JP7408326B2 - Lottery device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lottery device that performs a lottery using balls.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been a lottery machine that is installed in a medal game machine or the like and performs a lottery using balls (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-215650

However, the conventional lottery device has room for improvement.

In order to solve the above problems, the following embodiments are provided, for example. Note that although the description will be given with reference numerals corresponding to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, the configurations described with reference numerals may be changed as appropriate, and at least a portion thereof may be replaced with other configurations.
- The first form is a lottery device (10) that uses a moving ball (11) for a lottery, and includes a sloped surface (12) on which the ball is movably arranged, and a lower side in the slope direction of the sloped surface. a ball accommodating part (14) which is disposed on the slope and can accommodate a ball that has moved on the inclined surface; This lottery device is characterized in that it includes an obstructing protrusion (16) that obstructs the moving ball from moving towards the ball accommodating portion.
- A second form is arranged in an upper range of the ball accommodating part in the direction of inclination, is rotatable on the inclined surface, and moves the ball obstructed by the obstructing protrusion in a direction away from the obstructing protrusion. This is the lottery device of the first or second form, characterized in that it includes a ball moving section (17, 18).
- A third embodiment is characterized in that the height of the obstructing protrusion (16) is set to such an extent that the ball can overcome the obstructing protrusion depending on the moving speed of the ball. This is a lottery device of the second form.
- In a fourth form, the ball moving unit is an arm (17, 18) that comes into contact with the ball by rotationally moving, and the rotation range of the arm is in the normal direction of the inclined surface (12). This is a third form of lottery device characterized in that the space is above the obstructing protrusion (16) and overlaps with the obstructing protrusion when viewed from the normal direction.
- The fifth embodiment includes a display section (21) that displays a roulette wheel (20a), and stops the roulette wheel in response to the ball (11) being accommodated in the ball storage section (14) to display the winning result. A lottery device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, characterized in that it includes a lottery section that determines a lottery part.
- In a sixth form, a plurality of balls are provided dotted on the inclined surface and protrude from the inclined surface, and when the ball moving on the inclined surface comes into contact with the ball, the moving direction of the ball is irregularly changed. The lottery device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments is characterized in that it is provided with interspersed protrusions.
- The seventh form is a lottery device (10) that uses a moving ball to generate a game event, and includes a slope (12) on which a ball (11) is movably arranged, and a slope of the slope. a ball accommodating section (14) arranged on the lower side in the inclined direction and capable of accommodating balls that have moved on the inclined surface; This lottery device is characterized in that it includes a plurality of scattered protrusions (15, 15A to 15D) that irregularly change the moving direction of the ball when the moving ball comes into contact with the protrusion.
- In the eighth form, at least some of the plurality of dotted protrusions (15A to 15D) are spaced apart with a gap (S15) through which the ball (11) can pass, and are arranged on the same line. This is the sixth or seventh form of the lottery device.
- The ninth form is a ball that is arranged below the dotted protrusions (15, 15A to 15D) in the inclination direction and moves the ball located below the dotted protrusions in the inclination direction upward. It is characterized in that it includes a moving part (17, 18), and the interspersed protrusion has a slope (15b) formed on the lower side in the slope direction, and further away from the slope surface (12) toward the upper side in the slope direction. This is a lottery device in any of the formats 6 to 8.
- The tenth embodiment includes a regulating part (13) that regulates the movement range of the ball (11) on the inclined surface (12), and the ball moving part (17, 18) moves the ball to the regulating part. A ninth aspect of the lottery device is characterized in that the lottery device is movable along the restriction portion, and at least some of the interspersed protrusions (15A) are arranged along the restriction portion.
- In the eleventh form, when the inclined surface (12) is viewed from above, the gap (S15) between the adjacent interspersed protrusions (15A to 15D) becomes larger toward the lower side in the inclined direction. This is a lottery device having any one of the sixth to tenth features.

According to the present invention, for example, the following effects are achieved.
(1) The obstructing protrusion can obstruct the ball that has rolled down the slope from being accommodated in the ball accommodating portion.
(2) Depending on the speed of movement, the ball may or may not be able to get over the obstructing protrusion. Furthermore, if the ball gets over the obstructing protrusion, there is a greater possibility that the ball will be accommodated in the ball accommodation hole, creating a chance for the player. Therefore, the manner in which the ball moves can be made interesting, and the player's sense of excitement at the time of lottery can be improved.
(3) Since the ball moving unit moves the obstructed ball away from the obstructing protrusion, the thus-moved ball can be rolled down the slope again.
(4) The arm moves in the space above the obstructing protrusion, so its movement is interesting. Further, the arm can move the ball regardless of whether the ball is located above or below the obstructing protrusion in the direction of inclination.
(5) A lottery can be held using roulette.
(6) Since the ball is provided with a plurality of scattered protrusions that irregularly change the direction of movement of the ball, it is possible to make it difficult to predict the timing of occurrence of an event and to make the manner in which the ball moves interesting.
(7) A game event is generated in response to the ball being stored in the ball accommodating part, and the ball is provided with a plurality of scattered protrusions that irregularly change the moving direction of the ball, making it difficult to predict the timing of the occurrence of the event. In addition, the manner in which the ball moves can be made interesting.
(8) Since the plurality of scattered protrusions are arranged on the same line, the movement of the ball can be made interesting by allowing the ball to pass or not passing through the gaps between the plurality of protrusions.
(9) The ball moved by the ball moving unit can climb over the slope and move upward in the slope direction, depending on the movement speed.
(10) The ball moving along the regulating portion can be moved upward by climbing over the slopes of the interspersed protrusions.
(11) The lower frontage in the inclined direction of the gap between adjacent scattered protrusions can be increased. Therefore, once the ball has moved below the dotted protrusions in the inclination direction, when moving upward in the inclination direction, it will be easier to pass through the gap, so it will be easier to move upwards in the inclination direction again than the dotted protrusions. .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game machine 1 according to an embodiment. It is a diagram showing a state where the game machine 1 of the embodiment is viewed from the upper side Z2, and is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the lottery device 10, the mass release device 25, and six stations St1 to St6. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the configuration near the inclined surface 12 of the embodiment. It is a diagram of the configuration of the inclined surface 12 and the vicinity of the station St1 in the embodiment as viewed from the upper side Z2. It is a figure which shows typically the arrangement|positioning of each structure of the state of the structure of the inclined surface 12 vicinity of embodiment seen from the right side X2. It is a figure explaining the roulette screen of display part 21 of an embodiment. It is a figure explaining the movement aspect of the ball 11 during the ball game of embodiment. It is a view of the pusher stand 35 and the vicinity of the operation panel 2d of the station St1 of the embodiment, viewed from the upper side Z2. It is a figure explaining the main structure regarding the external medal M1 and the internal medal M2 of the game machine 1 of embodiment, and is a figure explaining the flow of the external medal M1 and the internal medal M2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the configuration near the collection tube 36 of the embodiment viewed from the back side Y2. It is a figure explaining the structure of the cylinder main body 55 of the collection cylinder 36 of embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vicinity of the recovery tube 36 in the embodiment in which the recovery tube 36 is arranged in an inner rotation state and an outer rotation state. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a mode in which medals M according to the embodiment are moved by a collection tube 36. FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure of the pusher stand 35 and the ball supply device 70 vicinity of embodiment. It is a perspective view of the configuration of the fixed table 35b and the vicinity of the ball supply device 70 of the embodiment, viewed from the upper right. It is a flowchart of the lottery process accompanying a Chukka prize winning of an embodiment. It is a figure explaining the slot screen 80 of the display part 21 at the time of the slot lottery process of embodiment. It is a figure explaining the slot screen 80 of the display part 21 at the time of the slot lottery process of embodiment.

(Embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings and the like.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game machine 1 according to an embodiment.
Note that FIG. 1 mainly shows the main configuration of station St1 among the six stations St1 to St6, and illustration of the other stations St is omitted. Further, the support column 2b, the top plate 2c, etc. are illustrated by two-dot chain lines, and the structure hidden by these members is shown transparently.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment viewed from the upper side Z2, and is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the lottery device 10, the mass dispensing device 25, and the six stations St1 to St6.
In the embodiment and the drawings, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system (horizontal direction X, depth direction Y, vertical direction Z) is provided for convenience of explanation. The depth direction Y and the left and right direction X are on the horizontal plane when the game machine 1 is arranged as shown in FIGS. direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, a game machine 1 (medal pusher game machine) is a large-sized device mainly placed in an amusement facility or the like.
The game machine 1 includes a storage section 95 and a control section 96.
The storage unit 95 stores various information, programs, etc. for operating the game machine 1.
The control unit 96 is a device that performs arithmetic processing necessary for the operation of the game machine 1 and controls the game machine 1 in an integrated manner. The control section 96 controls each drive section (motor, etc.) according to the output of each detection section, and performs various calculation processes.
In the embodiment, an example will be described in which one control unit 96 controls all the stations St1 to St6, but the present invention is not limited to this. Each station St may be provided with a control section for performing operations such as a pusher game, and may also be provided with a control section of one center that shares processing related to mass release of medals. In this case, the control section of each station and the control section of the center may communicate as necessary.

Note that in the embodiment, a computer refers to an information processing device including a storage device, a control device, etc., and the game machine 1 includes a storage section 95 and a control section 96, and is included in the concept of a computer.
The storage unit 95 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory element for storing programs, information, etc. necessary for the operation of each device. The control unit 96 includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit). The control unit 96 implements various functions of the embodiment by appropriately reading and executing various programs and various information stored in the storage unit 95.

[Outline of game machine 1]
The outline of the game machine 1 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game machine 1 is a medal pusher game machine.
The game machine 1 includes six stations St1 to St6 (play section). The stations St1 to St6 are arranged so as to surround the lottery device 10 and the mass ejection device 25. The mass discharge device 25 is equipped with a model 25a imitating a dinosaur, and creates an atmosphere of the Mesozoic era when dinosaurs lived.
As a result of the game at each station St, when the stage shifts to a stage of mass release of medals (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mass release"), the lottery device 10 executes a lottery process regarding mass release for that station St, and then 25 will release a large amount of medals according to the lottery results. As will be described later, the lottery process includes a ball game, a lottery operation using the roulette 20a, etc., processing, and the like.

The outer shape of the casing 2 of the game machine 1 is a polygonal column whose central axis is in the vertical direction Z.
The inside and outside of the housing 2 of the game machine 1 are partitioned by a transparent window 2a. The player can visually check the area F (F0 to F6) through the window 2a.
Area F is an area inside the game machine 1. Region F mainly includes regions F0 to F6.
The area F0 is an area where a lottery game using the lottery device 10 is played. Areas F1 to F6 are areas corresponding to stations St1 to St6, respectively, and are areas where the pusher game is played with medals inserted by the player.

In the center of the game machine 1, the main parts of the lottery device 10 and the main parts of the medal mass dispensing device 25 are arranged.
Each station St is an independent device for six players to play the medal pusher game independently.
In the embodiment, an example is shown in which the game machine 1 includes six stations St1 to St6, but the game machine 1 is not limited to this, and may include stations St other than six. In this case, the shape of the game machine 1 may be changed as appropriate depending on the number of stations St.
In the embodiment, the configuration of station St1 will mainly be described. The configurations of the other stations St2 to St6 are also similar.

[Lottery device 10, mass release device 25]
The lottery device 10 and the mass release device 25 will be explained.
(Configuration of lottery device 10 and mass release device 25)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the configuration near the inclined surface 12 of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of the configuration of the inclined surface 12 and the vicinity of the station St1 in the embodiment as viewed from the upper side Z2.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of each component in the vicinity of the inclined surface 12 of the embodiment when viewed from the right side X2.
3 to 5 show a state in which the direction A1 of the inclined surface 12 is directed toward the station St1.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a roulette screen on the display unit 21 of the embodiment.

In the following description, when viewed from the upper side Z2, the direction along the lower side of the inclined surface 12 in the inclined direction is the direction A1 (first direction), and the opposite side to the direction A1 and along the upper side in the inclined direction The direction is called direction A2 (second direction). Note that the angle of inclination of the inclined surface 12 with respect to the horizontal plane (that is, the angle between the normal direction of the inclined surface 12 and the vertical direction Z) is approximately 5 degrees, which is sufficiently small. For this reason, in the embodiment, the state seen from the upper side Z2 in the vertical direction Z will be described as the state seen from the normal direction of the inclined surface 12. In addition, the direction A (direction A1, direction A2) will also be explained as being the direction of inclination of the inclined surface 12, and the direction A1 side (lower side of inclination direction), direction A2 side (inclination direction (upper side).
For the sake of convenience, the horizontal direction X of the inclined surface 12 will be described with reference to the state in which the inclined surface 12 is arranged as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 (with the direction A1 facing the station St1 side).

