JP6834412B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines include a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When the game ball launched from the game ball launching means enters the ball entry portion provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP-A-2002-78904

In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the degree of attention to the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of suitably improving the degree of attention to the game.

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

The present invention
The game board where the game area is formed and
A game state transition means for shifting the game state to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition.
A variable ball entry unit provided in the game area and capable of switching between a receiving state in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a non-accepting state in which the ball cannot enter.
It is provided with a switching means for switching the variable ball entry unit to the reception state when the special game state is set.
A guide passage for guiding the game ball to the variable ball entry section and a ball entry into the variable ball entry section are avoided in a portion upstream of the variable ball entry section in the game area. There is a detour passage that guides the game ball to a position downstream of the variable entry portion and makes it more difficult for the game ball being guided to be visually recognized than the game ball passing through the guide passage.
In the game area, a inclined passage is provided so as to straddle the guide passage and the detour passage in a portion on the upstream side of the guide passage and the detour passage.
The inclined passage is inclined downward toward the entrance portion of the detour passage, and the inclined passage is formed with a notch portion forming an entrance portion to the guide passage .
The guide passage and the detour passage are arranged side by side so that the guide passage is on the central side in the game area with respect to the detour passage.
A door body that covers the game board from the front of the game machine is provided.
The door body has a main body portion having an opening formed in the center and a panel portion covering the opening, and is configured so that the game area can be visually recognized through the panel portion.
An overlapping area where the main body portion overlaps from the front of the game machine is provided at the end of the game board.
The guide passage is located in a non-overlapping region where overlap with the main body is avoided, and at least a part of the detour passage is located in the overlapping region.
The entrance portion of the detour passage is composed of a pair of game nails.
One of the pair of game nails is located in the overlapping region.

It is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the game.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view of a pachinko machine seen from the front. It is a perspective view which shows the main structure of a pachinko machine in development. It is a perspective view which shows the main structure of a pachinko machine in development. It is a front view which shows the structure of the inner frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of the game board. It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of the lower actuating ball entry unit. It is a rear view which shows the structure of the inner frame. It is a front view which shows the back pack unit. It is a partially enlarged view of the game board shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between the frame body of the front door frame, and the partition wall part of a game board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow path in the right route. (A) is a schematic view showing the probability of entering the through gate, and (b) is a schematic view showing the relationship between the manipulated variable and the flow path. (A) is a schematic view showing the movement of a game ball in an inclined passage, and (b) is a schematic view showing a speed change in a passage direction of a game ball passing through an inclined passage. (A) is a schematic view showing a distance relationship between game balls, and (b) is a schematic view showing a state of dispersion and assembly of game balls. (A) is a schematic view showing a change in the density of a game ball group, and (b) (c) is a schematic view showing a state of distribution of game balls. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the right route. It is the schematic which shows the modification of the relationship between the entrance part of the detour passage and the ramp part.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as “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, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 as viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the main configurations of the pachinko machine 10. In FIG. 3, for convenience, the configuration in the gaming area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 forming the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a game machine main portion 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting plate members on four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. The outer frame 11 is not an indispensable configuration for the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in the island equipment of the amusement park.

The game machine main portion 12 is supported by an outer frame 11 in a state where it can be opened and closed. Specifically, the upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to the connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further below to the connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. A side support metal fitting 18 is provided. A support mechanism is composed of the upper support metal fittings 17 and the lower support metal fittings 18, and the support mechanism causes the game machine main portion 12 to rotate on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11. , The right side is the rotation tip side, and the pachinko machine 10 can be rotated forward (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the game machine main portion 12 is arranged behind the inner frame 13 as a base body, the front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and the inner frame 13. It is equipped with a back pack unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the game machine main portion 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can rotate forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the game machine.

The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the game machine. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the game machine. There is.

Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame 20 having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. There is. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of the game area PE described later can be visually recognized from the front, and the window portion 21 is the same by the glass unit 22. It is closed from the back side of the front door frame 14.

The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder for holding the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition portion that partitions the holding area of the glass panel 23 back and forth, and both glass panels 23 face each other in the front and rear with the partition portion interposed therebetween. That is, by securing a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the gaming area PE is doubly covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

It is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 by using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame body 20. Further, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to face each of the glass panels in the front-rear direction with a predetermined gap in between. Incidentally, it is also possible to adopt a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of the glass panel.

Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21). For example, an annular illumination portion (ramp portion 26) incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the peripheral edge of the window portion 21. The ramp unit 26 is lit or blinked according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. Further, an error display lamp unit 27 that lights up when a problem such as an error occurs is provided at the center of the lamp unit 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and further, it lights up on the left and right sides of the lamp unit during the payout of prize balls. A prize ball lamp portion 28 is provided. Further, a speaker unit 29 for outputting sound effects, BGM, etc. according to the game state is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28 (see FIG. 3).

Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 bulging toward the front side and a lower bulging portion 32 are vertically arranged side by side. An upper plate 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower plate 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32 (see FIG. 2). The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing the game balls paid out from the payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launch mechanism described later while arranging them in a row. Further, the lower plate 34 has a function of storing the surplus game balls in the upper plate 33.

A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to project toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, the game ball is launched from the game ball launch mechanism described later. The rate of fire of the game ball increases as the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle 41 increases, and the player adjusts this amount of operation to separate the game ball into the right route and the left route, which will be described later. Is possible.

As shown in FIG. 3, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of a synthetic resin and has a front door side upper plate passage leading to the upper plate 33 and a front door side lower plate passage leading to the lower plate 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed in the upper corner portion thereof, and the entrance portion of the upper plate passage on the front door side is formed by partitioning the receiving portion to the left and right by a partition wall. A section is formed between the portion and the entrance portion of the lower plate passage on the front door side. The upper plate passage on the front door side and the lower plate passage on the front door side lead to the game ball distribution section described later on the upstream side, and the game balls entering the upper plate passage on the front door side are guided to the upper plate 33 and lower on the front door side. The game ball that has entered the plate passage is guided to the lower plate 34.

On the rotation base end side on the back surface of the front door frame 14, protrusion shafts are provided at the upper end portion and the lower end portion thereof. These protrusion shafts form an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of hook metal fittings 63 extending rearward are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the rotation tip side on the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hook metal fittings 63 form a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. Note that, in FIG. 5, the configuration in the gaming area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience as in FIG.

The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 70 having a substantially rectangular outer shape like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 70 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. Further, the resin base 70 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 70. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The curtain plate is arranged below the resin base 70 (specifically, the lower end thereof), and the resin base 70 is placed on the curtain plate when the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11. .. A slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the resin base 70 for the purpose of preventing mutual interference.

Support metal fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 3) on the front surface of the resin base 70. Although not shown, the support metal fittings 71 and 72 have shaft portions, and by inserting the bearing portions provided in the front door frame 14 into these shaft portions, the front door frame with respect to the inner frame 13 is inserted. 14 is rotatably supported.

A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is provided on the rotating tip side (right side in FIG. 5) on the front surface of the resin base 70. The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end of the resin base 70, and the hook metal fitting 63 is locked to the front door hook receiving member 76, so that the front door frame 14 is attached to the inner frame 13. On the other hand, it is locked so that it cannot be opened. Further, the locking device 75 has an inner frame hook member 77 extending to the rear side of the inner frame 13 through a slit formed in the resin base 70 (see FIG. 4). By hooking the inner frame hook member 77 on the hook receiving member 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, the game machine main portion 12 is locked with respect to the outer frame 11.

A cylinder lock 78 for unlocking the locking device 75 is installed in the lower right corner of the resin base 70 (locking device 75). The cylinder lock 78 is integrated with the locking device 75, and when the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right, the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the inner frame 13 and inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78. The locking device 75 is configured so that the inner frame 13 is unlocked with respect to the outer frame 11 when the key is turned counterclockwise.

A storage recess 73 for accommodating the game board unit 80 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 70. The accommodating recess 73 is recessed behind the game machine according to the outer shape of the gaming board unit 80, and the gaming board unit 80 is fixed by a manual lock mechanism in a state of being fitted in the accommodating recess 73. A substantially rectangular window hole 74 is formed at the bottom of the accommodating recess 73, and the rear surface configuration of the game board unit 80 projects rearward of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 74. Almost the entire window hole 74 is covered from the front of the game machine by the game board unit 80 mounted on the resin base 70.

The game board unit 80 is provided on the back side of the game board 80a, which is formed mainly of a plate material made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and various game parts (variable display device, control device, movable effect). (Mechanism, decorative member capable of emitting light, etc.) are integrated with the back block 80b mounted on the base body 251 so that the front portion of the back block 80b can be visually recognized through the game board 80a.

The above-mentioned game area PE into which the game ball flows down is formed on the front surface of the game board 80a. As described above, the game area PE is covered with the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23). In the glass unit 22, the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game board 80a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game ball flowing down the game area PE is the same as the game area PE. They are arranged so that they are not lined up in front and behind at the points. As a result, ball clogging in the game area PE is suppressed. The game board 80a is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and may be made of wood.

(Game board unit 80)
Hereinafter, the game board unit 80 (particularly, various configurations arranged in the game area PE of the game board 80a) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the game board unit 80.

The game board 80a is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (front-back direction). As shown in FIG. 6, a general winning opening 81, a variable winning device 82, 83, an operating ball entry unit 84, 85, etc. are arranged in each opening. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 81, the variable winning devices 82, 83, and the operating ball entry units 84, 85, the game ball is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) provided corresponding to each ball entry portion. , Benefits such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are given to the player based on the detection result. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game area PE, and a game ball that has not entered various entry portions or the like is discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish from the entry of the game ball into the out opening 89, the entry of the game ball into the general winning opening 81, the variable winning devices 82, 83, and the actuated entry units 84, 85 Also expressed as "winning".

Further, on the game board 80a, various game parts (accessories) such as a large number of game nails and windmills are arranged in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball. The flow path of the game ball is differentiated by various configurations of the game nails, the windmill, and the like, and adjustments are made so that the above-mentioned general winning opening 81 and the like are won with an appropriate probability.

A central opening is formed in the center of the game board 80a, and a transparent opening cover is attached so as to cover the central opening. A variable display unit 252 or the like belonging to the back block 80b is located behind the central opening, and the variable display unit 252 or the like can be visually recognized from the front of the game machine through the central opening and the opening cover.

The actuated ball entry units 84 and 85 include a lower actuated ball entry unit 84 arranged below the variable display unit 252 and a right actuated ball entry unit 85 arranged to the right of the lower actuate ball entry unit 84. It is composed of.

The right-acting ball entry unit (lottery trigger entry section) 85 is provided with an electric accessory 85b as a ball entry assist device (ball entry assisting means). The electric accessory 85b includes a slide-type movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the movable piece. The movable piece can be moved to a protruding position where the movable piece protrudes from the front surface of the game board 80a into the game area PE and a retracted position where the protrusion to the game area PE is avoided, and the movable piece of the electric accessory 85b is in the protruding position. When placed, it becomes a receiving state (auxiliary state) in which the ball can enter the right operating port 85a, and when it is placed in the evacuation position, it becomes a non-accepting state (non-auxiliary state) in which the same ball cannot enter. It is configured to switch as follows.

When the electric accessory 85b is in the receiving state, the flow path is cut off by the movable piece arranged at the protruding position, and the game ball that reaches the right-acting entry unit 85 in this situation is a movable piece. Guided to the right operating port 85a. On the other hand, when the electric accessory 85b is in the non-accepting state, the game ball that has reached the right-acting incoming ball unit 85 passes in front of the right-acting opening 85a and heads for the out-port 89. Become.

The above-mentioned through gate 86 is arranged at a position upstream of the right-acting ball entry unit 85 in the game area PE (specifically, a position on the side of the variable display unit 252 on the right route). If the game ball is won by a lottery triggered by passing through the through gate 86, the electric accessory 85b is temporarily switched from the non-accepted state to the accepted state.

In the pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of support modes having different support modes by the electric accessory 85b are set. Specifically, in the support mode, the frequency with which the electric accessory 85b is in the receiving state per unit time is compared in the situation where the game ball is continuously launched to the game area PE in the same manner. A low frequency support mode (or a low frequency guide state) and a high frequency support mode (or a high frequency guide state) are set so as to be relatively high and low.

In the high frequency support mode, the probability that the right operating port 85a is won is higher than in the low frequency support mode. Then, when a prize is generated in the right operating port 85a, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high frequency support mode, by launching the game ball aiming at the right route, the player can play the game while suppressing the consumption (investment) of the ball possessed.

Here, the lower actuating ball entry unit 84 and the right actuating ball entry unit 85 will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the lower actuating ball entry unit 84.

The lower operating ball entry unit 84 is formed with a guide passage 84c that guides the game ball that has flowed into the lower operating port 84a to the collection passage provided on the back side of the game board 80a. The guide passage 84c branches into the first branch passage 84d and the second branch passage 84e at an intermediate position thereof.

The branch position in the guide passage 84c is a distribution that can be switched between a first guide state that guides the game ball that has reached the branch position to the first branch passage 84d and a second guide state that guides the game ball to the second branch passage 84e. 84 g of means is provided. The sorting means 84g is configured to switch from one guiding state to the other guiding state based on guiding the game ball. Therefore, the game balls that have flowed into the lower operating port 84a are alternately distributed to the first branch passage 84d and the second branch passage 84e.

The right operating ball entry unit 85 (right operating port 85a) is connected to the second branch passage 84e via the connecting passage 84f, and the game ball that has flowed into the right operating port 85a flows into the second branch passage 84e. That is, the game ball that has flowed into the lower operating port 84a flows into both branch passages 84d and 84e, while the game ball that has flowed into the right operating port 85a flows into only the second branch passage 84e.

A detection sensor 261 for detecting a game ball is arranged in the first branch passage 84d (hereinafter, also referred to as the first ball entry portion 84d), and in the second branch passage 84e (hereinafter, also referred to as the second entry portion 84e). A detection sensor 262 that detects a game ball is arranged at a position downstream of the communication portion of the communication passage 84f. These detection sensors 261,262 are connected to the main control device, and the main control device enters the branch passages 84d and 84e based on the detection information (detection signal) from the detection sensors 261,262, that is, the operation port 84a. , 85a to grasp whether or not there is a prize.

In the present embodiment, a difference is provided so that the lottery based on the entry into the second branch passage 84e is more advantageous to the player than the lottery based on the entry into the first branch passage 84d. .. In the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, the game ball is launched to the right route to generate the right operating port 85a → the ball enters the second entry portion 84e, and the lower operating port 84a (details, the first entry). By avoiding entering the ball portion 84d), the game proceeds in an advantageous manner for the player.

The pachinko machine 10 shifts to the open / close execution mode (special game state) based on the entry into the actuated entry units 84 and 85 (first entry section 84d and second entry section 84e) (win / fail lottery). ) Is executed. In this lottery mode, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) in which the winning probability is higher than that of the low probability mode are set. In any of the lottery modes, when the lottery is won, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode, and the balls can be entered into the variable winning devices 82 and 83.

Returning to the description of FIG. 6, the variable winning device (special ball-entry device or special ball-entry means) 82, 83 will be supplementarily explained. The variable winning devices 82 and 83 are formed with large winning openings 82a and 83a through which a game ball can pass, and shutters 82b and 83b as opening and closing members (opening and closing means) for opening and closing the large winning openings 82a and 83a. Is provided. The shutters 82b and 83b are connected to a variable winning drive unit (specifically, a solenoid or the like) provided on the back side of the game board 80a. The variable winning drive unit is connected to the main control device and operates based on the drive signal from the main control device. As a result, the shutters 82b and 83b are switched between an open state (allowable state) in which the game ball can be entered or easily, and a closed state (blocked state) in which the game ball cannot or is difficult to enter.

In the normal state, the shutters 82b and 83b are kept in the closed state, and when the transition to the open / close execution mode (open / close execution state) is won in the internal lottery (big hit: special that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state). It is possible to switch to the open state (if you win the transition to the game state). As an opening mode of the variable winning device 82 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, the passage of a predetermined time (specifically, 30 sec) or the winning of a predetermined number (for example, 10) is set as one round, and a plurality of rounds (specifically, 16 rounds) are set as the upper limit. It is set so that the opening and closing doors are repeatedly opened.

In the open / close execution mode, the upper first variable winning device 82 of the upper and lower variable winning devices is mainly targeted for opening, and the lower second variable winning device 83 is targeted for opening in a predetermined round (for example, the seventh round). It becomes. The second variable winning device 83 is provided with an advantageous winning ball portion 83c and a flow path switching member 83d for switching the inflow destination of the game ball entering the large winning opening 83a to the advantageous winning ball portion 83c and other than that. The flow path switching member 83d is connected to the main control device and operates based on a signal from the main control device. As a result of the lottery, the operation mode of the flow path switching member is set in detail according to the hit type.

