeover switch, 701 ... Collection passage, 702 ... Discharge passage, 703 ... Ball receiving part, 710 ... Rotating body, 751 ... control lever, BP ... boundary part, CL1, CL2 ... rotation center axis, IE ... internal space, PE ... game area, SE ... storage area.

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine comprising a base portion and a gaming machine front portion having a bulging portion that bulges forward from the base portion to the gaming machine,
Provided in the bulging portion, comprising a first storage portion and a second storage portion for storing game balls;
The first reservoir is located above the second reservoir,
The bulging portion is constituted by perforated and a second bulging portion in which the second reservoir and the first bulging portion where the first reservoir is provided is provided,
A ball passage connecting the second reservoir and the first reservoir;
A hollow operation portion disposed so as to straddle the first bulge portion and the second bulge portion, and operated by a player ,
A gaming machine , wherein a part of the ball passage is provided in an internal space of the operation unit . The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a transport mechanism that transports the game ball through the ball path .

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