The lottery device 10 includes a ball 11, an inclined surface 12, a regulating rail 13 (regulating section), an accommodating section 14 (ball accommodating section), scattered protrusions 15 (15A to 15D), an obstructing protrusion 16, and a first arm 17 (ball moving section). ), a second arm 18 (ball moving part), a model stand 19 (a medal discharging part installation part), and a lottery part 20 (an event generating part).

(Ball 11)
Ball 11 is a sphere used for lottery. The surface layer of the ball 11 may be formed of an elastic body such as rubber or sponge.

(Sloped surface 12)
The inclined surface 12 is the upper surface of an inclined plate 12a (see FIG. 5) fixed to the rotating frame 12b. The inclined plate 12a is a disc-shaped plate fixed to the rotating frame 12b.
The rotating frame 12b is a cylindrical member. The center axis C12 of the rotating frame 12b is concentric with the center axis of the game machine 1, and is in the vertical direction Z. Moreover, the central axis C12 coincides with the center of the inclined surface 12 when viewed from the upper side Z2.
The rotating frame 12b is supported by a plurality of rollers 12e so as to be rotatable about the central axis C12 (see rotation direction θ12). The rotating frame 12b is rotationally driven by a drive section 12d (see FIG. 5) that includes a motor and the like. The rotating frame 12b is provided with a detection unit (not shown) such as a rotary encoder that detects the rotational position and rotational speed.

The inclined surface 12 is arranged such that the ball 11 is movable.
As mentioned above, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 12 is gentle, for example, about 5 degrees.
With the above configuration, the inclined surface 12 is rotatable around the central axis C12. Moreover, the inclined surface 12 is inclined so as to reach the lower side Z1 in the vertical direction Z as it goes in the direction A1.

(Regulation rail 13)
The regulation rail 13 is a fence provided on a circumference one size smaller than the outer circumference of the inclined surface 12. Thereby, the regulation rail 13 regulates the movement range of the ball 11 on the inclined surface 12 within this circumference.
Note that a wall portion 13a (see FIG. 3) is also provided on the outer periphery of the inclined surface 12. This wall portion 13a is for preventing the ball 11 from falling from the inclined surface 12 when the ball 11 unexpectedly climbs over the regulation rail 13 or deviates from the regulation rail 13. During normal operation of the game machine 1, the ball 11 does not deviate from the regulation rail 13.
The lowest part of the regulation rail 13 is provided with an opening 13b (see FIG. 3) that is slightly wider than the diameter of the ball 11.

(Accommodation part 14)
The accommodating portion 14 is disposed on the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclination direction) within the inclined surface 12, and is disposed at the opening 13b of the regulation rail 13. Therefore, the ball 11 on the inclined surface 12 is guided to the housing part 14 by the action of gravity.
The housing section 14 includes a first opening/closing arm 14a, a second opening/closing arm 14b, and a ball detection section 14c.

The first opening/closing arm 14a and the second opening/closing arm 14b are moved between the open position and the closed position by a motor (not shown) around an axis in the vertical direction Z (more precisely, around an axis in the normal direction of the inclined surface 12). ) is rotated. The rotation axis of the first opening/closing arm 14a is arranged on the right side X2 of the opening 13b. The rotation axis of the second opening/closing arm 14b is arranged on the left side X1 of the opening 13b.
Two first opening/closing arms 14a are provided at different heights in the vertical direction Z.
The second opening/closing arm 14b is arranged between the two first opening/closing arms 14a in the vertical direction Z.
Therefore, in the vertical direction Z, the rotation range of the first opening/closing arm 14a and the rotation range of the second opening/closing arm 14b do not overlap. Thereby, the first opening/closing arm 14a and the second opening/closing arm 14b can rotate without interfering with each other.

In the open position (open state), the first opening/closing arm 14a and the second opening/closing arm 14b are arranged in a V-shape forming an opening 13b in the direction A2. As a result, the first opening/closing arm 14a and the second opening/closing arm 14b form a wall of the accommodating portion 14, and the accommodating portion 14 is in a state in which the ball 11 can be accommodated.

As shown within the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the first opening/closing arm 14a and the second opening/closing arm 14b close the opening 13b in the closed position (closed state). Further, when viewed from the upper side Z2, the outer shape of the first opening/closing arm 14a and the second opening/closing arm 14b is an arc shape that bulges in the direction A1 side (downward in the inclination direction) like an extension of the regulation rail 13. Therefore, when the ball 11 is placed in the closed position, the ball 11 is stably placed on the first opening/closing arm 14a and the second opening/closing arm 14b due to the action of gravity.
The position of the ball 11 shown within the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 is the position when the ball 11 is launched, as will be described later.

The ball detection section 14c is a detection section that detects the ball 11 accommodated in the accommodation section 14. The ball detection unit 14c is, for example, an optical sensor.

(Dotted protrusions 15 (15A to 15D))
Four interspersed protrusions 15 are provided and have the same shape.
The interspersed protrusions 15 are fixed to the inclined surface 12 so as to protrude from the inclined surface 12. The scattered protrusions 15 are arranged so as to be scattered on the inclined surface 12. As will be described later, the interspersed protrusions 15 irregularly change the moving direction of the ball 11 moving on the inclined surface 12, for example.
Among the surfaces of the interspersed protrusions 15, the surface on the direction A2 side (the upper side in the inclination direction) is a flat surface, and is an upright surface 15a that stands upright with respect to the inclined surface 12. The normal direction of the upright surface 15a faces the direction A2.
Among the surfaces of the interspersed protrusions 15, the surface on the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclination direction) is a slope 15b. The slope 15b is a flat surface, and is displaced toward the upper side Z2 of the vertical direction Z (that is, the normal direction of the slope 12 and the direction away from the slope 12) as it reaches the direction A2 side (upper side in the slope direction).

As shown in FIG. 4, when viewed from the upper side Z2, three dotted protrusions 15A to 15C are arranged in the region X2 on the right side of the obstructing protrusion 16, and one dotted protrusion 15C is arranged in the region X1 on the left side. A protrusion 15D is arranged. Moreover, the shape of each interspersed protrusion 15 is approximately triangular when viewed from the upper side Z2. The interspersed protrusions 15 are arranged in a substantially inverted triangular shape, that is, the apexes face the direction A1 (lower side in the inclined direction), and the base side (upright surface 15a side) faces the direction A2 (upper side in the inclined direction). will be placed in Therefore, the gap S15 between adjacent scattered protrusions becomes larger toward the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclination direction).