When a ball enters the advantageous ball entry unit 83c during the opening / closing execution mode, after the opening / closing execution mode (special game state) ends, the support mode is a high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is a high probability mode compatible normal game. Move to the state. This gives you a chance to win a large number of game balls. On the other hand, when the ball does not enter the advantageous ball entry unit 83c during the opening / closing execution mode, the lottery mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends is a low probability mode.

Here, the variable display unit 252 will be supplementarily described. The variable display unit 252 has a symbol display device 253 that variably displays (variates) the symbol by triggering a winning of the actuated ball entry units 84, 85 (specifically, the ball entry units 84d, 84e). The symbol display device 253 is configured as a liquid crystal display device provided with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later.

On the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, for example, the symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are scrolled in the vertical direction to be displayed in a variable manner. Then, when the jackpot is won, the symbols of the predetermined combination are stopped and displayed on the preset effective line, and the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot). The symbol display device 253 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or a 7-segment type display device.

The game board 80a is provided with a center frame 92 so as to surround the central opening. The center frame 92 is fixed to the game board 80a (specifically, a plate body) from the front side thereof. In the fixed state, the center frame 92 stands up from the front surface of the game board 80a, and the gap dimension between the center frame 92 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. ing. As a result, the game ball flowing down the game area PE is prevented from colliding with the symbol display device 253, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is on the right side of the variable display unit 252 (specifically, the center frame 92). It is divided into the above right route that detours from the left side and the above left route that detours from the left side.

The right-actuated ball entry unit 85, the variable winning devices 82, 83, and the through gate 86 described above are all arranged on the right route, and the lower actuating ball entry unit 84 is arranged on the left route. A game ball flowing down the left route can win a prize in the lower actuating ball entry unit 84, whereas a prize in the right actuating ball entry unit 85, the variable winning devices 82, 83 and the through gate 86 is avoided. On the other hand, the game ball flowing down the right route can win the right-acting entry unit 85, the variable winning devices 82, 83 and the through gate 86, while the winning to the lower-acting entry unit 84 is avoided. Will be done. When the electric accessory 85b of the right-acting entry unit 85 is in the high-frequency support mode (normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode) or in the open / close execution mode, the game ball is moved to the right route. By firing, the game can be advanced advantageously, and when the normal gaming state corresponding to the low frequency support mode is set, the game can be advanced advantageously by firing the game ball to the left route. That is, the player can advance the game advantageously by selecting the flow path of the game ball from the right route / the left route according to the game situation.

A stage portion on which the game ball can roll left and right is formed on the upper surface of the frame portion forming the lower portion of the center frame 92. The game ball flowing in from the inflow port formed in the left frame portion of the center frame 92 is discharged onto the stage portion through the warp passage also formed in the left frame portion of the center frame 92. The stage portion is configured so that the game ball that has reached the stage portion can relatively easily flow into the lower operating port 84a, and the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage portion is improved. Contributes to.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the central opening is covered with the transparent opening cover, and the game ball that has reached the stage portion is regulated so as not to move to the back block 80b (variable display unit 252) side. ing.

At the right end of the game board 80a, a game area partition member 93 for partitioning the game area PE is arranged together with the guide rail 100 described later. A return rubber 94 that weakens the momentum when a game ball moving on the right route along the guide rail 100 collides is arranged near the upper end portion of the game area partition member 93. The momentum of the game ball that collided with the return rubber 94 is weakened, and it is regulated not to move excessively vigorously on the right route.

At the left end of the game board 80a, a rail cover 95 that covers the guide rail 100 from the outside of the game area PE is arranged. The rail cover 95 is fixed to the game board 80a in a state of protruding forward from the front surface of the game board 80a, and faces the guide rail 100 with a slight gap. By protecting the guide rail 100 with the rail cover 95, it is possible to suppress interference between the frame body 20 and the guide rail 100 when, for example, the game board unit 80 is mounted on the frame body 20 of the inner frame 13. It has become.

A main display unit 96 is embedded in a portion of the rail cover 95 facing the glass unit 22, and the main display unit 96 can be visually recognized from the front of the game machine through the glass unit 22. The main display unit 96 is provided with a main display unit D on which a pattern or the like is displayed. The main display unit 96 is electrically connected to a main control device described later, and the display content of the main display unit D is controlled by the main control device.

The main display unit D is a display unit for the first ball-entry unit that displays a lottery result based on the winning of the first ball-entry unit 84d, and a lottery result performed based on the winning of the second ball-entry unit 84e. It has a display unit for a second ball entry unit that displays.

In the display unit for the first ball-entry unit, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the first ball-entry unit 84d, and as a result of stopping the variation display, based on the prize-winning to the first ball-entry unit 84d. The result of the internal lottery held will be specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the first ball entry section 84d is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the display section for the first ball entry section. After the predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode.

In the display unit for the second ball entry section, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the second ball entry section 84e, and as a result of stopping the variation display, based on the winning of the second ball entry section 84e. The result of the internal lottery held will be specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the second ball entry section 84e is the winning result corresponding to the big hit, the variable display is stopped on the display section for the second entry section, and the stop result is a predetermined value. After the pattern is displayed, the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

Here, based on the winning of any of the ball entry units 84d and 84e, the variation display is started on the corresponding ball entry unit display unit, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the fluctuation display is stopped. (For details, until the confirmation display is completed) corresponds to one game. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents, and for example, a single display area is provided, and even if any of the entry portions 84d and 84e is won, the single display area is provided. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area of, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the game times 1 until the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed. It is also possible to make it a time.

Further, in addition to both of the above display units, the main display unit D of the main display unit 96 is provided with a through gate display unit that displays the lottery result based on the winning of the through gate 86. In the display unit for the through gate, the variation display of the pattern is performed by triggering the winning of the through gate 86, and as the stop result of the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 86 is clearly shown. Will be done. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the through gate 86 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric service open state, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit and the variable display is displayed. After being stopped, it shifts to the electric service open state. In the electric service open state, the electric accessory 85b provided on the right-acting ball entry unit 85 is opened in a predetermined mode.

Further, in the present embodiment, the number of times the game ball has entered the first ball entry unit 84d, the second ball entry unit 84e, and the through gate 86 is held up to four times, but this is mainly used. The main display unit D of the display unit 96 is provided with a display unit for the number of holdings for displaying the number of holdings.

Explaining the configuration of the inner frame 13 again with reference to FIG. 5, a game in which a game ball is launched into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 below the game board unit 80 in the resin base 70. A ball launching mechanism 110 is provided.

The game ball launch mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball arranged at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines a 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 balls and a base plate 114 on which these various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as a main configuration, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 70 to form the resin base. It is integrated with respect to 70.

The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in a state of being inclined obliquely so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 80a side. A groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed on the launch rail 112, and the front-rear position of the game ball is defined by fitting the game ball into the groove.

At a position closer to the downstream end (that is, the lower end) of the launch rail 112, a ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 to the launch standby position described above is arranged. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream from the ball stopper.

The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply / emission control device described later. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction based on the output of the electric signal from the power supply / launch control device, so that the game ball placed in the launch standby position is on the game board 80a side, in detail, the game. It is launched toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 80a. When the game ball launch handle 41 is operated to continuously launch the game ball, the solenoid 111 is driven at a predetermined cycle (specifically, every 0.6 sec). That is, the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle.

The guide rail 100 is formed by partitioning the game area PE together with the game area partition member 93 fixed to the game board 80a (specifically, the front surface of the plate body) so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. Further, the guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the guide passage 103 is formed by the two rails 101 and 102. Has been done. The guidance passage 103 has an entrance portion 104 opened to the tip end side (obliquely downward) of the launch rail 112, and an exit portion 105 located above the game area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of launch rail 112 → guidance rail 100 (entrance portion 104 → exit portion 105). In the game board 80a, a reversion prevention member 106 for preventing the reversal of the game ball that has reached the game area PE into the guidance passage 103 is attached to the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101. The game ball that has reached the game area PE in advance prevents the subsequent launch of the game ball from being hindered.

Each of the rails 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 has an arc shape centered on a substantially central portion of the game area PE. Therefore, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, that is, while in contact with the outer rail 102, due to the centrifugal force generated by itself. That is, when the game ball is launched so as to deliver the game ball to the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guidance passage 103 constitutes a passage area (passage path) through which the game ball substantially passes. However, the region along the inner rail 101 is substantially a region through which the game ball does not pass.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 diagonally face each other with the lower end edge of the game board 80a in between. Has been done. That is, both of the rails 100 and 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are displaced to the left and right near the lower end edge of the game board 80a. As a result, both rails 100 and 112 are brought closer to the lower end edge of the game board 80a, and a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

A foul ball passage is arranged below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns in the guidance passage 103 as a foul ball, the foul ball enters the foul ball passage through the gap. Become. The foul ball passage leads to the lower plate passage on the front door side, and the game ball that has entered the foul ball passage is discharged to the lower plate 34 shown in FIG. As a result, the interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be launched next is suppressed.

In the resin base 70, a through hole is formed on the left side of the launch rail 112 (specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14) to penetrate the resin base 70 in the front-rear direction, and a passage forming member is formed in this through hole. 121 is arranged. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 70, and has a main body side upper plate passage 122 and a main body side lower plate passage 123. The upstream side of the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 leads to a game ball distribution section described later. Further, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side upper plate passage 122. A front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side lower plate passage 123.

In the resin base 70, below the passage forming member 121, an opening / closing member 124 that opens and closes the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 is attached. The opening / closing member 124 is urged at a front position for closing the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123, and when the front door frame 14 is opened, each opening / closing member 124 is urged by this urging force. By being in the closed state, the game balls are prevented from falling out from the passages 122 and 123. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the urging force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage communicate with each other, and the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage communicate with each other.

Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (resin base 70 and game board unit 80) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

As shown in FIG. 8, a bearing metal fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 70. Bearing portions 133 are formed on the bearing fitting 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. Further, on the back surface of the resin base 70, a plurality of fixing levers 134 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the resin base 70 in a closed state are provided.

As described above, the bottom portion of the accommodating recess (game board accommodating portion) 73 in the resin base 70 is formed with a window hole 74 that penetrates in the thickness direction of the resin base 70 and is opened on the back side of the resin base 70. The window hole 74 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board unit 80 housed in the storage recess 73. Various configurations such as a control device are mounted on the back surface of the game board unit 80 (rear block 80b), and these various configurations are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 74. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board unit 80 will be described.

The back block 80b provided on the back side of the game board 80a has a substantially box-shaped base body 251 open to the game board 80a side, and this base body 251 is fixed to the back side of the game board 80a. As a result, the game board 80a and the back block 80b are integrated.

The front side of the base body 251 is an arrangement area for a movable effect mechanism, a decorative member capable of emitting light, and the like, and the back side thereof is a control device for controlling various configurations and the variable display unit 252 (design display device). It is the arrangement area of 253).

More specifically, a part of the base body 251 protrudes to the back surface side of the resin base 70, and the above-mentioned symbol display device 253 (see FIG. 6) and the symbol display device 253 are attached to the protruding portion. A display control device for driving is installed. The symbol display device 253 and the display control device 254 are arranged so that the symbol display device 253 is on the front side and the display control device 254 is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the resin base 70). Further, a notification / effect control device 255 is mounted on the back surface of the base body 251 so as to be located behind the display control device.

The notification / effect control device 255 includes a notification / effect control board that controls voice output, lamp display, and control of the display control device according to instructions from the main control device described later, and the notification / effect control board is transparent. It is housed in a substrate box made of a resin material or the like.

Below the notification / effect control device 255, a main control device unit 160 is provided so as to cover the base body 251 from the rear. The main control unit 160 has a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the back surface of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the back block 80b) and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. There is. The main control device 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 163 made of the above.

The substrate box 163 includes a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a box sealing portion 164 as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short side portions of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, but the box is formed by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole portion constituting the box sealing portion 164. The base and box cover are designed to be unopenable. 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 illegal opening is performed. Even after opening the package, it is possible to perform the sealing process again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking pin into at least one locking hole of the plurality of box sealing portions 164. When the board box 163 is opened when a defect occurs in the housed main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the main body of the board box 163 is formed. To disconnect. As a result, the box base of the board box 163 and the box cover are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of opening the board box 163 is left in the board box 163, it is easy to find out that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 163.

The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected by a pedestal sealing portion 165 so as not to be opened. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole portion and a locking pin as in the box sealing portion 164, and the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole portion to form a board box 163. It is designed to be inseparably coupled to the mounting base 161. This makes it easier to grasp the fact when the board box 163 is illegally removed.

The portion of the front surface of the base body 251 facing the lower back surface of the game board 80a corresponds to the game board openings of the general winning opening 81, the variable winning devices 82, 83, and the operating ball entry units 84, 85. Moreover, a collection passage (not shown) that gathers at one place on the downstream side is formed. As a result, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 81 or the like are gathered below the game board unit 80 via the collection passage. That is, the base body 251 is provided with a function of collecting the game balls that have won in various winning openings.

A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board unit 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board unit 80 are led out into the discharge passage by the collection passage. The out port 89 is also connected to the discharge passage, and the game ball that has not won a prize in any of the winning ports is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 89.

Further, the base body 251 constituting the back block 80b includes, as the detection sensors for each of the above-mentioned ball-entry portions, a general-winning opening detection sensor for detecting the game ball that has won the general winning opening 81 and the first entry. A detection sensor for an operation port that detects a game ball that has entered the ball portion 84d and the second entry portion 84e is attached, and a winning detection mechanism is configured by these various detection sensors. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and detection information (detection signal) is output from each detection sensor to the main control device 162.

Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 9. FIG. 9 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201 as a main body of the back pack unit 15, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board 203, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. There is.

The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 9, the back pack 201 has a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. It has 212 and. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 252 (see FIG. 4).

The base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower hooking pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the hooking pins 214 are inserted into the bearing portion 133 provided on the inner frame 13 to be inserted into the back. The pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixed lever 134 provided in the inner frame 13 is inserted, and the fixed lever 134 is inserted into the insertion portion 215 from the rear. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by abutting.

The payout mechanism portion 202 is arranged on the base portion 211 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism unit 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is arranged at the uppermost part of the back pack 201 and is open upward, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. To. A tank rail 222 that gently inclines toward the downstream side is connected to the 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 section 225 provided on 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 of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or the discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. Formed so that it leads to the upper plate 33 via the side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening leads to the lower plate 34 via the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage. Has been done.

An external terminal plate as a relay means for connecting the pachinko machine 10 (specifically, the main control device 162) and the management control device (hall computer) on the game hall side at a position on the base portion 211 above the payout mechanism portion 202. A unit is provided. Various output terminals are provided in the external terminal board unit, and various signals such as a signal indicating that the hall computer has won a big hit and a signal indicating that an abnormality such as a ball jam has occurred are transmitted through these output terminals. It is output. The hall computer is configured to grasp the state of the game machine based on these signals.

A discharge passage board 203 and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion back and forth. The discharge passage board 203 is formed with a discharge passage that is open to the rear on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and the 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 equipment of the game hall, etc., and the game ball led out from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like to the discharge passage passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. It is discharged.

The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and the payout control device 242 and the power supply / emission 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 be stacked in the front-rear direction 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 housed 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 cleared.

In the power supply / launch control device 243, the power supply / launch control board is housed in the board box 246. A predetermined power source required by various control devices and the like is generated and output by the power supply / launch control board, and the launch of the game ball is controlled by the player operating the game ball launch handle 41. Specifically, the drive control of the solenoid 111 constituting the game ball launch mechanism 110 and the drive control of the ball feeding device 113 are executed.

Further, the power supply / emission control device 243 is provided with a power supply switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched between an on state (on state) and a cutoff state (off state).

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a storage and retention function for various data, retains the state at the time of a power failure even in the unlikely event of a power failure, and returns to the state at the time of a power failure when recovering from the power failure. You can do it. For example, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure as in the case of the closing of the game hall, the state before the shutoff is stored in memory. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erasing switch 166 provided in the main control device 162, the RAM data is initialized.

(Right route)
As described above, the game area PE formed on the game board 80a has a left route that bypasses the center frame 92 from the left side and a right route that bypasses the center frame 92 from the right side by the center frame 92 arranged in the center of the game board 80a. It is roughly divided into. In the present embodiment, the configuration related to the right route is characteristic. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the right route will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the game board unit 80 showing the right route.

A branch portion of the left route / right route is provided at a position at the upper center of the game area PE, and a single inflow passage forming an entrance portion of the right route in the section between this branch portion and the return rubber 94 ( Hereinafter, the inflow portion 301) is formed. The passage width of the inflow portion 301 is defined by the outer rail 102 and the center frame 92 facing the outer rail 102 with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The structure is such that the game balls cannot pass at the same time. The portions of the outer rail 102 and the center frame 92 that form the passage wall surface of the inflow portion 301 each have a smooth curved surface that is convex upward, and the behavior of the game ball passing through the inflow portion 301. Disturbance is suppressed.