The three dotted protrusions 15A to 15C are arranged on the same line and spaced apart at equal intervals. The size of the gap S15 between adjacent scattered protrusions 15 is slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 11. Note that the gap between the interspersed projections 15C arranged on the inside and the obstructing projection 16 is also slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 11.
The three upright surfaces 15a of these interspersed protrusions 15A to 15C are arranged on the same plane. Furthermore, when the three upright surfaces 15a are extended inward, they just intersect with the obstructing protrusion 16 (see the two-dot chain line L15 shown in FIG. 4).
Furthermore, the dotted protrusions 15A at the right end are arranged along the regulation rail 13, that is, arranged so as to be in contact with the inner circumference of the regulation rail 13.

The gap between the scattered protrusions 15D and the obstructing protrusions 16 on the left side X1 is also slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 11. Further, the distance between the dotted protrusions 15D and the regulation rail 13 is larger than the diameter of the ball 11. In other words, the interspersed protrusions 15A are arranged so as to be in contact with the regulation rail 13, whereas the interspersed protrusions 15D are arranged sufficiently away from the regulation rail 13.

(obstruction protrusion 16)
The obstructing protrusion 16 is disposed near the accommodating portion 14 on the direction A2 side (upper side in the inclination direction).
The obstructing protrusions 16 are fixed to the inclined surface 12 so as to protrude from the inclined surface 12, similarly to the interspersed protrusions 15. As will be described later, the obstructing protrusion 16 obstructs, for example, the ball 11 moving on the inclined surface 12 from moving toward the accommodating portion 14 .
When viewed from the upper side Z2, the outer shape of the obstructing protrusion 16 is elongated in the left-right direction X, and has an arcuate shape that swells in the direction A1.
The obstructing protrusion 16 has a slope 16b similar to that of the interspersed protrusion 15. Further, the surface of the obstructing protrusion 16 on the direction A2 side is an upright surface that stands upright with respect to the inclined surface 12, and is a curved surface 16a that is recessed in the direction A1 according to the outer shape of the obstructing protrusion 16.

(First arm 17, second arm 18)
The first arm 17 and the second arm 18 are members that move the ball 11 by hitting the ball 11 while rotating.
The first arm 17 and the second arm 18 are provided so as to be rotatable around rotational axes C17 and C18 that are perpendicular to the inclined surface 12, respectively. The rotation axes C17 and C18 are located on the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclination direction) than the obstructing protrusion 16. The first arm 17 and the second arm 18 are each rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). Further, the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 are each provided with a detection unit (not shown) such as a rotary encoder that detects the rotational position and rotational speed.

The first arm 17 is rotated clockwise (see FIG. 4).
The rotation range A17 (see FIG. 4) of the first arm 17 overlaps the obstructing protrusion 16 when viewed from the upper side Z2. However, in the vertical direction Z, the rotation range A17 (see FIG. 5) of the first arm 17 is a space above the obstructing protrusion 16 Z2. The position of the first arm 17 from the inclined surface 12 is about the radius of the ball 11. Thereby, the first arm 17 can rotate and move without interfering with the obstructing protrusion 16. As long as the ball 11 is near the obstructing protrusion 16, the first arm 17 can come into contact with the ball 11 regardless of whether it is located in the direction A1 or A2.

The second arm 18 has a substantially symmetrical configuration with respect to the first arm 17 in the left-right direction X. The second arm 18 is rotated counterclockwise (see FIG. 4). As a result, the second arm 18, like the first arm 17, can rotate without interfering with the obstructing protrusion 16, and can also come into contact with the ball 11 located near the obstructing protrusion 16.
The rotation range A17 of the first arm 17 and the rotation range A18 of the second arm 18 are sufficiently close to each other in the range on the direction A2 side (the upper side in the inclination direction) of the accommodating portion 14.

(Model stand 19)
The model stand 19 is a platform for attaching a model 25a of the mass ejection device 25 to the inclined surface 12. The model stand 19 has a cylindrical shape with a low height, and its central axis is perpendicular to the inclined surface 12. Since the model stand 19 is fixed to the inclined surface 12, the model stand 19 and the model 25a can rotate integrally with the inclined surface 12 around the central axis C12.
The model stand 19 is arranged within the inclined surface 12 and within the regulation rail 13 when viewed from the upper side Z2. The center of the model stand 19 is arranged on the direction A2 side with respect to the center of the inclined surface (center axis C12), that is, the model stand 19 is arranged eccentrically in the direction A2 side on the circular inclined surface 12.
With the above configuration, the area S12a (first area) in the direction A1 (lower side in the inclination direction) of the inclined surface 12 can ensure a large exposed area as an area used in a ball game. Further, the region S12b (second region) on the direction A2 side of the inclined surface 12 is continuous with the model table 19 on the direction A2 side (upper side in the inclined direction) by a narrow passage S12c. Further, a region S12, which is a combination of regions S12a and S12b, is continuous in an annular shape so as to surround the model stand 19. Thereby, the ball 11 can move in the area S12, that is, the area surrounding the model stand 19.

(Lottery section 20)
The lottery unit 20 is a device that performs a lottery process in response to the ball 11 being stored in the storage unit 14.
As shown in FIG. 6, the lottery section 20 includes a display section 21.
The display unit 21 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The display section 21 is provided at each station St (see FIG. 1). The display unit 21 is arranged so that the display screen faces the players playing at each station St.
The display unit 21 is mainly used to display various information when playing the medal pusher game at each station St, but in the embodiment, it is also used as part of the lottery device 10.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the storage unit 95 of the game machine 1 stores information regarding the lottery roulette 20a, and the display unit 21 displays the roulette 20a.
In the roulette 20a, a plurality of symbols on which winning information is displayed are arranged on the circumference.
The winning information includes the number of medals released at the time of mass release, JP (jackpot), and winning information such as NEXT.

The JP role is the total number of medals inserted at all stations St1 to St6 after the JP role was won at any station St last time (or the product of the total number of medals and a coefficient (for example, 0.8)) and a predetermined number. This is a hand that releases the number of medals that is the sum of the number of medals (for example, the maximum number of medals released for normal symbols is 300). This total number of medals is reset every time a JP winning combination is won. The JP role is the role that releases the most medals, and is the role that is most profitable for the player.

The NEXT combination is a combination in which a predetermined number (for example, 50) is added to the large number of coins released for all winning combinations, thereby increasing the number of coins released in large quantities and performing a re-lottery. When the NEXT combination is won, the control unit 96 adds a predetermined number (for example, 50) to the mass release number of 300, and then performs a re-lottery process. Note that the lottery time (described later) will be reset. Therefore, the NEXT winning combination is a winning winning combination for the player.
Note that the NEXT combination can be set as appropriate according to the specifications of the game, and for example, the number of large quantities released for all winning combinations may be doubled.

As shown in FIG. 6(B), the display unit 21 displays only the portion arranged above the roulette 20a so as to rotate the roulette 20a. At the time when the rotatably displayed roulette 20a stops, the symbol placed at the top is the winning symbol, and the winning symbol is the winning symbol. When the roulette 20a rotates and when it stops, the symbol placed at the top is enlarged and displayed.

(Mass release device 25)
The mass discharge device 25 is a device that discharges a large amount of medals onto the pusher stand of each station St.
The mass discharge device 25 includes a model 25a and a mass discharge port 25b.
The model 25a is provided on the model stand 19. The model 25a is arranged so that the head of the dinosaur faces the direction A2 and the tail faces the direction A1.
The mass ejection port 25b is a part that actually ejects medals. The mass discharge port 25b is attached to the head. Therefore, the mass ejection port 25b ejects the medals in the direction A2.
Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the medals to be released are stored in a hopper, and are sent from the hopper to the mass release port 25b through a medal transport path such as a rail.

[Operation during mass release stage]
The mass release stage transitions from the normal stage.
The normal stage is a state in which the medal pusher game can be executed at all stations St1 to St6. The inclined surface 12, the lottery device 10, and the mass release device 25 are integrally rotating around the central axis C12. Thereby, the model 25a is directed to face each station St in turn. Further, in the normal stage, the accommodating section 14 is controlled to be in the open state (see FIG. 3) and accommodates the ball 11. The first arm 17 and the second arm 18 are not driven to rotate but are controlled to be in a stopped state.

Then, when any station St shifts to the mass discharge stage, the control unit 96 performs processing for that station St for the mass discharge stage.
The condition for moving to the mass release stage may be set such that a specified number (for example, seven) of balls 38 fall into the acquisition hole 37 (see FIG. 8, etc.). In this case, the control unit 96 may count the number of balls 38 that have fallen into the acquisition hole 37 based on the output of an optical sensor or the like (not shown) that detects the balls 38 that have fallen into the acquisition hole 37 .
The mass release stage mainly includes processes for ball launch, ball game, roulette lottery, and mass release, and the processes are performed in this order.
After moving to the mass release stage, the lottery device 10 and the mass release device 25 are controlled by the control unit 96 as follows.
Here, an example in which station St1 shifts to the mass ejection stage will be described.

(ball launch)
(1) The inclined surface 12 is rotationally driven so that the direction A1 of the inclined surface 12 faces the station St1 side.
This makes it easy for the player playing at station St1 to visually recognize area S12a. Furthermore, the station St1 that has shifted to the ball game can utilize this easily visible area in order to play the ball game.

(2) The ball 11 is placed at the launch position by controlling the storage portion 14 to be in the closed state (see inside the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3). By deforming the accommodating portion 14 in this way, the ball 11 can be placed at the launch position in an interesting manner.
The ball launch position is located within the rotation range A17 of the first arm 17 (see FIG. 4).

(3) Launch the ball 11 by rotating the first arm 17 (upward movement operation).
The launching position of the ball 11 is a position where the first arm 17 launches the ball 11 to the left side X1. Therefore, the launched ball 11 moves clockwise while being inscribed in the regulation rail 13. As a result, the ball 11 is moved on the inclined surface 12 from the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclined direction) to the direction A2 side (lower side in the inclined direction).
Note that the rotational speed of the first arm 17 is faster than that during a ball game. Therefore, when launching the ball 11, the first arm 17 can reliably move the ball 11 to the range on the direction A2 side (the upper side in the slope direction) of the slope surface 12.

The ball 11 further moves clockwise while inscribed in the regulation rail 13 or while moving away from the regulation rail 13 due to the action of gravity, and reaches the area S12b. Thereby, after the ball 11 passes through the narrow passage S12c on the direction A2 side with respect to the model stand 19, it moves while rolling due to the action of gravity.
In this way, since the ball 11 can be moved around the model stand 19 during launch, the manner in which the ball 11 moves is interesting.

(4) At the time when the first arm 17 launches the ball 11, the second arm 18 is placed in a position evacuated from the movement path of the ball 11 immediately after the launch. Thereby, the launched ball 11 can move while inscribed in the regulation rail 13 without being obstructed by the second arm 18. Further, the first arm 17 can reliably move the ball 11 above the inclined surface 12.
Note that the second arm 18 may be controlled to either a rotationally driven state or a stopped state as long as it is disposed in the retracted position as described above.

(ball game)
When the launching of the ball 11 is completed, the processing of the ball game is started.
The ball game is played by rotating the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 for a limited time (for example, 60 seconds), and the ball 11 is stored in the storage section 14 even within the limited time. This ends with this.
(1) Once the ball 11 has been launched, the housing section 14 is controlled to be in the open state (that is, the first opening/closing arm 14a and the second opening/closing arm 14b are placed in the open position).
(2) After launching the ball, the first arm 17 is driven to rotate at a constant rotational speed during a ball game. As mentioned above, this rotational speed is slower than the rotational speed during punching. Similarly, the second arm 18 is driven to rotate at a constant rotational speed.
The rotational speeds of the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 may be the same or different. In the embodiment, the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 perform irregular rotational movements, such as rotating synchronously or only one arm temporarily stopping (for example, for several seconds).

(3) The display unit 21 displays a roulette screen (see FIG. 6) in response to the transition to the ball game.