A bifurcated branch 302 is provided on the downstream side of the inflow 301. In the branch portion 302, the region sandwiched between the center frame 92 and the game area partition member 93 is the flow-down region of the game ball, and the partition wall formed between the center frame 92 and the game area partition member 93 serves as a flow area. It is divided into two branch passages 311, 312 on the left and right (inside and outside). Both branch passages 311, 312 are configured such that the passage width is suppressed to a degree slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball, and a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same location at the same time.

The game ball that has reached the branch portion 302 via the inflow portion 301 will flow into any of the two branch passages 311, 312. The details will be described later, but for the game ball launched on the right route, the inner branch passage 311 (hereinafter referred to as the inner branch passage 311) and the outer branch passage 311 according to the moving speed when reaching the branch portion 302 and the like. It will be divided into 312 (hereinafter referred to as the outer branch passage 312). In the following description, the "moving speed" when the direction is not specified indicates the moving speed in the direction in which the game ball is moving, and the "moving speed" when the direction is specified is the relevant. The velocity component in the specified direction is shown.

A large number of game nails are arranged on the downstream side of the branch portion 302 and on the side of the symbol display device 253, that is, the portion between the branch portion 302 and the first variable winning device 82. , The flow path (flow path) of the game ball is diversified. The lateral width of the flow-down region is defined by the outer peripheral surface (side surface) of the center frame 92 and the game area partition member 93 as in the branch portion 302, and changes from the upstream side to the downstream side. Specifically, after the width is expanded from the branch portion 302 in the upper portion, the width is reduced in the middle portion and the width is expanded again in the lower portion. In the following description, the upper portion is referred to as "upper expansion portion 303", the middle portion is referred to as "intermediate portion 304", and the lower portion is referred to as "lower expansion portion 305".

The above-mentioned through gate 86 and a large number of game nails 321 are arranged in the upper expansion portion 303, and a part of the game balls flowing down the upper expansion portion 303 enters the through gate 86. Although the details will be described later, when comparing the game ball that has flowed into the upper expansion portion 303 via the inner branch passage 311 and the game ball that has flowed into the upper expansion portion 303 via the outer branch passage 312, it is more than the latter. The flow path is formed so that the former has a higher probability of entering the through gate 86. Both the game ball that has entered the through gate 86 and the game ball that has not entered the through gate 86 are transferred to the lower expansion portion 305 via the intermediate portion 304.

The lower expansion portion 305 is divided into left and right by a partition wall portion 350. Of the flow-down areas divided by the partition wall portion 350, the area on the center side of the game area PE constitutes a guide passage 360 for guiding the game ball to the first variable winning device 82, and is outside (peripheral side of the game board 80a). Area constitutes a detour passage 370 that bypasses the first variable winning device 82.

The game ball that has flowed into the detour passage 370 is located on the right route on the downstream side of the first variable winning device 82, specifically, the first variable winning device 82 and the second variable winning device 83 arranged vertically. You will be guided to a position between them. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage 370 is prevented from entering the first variable winning device 82.

The first variable winning device 82 has a horizontally long shape, and the width of the guide passage 360 is expanded so as to be equivalent to the width of the first variable winning device 82. A plurality of game nails 361 are scattered in the guide passage 360, and the flow paths (flow paths) toward the first variable winning device 82 are diversified by these game nails 361. Further, the above-mentioned general winning opening 81 is arranged in the middle of the guide passage, and the game ball that has passed through the predetermined flow path wins the general winning opening 81.

Unlike the through gate 86, the general winning opening 81 is configured such that the game ball entered in the general winning opening 81 is discharged from the game area PE as it is. For this reason, not all of the game balls that have flowed into the guide passage 360 are guided to the first variable winning device 82, but only the game balls that are avoided from entering the general winning opening 81 are the first variable winning. You will be guided to the device 82.

In the guide passage 360, the game nail 361 is located on a straight line connecting the entrance portion (recessed portion 336, 337) of the guide passage 360 and the first variable winning device 82, and flows down the guide passage 360. As for the game ball to be played, the momentum is weakened by colliding with the game nail 361 from above, and the flow direction changes.

As described above, not all the game balls launched on the right route reach the first variable winning device 82, but some of the game balls pass through the detour passage 370 to reach the first variable winning device 82. Reach is avoided. Details will be described later, but in the present embodiment, various measures have been taken to make the detour passage 370 and the game ball passing through the detour passage 370 inconspicuous. A general winning opening 81 is arranged between the branch point between the guide passage 360 and the detour passage 370 and the first variable winning device 82, and a part of the game ball flowing into the guide passage 360 also goes to the first variable winning device 82. The configuration is such that the arrival of the detour passage 370 is prevented from being exposed due to the appearance of the ball entering the first variable winning device 82, that is, the mismatch between the number of shots and the number of balls. is there.

The large winning opening 82a of the first variable winning device 82 is open to the front of the game machine, and when the shutter 82b is arranged in the closed position, the shutter 82b covers the front of the game machine. When the shutter 82b is arranged in the closed position, the shutter 82b is located on the same plane as the front surface of the game board 80a, and the game ball can pass in front of the shutter 82b. When the shutter 82b is displaced from the closed position to the open position, the outflow path from the lower expansion portion 305 is cut off by the shutter 82b, and the game ball that flows out from the lower expansion portion 305 and heads for the second variable winning device 83 is large. It will be guided to the winning opening 82a.

The game ball that has passed through the first variable winning device 82 without flowing into the large winning opening 82a and the game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 heads for the second variable winning device 83. The second variable winning device 83 projects from the front surface of the game board 80a, and the upper surface portion thereof constitutes a rolling surface that guides the game ball toward the center side of the game area PE. A large winning opening 83a is formed in a portion of the upper surface portion located directly below the first variable winning device 82. The large winning opening 83a faces the first variable winning device 82 side (upward), and has a horizontally long shape extending to the left and right like the large winning opening 82a of the first variable winning device 82.

The shutter 83b that covers the large winning opening 83a is also horizontally long like the large winning opening 83a. The shutter 83b can be slidably moved in the thickness direction (front-back direction) of the game board 80a, and has a closed position (protruding position) that protrudes from the front surface of the game board 80a and covers the grand prize opening 83a, and a front surface of the game board 80a. It moves to the open position (evacuation position) where the large winning opening 83a is opened while avoiding the protrusion from the. The shutter 83b has a flat plate shape, and when arranged in the closed position, forms a part of the rolling surface together with the housing of the variable winning device 83.

For a game ball that has reached the second variable winning device 83 in a situation where the shutter 83b is arranged in the closed position, the game ball collides with the shutter 83b and the flow direction changes from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction along the shutter 83b. It will roll to the center side of the game area PE. A right-acting ball entry unit 85 is arranged at the guide destination of the game ball by the rolling surface, and the game ball passing through the second variable winning device 83 heads for the right-acting ball entry unit 85. In the following description, of the right routes, the route toward the right-acting ball entry unit 85 via the first variable winning device 82 and the second variable winning device 83 is referred to as a main route.

In the above-mentioned normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, the electric accessory 85b of the right-acting ball entry unit 85 is frequently triggered by the passing of the game ball launched toward the right route through the through gate 86. Operate. Since the variable winning devices 82 and 83 are maintained in the closed state in the normal game state, most of the game balls flowing down the right route (those avoiding the general winning opening 81) pass through the variable winning devices 82 and 83. Head to the right-acting entry unit 85.

When a ball enters the right-acting ball entry unit 85, a prize ball is given to the player. Therefore, in the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, the game can be advanced while suppressing the decrease in the number of balls held by firing the game ball to the right route as compared with the case of launching the game ball to the left route. .. Then, when the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode is shifted to the open / close execution mode (special game state), the variable winning devices 82 and 83 are switched to the open state, and the main entry destination is the variable winning from the right-acting entry unit 85. Change to devices 82 and 83. That is, in the special gaming state, most of the gaming balls launched on the right route flow into the variable winning devices 82 and 83.

In the game machine of the type shown in the present embodiment, for example, in a situation where the opening / closing execution mode is entered and the first variable winning device 82 is opened, all the game balls launched to the right route are the first variable winning devices. If you win 82, the speed of increasing the number of balls you have and the speed of progress of the game will increase dramatically. However, when all the launched game balls are configured to enter the first variable winning device 82, the superiority of the open / close execution mode (special game state) over the normal game state is extremely biased toward the player side. It becomes. Therefore, when the balance of advantages in the entire game is taken into consideration, the wrinkles of the bias are likely to reach the normal game state. It is feared that the excessively unfavorable bias of the game in the normal game state to the player side in response to this agitation may be a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play.

On the other hand, the game ball heading to the first variable winning device 82 is configured to generate an appropriate spill (inflow into the detour passage 370) so that the game in the normal game state is not excessively disadvantageous to the player. In this case, as compared with the configuration in which all the game balls enter the first variable winning device 82 without such a spill, it hinders the improvement of the exhilaration in the special game state (open / close execution mode). Become. In other words, the occurrence of spills hinders the improvement of the player's satisfaction and, by extension, the degree of attention to the game. For the above reasons, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the game machine in order to improve the satisfaction of the player while suppressing an excessive bias of the advantage. One of the features of this embodiment is that it is devised in consideration of such circumstances. Specifically, a detour passage 370 is provided to avoid entering the first variable winning device 82, which is the main entry destination in the open / close execution mode, and the probability of entering the detour passage 370 is reduced. Making it difficult to see the game ball bypassing the first variable winning device 82, making it appear as if most of the game balls flowing down the right route can flow into the first variable winning device 82 (a device that does not make the spill stand out). ) Is made as one of the features. Hereinafter, the detour passage 370 and the configuration related thereto will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic view (partially enlarged view of FIG. 10) showing the detour passage 370 and its peripheral structure on the right route.

(Detour passage 370)
The detour passage 370 extends in the vertical direction (the direction in which the first variable winning device 82 and the second variable winning device 83 are arranged side by side) along the right end portion of the game board 80a. The ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 overlaps the detour passage 370 (see dot hatching in FIG. 11). The lamp unit 26 includes a light emitting board and a lamp cover that covers the light emitting board from the front of the game machine, and the detour passage 370 can be visually recognized through the lamp cover. Although the lamp cover has light transmission to transmit light from the light emitting substrate, it is formed by using a colored opaque synthetic resin material, so that the lamp cover overlaps on the right route. The visibility of the game ball is lower in the portion (overlapping area) than in the area where the overlap is avoided (non-overlapping area). As a result, it is difficult to visually recognize the detour passage 370 as compared with the guide passage 360, and it is difficult to visually recognize the game ball passing through the detour passage 370 as compared with the game ball passing through the guide passage 360. There is a difference in sex.

The detour passage 370 is partitioned by a partition wall portion 350 and an opposing wall portion 375 facing the partition wall portion 350 with a passage region of a game ball interposed therebetween. The partition wall portion 350 and the facing wall portion 375 are formed by using a light adsorbent that adsorbs light, and the light emitted to the detour passage 370 is absorbed by the partition wall portion 350 and the facing wall portion 375. It is composed. As a result, the irradiation of light (direct light or reflected light) to the detour passage 370 and the game ball passing through the detour passage 370 is suppressed, and the difference in visibility is remarkable.

The distance (passage width) between the partition wall portion 350 and the facing wall portion 375 that form the inner wall of the passage is such that a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same location at the same time, that is, slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game balls. It is stipulated in. That is, the passage width of the detour passage 370 is smaller than the passage width of the guide passage 360 parallel to the detour passage 370. Further, while the guide passage 360 is provided with a plurality of game nails 361 for branching the flow path, the detour passage 370 is not provided with the game nails for branching the flow path. , The flow path in the detour passage 370 is limited to one. Although the detour passage 370 and the guide passage 360 have the same overall length (see FIG. 10), the time required to pass the detour passage 370 is shorter than the time required to pass the guide passage 360. That is, the time required from the branch point of the intermediate portion 304 to reach the second variable winning device 83 is shorter in the detour passage 370. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage 370 is guided to the second variable winning device 83 more quickly than the game ball that has flowed into the guide passage 360.

In the open / close execution mode, after the end of a total of 16 round games, a waiting period until the game shifts to the normal game state, specifically, an ending period for displaying the ending or the like is provided. In such a configuration, the firing operation of the game ball may be refrained from the transition of the ending display in order to avoid unnecessary investment. In such a situation, if the game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 catches the eye when returning to the non-overlapping area (main route), it is feared that it may cause confusion for the player. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 quickly returns to the main route. Therefore, the subsequent game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 can be confused with another game ball (specifically, the preceding game ball) that is flowing down the main route. For example, it is possible to lengthen the required period by delaying the movement of the game ball in the detour passage 370, but in such a configuration, it precedes the game ball that has returned to the main route under the above-mentioned situation. It is assumed that the distance from the game ball group becomes large and the subsequent game ball becomes conspicuous. For the above reasons, it is technically significant to make the time required for passing the detour passage 370 shorter than the time required for passing the guide passage 360.

As described above, in the open / close execution mode, the first variable winning device 82 is mainly the opening target, and the second variable winning device 83 is the opening target only in a specific round. The second variable winning device 83 is provided with an advantageous ball entry unit 83c, and when a ball enters the advantageous ball entry unit 83c, a high probability mode and a high frequency support mode are supported in a normal gaming state (high accuracy). Move to the game state). By shifting to the high-probability game state, not only the expectation of becoming a big hit again will increase dramatically, but also the high-probability game state will be continued at least until the next big hit, so that it will be an opportunity to increase the number of balls held. That is, the privilege given to the player based on the ball entering the second variable winning device 83 is larger than the privilege given to the player based on the ball entering the first variable winning device 82. There is.

Here, the period during which the second variable winning device 83 is maintained in the open state, more specifically, the period during which the ball can enter the advantageous ball-entry portion 83c is limited. Therefore, when the second variable winning device 83 is opened, it is necessary to promptly enter the second variable winning device 83. Under such a situation, the game ball passing through the guide passage 360 moves while changing the flow direction by the game nail 361, so that it takes a long time to reach the second variable winning device 83. When the second variable winning device 83 is not the target of opening, it is one of the pleasures of the game to follow the movement of such a game ball with the eyes. However, the slow movement of the game ball under time constraints can not only cause the player to be impatient, but can also be a factor to miss the benefits that should be originally obtained. Therefore, it is not preferable for improving the satisfaction level of the player.

Here, the passage area of the game ball in the detour passage 370 is a non-placement area of the game nail, and is a non-placement area of another entry portion such as the general winning opening 81. That is, all the game balls that have entered the detour passage 370 go to the second variable winning device 83. Further, as will be described in detail later, about 1/10 of the game balls flowing down the right route will flow into the detour passage 370. As long as the game ball continues to be launched on the right route while the second variable winning device 83 is open, the game ball passing through the guide passage 360 cannot reach the second variable winning device 83 successfully. Even if the game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 is supplied to the second variable winning device 83, the omission of the above privilege will be avoided in most cases.
In this regard, as described above, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by configuring the game ball that has passed through the detour passage 370 to quickly head toward the second variable winning device 83.

Explaining again with reference to FIG. 11, the partition wall portion 350 that divides the lower extension portion 305 into the guide passage 360 and the detour passage 370 is located outside the window portion 21 (opening edge) of the front door frame 14. The ramp portion 26 overlaps with the guide passage 360 side. That is, a part of the guide passage 360 is included in the overlapping area. In a game machine, parallax occurs depending on the posture during the game. Therefore, by increasing the overlap amount G by moving the partition wall portion 350 away from the opening edge, it is possible to prevent the presence of the detour passage 370 from being noticeable when the game area PE is viewed from diagonally forward.

The overlap amount G is set to be smaller than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. Therefore, for example, even for a game ball that moves along the partition wall portion 350 along the guide passage 360, the entire game ball does not enter the overlapping area, and at least a part of the game ball remains visible. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to give the impression that another flow path exists in the non-overlapping region. In other words, it is easy to give the player the impression that there is a wall or the like that restricts further movement to the right at the right limit position of the guide passage 360. This is preferable in concealing the existence of the detour passage 370.

As described in detail above, if the game ball flowing down the detour passage 370 is made inconspicuous, even if a part of the game ball heading for the first variable winning device 82 is missed, it can be made difficult for the player to notice. It is possible to make it appear as if all the fired game balls are heading for the first variable winning device 82. However, no matter how the detour passage 370 is hidden, if the behavior of the detour passage 370 at the entrance portion 372 and the exit portion 373 suggests the existence of the detour passage 370, the above-mentioned concealment function is effectively exhibited. It is feared that it will not be done. One of the features of this embodiment is that measures are taken in consideration of such circumstances. The measures will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 faces diagonally upward to the left and is composed of a pair of game nails 331U and 331L that are vertically separated from each other. More specifically, the game nails 331U and 331L are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the passage direction of the inclined passage described later, so that the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 faces the same direction as the passage direction of the inclined passage. It is configured.