(Movement mode of ball 11 during ball game)
As described above, the launched ball 11 usually moves around the model stand 19 and moves to the right side X2 of the model stand 19.
Since the inclined surface 12 is inclined, the ball 11 moves toward the inclined surface 12 in the direction A1 (downward in the inclined direction) and moves toward the storage section 14 due to the action of gravity. Further, since the storage section 14 is provided at the lowest part of the inclined surface 12, the ball 11 moves toward the storage section 14 by rolling while contacting the regulation rail 13 due to the action of gravity. .
However, the inclined surface 12 includes, in addition to the interspersed projections 15 and the obstructing projections 16, a first arm 17 and a second arm 18 that are rotatably driven. Therefore, the ball 11 on the inclined surface 12 not only moves due to the action of gravity, but also moves very irregularly.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how the ball 11 moves during the ball game of the embodiment.
A typical example of how the ball 11 moves will be explained.
・Movement mode in FIG. 7(A) The ball 11, which has passed through the passage S12c immediately after being launched, moves in the right side X2 area of the inclined surface 12 toward the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclined direction), and then scatters From the gap S15 between the protrusions 15 and the gap between the scattered protrusions 15 and the obstructing protrusions 16, it moves in the direction A1 (downward in the inclination direction) (see arrows a1 and a2), or stays on the obstructing protrusions 16.
For example, the ball 11 that has come into contact with the upright surface 15a of the dotted protrusion 15 is unable to reach the adjacent dotted protrusion 15 or the obstructing protrusion 16, and moves from the gap S15 toward the direction A1. . Further, the ball 11 that reaches the dotted protrusion 15 bounces on the upright surface 15a and reaches the dotted protrusion 15 next to it.
In this way, the direction of movement of the ball 11 after reaching the interspersed protrusions 15 is irregular.
Furthermore, by allowing the ball 11 to pass through the gaps S15 between the interspersed protrusions 15 or not, the game machine 1 can make the movement of the ball 11 more interesting.

・Movement mode shown in FIG. 7(B) In the scene shown in FIG. 7(A), if the ball 11 does not move in the direction A1 (downward in the inclination direction), the ball 11 moves on the obstructing protrusion 16 in the left-right direction. It swings in the direction X (see arrow b1) and remains on the obstructing protrusion 16.
When viewed from the upper side Z2, the rotation range A17 of the first arm 17 and the obstruction protrusion 16 overlap, and similarly, the rotation range A18 of the second arm 18 and the obstruction protrusion 16 overlap. ing. Therefore, the ball 11 swinging on the obstructing protrusion 16 comes into contact with the first arm 17 or the second arm 18.
Since the outer shape of the obstructing protrusion 16 is curved so as to bulge in the direction A1 (downward in the inclination direction), the ball 11 swinging on the obstructing protrusion 16 is at the most swollen position of the obstructing protrusion 16 ( The vehicle is guided to the position shown in FIG. 7(B) and attempts to stop. The rotation range A17 of the ball 11 placed at this position and the first arm 17 overlap.
Therefore, the ball 11 guided onto the obstructing protrusion 16 always comes into contact with the first arm 17 or the second arm 18, and is moved in an irregular direction (arrow b2, etc.). Therefore, the ball 11 will not be left on the obstructing protrusion 16.

7(C) to FIG. 7(E), the ball 11 is located on the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclined direction) than the obstructing protrusion 16 and the interspersed protrusion 15, and moves closer toward the accommodating part 14. This is an example in which the ball 11 is moved again in the direction A2 side (upper side in the inclination direction) than the obstructing protrusion 16 and the interspersed protrusion 15.
・Movement mode shown in FIG. 7(C) When the ball 11 moves along the inclined surface 12 in the direction A1 (lower side in the inclined direction), if the moving speed is fast, the ball 11 moves the obstructing protrusion 16 in the direction A1 (lower in the inclined direction). There are things you can overcome.
That is, the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 rotate in the space above the obstructing protrusion 16 Z2. Further, the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 hit the ball 11 from the lateral direction (AX plane direction) toward the center of the ball 11. Therefore, the height of the obstructing protrusion 16 from the inclined surface 12 needs to be lower than the installation height of the first arm 17 and the second arm 18, and is set to be less than or equal to the radius of the ball 11.
As a result, the ball 11 may or may not be able to get over the obstructing protrusion 16 depending on the speed and direction of movement when it reaches the obstructing protrusion 16.
Although not shown, the ball 11 may also ride over the interspersed protrusions 15 in the same way.
In this way, the obstructing protrusions 16 and the interspersed protrusions 15 are set to such a height that the ball 11 can overcome the obstructing protrusions 16 when the moving speed of the ball 11 is fast.

If the ball 11 is able to get over the obstructing protrusion 16 or the like, there is a high possibility that the ball 11 will be accommodated in the accommodating portion 14 . On the other hand, if the ball 11 is unable to get over the obstructing protrusion 16 (as in the case of FIG. By coming into contact with it, it is necessary to temporarily separate from the obstructing protrusion 16. In this way, the blocking protrusion 16 prevents the ball 11 from being accommodated in the housing portion 14, and the first arm 17 or the second arm 18 prevents the ball 11 from being blocked by the blocking protrusion 16. , can be moved in a direction away from the blocking protrusion 16. In this case, after the ball 11 moves in the direction A2 (upward in the inclination direction), it can again move so as to roll on the inclined surface 12 toward the direction A1 (downward in the inclination direction).

When the ball 11 crosses the gap S15 between the scattered protrusions 15 or the obstructing protrusion 16, the ball 11 rolls on the inclined surface 12, moves along the regulation rail 13, and moves toward the accommodating part 14. become.
The first arm 17 or the second arm 18 is provided near the accommodating portion 14 and on the direction A2 side (upper side in the inclination direction) than the accommodating portion 14 .
Therefore, the first arm 17 or the second arm 18 can prevent the ball 11 from entering the housing section 14 by coming into contact with the ball 11 moving toward the housing section 14 . The moving direction of the ball 11 after contacting the first arm 17 or the second arm 18 is determined by the moving direction and position of the ball 11 immediately before the contact, the rotation angle of the first arm 17 or the second arm 18, and the contact. Determined by location etc. Therefore, the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 can move the ball 11 in irregular directions that are difficult for the player to predict.

In this way, the ball 11 is positioned on the first arm even when the ball 11 is located on the A1 side (lower side in the inclination direction) of the interfering protrusion 16 in addition to the state in which it is located on the A2 side (upper side in the inclination direction) of the interfering protrusion 16. 17, abuts on the second arm 18; Thereby, the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 can move the ball 11 even when the ball 11 is located on the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclination direction) of the obstructing protrusion 16.