In general, when two game nails face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, it is easy to recognize that the space between them is the passage area of the game nails. Under these circumstances, if such a pair of game nails exists at a position near the boundary with the overlapping area in the non-overlapping area, the game nails are inflows (gates) to the overlapping area. It is assumed that it is easily recognized as if. It is feared that this will be a factor suggesting the existence of the detour passage 370. In this regard, in the present embodiment, one of the pair of game nails 331U and 331L (in the present embodiment, the upper game nail 331U) is arranged in the overlapping region (specifically, behind the lamp portion 26). , It is difficult to see. By hiding one of the game nails 331U in this way, the lower game nail 331L arranged in the non-overlapping region is kept away from the image of the inflow port.

The upstream portion of the detour passage 370 including the entrance portion 372 extends in the same direction as the inclined passage, so that the distance (total length) to reach the vertical portion is larger than twice the diameter of the game ball. Is formed in. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has passed through the entrance portion 372 from being easily noticed by the player, such as by fluttering near the entrance of the detour passage 370.

Another game nail is arranged above the upper game nail 331U, specifically in the overlapping area, and the game ball to the overlapping area side is located at a distance smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball from the opening edge. Barriers have been formed to prevent the movement of. That is, among the game balls heading for the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370, the game ball that bounces upward will bounce off the barrier and head toward the guide passage 360. In this way, among the game balls heading toward the overlapping region, those deviating from the entrance portion 372 are configured to bounce back to the non-overlapping region side, thereby separating both regions at the boundary portion between the overlapping region and the non-overlapping region. It can be impressed that there are walls and the like. This is preferable in order to hide the fact that the flow path of the game ball is separately provided in the overlapping region.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 (a), the upper expansion portion 303 will be supplementarily described, and then the configuration related to the distribution of the game ball to the guide passage 360 and the detour passage 370 will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a flow path in the upstream portion of the right route, and FIG. 13 (a) is a schematic view showing the distribution probability of the game ball.

As already explained, the right route branches into two routes, the inner route (inner branch passage 311) and the outer route (outer branch passage 312), in the upstream part, and extends upward via the inner route. The probability of entering the through gate 86 differs between the game ball that has flowed into the unit 303 and the game ball that has flowed into the upper expansion unit 303 via the outer route.

Specifically, by disposing the game nail 321 in the upper expansion portion 303, routes A and B that bypass the through gate 86 from the inside (left side), route C that passes through the through gate 86, and Route D and Route E 5 that bypass the through gate 86 from the right side (outside) are formed. The game balls that have passed through the inner route are distributed so that route A is 50%, route B is 30%, route C is 15%, route D is 5%, and route E is 0%. The game balls that have passed the route are distributed so that route A is 15%, route B is 20%, route C is 10%, route D is 50%, and route E is 5% (see FIG. 13B). .. That is, in generating a prize for the through gate 86, it is more advantageous to aim at the inner route than to aim at the outer route.

Incidentally, the entrance portion of the inner route and the entrance portion of the outer route are arranged so that the former is on the upstream side and the latter is on the downstream side in the passage direction of the inflow portion 301. The entrance portion of the outer route is located directly below the return rubber 94, and the game ball deenergized by the return rubber 94 flows into the outer route. On the other hand, in order to allow the game ball to flow into the right route, it is necessary to adjust the rate of fire of the game ball to be a predetermined speed. Hereinafter, the relationship between the launch destination of the game ball and the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 41 (rotation operation member 44) will be supplementarily described with reference to the schematic view of FIG. 13B.

When the rotation operation amount of the rotation operation member 44 is gradually increased, the rate of fire of the game ball gradually increases, and when the rotation operation amount exceeds the lower limit amount (20 ° in the present embodiment), the game ball becomes It reaches the game area PE via the guidance passage 103. After that, if the rotation operation amount is increased, the launch destination of the game ball is changed from the left route to the right route because the rotation operation amount exceeds the threshold value (69 ° in the present embodiment).

After the rotation operation amount exceeds the threshold value, the launch destination of the game ball becomes the inner route in the range (70 to 79 °) until the rotation operation amount further increases and reaches a predetermined range (80 to 100 °). .. Approximately 15% of the game balls that have flowed into the inner route enter the through gate 86. On the other hand, when the rotation operation amount reaches a predetermined range, the launch destination of the game ball becomes the outer route. Approximately 10% of the game balls that have flowed into the outer route enter the through gate 86.

When the rotation operation amount is 90 to 100 °, the launched game ball reaches the branch points of the inner route and the outer route while maintaining the state of contact with the outer rail 102. At this time, the game ball is in a state of being pressed against the outer rail 102 by centrifugal force, so that the behavior is stable. On the other hand, in the range of the rotation operation amount of 70 to 89 °, the game ball that has been moving along the outer rail 102 is separated from the outer rail 102 and moves to the center frame 92 side. The behavior of the game ball that moves along the center frame 92 is likely to be disturbed due to the influence of contact with the center frame 92 or the like. Therefore, even if the rotation operation amount is set to the range of 70 to 79 ° and the inner rail is aimed, a part of the rotation operation amount flows into the outer route.

In order to enter the right operating port 85a, it is necessary to first enter the through gate 86, and in order to allow as many game balls as possible to enter the through gate 86, it is necessary to allow the game balls to flow into the inner route. For the above reasons, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the launch destination of the game ball in order to efficiently generate the ball entering the right operating port 85a.

The game ball groups distributed to each route by the branch portion 302 and the upper expansion portion 303 reassemble (merge) at the intermediate portion 304. Here, the configuration related to the set will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14. FIG. 14A is a schematic view showing a passage structure, and FIG. 14B is a schematic view showing a change in moving speed in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the intermediate portion 304, an inclined passage 333 that inclines downward from the central side of the game area PE to the outside is formed. The inclined passage 333 is formed so that the inclined angle is smaller than 45 ° (specifically, about 30 °), and is located directly below the route A located on the innermost side of the upper expansion portion 303 (merging point X1). ) To a position (merging point X4) directly below the route D. The inclined passage 333 is open upward in almost the entire area thereof, and the game ball flowing down each route falls into the inclined passage 333. The game ball that has fallen into the inclined passage 333 changes its direction toward the inclined passage 333 by colliding with the bottom of the inclined passage 333, and moves to the lower extension portion 305 via the inclined passage 333 (intermediate portion 304). To do.

The specific structure of the bottom portion (rolling surface) of the inclined passage 333 differs between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. Specifically, the upstream portion is composed of a flat inclined portion 334 formed on the outer peripheral portion of the center frame 92, and the downstream portion is a plurality of game nails 331 (game nail rows) arranged in the same direction as the inclined portion 334. It is composed of 331S). The portion formed by the inclined portion 334 at the bottom is smooth, while the portion formed by the game nail row 331S at the bottom has a small uneven shape. For this reason, the game ball moving along the game nail row 331S is more likely to bounce upward than the game ball moving along the inclined portion 334, and such a change in behavior causes the passage direction. The degree of acceleration in That is, in the inclined passage 333, the upstream portion is a high acceleration section and the downstream portion is a low acceleration section (see FIG. 14B).

As shown in FIG. 14A, the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 is formed at the inclined destination of the inclined passage 333. In other words, the inclined passage 333 is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370. More specifically, the inclined passage 333 is formed so as to straddle the non-overlapping region and the overlapping region, and the portion located at the boundary between the non-overlapping region and the overlapping region constitutes the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370. doing. The game ball that has moved to the inclined passage 333 accelerates by moving along the inclined passage 333, and heads toward the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 while increasing the speed.

A plurality of recessed portions 336 and 337 are formed at an intermediate position of the inclined passage 333 so as to be lined up in the passage direction of the inclined passage 333. The recessed portions 336 and 337 are arranged not in the inclined portion 334 which is a high acceleration section but in the game nail row 331S which is a low acceleration section. The recessed portions 336 and 337 allow the game ball to pass through, and are connected to the lower expansion portion 305. That is, these recessed portions 336 and 337 form the entrance portion of the guide passage 360, and the game ball moving in the inclined passage 333 can flow into the guide passage 360 through the recessed portions 336 and 337. There is.

Most of the game balls moving along the inclined passage 333 (about 90% in the present embodiment) flow into the notches 336 and 337. However, the behavior of the game ball moving along the game nail row 331S may change due to the unevenness in the game nail row 331S, and for some game balls, the detour passage jumps over the recessed portions 336 and 337. It will flow into the entrance portion 372 of 370.

As shown in FIG. 14 (a), the drop position (merging point X3) of the game ball via the route C is located directly above the notch 336 on the upstream side, and the game via the route D and the route E. The drop position of the sphere (merging point X4) is located directly above the notch 337 on the downstream side. Therefore, the game balls that have passed through Routes C to E may directly flow into the recessed portions 336 and 337.

Here, the moving speed of the game ball will be supplementarily described. In the inflow portion 301 described above, the moving speed of the game ball depends on the firing speed of the game ball, and the moving speed is extremely high. However, when the ball flows into the branch portion 302, the flow direction changes in the vertical direction, so that the momentum of the game ball weakens and the moving speed decreases. Since the branch portion 302 extends vertically, the game balls are accelerated downward in the process of passing through the branch portion 302, but these game balls are decelerated again by passing through the upper expansion portion 303.

In the upper expansion portion 303, the distance between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball becomes smaller due to the decrease in the moving speed of the game ball. In particular, the game ball that has passed through the upper expansion portion 303 and reached the inclined passage 333 is restricted from moving downward by the inclined passage 333. When the game ball lands on the inclined passage 333, not only the momentum is weakened, but also the moving speed in the vertical direction is greatly reduced. That is, in the intermediate portion 304, not only the momentum of the game ball is weakened but also the moving speed in the vertical direction is reduced as compared with the branch portion 302 and the upper expansion portion 303.

The moving speed of the game ball launched to the right route decreases when it passes through the upper expansion portion 303 and reaches the intermediate portion 304. Since the distance between the game balls when the game balls are continuously fired on the right route depends on the movement speed of the game balls, if there is a place where the movement speed of the game balls is low, that The distance between the game balls decreases near the location, and the number of game balls existing in the vicinity increases.

As shown in the schematic view of FIG. 15A, the distance Da between the game balls becomes large in the inflow portion 301 and the branch portion 302 set so that the moving speed of the game balls is relatively high, and the game ball group. The degree of density (density) becomes low (becomes "sparse"). On the other hand, in the intermediate portion 304, the game balls are greatly decelerated, so that the distance Db between the game balls becomes smaller in the vicinity of the intermediate portion 304, and the degree of density (density) of the game ball group becomes higher (". It becomes "dense"). In particular, even in view of the fact that the moving speed in the vertical direction is low in the intermediate portion 304, the degree of density of the game ball group in the vertical direction is high in the intermediate portion 304 and its surroundings.

When the distance between the game balls is large and the game balls are sparse, the game is in the player's field of view as compared with the case where the distance between the game balls is small and the game balls are densely packed. The number of spheres decreases. In such a situation where the number of game balls in sight is small, it becomes easier to pay attention to the movement of each game ball, so that the inflow of the game balls into the detour passage 370, that is, the movement from the non-overlapping area to the overlapping area. It is expected that (the above escape) will be more noticeable. For example, when 10 game balls are in sight and one of them is released, and when 2 game balls are in view and one of them is released. When comparing with, it is assumed that the latter is more noticeable than the former.

In the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the inflow of the game balls into the guide passage 360 by increasing the degree of density of the game ball group at the intermediate portion 304 which is a branch portion to the guide passage 360 and the detour passage 370 ( It is possible to make spills less noticeable.

When following the movement of the game ball with the eyes, the one with a slow movement speed is more likely to be noticed than the one with a fast movement speed. Here, while the game ball heading for the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 continues to move along the inclined passage 333, the game ball flowing into the guide passage 360 through the recessed portion 336 and 337 is played. The flow direction of the sphere changes greatly. That is, the moving speed of the game ball flowing into the detour passage 370 is configured to be higher than the moving speed of the game ball flowing into the guide passage 360. By changing the moving speed of the game ball according to the inflow destination and providing a difference so as to increase the inflow speed to the detour passage 370 in this way, the game ball flowing into the guide passage 360 can be easily seen. There is.

If the moving speed of the game balls is simply slowed down and the number of game balls in sight is increased, the moving speed of the game balls is slow, so that there is room to watch each game ball. For this reason, it is assumed that the effect of making the escape less noticeable will not be exhibited well. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by configuring the game ball to be accelerated by the intermediate portion 304 that performs relief.

Further, if the movement of the game ball becomes slow near the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370, it becomes easy to see how the game ball moves to the detour passage 370 (overlapping area). In this regard, as described above, by disposing the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 at the inclined tip of the inclined passage 333, the inflow of the game ball into the detour passage 370 is facilitated. As a result, the movement of the game ball to the detour passage 370 is suppressed from being noticeable.

In the present embodiment, a horizontally long inclined passage 333 is provided in the intermediate portion 304, and the region where the degree of density of the game ball group is high is configured to be horizontally long instead of vertically long. Considering that the field of view of a person is wider in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, it is advantageous to make the area where the degree of density of the game ball group is high horizontally long in order to increase the number of game balls in the field of view. By increasing the number of game balls in the field of view, it is possible to more preferably exert the effect of reducing the chance that only a specific game ball is gazed at and making the inflow into the detour passage 370 less noticeable.

Here, the distance between the game balls continuously fired in a predetermined cycle based on the player's firing operation is regular until it reaches the inflow portion 301 via the guidance passage 103, and the inflow The regularity is generally maintained in the section 301 and the branch section 302. If the regularity of the distance between the game balls becomes stronger, it is assumed that when some of the game balls move out of the regularity, it becomes more noticeable. In other words, there is a blank caused by the escape when one of the game balls is released from the regularly arranged game ball group and when any of the game balls is released from the irregularly arranged game ball group. The conspicuity of the part (the part where the distance between the game balls is wide) may be different. One of the features of the right route shown in this embodiment is that it has been devised in consideration of such circumstances. Hereinafter, the device will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 (b) and 16 (a). FIG. 15B is a schematic view showing the flow path of the game ball, and FIG. 16A is a schematic view showing the distance between the game balls passing through the intermediate portion.

As shown in FIG. 15B, although the flow path of the right route has only one line in the inflow section 301, it is branched into a plurality of sections at the branch section 302 and the upper extension section 303. These branched flow paths merge at the intermediate portion 304, and branch again when moving from the intermediate portion 304 to the lower expansion portion 305.

For routes A to E provided in the upper expansion portion 303, the required period for the game ball to pass is different. Specifically, for the game ball that has flowed into the upper expansion unit 303 via the inner route, the required period becomes longer in the order of route A <route B <route C <route D, and the upper expansion is performed via the outer route. For the game balls that have flowed into the section 303, the required period becomes longer in the order of route D <route E <route C <route B <route A. In addition, when comparing the case of passing through the inner route and the case of passing through the outer route, the required period (average) of the latter is shorter than that of the former. The maximum difference in the required period when passing through each route is the same as the firing cycle (0.6 sec) of the game ball.

Incidentally, the outer route (outer branch passage 312) is formed with a protrusion 315 protruding inward of the passage at an intermediate position. By colliding with the protrusion 315, the game ball flowing down the outer branch passage 312 is decelerated. The time required for the game ball to reach the inclined passage 333 via the outer route is longer than the required time for the game ball to reach the inclined passage 333 via the inner route, and the difference is the maximum firing cycle of the game ball ( It has the same length as 0.6 sec).

By devising such a flow path, an event occurs in which the succeeding game ball catches up with the preceding game ball or overtakes the preceding game ball before reaching the inclined passage 333. That is, the regularity regarding the distance between the game balls maintained in the most upstream portion of the right route is broken in the intermediate portion 304, and the distance between the game balls becomes various (see FIG. 16A). By configuring a part of the game balls to flow into the detour passage 370 at the portion where the distances between the game balls are various, it is possible to prevent the blank from being conspicuous when the escape occurs.

In the present embodiment, in particular, as the number of game balls existing in the intermediate portion 304 increases at the same time, the inflow probability to the detour passage 370 is increased. That is, the probability of inflow to the detour passage 370 is higher when the number of game balls constituting the game ball group is smaller than when the number of game balls is small. Here, the movement of the game ball in the inclined passage 333 will be supplementarily described with reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 16 (b) and 16 (c).

Regarding the mode of entering the detour passage 370 via the inclined passage 333, the game ball alone avoids the recessed portion 336 and 337 and heads for the detour passage 370, and the recessed portion is assisted by the preceding game ball. It is roughly divided into a mode of avoiding 336 and 337 and heading for the detour passage 370.

The game ball that has reached the inclined passage 333 through the route A to the route C is accelerated by moving along the inclined passage 333. However, as shown in FIG. 16 (b1) → FIG. 16 (b2), the speed does not reach a speed sufficient to jump over the notches 336 and 337, so most of them jump over the notches 336 and 337. It cannot be done and will flow into the recesses 336 and 337. In other words, although a part of the game ball that bounced upward in the game nail row 331S may jump over the notch 336 and 337 by itself, most of the game balls flow into the notch 336 and 337. Movement to the detour passage 370 is restricted.

Here, as shown in FIG. 16 (c1), when the succeeding game balls B3 reach the inclined passage 333 while the two preceding game balls B1 and B2 are flowing down the inclined passage 333, the following events occur. Occurs. That is, when the subsequent game ball B3 reaches the recessed portion 336,337 while the recessed portions 336 and 337 are in the preceding game balls B1 and B2, the recessed portion of the succeeding game ball B3 The inflow to 336,337 is blocked by the preceding game balls B1 and B2, and the subsequent game balls B3 avoid the recessed portions 336 and 337 and head toward the detour passage 370.

As the number of preceding game balls increases, the probability of inflow into the detour passage 370 increases, so that it can be made less noticeable as compared with the case of escaping from a small number of game ball groups. For the above reasons, it is technically significant to increase the number of game balls passing through at the same time, and to make the configuration in which escape is more likely to occur as the number increases.

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

A difference is provided between the visibility of the game ball toward the first variable winning device 82 (corresponding to the "variable ball winning portion") and the visibility of the game ball not facing the first variable winning device 82, and the first variable winning device 82 If it is configured to attract attention to the game ball heading toward, the game ball launched aiming at the first variable winning device 82 does not enter the first variable winning device 82 well, and the investment is wasted. It is difficult to give the player the impression of, and it can contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game. In other words, most of the launched game balls that have flowed into the guide passage 360 reach the first variable winning device 82, and the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

In such a configuration, if the movement of the game ball toward the detour passage 370 in which the ball is avoided from entering the first variable winning device 82 is noticed by the player, the above-mentioned effect will not be exhibited well. I am concerned. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, at the entrance portion (recessed portion 336, 337) of the guide passage 360, the movement direction of the game ball is changed to slow down the movement of the game ball. The ball is intentionally made easy for the player to see, and at the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370, the game ball that has moved along the inclined passage 333 can easily and smoothly flow into the detour passage 370 as it flows. It is possible to make it difficult for people to see. By providing a difference in the visibility of the game balls distributed to the guide passage 360 / detour passage 370 by using the inclined passage 333 in this way, the above-mentioned effect of improving the degree of attention can be suitably exhibited.

Since the flow direction of the game ball toward the guide passage 360 changes in the direction intersecting the passage direction of the inclined passage 333, the moving speed at the time of inflow can be reduced. On the other hand, since the direction of the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 is the same as the passage direction of the inclined passage 333, it is not necessary to reduce the moving speed when flowing into the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370. For example, a game ball heading for the detour passage 370 can pass through the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 at a high moving speed. By causing a clear speed difference between the game ball flowing into the guide passage 360 and the game ball flowing into the detour passage 370 in this way, the above-mentioned difference in visibility can be suitably enhanced.

It is preferable to make the game ball in which the ball is avoided from entering the first variable winning device 82 inconspicuous in order to improve the satisfaction of the player and the degree of attention to the game. Here, when the configuration for reducing the visibility of the detour passage 370 becomes obvious, it means that a spilling ball is generated from the configuration (the game ball is escaped). It will be exposed. In a game machine, various configurations such as a symbol display device 253 are arranged in the center of the game area PE, so that the player's attention is often directed toward the center of the game area. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the guide passages 360 are arranged side by side so that the detour passages 370 are on the inside and the detour passages 370 are on the outside, and the inclined passages 333 are inclined downward from the center side of the game area PE to the outside. It is possible to make the detour passage 370 and the game ball flowing down the detour passage 370 less noticeable.

If the detour passage 370 is arranged in the portion of the front door frame 14 (corresponding to the "door body") that covers the game board unit 80 from the front of the game machine and overlaps with the lamp portion 26, the detour passage 370 is covered by the lamp portion 26. It is possible to make it difficult or impossible to visually recognize the detour passage 370 and the game ball passing through the detour passage 370. As a result, it is possible to preferably prevent the game ball bypassing the first variable winning device 82 from being noticed by the player.

Further, if the detour passage 370 is arranged along the end of the game board 80a in a configuration in which the detour passage 370 is hidden by using the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14, the existence of the detour passage 370 is present in the game area PE. It can be avoided to be a factor of pressure. In particular, by inclining the inclined passage 333 outward as described above and guiding the game ball toward the end side of the game board 80a, it becomes easy to bring the detour passage 370 closer to the edge of the game board 80a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the overlap between the ramp portion 26 and the game area PE in forming the detour passage 370, and to realize a practically preferable configuration.

From the relationship with the inclined passage 333, in order to realize the smooth movement of the game ball, it is technically significant to have a configuration in which a part including the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 extends in the same direction as the inclined passage 333. However, in the configuration in which the detour passage 370 is hidden by using the portion where the lamp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 overlaps with the game area PE, it is not preferable that the overlapping area is increased in order to realize the passage structure. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the entrance portion 372 is formed by using the game nails (a pair of game nails) scattered in the game area PE and one of the game nails is arranged in the overlapping area, It is possible to make it difficult to give the impression that the pair of game nails constitute the entrance portion 372. That is, it is possible to prevent the overlapping area from being unnecessarily increased as compared with the case where both of the pair of game nails are arranged in the overlapping area, and it is compared with the case where both of the pair of game nails are arranged in the non-overlapping area. Can make it difficult to give the impression that the entrance portion 372 constitutes the entrance portion 372.

The game ball moving along the inclined passage 333 gradually accelerates due to its own weight. The inclined passage 333 is provided with a low acceleration section and a high acceleration section, and a difference in the degree of acceleration is provided. By providing the recessed portions 336 and 337 as the entrance portion of the guide passage 360 in the low acceleration section, it is possible to suppress the movement of the game ball when flowing into the recessed portions 336 and 337 from becoming excessively fast. As a result, the movement of the game ball toward the guide passage 360 can be easily noticed, and the movement of the game ball toward the detour passage 370 can be made less noticeable.

Since the right route extends in the vertical direction, the main flow of the game ball flowing down the right route is from the top to the bottom. The inclined passage 333 is formed so as to cross this flow, and the game ball flowing down the right route is slightly weakened by changing its direction in the inclined passage to the direction along the inclined passage 333. It becomes. When the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle, the distance (interval) between the game balls becomes small near the inclined passage 333, and the degree of density of the game balls becomes high. By promoting congestion of game balls and allowing some game balls to flow into the detour passage 370 from the congested part, for example, some game balls are allowed to flow into the detour passage from a place where the degree of density of the game ball group is low. In comparison, the escape (spill) of the game ball can be made less noticeable.

In order to increase the density of the game ball group, the moving speed of the game ball group may be sharply reduced. The higher the speed between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball, the higher the degree of density. However, if the moving speed of the game ball is simply slowed down, it becomes easy to follow the movement with the eyes, and it is easily revealed that the above-mentioned escape has occurred. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the movement speed of the game balls in the vertical direction is reduced to increase the density of the game balls in the vicinity of the inclined passage, and the main movement direction of the game balls is set to the passage of the inclined passage. By changing the direction, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the moving speed of the game ball itself. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

The inclination angle of the inclined passage 333 with respect to the horizon is smaller than 45 °. This is preferable in order to exert the functions as a energy reducing portion and a ball receiving portion that weaken the momentum of the game ball that has reached the inclined passage 333. Further, considering that the field of view of a person is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, it is preferable that a plurality of game balls gathering in the inclined passage 333 are arranged side by side in order to keep the game ball group in the field of view. As the number of game balls that fit in the field of view increases, the attention to each game ball becomes weaker, so that it is possible to preferably suppress the appearance of the game balls flowing into the detour passage 370.

As described above, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage 370 is prevented from entering the first variable winning device 82. For this reason, it is assumed that if the ball entering the detour passage 370 catches the eye of the player, it is easy to give the player the impression that wasteful investment will increase. This can be an obstacle in increasing the attention to the game. Here, in the present embodiment, the upper expansion portion 303, the intermediate portion 304, and the lower expansion portion 305 are configured so that the degree of density of the game balls is different, and the game ball is bypassed to the intermediate portion 304 having the highest degree of density. The entrance portion 372 of the passage 370 is formed.

The following effects can be expected by configuring the game balls to escape to the detour passage 370 at a place where the degree of density of the game balls is high. That is, since the individual game balls can be watched at the places where the game balls are sparse, the escape of the game balls is easily noticeable. On the other hand, in a place where the game balls are densely packed, even if the game balls are missed, it becomes difficult to see them. Further, compared to the case where one game ball is released from the sparse game ball group, the case where one game ball is released from the dense game ball group is between the game balls after the game ball is removed. Since it is possible to prevent the blank from becoming excessively large, it is possible to suitably alleviate the discomfort that occurs when the game ball group is viewed after the escape. In this way, by making it difficult for the game ball to escape, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched to the right route is efficiently entering the first variable winning device 82. As a result, it is possible to increase the satisfaction level of the player and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

The intermediate portion 304 is provided with not only the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 but also the entrance portion (recessed portion 336, 337) of the guide passage 360. By bringing the entrance portions of the passages 360 and 370 closer to each other in this way, it is possible to preferably suppress that the decrease of the game ball in the intermediate portion 304 suggests the inflow to the detour passage 370. In particular, when the guide passage 360 and the detour passage 370 are compared, the inflow rate to the former is extremely high. Therefore, the inflow to the detour passage 370 can be confused as if it were the inflow to the guide passage 360.

The number of flow paths formed in the guide passage 360 is larger than that of the intermediate portion 304, which is a branch point. As a result, the degree of density of the game ball group in the guide passage 360 is lower than that of the intermediate portion 304. By reducing the degree of density of the game ball group in the guide passage 360, the blank between the game balls expanded by the relief can be made inconspicuous.

In a game machine of a type in which a game ball flows down the game area PE, it is one of the pleasures to follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes. Therefore, it is often the case that the movement of the game ball is varied to suppress monotonization. Although limiting the flow path in the intermediate portion 304 can contribute to the improvement of the degree of density of the game ball group, there is a concern that the above-mentioned original interest of the game machine will be weakened. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the vertical width of the intermediate portion 304 whose flow path is narrowed is at least smaller than that of the regions other than the intermediate portion 304 (expansion portions 303 and 305) to suppress the extension. The occurrence of inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

In a configuration in which the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle based on the launch operation of the game balls, a certain regularity is likely to occur in the relationship between the game balls. In the configuration in which the game balls are released to the detour passage at the place where the relationship between the game balls is regular, the above-mentioned regularity is broken, and the part where the regularity is broken becomes conspicuous. It is assumed that this is because the escape of the game ball is a factor that is noticeable to the player. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the flow paths of the game balls are configured to branch and merge into a plurality of channels, and the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed at the confluence. The game ball group gathers through different branch routes. Since the required period for passage is different for each branch route, the regularity at the confluence can be preferably reduced. By letting the game ball escape at the place where the regularity is weakened in this way, it is possible to make the escape of the game ball less noticeable. In addition, since the distance between the game balls varies, the blank between the game balls after the game balls have come off can be made inconspicuous, so that the discomfort that occurs when the game balls after the escape is seen is preferably felt. Can be relaxed. In this way, by making it difficult for the game ball to escape, it is possible to make it appear as if the game ball launched to the right route is efficiently entering the first variable winning device 82. As a result, it is possible to increase the satisfaction level of the player and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

When the game balls are released at the confluence, the escape is less noticeable when the density of the game balls is higher than when the density is low. Here, when the regularity is lowered as described above, if the bias of sparse and dense becomes large, escape occurs in a situation where the degree of densification is low, which is easily noticed by the player. There is concern that it will be. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, by making the difference in the required period shorter than the firing cycle of the game ball, the chance of the succeeding game ball overtaking the preceding game ball can be reduced, as described above. Excessive bias can be suitably suppressed.

The game ball that has passed through the branch route flows into the inclined passage 333. Since the inflow points of the game balls are deviated in the passage direction of the inclined passage 333, as a result, the positional relationship between the game balls after merging can be further diversified. Thereby, the above-mentioned regularity can be further preferably reduced.

In order to let the game balls escape at the confluence, the number of game balls existing at the confluence decreases (changes) due to the escape. Here, by providing the entrance portion of the guide passage 360 at the confluence, the factor of reducing the number of game balls is not only the inflow to the detour passage 370. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the decrease in the number of game balls from becoming a stepping stone to identify the inflow to the detour passage 370. Further, since the game balls are not supplied in the same manner each time, but the supply points are divided into a plurality of supply points, the number of game balls can be diversified. Since the entrance portion of the guide passage 360 is located around the inflow portion, the number of game balls can be changed quickly. This is advantageous in obscuring the number of game balls existing at the confluence, and as a result, it is possible to easily distract the number of game balls when the number of game balls changes due to the inflow into the detour passage 370. ..

When a plurality of branch routes are used in combination to reduce regularity, it is not preferable that the range of variation in the required period for each branch route becomes excessively large. On the other hand, in order to secure the diversity of required periods within a predetermined range, it is necessary to secure a certain number of branch routes. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment (see FIG. 12), if the game ball can be moved between the branch routes, such a problem can be suitably solved.

<Other embodiments>
The content is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above-described embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to the above-described embodiments.

(1) In the above embodiment, a part of the game balls is allowed to flow into the detour passage 370 in the region (intermediate portion 304) where the degree of density of the game balls is increased by slowing the flow of the game balls. And said. In order to realize such a configuration, the intermediate portion 304 is set as a confluence point where a plurality of flow paths merge (a configuration in which the number of flow paths is large → small), but the present invention is not limited to this. .. It is sufficient if it is possible to form a region with a high degree of density of the game ball group near the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 by reducing the moving speed of the game ball, etc., and it is used in combination with the configuration of changing the number of flow paths. You don't have to.

Further, in the above embodiment, a part of the game balls is made to flow into the detour passage 370 in the region (intermediate portion 304) where the flow path in the right route is reduced. In order to realize such a configuration, a passage structure (inclined passage 333) for decelerating the game balls at the confluence of the flow paths is provided, but at least the distance between the game balls is diversified by reducing the number of flow paths. It is sufficient if it can be converted, and it is optional whether or not the game ball is decelerated at the confluence.

(2) In the above embodiment, the game ball flowing down the upper expansion portion 303 is configured to fall into the inclined passage 333 at a plurality of positions shifted in the passage direction of the inclined passage 333, but the present invention is limited to this. It's not a thing. Regarding the inclined passage 333, it is sufficient if the function of distributing the game ball into the guide passage 360 and the detour passage 370 is provided, and the function as a ball receiving portion for receiving the game ball at a plurality of positions in the passage direction is It can be omitted. For example, the configuration may be such that the inflow point when the game ball flowing down the upper expansion portion 303 moves to the inclined passage 333 is a predetermined location (for example, the most upstream portion of the inclined passage).

In the branch portion 302 and the upper expansion portion 303, a difference is provided in the passage required time for the game ball to pass through each flow path, and when the game ball is reassembled in the inclined passage 333, the game ball catches up. Although the configuration is such that overtaking or the like is generated, it is sufficient if at least the distance between the game balls can be changed (preferably shortened), and the above-mentioned catching up or overtaking is not essential.

(3) The branch portion 302 is formed by the inner branch passage 311 (inner route) and the outer branch passage 312 (outer route), and the game ball launched from the game ball launch mechanism 110 to the right route is one of the branch passages 311, It was configured to flow into 312. The game balls launched aiming at the inner branch passage 311 do not always flow into the inner branch passage 311, and some of the game balls move into the outer branch passage 312 due to variations in the movement of the game balls and variations in the amount of operation. By making it possible to flow in, the distance between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball is variously changed, but in order to enhance such a function, the inner branch passage 311 and the outer branch passage 312 It is also possible to dispose the distribution member 501 at the branching point with and to switch the inflow destination of the game ball by changing the state of the distribution member 501 (see the schematic diagram of FIG. 17A). .. Note that FIG. 17A exemplifies a configuration in which the distribution destination alternately switches to the inner branch passage 311 / outer branch passage 312 as the game ball passes through, but the drive unit for the distribution member 501 is illustrated. It is also possible to separately provide a (motor) or the like and to switch the distribution destination by operating the distribution member 501 at a predetermined cycle.

Incidentally, the number of branch passages in parallel is not limited to two. It is sufficient if there is a difference in the required passage period, and it is possible to have three or more. In this case, for example, the required period may be different for "long", "medium", and "short", and the game balls may be distributed in the order of "long", "medium", and "short".