When the ball 11 comes into contact with the first arm 17, it is likely to move clockwise along the regulation rail 13 (see arrow c1). Thereafter, depending on the movement speed, the player passes through the passage S12c (see arrow c2) in the same way as when launching (see FIG. 4), or if the passage S12c cannot be reached, from the middle of the slope 12, the direction A1 side ( (downward in the inclination direction) (see arrow c3).

・Movement mode shown in FIG. 7(D) When the ball 11 comes into contact with the second arm 18 near the housing portion 14, the ball 11 is likely to move counterclockwise along the regulation rail 13, for example. (see arrow d1).
Thereafter, the ball 11 can overcome the interspersed protrusions 15A if it has a speed sufficient to overcome the interspersed protrusions 15A (see arrow d2). Since the interspersed protrusions 15A are provided with the slopes 15b, the ball 11 moving along the regulation rail 13 can easily climb over the slopes 15b. Furthermore, although the ball 11 that has climbed over in this way moves toward the direction A2, it is difficult to predict the exact direction.
That is, in the embodiment, by utilizing the property that the ball 11 easily moves along the regulation rail 13, the scattered protrusions 15A are arranged on the movement path of the ball 11. Further, the interspersed protrusions 15A are formed in a shape that allows the ball 11 moving in the direction A2 to easily get over, and the moving direction of the ball 11 that gets over can be made irregular.

Note that when the ball 11 does not move along the regulation rail 13, it may move toward the other scattered protrusions 15B to 15D. Even in such a case, the ball 11 easily climbs over the other scattered protrusions 15B to 15D due to the slope 15b (see arrow d3, etc.). Further, since the obstructing protrusion 16 also has a slope, the ball 11 can get over the obstructing protrusion 16 similarly to the interspersed protrusions 15 (see arrow d4).

Even when the ball 11 does not go over the interspersed protrusions 15, it may move in the direction A2 (upward in the inclination direction) than the interspersed protrusions 15 through the gap S15 (see arrow d5, etc.).
Since the interspersed protrusions 15 are arranged in an inverted triangular shape, the frontage of the gap S15 on the direction A1 side (lower side in the inclination direction) becomes larger. Further, the ball 11 is guided in the direction A2 (upward in the inclination direction) by the side portions of the interspersed protrusions 15. Therefore, the ball 11 easily moves in the direction A2 (upward in the inclination direction) through the gap S15.
Although not shown, similarly, the ball 11 easily moves in the direction A2 through the gap between the interspersed protrusions 15 and the obstructing protrusions 16.

・Movement mode shown in FIG. 7(E) When the ball 11 comes into contact with the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 while being located around the middle of the first arm 17 and the second arm 18, the ball 11 moves between the first arm 17 and the second arm 18. The second arm 18 moves so as to be lifted in the direction A2 (upward in the inclination direction). Thereby, the ball 11 can overcome the obstructing protrusion 16 in the direction A2 (upward in the inclination direction). Thereafter, the ball 11 moves away from the obstructing protrusion 16, such as by abutting the first arm 17.

As described above with reference to FIG. 7 and the like, the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 change the moving direction of the ball 11 in an irregular direction by coming into contact with the ball 11 moving on the inclined surface 12. Perform a changing action (irregular movement action).
Further, the rotational speed of the first arm 17 during a ball game is slower than when launching the ball. Therefore, the player can carefully observe how the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 move in contact with the ball 11, and can enjoy the ball game.

(4) When the ball 11 is stored in the storage section 14 (see FIG. 3, etc.), the ball detection section 14c outputs detection information of the ball 11 to the control section 96.
When the ball 11 is accommodated within the time limit, the control unit 96 stops the rotation of the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 at that point.
If the ball 11 is not accommodated within the time limit, the control unit 96 stops the rotation of the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 according to the elapse of the time limit. Thereby, the ball 11 can move toward the accommodating part 14 without being obstructed by the first arm 17 and the second arm 18, and is accommodated in the accommodating part 14.
Note that the control unit 96 may make it easier for the ball 11 to be accommodated in the accommodating portion 14 by slowing down the rotational speed of the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 as the time limit elapses. Further, the control unit 96 may control the rotation of the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 so that the distance therebetween is widened, so that the ball 11 is easily accommodated in the accommodation unit 14.
Here, if the ball 11 is not accommodated in the accommodating portion 14 even after a predetermined period of time (for example, within 10 seconds) has elapsed after the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 have stopped, the ball 11 is placed on the obstructing protrusion 16. It is possible that it remains. In such a case, the control unit 96 may move the ball 11 from above the obstructing protrusion 16 by rotating the first arm 17 several times.
As a result, the ball game using the inclined surface 12 ends.

(roulette lottery)
The control unit 96 stops the rotation of the roulette 20a on the display unit 21 at the time when the output of the detection information of the ball 11 is received. Then, the control unit 96 determines the symbol located at the top of the roulette 20a as the winning symbol at the time when the roulette 20a is stopped. For example, when the roulette 20a is stopped in the scene shown in FIG. 6(B), the winning symbols are 150 symbols.
In this way, the winning symbol is determined at the timing when the ball 11 is stored in the storage section 14 in the ball game. As described above, the movement of the ball 11 on the inclined surface 12 is irregular, and the timing at which the ball 11 is stored in the storage section 14 is difficult for the player to predict.
Thereby, the game machine 1 can improve the player's sense of excitement in the ball game and the roulette lottery.
Note that the control unit 96 may change the time limit if, for example, another station Sr is waiting for the game start of the mass release stage, or if the store is before closing time. good.

(Large amount of medals released)
(1) After determining the winning symbol, the control unit 96 rotates the inclined surface 12 by 180 degrees around the central axis C12, thereby directing the head of the model 25a, that is, the mass ejection port 25b, toward the station St1. (See Figure 1, etc.). As a result, the direction A2 side of the inclined surface 12 faces toward the station St1.
As a result, the normal direction of the inclined surface 12 will face the opposite side from the station St1, and the area S12a will be placed on the opposite side from the station St1, but after the ball game is over, Therefore, there is no problem in progressing through the series of games.

(2) The control unit 96 releases the number of medals corresponding to the winning symbol onto the pusher table of the station St1 by driving a medal sending device (not shown) of the hopper that stores the medals.