In addition, the specific configuration for making the required period for passing through each branch passage is arbitrary. For example, while the flow speed of the game ball is unified in each branch passage, it is required due to the difference in passage length. It is also possible to have a configuration in which there is a difference in period.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the inner branch passage 311 and the outer branch passage 312 are compared, the game ball passing through the inner branch passage 311 is a through gate than the game ball passing through the outer branch passage 312. It was configured so that the winning probability of the 86 was higher, but this was changed so that the game ball that passed through the outer branch passage 312 had a higher winning probability of winning the through gate 86 than the game ball that passed through the inner branch passage 311. It may be configured to be higher.

(4) In the above embodiment, the game balls flow into the detour passage 370 when a plurality of game balls pass together as compared with the case where only one game ball passes through the inclined passage 333 (). It was configured to increase the possibility of (spilling). Specifically, when the succeeding game ball reaches the recessed portion 336,337 at the timing when the preceding game ball flows into the guide passage 360 through the recessed portion 336,337, the preceding game ball becomes an obstacle. Therefore, the inflow to the recessed portions 336 and 337 can be avoided. In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the behavior of the succeeding game ball from being excessively disturbed by being pushed downward when the succeeding game ball collides, and to move along the inclined passage 333. Can be smoothed. However, in the configuration in which the preceding game ball assists the movement of the succeeding game ball in this way, the above effect is exhibited when the movement of the preceding game ball passing through the recessed portions 336 and 337 becomes momentary. There are fewer opportunities to do so.

In view of such circumstances, as shown in the schematic view of FIG. 17B, the game balls are confronted under the recessed portions 336 and 337 with a gap through which the game balls can pass, and the game balls are recessed. Guide portions 505 and 506 are formed to guide in the direction intersecting the portions 336 and 337, and the recess is formed while the game ball flowing into the recessed portions 336 and 337 is moving along the guide portions 505 and 506. It is preferable that the inflow of the game ball into the portions 336 and 337 is restricted. Thereby, as compared with the configuration shown in the above-described embodiment, the period in which the preceding game ball assists can be extended.

(5) In the above embodiment, the inclined passage 333 that guides the game ball to the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 is formed by the wall surface of the center frame 92 and the game nail 331, but the specific configuration thereof is arbitrary. .. For example, a inclined passage may be formed by using a resin ridge portion that protrudes from the front surface of the game board 80a and extends in the guiding direction.

In the detour passage 370 in the above embodiment, the upstream portion is set as a high acceleration section and the downstream portion is set as a low acceleration section to provide a difference in the degree of acceleration, but it is optional whether or not a difference in acceleration is provided for each section. Is.

(6) In the above embodiment, the inclined passage 333 that guides the game ball to the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 is formed so as to be inclined downward from the center side of the game area PE toward the outside. It is also possible to. For example, when the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 is located on the center side of the game area PE, the inclined passage 333 may be inclined downward toward the center side of the game area PE.

(7) In the above embodiment, the detour passage 370 extends over the intermediate portion 304 and the lower extension portion 305, and the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 is arranged in the intermediate portion 304, but on the right route. The specific position of the entrance portion 372 is arbitrary as long as it is located on the upstream side of the first variable winning device 82. For example, it is possible to dispose the inlet portion 372 in the upper expansion portion 303 further upstream of the intermediate portion 304, or to dispose the inlet portion 372 in the lower expansion portion 305.

However, in the expansion portions 303 and 305 in which many flow paths (flow paths) of the game balls are set, the game balls move apart, and the degree of density of the game ball group becomes low (sparse). Therefore, when some of the game balls flow into the detour passage 370, it is assumed that they are conspicuous. Further, in the expansion portions 303 and 305, since the main flow of the game ball goes from top to bottom, there is a concern that it will be difficult for the game ball to quickly flow into the entrance portion of the detour passage 370 located on the side. In view of these circumstances, it is technically significant to provide the inlet portion of the 370 so as to bypass the intermediate portion 304 where the flow path is small and the flow direction is obliquely downward.

(8) In the above embodiment, a part of the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 is configured to overlap the lamp portion 26 of the front door frame 14 (corresponding to the “door body”), but it is shown in the schematic view of FIG. As shown, it is also possible to configure the entire inlet portion 372 to overlap the lamp portion 26, that is, to be located in the overlapping region.

(9) In the above embodiment, the first variable is configured such that the game ball flowing into the detour passage 370 is guided to the downstream side of the first variable winning device 82 (corresponding to the "variable ball entry portion"). Although the configuration is such that the winning device 82 is avoided, it is sufficient if at least the winning of the first variable winning device 82 can be avoided. For example, the game ball flowing into the detour passage 370 is the second variable winning. It may be configured to guide between the device 83 and the right-acting ball entry unit 85, or it may be configured to discharge from the game area PE as it is.

(10) In the above embodiment, with respect to the guide passage 360 and the detour passage 370 constituting the lower expansion portion 305, the visibility of the game ball flowing down the detour passage 370 is the visibility of the game ball flowing down the guide passage 360. Although it is configured to be lower than the above, it is sufficient as long as the visibility is at least lower than that of the guide passage 360, and for example, it is possible to make the game ball flowing down the detour passage 370 invisible.

Further, in the above embodiment, the detour passage 370 is covered by the ramp portion 26 of the front door frame 14, but the specific configuration is arbitrary in order to lower the visibility as compared with the guide passage 360. .. For example, the resin base 70 of the inner frame 13 may be provided with a decorative member (cover member) that covers the detour passage 370 from the front of the game machine, and the decorative member may reduce the visibility of the detour passage 370.

(11) In the above embodiment, the detour passage 370 is arranged on the left side of the guide passage 360, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, guide passages may be provided on both the left and right sides of the guide passage 360.

(12) In the above embodiment, the upstream portion including the entrance portion 372 extends in the same direction as the inclined passage 333 in the detour passage 370, and the length of the upstream portion is more than twice the diameter dimension of the game ball. Was set for a long time, but it is not limited to this. When the game ball is vigorously flowed into the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370, the upstream portion is longer than the diameter dimension of the game ball in order to prevent the inflowing game ball from fluttering inside the detour passage 370 (near the entrance). If it is, it is enough. For example, when the game balls continuously head toward the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370, it becomes easier for the player to notice as compared with the case where one game ball heads. Therefore, the length of the upstream portion is set slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and when the preceding game ball exists in the upstream portion, the succeeding game ball hits the preceding game ball and is recessed. It is preferable that the structure is bounced back to the unit 337. With such a configuration, the entrance portion 372 of the detour passage 370 can be suitably hidden by functioning as a barrier in which the preceding game ball does not normally exist.

(13) Another type of pachinko machine different from the above embodiment, for example, a pachinko machine in which the electric accessory is opened a predetermined number of times when the game ball enters a specific area of the special device, or a game ball in a specific area of the special device. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine, which is a big hit when a right is entered, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arrange ball machine, a game machine such as a sparrow ball, and the like.

In addition, a non-bullet type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction is provided, the reels are started to rotate by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. After the reels have stopped after a predetermined time has passed, if a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line that can be seen from the display window, a privilege such as a medal payout is given to the player. The present invention can also be applied to slot machines.

Further, the gaming machine body supported to be opened and closed by the outer frame is provided with a storage unit and a take-in device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, which starts the rotation of the reel.

<About the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiments will be described while showing the effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for the sake of easy understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiment are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the parentheses or the like.

<Feature A group>
The following feature A group is described in that "a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry portion provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", there is an invention that "in the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention to the game." It was made with the problem to be solved.

Features A1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game state transition means (for example, in the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the satisfaction of the predetermined transition condition. Function to perform migration) and
A variable ball entry unit (for example, a variable ball entry unit) provided in the game area and capable of switching between a receiving state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a non-acceptance state (closed state) in which the ball cannot enter. 1st variable winning device 82) and
It is provided with a switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable entry unit to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is set.
A first region (guidance passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable ball entry section and a ball entry into the variable ball entry section are located in a portion upstream of the variable ball entry section in the game area. A second region (detour passage 370) is provided so that the game ball that is avoided and flows down is more difficult to see than the first region.
The game area is provided with an inclined passage (inclined passage 333) that is inclined downward toward the entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of the second region, and the inclined passage is provided with an entrance portion to the first region. A gaming machine characterized in that a notch portion (notch portion 336, 337) constituting the above is formed.

As shown in feature A1, there is a difference between the visibility of the game ball toward the variable entry section and the visibility of the game ball not facing the variable entry section, and the attention to the game ball toward the variable entry section is promoted. If it is configured, it is difficult to give the player the impression that the game ball launched aiming at the variable ball entry part does not enter the variable ball entry part well and the investment is wasted, and the game is played. It can contribute to the improvement of attention. In other words, all or most of the launched game balls that have flowed into the first region reach the variable ball entry portion, and the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

In such a configuration, if the movement of the game ball toward the second region where the ball is avoided from entering the variable ball entry portion is noticed by the player, there is a concern that the above-mentioned effect will not be exhibited well. To. In this regard, according to this feature, in the entrance portion (recessed portion) to the first region, the movement direction of the game balls is changed to slow down the movement of the game balls, so that the game balls are intentionally seen by the player. It is possible to make it easier for the player to get in the second area by making it easier for the game ball that has moved along the inclined passage to flow into the second area quickly and smoothly at the entrance of the second area. It has become. By providing a difference in the visibility of the game balls distributed to the first region / the second region by using the inclined passage in this way, the above-mentioned effect of improving the degree of attention can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game state transition means (shift of the game state by the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the satisfaction of the predetermined transition condition. Function to do) and
A variable ball entry unit (for example, a variable ball entry unit) provided in the game area and capable of switching between a receiving state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a non-acceptance state (closed state) in which the ball cannot enter. 1st variable winning device 82) and
It is provided with a switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable entry unit to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is set.
A guide passage (guidance passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable entry portion and entry into the variable entry portion are avoided in the portion upstream of the variable entry portion in the game area. A detour passage (detour passage 370) that guides the game ball to a position downstream of the variable entry portion and makes the game ball being guided more difficult to see than the game ball passing through the guide passage. ) And are provided,
An inclined passage (inclined passage 333) is provided in the game area on the upstream side of the guide passage and the detour passage so as to straddle the guide passage and the detour passage.
The inclined passage is inclined downward toward the entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of the detour passage, and the inclined passage has a notch portion (notch portion 336,337) constituting the entrance portion to the guide passage. ) Is formed in the gaming machine.

As shown in feature A2, a difference is provided between the visibility of the game ball toward the variable entry section and the visibility of the game ball not facing the variable entry section, and the attention to the game ball toward the variable entry section is promoted. If it is configured, it is difficult to give the player the impression that the game ball launched aiming at the variable ball entry part does not enter the variable ball entry part well and the investment is wasted, and the game is played. It can contribute to the improvement of attention. In other words, at least all or most of the launched game balls that have flowed into the guide passage reach the variable entry portion, and the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

In such a configuration, if the player notices the movement of the game ball toward the detour passage in which the ball enters the variable ball entry portion is avoided, there is a concern that the above-mentioned effect will not be exhibited well. .. In this regard, according to this feature, at the entrance portion (recessed portion) of the guide passage, the movement direction of the game balls is changed to slow down the movement of the game balls so that the game balls can be easily noticed by the player. However, at the entrance of the detour passage, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to see the game ball that has moved along the inclined passage by making it easier for the game ball to flow into the detour passage quickly and smoothly. .. By providing a difference in the visibility of the game balls distributed to the guide passage / detour passage by using the inclined passage in this way, the above-mentioned effect of improving the degree of attention can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A3. The notch is oriented in a direction intersecting the passage direction of the inclined passage.
The gaming machine according to feature A2, wherein the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed so as to face the passage direction of the inclined passage.

As for the game ball heading to the guide passage, the flow direction changes in the direction intersecting the passage direction of the inclined passage, so that the moving speed at the time of inflow can be reduced. On the other hand, since the direction of the entrance portion of the detour passage is the same as the direction of the inclined passage, it is not necessary to slow down the movement speed when flowing into the entrance portion of the detour passage, for example, toward the detour passage. The game ball can pass through the entrance portion of the detour passage at a high moving speed. By creating a clear speed difference between the game ball flowing into the guide passage and the game ball flowing into the detour passage in this way, the effect shown in the feature A2 can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A4. The gaming machine according to feature A3, wherein a part of the detour passage including an entrance portion of the detour passage extends in the same direction as the inclined passage.

As shown in feature A3, when a game ball is vigorously flowed into the entrance portion of the detour passage, if the inflowing game ball hangs inside the detour passage (near the entrance), the game ball will be used as a subsequent game ball. It hinders the inflow. If such sluggishness catches the player's eyes, if the inflow to the detour passage is avoided as a result, the movement becomes more noticeable if it flows into the detour passage through the sluggishness. If such an event catches the eyes of the player, it is feared that the existence of the detour passage will be exposed and the player's willingness to play will be reduced. In this respect, with the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned sluggishness near the entrance of the detour passage and preferably exert the effect shown in the feature A2 and the like.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as "a part of the detour passage including the entrance portion of the detour passage extends in the same direction as the inclined passage, and the total length of the extending portion is the diameter dimension of the game ball. It is also possible to say "the gaming machine according to feature A3, which is configured to be larger than twice."

Feature A5. The guide passage and the detour passage are formed so as to be vertically oriented, and the guide passage is arranged side by side so as to be on the central side of the game area with respect to the detour passage.
The gaming machine according to any one of the features A2 to A4, wherein the inclined passage is inclined downward from the central side of the gaming area to the outside.

As shown in the feature A2 and the like, it is preferable to make the game ball in which the ball is avoided from entering the variable ball entry portion inconspicuous in order to improve the satisfaction of the player and the degree of attention to the game. .. Here, if the configuration for reducing the visibility of the detour passage becomes obvious, it is revealed that a spilling ball is generated from the configuration (the game ball is being escaped). Resulting in. In a game machine, various configurations such as a pattern display device (design display device 253) are arranged in the center of the game area, so that the player's attention is often directed toward the center of the game area. Therefore, as shown in this feature, a game in which the guide passages are arranged side by side and the detour passages are arranged on the outside, and the inclined passages are inclined downward from the inside to the outside, so that the detour passages and the detour passages flow down. The ball can be made inconspicuous.

Feature A6. A door body (front door frame 14) that covers the game board from the front of the game machine is provided.
The door body has a main body portion (frame body 20 and a lamp portion 26) having an opening (window portion 21) formed in the center and a panel portion (glass panel 23) covering the opening, and through the panel portion. The game area is configured to be visible.
An overlapping area where the main body portion overlaps from the front of the game machine is provided at the end of the game board.
Any of the features A2 to A5, wherein the guide passage is located in a non-overlapping region in which overlap with the main body portion is avoided, and at least a part of the detour passage is located in the overlapping region. The game machine described in one.

If a detour passage is provided in a portion overlapping the main body of the door body as shown in this feature, the detour passage will be covered by the main body, and the detour passage and the game ball passing through the detour passage can be visually recognized. It can be difficult or impossible. As a result, it is possible to preferably prevent the game ball that bypasses the variable ball entry portion from being noticed by the player.

Further, if the detour passage is arranged at the end of the game board by using the main body of the door body to hide the detour passage, it is possible to prevent the existence of the detour passage from becoming a factor of oppressing the game area. In particular, in combination with the feature A5, by inclining the inclined passage outward to guide the game ball toward the end side of the game board, the overlap between the door body and the game area increases when the detour passage is formed. Can be suppressed, and a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

The detour passage may be formed along the outer edge of the game board, for example.

Feature A7. The guide passage and the detour passage are formed so as to be vertically oriented, and the guide passage is arranged side by side so as to be on the central side of the game area with respect to the detour passage.
The inclined passage is inclined downward from the central side of the game area to the outside.
A door body (front door frame 14) that covers the game board from the front of the game machine is provided.
The door body has a main body portion (frame body 20 and a lamp portion 26) having an opening (window portion 21) formed in the center and a panel portion (glass panel 23) covering the opening, and through the panel portion. The game area is configured to be visible.
An overlapping area where the main body portion overlaps from the front of the game machine is provided at the end of the game board.
The guide passage is located in a non-overlapping region where overlap with the main body is avoided, and at least a part of the detour passage is located in the overlapping region.
A part of the detour passage including the entrance portion of the detour passage extends in the same direction as the inclined passage.
The entrance portion of the detour passage is composed of a pair of upper and lower game nails (game nails 331).
The game machine according to any one of the feature A2 to the feature A6, wherein one of the upper and lower pair of game nails is located in the overlapping region.

When a game ball is vigorously flowed into the entrance portion of the detour passage, if the inflowing game ball hangs inside the detour passage (near the entrance), the game ball hinders the inflow of the subsequent game ball. If such sluggishness catches the player's eyes, if the inflow to the detour passage is avoided as a result, the movement becomes more noticeable if it flows into the detour passage through the sluggishness. If such an event catches the eyes of the player, it is feared that the existence of the detour passage will be exposed and the player's willingness to play will be reduced. In this respect, with the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned sluggishness near the entrance of the detour passage and preferably exert the effect shown in the feature A2 and the like.

From the relationship with the inclined passage, in order to realize the smooth movement of the game ball, although it is technically significant to have a structure in which a part including the entrance part of the detour passage extends in the same direction as the inclined passage, the door body In the configuration in which the detour passage is concealed by using the portion where the main body portion of the above overlaps with the game area, it is not preferable that the overlapping area is increased in order to realize the passage structure. In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the entrance portion is formed by using the game nails (a pair of game nails) scattered in the game area and one of the game nails is arranged in the overlapping area, the pair of game nails It is possible to make it difficult to give the impression that is constituting the entrance portion. That is, it is possible to prevent the overlapping area from being unnecessarily increased as compared with the case where both of the pair of game nails are arranged in the overlapping area, and it is compared with the case where both of the pair of game nails are arranged in the non-overlapping area. It is possible to make it difficult to give the impression that is constituting the entrance portion.

Feature A8. The inclined passage has a low acceleration section (a section in which the game nail row 331S is arranged) in which the acceleration matching of the game ball in the passage direction of the inclined passage is relatively low, and a relatively high acceleration matching. A high acceleration section (a section in which the inclined portion 334 is arranged) is provided.
The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A7, wherein the recessed portion is arranged in the low acceleration section.

The game ball moving along the inclined passage gradually accelerates due to its own weight. The inclined passage is provided with a low acceleration section and a high acceleration section, and there is a difference in the degree of acceleration. By providing the notch in the low acceleration section, it is possible to prevent the movement of the game ball when flowing into the notch from becoming excessively fast. As a result, the movement of the game ball toward the guide passage can be easily noticed, and the movement of the game ball toward the detour passage can be made less noticeable.

Feature A9. A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball in a predetermined cycle (for example, 0.6 sec) based on a player's firing operation, and
It is provided with a guiding means (for example, an outer rail 102) for guiding the game ball launched by the game ball launching means to a predetermined flow path (right route) provided with the inclined passage.
The predetermined flow path extends in the vertical direction and extends in the vertical direction.
The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A8, wherein the inclined passage is formed so as to cross the predetermined flow path.

According to the feature A9, the inclined passage is formed so as to cross a predetermined flow path. Since the predetermined flow path extends in the vertical direction, the main flow of the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path is from the upper side to the lower side, but the direction changes in the inclined passage along the inclined passage. As a result, the momentum will be weakened slightly. When the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle, the distance (interval) between the game balls becomes small near the inclined passage, and the degree of density of the game balls becomes high. Compared with a configuration in which some game balls flow into the detour passage from a place where the density of the game balls is low, for example, by promoting congestion of the game balls and allowing some game balls to flow into the detour passage from the congested part. As a result, the escape (spill) of the game ball can be made less noticeable.

In order to increase the density of the game ball group, the moving speed of the game ball group may be sharply reduced. The higher the speed between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball, the higher the degree of density. However, if the moving speed of the game ball is simply slowed down, it becomes easy to follow the movement with the eyes, and it is easily revealed that the above-mentioned escape has occurred. In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, the main moving direction of the game balls is set to the passage direction of the inclined passage while the moving speed of the game balls in the vertical direction is reduced to increase the density of the game balls in the vicinity of the inclined passage. By changing to, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the moving speed of the game ball itself. Thereby, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A10. The gaming machine according to feature A9, wherein the inclination angle of the inclined passage with respect to the horizon is smaller than 45 °.

If the inclination angle of the inclined passage is made smaller than 45 °, the function as a energy reducing portion or a ball receiving portion that weakens the momentum of the game ball that has reached the inclined passage can be suitably exhibited.

Further, considering that the field of view of a person is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, it is preferable that a plurality of game balls gathering in the inclined passage are arranged side by side in order to keep the game ball group in the field of view. As the number of game balls that fit in the field of view increases, the attention to each game ball weakens, so that it is possible to preferably suppress the appearance of the game balls flowing into the detour passage.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the features A3 to A10 to the above features A1.

<Characteristic B group>
The following feature B group is described in that "a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry portion provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", there is an invention that "in the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention to the game." It was made with the problem to be solved.

Feature B1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle (0.6 sec) based on the player's launch operation.
A game state transition means (for example, in the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the satisfaction of the predetermined transition condition. Function to perform migration) and
A variable ball entry unit (for example, a variable ball entry unit) provided in the game area and capable of switching between a receiving state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a non-acceptance state (closed state) in which the ball cannot enter. 1st variable winning device 82) and
It is provided with a switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable entry unit to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is set.
In a predetermined flow path (right route) through which the game ball flows toward the variable ball entry portion, a first predetermined region (for example, a branch portion 302, an upper expansion portion 303, etc.) and a degree of density of the game balls flowing down are provided. Is provided with a second predetermined region (intermediate portion 304) in which is higher than the first predetermined region.
A gaming machine characterized in that an entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of a detour passage (detour passage 370) in which entry into the variable ball entry portion is avoided is formed in the second predetermined region.

A part of the game ball launched toward the variable entry section flows into the detour passage, and entry into the variable entry section is avoided. By providing such a detour passage, excessive entry into the variable entry portion can be suppressed. This is preferable in order to improve the soundness of the game.

According to the configuration shown in the feature B1, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage is prevented from entering the variable entry portion. It is assumed that if the ball entering the detour passage is noticed by the player, it is easy to give the player the impression that wasteful investment will increase. This can be an obstacle in increasing the attention to the game. Here, in this feature, the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed in the second predetermined region where the degree of density of the game balls is high. The following effects can be expected by configuring the game balls to escape to the detour passage at a place where the degree of density of the game balls is high. That is, since the individual game balls can be watched at the places where the game balls are sparse, the escape of the game balls is easily noticeable. On the other hand, in a place where the game balls are densely packed, even if the game balls are missed, it becomes difficult to see them. In addition, compared to the case where one game ball is released from the sparse game ball group, when one game ball is released from the dense game ball group, the space between the game balls after the game ball is removed. Since it is possible to prevent the blank from becoming excessively large, it is possible to suitably alleviate the discomfort that occurs when the game ball group is viewed after the escape. In this way, by making it difficult for the game ball to escape, it is made to appear as if the game ball launched into the predetermined flow path (variable ball entry section) is efficiently entering the variable entry section. be able to. As a result, it is possible to increase the satisfaction level of the player and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

In addition, "high degree of density" shown in this feature means that the game balls are likely to gather, that is, the game ball group is likely to be dense, and "exists (possibly) per unit area in the game area). It is also possible to replace it with "the number of game balls is large".

Feature B2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle (0.6 sec) based on the player's launch operation.
A game state transition means (for example, in the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the satisfaction of the predetermined transition condition. Function to perform migration) and
A variable ball entry unit (for example, a variable ball entry unit) provided in the game area and capable of switching between a receiving state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a non-acceptance state (closed state) in which the ball cannot enter. 1st variable winning device 82) and
It is provided with a switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable entry unit to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is set.
The predetermined flow path (right route) through which the game ball flows toward the variable ball entry portion is
The first predetermined region (for example, branch portion 302, upper expansion portion 303, etc.) and
It is located on the downstream side of the first predetermined region, and is provided with a second predetermined region (intermediate portion 304) through which the game ball that has passed through the first predetermined region passes.
The second predetermined area is configured so that the degree of density of the game balls is higher than that of the first predetermined area.
A gaming machine characterized in that an entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of a detour passage (detour passage 370) in which entry into the variable ball entry portion is avoided is formed in the second predetermined region.

According to the configuration shown in the feature B2, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage is prevented from entering the variable entry portion. It is assumed that if the ball entering the detour passage is noticed by the player, it is easy to give the player the impression that wasteful investment will increase. This can be an obstacle in increasing the attention to the game. Here, in this feature, the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed in the second predetermined region where the degree of density of the game balls is high. The following effects can be expected by configuring the game balls to escape to the detour passage at a place where the degree of density of the game balls is high. That is, since the individual game balls can be watched at the places where the game balls are sparse, the escape of the game balls is easily noticeable. On the other hand, in a place where the game balls are densely packed, even if the game balls are missed, it becomes difficult to see them. In addition, compared to the case where one game ball is released from the sparse game ball group, when one game ball is released from the dense game ball group, the game ball after the game ball is removed Since it is possible to prevent the blank between the spaces from becoming excessively large, it is possible to suitably alleviate the discomfort that occurs when the game ball group is viewed after the escape. In this way, by making it difficult for the game ball to escape, it is made to appear as if the game ball launched into the predetermined flow path (variable ball entry section) is efficiently entering the variable entry section. be able to. As a result, it is possible to increase the satisfaction level of the player and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

In addition, "high degree of density" shown in this feature means that the game balls are likely to gather, that is, the game ball group is likely to be dense, and "exists (possibly) per unit area in the game area). It is also possible to replace it with "the number of game balls is large".

Feature B3. In the second predetermined region, an entrance portion (recessed portion 336, 337) of a guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable entry portion is formed.
The game according to feature B1 or feature B2, wherein the detour passage is configured so that a game ball passing through the detour passage is more difficult to see than a game ball passing through the guide passage. Machine.

As shown in feature B3, a difference is provided between the visibility of the game ball toward the variable entry section and the visibility of the game ball not facing the variable entry section to promote attention to the game ball toward the variable entry section. If it is configured, it is difficult to give the player the impression that the game ball launched aiming at the variable ball entry part does not enter the variable ball entry part well and the investment is wasted, and the game is played. It can contribute to the improvement of attention. In other words, at least all or most of the launched game balls that have flowed into the guide passage reach the variable entry portion, and the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

Even when the game ball passing through the detour passage is made inconspicuous, if the movement of the game ball toward the detour passage is noticed by the player, there is a concern that the above-mentioned effect will not be exhibited well. In this regard, if the entrance portion of the guide passage is provided in the second predetermined area and the number of game balls in the second predetermined area is reduced by the inflow into the guide passage, the number of game balls in the second predetermined area is reduced. It is possible to preferably suppress the suggestion of inflow to the detour passage.

In order to exert the above effect, it is preferable that the inflow rate to the former is higher than the inflow rate to the latter in comparison with the guide passage and the detour passage.

Feature B4. In the guide passage, the number of flow paths of the formed game balls is larger than that in the second predetermined area, and the degree of density of the game ball group is lower than that in the second predetermined area. The gaming machine according to feature B3, which is characterized in that it is used.

In the guide passage, the flow path of the game balls is branched in various ways, so that the degree of density of the game balls is reduced. As a result, the blank between the game balls expanded by the relief can be made inconspicuous.

Feature B5. A feature B1 to a feature B4 characterized in that the game area is provided with a energy reducing portion (inclined portion 334, game nail row 331S, etc.) for energizing a game ball that has reached the second predetermined area. The gaming machine described in any one.

The distance between the game balls depends on the speed difference between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball. Therefore, the speed difference can be increased by providing a energy reducing portion in the second predetermined region to weaken the momentum of the game ball. As a result, the degree of density of the game ball group in the second predetermined region can be suitably increased.

Feature B6. The first predetermined area and the second predetermined area are vertically arranged.
In the game area, a flow path forming portion (inclined portion 334 or game nail row 331S) that reduces the moving speed in the vertical direction by changing the moving direction of the game ball that has reached the second predetermined area from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature B1 to the feature B4, characterized in that) is provided.

The distance between the game balls depends on the speed difference between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball. Therefore, by changing the moving direction of the game ball from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction in the second predetermined region, the speed difference in the vertical direction (arrangement direction of the first predetermined region and the second predetermined region) can be increased. As a result, the degree of density of the game ball group in the second predetermined region can be suitably increased.

In order to increase the density of the game ball group, the moving speed of the game ball group may be sharply reduced. The higher the speed between the preceding game ball and the succeeding game ball, the higher the degree of density. However, if the moving speed of the game ball is simply slowed down, it becomes easy to follow the movement with the eyes, and it is easily revealed that the above-mentioned escape has occurred. In this regard, in the configuration shown in this feature, the main moving direction of the game balls is set to the passage direction of the inclined passage while the moving speed of the game balls in the vertical direction is reduced to increase the density of the game balls in the vicinity of the inclined passage. By changing to, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the moving speed of the game ball itself. Since the moving speed of the game ball flowing into the detour passage is reduced and the chance that the movement is noticeable to the player can be reduced, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature B7. The predetermined flow path extends in the vertical direction and extends in the vertical direction.
The gaming machine according to feature B6, wherein the flow path forming portion constitutes an inclined passage that crosses the predetermined flow path.

The flow path forming portion is formed so as to cross a predetermined flow path. Since the predetermined flow path extends in the vertical direction, the main flow of the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path is from the upper side to the lower side, but the direction changes in the inclined passage along the inclined passage. As a result, the momentum will be weakened slightly. When the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle, the distance (interval) between the game balls becomes small near the inclined passage, and the degree of density of the game balls becomes high. Compared with a configuration in which some game balls flow into the detour passage from a place where the density of the game balls is low, for example, by promoting congestion of the game balls and allowing some game balls to flow into the detour passage from the congested part. As a result, the escape (spill) of the game ball can be made less noticeable. As described above, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the technical idea shown in feature B6 can be suitably embodied by a simple configuration.

Feature B8. The section in which the game ball passes through the second predetermined region includes a deceleration section for decelerating the game ball (a section in which the game ball that has fallen into the inclined passage 333 collides and changes its direction) and a deceleration section. A feature B1 characterized in that an acceleration section for accelerating the game ball (a section in which the game ball moves along the inclined passage 333) is provided, and the entrance portion of the detour passage is provided in the acceleration section. The gaming machine according to any one of the features B7.

If the above-mentioned escape is made at a place where the game balls are regularly arranged, for example, a place where the distance between the game balls is constant, it becomes easy to see. Therefore, if the configuration is such that the game balls are released at places where the distances between the game balls are diverse by accelerating again and then accelerating again after the speed is reduced once to increase the degree of density, the above inconvenience is achieved. Occurrence can be suppressed suitably.

Feature B9. The predetermined flow path extends in the vertical direction and extends in the vertical direction.
The first predetermined region is located on the upstream side of the second predetermined region.
The gaming machine according to any one of feature B1 to feature B8, wherein the width of the second predetermined area is smaller than the width of the first predetermined area.

As shown in this feature, if the width of the flow path is narrowed in the second predetermined region, the passage points of the game balls are limited, so that the degree of density of the game balls in the lateral direction can be suitably increased. ..

Feature B10. The gaming machine according to feature B9, wherein the vertical width of the second predetermined region is configured to be shorter than the vertical width of the first predetermined region.

In a game machine of the type in which a game ball flows down in the game area, it is one of the pleasures to follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes. Therefore, it is often the case that the movement of the game ball is varied to suppress monotonization. If the technical idea shown in the feature B9 is applied, it can contribute to the improvement of the degree of density of the game ball group, but there is a concern that the above-mentioned original interest of the game machine will be weakened. Therefore, as shown in this feature, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by suppressing the extension of the second predetermined region in which the flow path is narrowed by making the vertical width at least smaller than that of the first predetermined region.

In addition, the technical idea shown in the feature A1 to the feature A10 may be applied to the feature B1 to the feature B10.

<Characteristic C group>
The following feature C group is described in that "a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry portion provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", there is an invention that "in the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention to the game." It was made with the problem to be solved.

Feature C1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle (0.6 sec) based on the player's launch operation.
A game state transition means (for example, in the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the satisfaction of the predetermined transition condition. Function to perform migration) and
A variable ball entry unit (for example, a variable ball entry unit) provided in the game area and capable of switching between a receiving state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a non-acceptance state (closed state) in which the ball cannot enter. 1st variable winning device 82) and
It is provided with a switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable entry unit to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is set.
The predetermined flow path (right route) through which the game ball flows toward the variable ball entry portion is
A single upstream passage (inflow section 301) into which the game ball launched by the game ball launching means flows in, and
A distribution unit (branch portion 302) having a plurality of branch routes (for example, an inner branch passage 311, an outer branch passage 312, etc.) and distributing a game ball passing through the upstream side passage to the plurality of branch routes.
It is located on the downstream side of the branch portion, and is provided with a single downstream passage (inclined passage 333 of the intermediate portion 304) through which each game ball passing through the branch route passes.
A gaming machine characterized in that an entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of a detour passage (detour passage 370) in which entry into the variable entry portion is avoided is formed in the downstream side passage.

According to the configuration shown in the feature C1, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage is prevented from entering the variable entry portion. It is assumed that if the ball entering the detour passage is noticed by the player, it is easy to give the player the impression that wasteful investment will increase. This can be an obstacle in increasing the attention to the game. Here, in a configuration in which the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle based on the firing operation of the game balls, a certain regularity is likely to occur in the relationship between the game balls. In the configuration in which the game balls are released to the detour passage at the place where the relationship between the game balls is regular, the above-mentioned regularity is broken, and the part where the regularity is broken becomes conspicuous. It is assumed that this is because the escape of the game ball is a factor that is noticeable to the player. In this respect, in this feature, the flow path of the game ball is configured to branch and merge into a plurality of channels, and the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed at the confluence. Since the game ball group gathers through different branch routes, the above regularity can be weakened. By letting the game ball escape at the place where the regularity is weakened in this way, it is possible to make the escape of the game ball less noticeable. In addition, since the distance between the game balls varies, the blank between the game balls after the game balls have come off can be made inconspicuous, so that the discomfort that occurs when the game balls after the escape is seen is preferably felt. Can be relaxed. In this way, by making it difficult for the game ball to escape, it is made to appear as if the game ball launched into the predetermined flow path (variable ball entry section) is efficiently entering the variable entry section. be able to. As a result, it is possible to increase the satisfaction level of the player and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

Feature C2. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle (0.6 sec) based on the player's launch operation.
A game state transition means (for example, in the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the satisfaction of the predetermined transition condition. Function to perform migration) and
A variable ball entry unit (for example, a variable ball entry unit) provided in the game area and capable of switching between a receiving state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a non-acceptance state (closed state) in which the ball cannot enter. 1st variable winning device 82) and
It is provided with a switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching the variable entry unit to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is set.
The predetermined flow path (right route) through which the game ball flows toward the variable ball entry portion is
A branch portion (for example, a branch portion 302 or an upper extension portion 303) in which a plurality of branch routes (for example, routes A to E) are formed, and
A merging portion (intermediate portion 304), which is located on the downstream side of the branching portion and where the game balls passing through the branching route merge, is provided.
A gaming machine characterized in that an entrance portion (entrance portion 372) of a detour passage (detour passage 370) in which entry into the variable entry portion is avoided is formed in the merging portion.

According to the configuration shown in the feature C2, the game ball that has flowed into the detour passage is prevented from entering the variable entry portion. It is assumed that if the ball entering the detour passage is noticed by the player, it is easy to give the player the impression that wasteful investment will increase. This can be an obstacle in increasing the attention to the game. Here, in a configuration in which the game balls are continuously fired at a predetermined cycle based on the firing operation of the game balls, a certain regularity is likely to occur in the relationship between the game balls. In the configuration in which the game balls are released to the detour passage at the place where the relationship between the game balls is regular, the above-mentioned regularity is broken, and the part where the regularity is broken becomes conspicuous. It is assumed that this is because the escape of the game ball is a factor that the player can see. In this respect, in this feature, the flow path of the game ball is configured to branch and merge into a plurality of channels, and the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed at the confluence. Since the game ball group gathers through different branch routes, the above regularity can be weakened. By letting the game ball escape at the place where the regularity is weakened in this way, it is possible to make the escape of the game ball less noticeable. In addition, since the distance between the game balls varies, the blank between the game balls after the game balls have come off can be made inconspicuous, so that the discomfort that occurs when the game balls after the escape is seen is preferably felt. Can be relaxed. In this way, by making it difficult for the game ball to escape, it is made to appear as if the game ball launched into the predetermined flow path (variable ball entry section) is efficiently entering the variable entry section. be able to. As a result, it is possible to increase the satisfaction level of the player and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

Feature C3. An entrance portion (recessed portion 336, 337) of a guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable entry portion is formed in the confluence portion.
The game according to feature C1 or feature C2, wherein the detour passage is configured so that a game ball passing through the detour passage is more difficult to see than a game ball passing through the guide passage. Machine.

As shown in feature C3, a difference is provided between the visibility of the game ball toward the variable entry section and the visibility of the game ball not facing the variable entry section to promote attention to the game ball toward the variable entry section. If it is configured, it is difficult to give the player the impression that the game ball launched aiming at the variable ball entry part does not enter the variable ball entry part well and the investment is wasted, and the game is played. It can contribute to the improvement of attention. In other words, at least all or most of the launched game balls that have flowed into the guide passage reach the variable entry portion, and the exhilaration of the game can be enhanced.

Even if the game ball passing through the detour passage is less noticeable, if the movement of the game ball toward the detour passage catches the player's eyes, it is feared that the above-mentioned effect will not be exhibited well. .. In this regard, if the entrance portion of the guide passage is provided in the second predetermined area and the number of game balls in the second predetermined area is reduced by the inflow into the guide passage, the number of game balls in the second predetermined area is reduced. It is possible to preferably suppress the suggestion of inflow to the detour passage.

In order to exert the above effect, it is preferable that the inflow rate to the former is higher than the inflow rate to the latter in comparison with the guide passage and the detour passage.

Feature C4. The gaming machine according to any one of feature C1 to feature C3, wherein the plurality of branch routes have a configuration in which the required period required for the game ball to pass is different from each other.

According to the feature C4, the regularity at the confluence can be suitably reduced, and the effect shown in the feature C1 can be suitably exhibited.

It should be noted that the configuration shown in this feature is described as "one of the features C1 to C3 characterized in that the plurality of branch routes have different required periods from the branch point to the confluence point." It is also possible to say "the game machine described in."

Feature C5. It has a first branch route and a second branch route as the branch route.
The feature C4 is characterized in that the difference between the required period required to pass through the first branch route and the required period required to pass through the second branch route is shorter than the predetermined period. The game machine described.

As described above, when the game balls are released at the confluence, the escape is less noticeable when the density of the game balls is higher than when the density is low. Here, as shown in the feature C1 and the like, when the regularity is lowered, if the bias of sparse and dense becomes large, the relief occurs in the situation where the degree of densification is low, which causes it. There is concern that it will be easier for players to see. In this respect, as shown in this feature, by making the difference in the required period shorter than the firing cycle of the game ball, the chance of the succeeding game ball overtaking the preceding game ball can be reduced, and the above-mentioned excessive bias can be reduced. Can be suitably suppressed.

Feature C6. A ball passage (inclined passage 333) capable of guiding the game ball to the entrance portion of the detour passage is formed in the confluence portion.
The inflow point where the game ball that has passed through the plurality of branch routes flows into the ball passage is located on the upstream side of the entrance portion of the detour passage in the ball passage and is deviated in the passage direction of the ball passage. The gaming machine according to any one of the feature C1 to the feature C5.

The game ball that has passed through the branch route flows into the ball passage at the confluence. Since the inflow points of the game balls are shifted in the passage direction of the ball passage, as a result, the positional relationship between the game balls after merging can be further diversified. As a result, the effects shown in the feature C1 and the like can be more preferably exhibited.

Feature C7. An entrance portion (recessed portion 336, 337) of a guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the variable entry portion is formed in the confluence portion.
The gaming machine according to feature C6, wherein at least one of the inflow points is located around the entrance portion.

When the game balls are released at the confluence, the number of game balls existing at the confluence is reduced (changed) due to the release. Here, by providing the entrance portion of the guide passage at the confluence portion, the factor for reducing the number of game balls is not limited to the inflow to the detour passage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the decrease in the number of game balls from becoming a stepping stone to identify the inflow to the detour passage. Further, if the game balls are not supplied in the same manner each time, but the supply points are divided into a plurality of supply points, the number of game balls can be diversified. Then, if the entrance portion of the guide passage is located around the inflow portion, the number of game balls can be changed quickly. This is advantageous in making it difficult to understand the number of game balls existing in the confluence, and as a result, even if the number of game balls changes due to the inflow into the detour passage, it becomes possible to distract it.

Feature C8. One of the features C1 to C7, characterized in that a plurality of parallel branch passages are formed in the branch portion, and the game ball can move between the branch passages. The game machine described in.

When a plurality of branch routes are used in combination to reduce regularity, it is not preferable that the range of variation in the required period for each branch route becomes excessively large. On the other hand, in order to secure the diversity of required periods within a predetermined range, it is necessary to secure a certain number of branch routes. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the game ball can be moved between the passages in the plurality of branch passages constituting the branch portion, such a problem can be suitably solved. For example, even if there are two passages, four or more branch routes can be secured if the game balls can come and go.

Feature C9. Any one of the feature C1 to the feature C8, wherein the branch portion is provided with a distribution means (distribution member 501) for distributing the game ball reaching the branch portion to the plurality of branch routes. The game machine described in one.

If the rate of fire is constant under the condition that the game balls are continuously fired, the route that the game balls actually pass through will be biased even if a plurality of branch routes are provided. This is expected to weaken the effect of diversifying the required period described above. In this regard, if a distribution means is provided at the branch portion and the flow path is distributed by the distribution means, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

The technical ideas shown in the features A1 to A10 and the features B1 to B10 may be applied to the features C1 to C9.

<Feature D group>
The following feature D group is described in that "a game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by a player. Some of them are provided. When a game ball launched from a game ball launching means enters a ball entry portion provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. Regarding the background technology of "(for example, see Patent Document 1)", there is an invention that "in the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to increase the degree of attention to the game." It was made with the problem to be solved.

Feature D1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed, and
A game ball launching means (game ball launch mechanism 110) that launches a game ball into the game area at a predetermined cycle (0.6 sec) based on the player's launch operation.
A game state transition means (for example, in the MPU of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, open / close execution mode) that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the satisfaction of the predetermined transition condition. Function to perform migration) and
An accepting state (open state) in which a game ball flowing down the game area is provided on a predetermined flow path (right route) in the game area and a non-acceptance state (closed state) in which the ball cannot enter. The first variable ball-entry unit (for example, the first variable winning device 82) and the second variable ball-entry unit (second variable winning device 83) that can be switched to
A switching means (opening / closing function in the MPU of the main control device 162) for switching one of the first variable ball entry unit and the second variable ball entry unit to the acceptance state when the special gaming state is set.
It is provided with a privilege granting means (for example, a payout device 224) that grants a privilege to a player according to the entry destination when a ball enters the first variable ball entry section and the second variable ball entry section. ,
The second variable ball entry section is less likely to be in the receiving state than the first variable ball entry section, and is a privilege (for example, a prize ball) given when a ball enters the second variable ball entry section. Is configured to be advantageous to the player as compared with the privilege (for example, transition to the high probability mode) given when the ball enters the first variable ball entry section.
The first variable ball entry section is located upstream of the second variable ball entry section.
The predetermined flow path includes a guide passage (guide passage 360) for guiding the game ball to the first variable entry portion at a position upstream of the first variable entry portion, and the first variable entry portion. It branches into a detour passage (detour passage 370) that avoids entering the club.
The game ball that has passed through the detour passage is characterized in that it is discharged to a position between the first variable entry section and the second variable entry section in the predetermined flow path. A game machine to play.

According to the feature D1, the game ball launched toward the predetermined flow path goes to the first variable entry section and the second variable entry section via the guide passage, and the game ball is directed to the first variable entry section and the second variable entry section via the detour passage. 2 Divided into those heading for the variable entry section. Although the second variable ball entry section is less likely to be in the receiving state than the first variable ball entry section, the benefits given to the player based on the ball entry are large, so the second variable ball entry section is at an appropriate timing for advancing the game advantageously. It is necessary to aim at the variable ball entry part. Here, the game ball passing through the detour passage goes directly to the second variable entry section, and it is suitably suppressed that the first variable entry section interferes with the entry into the second variable entry section. it can. Then, if the detour passage that prevents the ball from entering the first variable ball entry section is made to function as an auxiliary passage that assists the ball entry into the second variable ball entry section, the investment is wastefully increased. It is possible to make it difficult to give an impression to the player. This is preferable in order to improve the degree of attention of the player to the game.

Feature D2. The gaming machine according to feature D1, wherein the required period required for passing through the detour passage is shorter than the required period required for passing through the guide passage.

The game ball passing through the detour passage reaches the second variable entry portion more quickly than the case of passing through the guide passage. For the second variable ball entry section, which is more important and has less chance of entering the ball than the first variable ball entry section, a game is played when the ball entry does not occur well under the circumstances where the ball entry should occur. There is concern that people's willingness to play will decrease. For example, when the period in which the second variable ball entry section is in the accepting state is limited, the original enjoyment of the game machine, which normally follows the movement of the game ball with the eyes, becomes a factor that causes the player to be impatient. .. In this respect, as shown in this feature, if the game ball passing through the detour passage is configured to quickly head toward the second variable entry portion, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature D3. The game machine according to feature D1 or feature D2, wherein the game ball passing through the detour passage is configured to be more difficult to see than the game ball passing through the guide passage.

As shown in the feature D1, when the second variable entry portion is in the receiving state, the detour passage becomes an advantageous passage for the player, but under other circumstances, the detour passage is simply a passage for escape. It is feared that the impression that it is will be stronger. Therefore, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suppressed by making the detour passage lower in visibility than the guide passage and devising so that the detour passage is not conspicuous. Further, when the second variable entry section is in the receiving state, the game ball passing through the detour passage is difficult to see, and the game ball passing through the detour passage suddenly jumps into the second variable entry section. It can be made to look like, and the unexpectedness of the game can be strengthened. For the above reasons, it is technically significant to provide a difference in visibility between passages as described above.

The technical ideas shown in the features A1 to A10, the features B1 to B11, and the features C1 to C9 may be applied to the features D1 to D3.

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

Pachinko game machine: An operating means (game ball launching handle 41) operated by a player, a game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) that launches a game ball based on the operation of the operating means, and the launching thereof. It is provided with a ball passage (guidance rail 100) that guides a game ball to a predetermined game area, and each game part (game nail, etc.) arranged in the game area, and a predetermined passing portion (general prize) among the game parts. A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a gaming ball passes through a mouth 81, etc.).

Rotating game machine such as a slot machine: Equipped with a variable display means for displaying the symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displaying the symbol row in the final stop, and the symbol variation starts due to the operation of the starting operation means. A special game that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stopping operation means or the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A game machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

Ball-using rotating game machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays the symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displays the symbol sequence in the final stop, and the symbol variation is started due to the operation of the starting operation means. A special gaming state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stop operating means or the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. (Bonus game, etc.) is generated, and further, a throwing device that provides a ball saucer and performs a throwing process of taking in the game ball from the ball tray and a payout device for paying out the game ball to the ball saucer are provided and thrown. A game machine configured so that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when the game ball is thrown in by the device.

10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 14 ... Front door frame, 20 ... Frame body, 22 ... Glass unit, 26 ... Circular lighting part (lamp part), 41 ... Game ball launch handle, 80 ... Game board unit, 80a ... Game board, 82 ... 1st variable winning device, 82 ... 2nd variable winning device, 85 ... Right-acting ball entry unit, 86 ... Through gate, 301 ... Inflow part, 302 ... Branch part, 303 ... Upper bulging part, 304 ... Intermediate part, 305 ... Lower bulging part, 311 ... Inner branch passage, 312 ... Outer branch passage, 333 ... Inclined passage, 334 ... Inclined part, 336, 337 ... Indentation part, 350 ... Partition wall part, 360 ... guide passage, 370 ... detour passage, 372 ... entrance part, 373 ... exit part, PE ... game area.

Claims (2)

The game board where the game area is formed and
A game state transition means for shifting the game state to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than usual based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition.
A variable ball entry unit provided in the game area and capable of switching between a receiving state in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a non-accepting state in which the ball cannot enter.
It is provided with a switching means for switching the variable ball entry unit to the reception state when the special game state is set.
A guide passage for guiding the game ball to the variable ball entry section and a ball entry into the variable ball entry section are avoided in a portion upstream of the variable ball entry section in the game area. There is a detour passage that guides the game ball to a position downstream of the variable entry portion and makes it more difficult for the game ball being guided to be visually recognized than the game ball passing through the guide passage.
In the game area, a inclined passage is provided so as to straddle the guide passage and the detour passage in a portion on the upstream side of the guide passage and the detour passage.
The inclined passage is inclined downward toward the entrance portion of the detour passage, and the inclined passage is formed with a notch portion forming an entrance portion to the guide passage .
The guide passage and the detour passage are arranged side by side so that the guide passage is on the central side in the game area with respect to the detour passage.
A door body that covers the game board from the front of the game machine is provided.
The door body has a main body portion having an opening formed in the center and a panel portion covering the opening, and is configured so that the game area can be visually recognized through the panel portion.
An overlapping area where the main body portion overlaps from the front of the game machine is provided at the end of the game board.
The guide passage is located in a non-overlapping region where overlap with the main body is avoided, and at least a part of the detour passage is located in the overlapping region.
The entrance portion of the detour passage is composed of a pair of game nails.
A gaming machine characterized in that one of the pair of gaming nails is located in the overlapping region. The gaming machine according to claim 1 Ru pachinko machines der.

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