In this way, the game machine 1 secures a large area for the main area S12a used in the ball game by eccentrically arranging the model stand 19 on the inclined surface 12. can direct this main area S12a towards station St1. Thereby, the limited space inside the game machine 1 can be used effectively. Further, when a large amount of medals are released, the model stand 19 moves closer to the station St, so that the medal transfer route can be shortened.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 can make the lottery using the balls 11 interesting and make it difficult to predict the timing at which winning symbols will be determined. In addition, the game machine 1 can effectively utilize the internal space by installing the mass release device 25 on the inclined surface 12 and rotating it.

[Configuration regarding external medal M1 and internal medal M2 at each station St]
The configuration regarding the external medal M1 and internal medal M2 at each station St (configuration regarding medal insertion, medal ejection, payout, medal circulation, etc.) will be explained.
The medals M that the player inserts into the input ports 31L and 31R and are paid out to the payout port 39 and the medals M that are supplied to the pusher table 35 and the like and are used in the play areas F1 to F6 have different flows. In other words, the medals M that the player actually touches and the medals M that are used only inside the game machine are operated differently.
In this description, in order to clearly distinguish between the two medals M, the former will also be referred to as the external medal M1 and the latter as the internal medal M2, as appropriate. The external medal M1 and the internal medal M2 may be of different types in size, material, shape, etc., or may be of the same type. In the embodiment, an example will be described in which both are of the same type.
In addition, the act of supplying the internal medals M2 from the injection devices 34L and 34R of each station St to the pusher stands 35 of each play area F1 to F6 is also appropriately referred to as "ejection".

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the pusher stand 35 and the vicinity of the operation panel 2d of the station St1 of the embodiment, viewed from the upper side Z2.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the main configuration regarding the external medals M1 and internal medals M2 of the game machine 1 of the embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating the flow of the external medals M1 and internal medals M2.
The configuration of station St1 will be mainly described below, but the other stations St2 to St6 have similar configurations.

(Station St)
Station St1 includes a left input port 31L (external medal input section), a right input port 31R (external medal input section), a left lever 32L (first lever), a right lever 32R (second lever), a payout button 33, and a left injection port. Device 34L (first medal injection device, internal medal insertion section), right injection device 34R (second medal injection device, internal medal insertion section), pusher stand 35, left collection cylinder 36L, right collection cylinder 36R, acquisition hole 37, It includes a payout port 39 (external medal payout part), a left hopper 40L, a right hopper 40R, an external medal hopper 41 (external medal storage part), and an internal medal hopper 42 (internal medal storage part).
The left input port 31L, left lever 32L, left injection device 34L, and left collection tube 36L are symmetrical in the left-right direction X, and the right input port 31R, right lever 32R, right injection device 34R, and right recovery tube 36R are It is the composition. Hereinafter, the configuration of the left side X1 will be mainly described, and the description of the configuration of the right side X2 will be omitted as appropriate.

The left input port 31L, the right input port 31R, the left lever 32L, the right lever 32R, and the payout button 33 are provided on the operation panel 2d provided on the front side Y1 of the external surface of the housing 2.
The left input port 31L and the left lever 32L are a pair of operation parts provided on the left side X1 of the operation panel 2d, and the right input port 31R and the right lever 32R are provided on the right side X2 of the operation panel 2d. This is one set of operation units. These two operation units may be operated by one player or two players. The payout button 33 is provided between the two operation sections, and is shared by the two operation sections.
In this way, the station St1 is configured such that one player may play or two players may play while sharing the play area F1.
Note that two payout buttons 33 may be provided on the left and right sides so that two players can operate each payout button 33.

The left slot 31L is a slot into which the player inserts the external medal M1. The inside of the left slot 31L includes a detection unit 31a (optical sensor, etc.) that detects the inserted external medal M1.

The left lever 32L is an operating section for operating the left injection device 34L and the mass ejection device 25. The left lever 32L is provided so as to protrude from the operation panel 2d. The left lever 32L is tilted in different directions: left side X1 (first direction), right side X2 (second direction), front side Y1 (third direction), and back side Y2 (third direction). is possible.
The payout button 33 is a button that accepts an operation for paying out acquired medals (described later) acquired by the player to the payout port 39 as external medals M1.

The left ejection device 34L is a device that ejects the internal medal M2 onto the pusher stand 35. The left injection device 34L sends the internal medal M2 to the play area F1 in response to external medal M1 being inserted into the left slot 31L, left lever 32L being operated, winning a small win in the game, etc. eject.
The left injection device 34L includes an injection cylinder 34a, an injection port 34b, and a motor 34c.
The injection cylinder 34a is provided near the upper side of the reciprocating table 35a of the pusher stand 35 in a range on the back side Y2 of the side wall 34d surrounding the play area F1. The injection tube 34a is rotatably supported around an axis in the vertical direction Z.
The ejection port 34b is a part that actually ejects the internal medal M2. The injection port 34b is provided at the tip of the injection cylinder 34a.

The motor 34c is a drive unit that rotates the injection tube 34a. By rotating the injection tube 34a by the motor 34c, the injection direction of the internal medals M2 ejected from the injection port 34b is changed.
The motor 34c rotates the injection tube 34a counterclockwise (direction corresponding to the first direction) in response to the tilting operation of the left lever 32L toward the left side X1, and changes the injection direction to the rear side Y2. On the other hand, the motor 34c rotates the injection tube 34a clockwise (direction corresponding to the second direction) in response to the tilting operation of the left lever 32L to the right side X2, and changes the injection direction to the near side Y1. Thereby, the player can change the position where the ejected internal medal M2 is placed on the pusher stand 35.

The range in which the injection cylinder 34a can be rotationally driven is that the injection range A34 (range where the ejected internal medals M2 are placed) of the internal medals M2 ejected from the injection port 34b is about the entire top surface of the reciprocating table 35a. As such, it is set.

The pusher stand 35 gradually moves the internal medals M2 placed on the reciprocating table 35a and the fixed table 35b toward the front side Y1 by reciprocating the reciprocating table 35a.
The left collection cylinder 36L and the right collection cylinder 36R are provided on the left and right sides of the front edge of the fixed table 35b, respectively.
Note that detailed explanations of the pusher stand 35, the left collection cylinder 36L, and the right collection cylinder 36R will be given later.
The acquisition hole 37 is an opening in the center of the front edge of the fixed table 35b.

With this configuration, the internal medals M2 placed on the fixed table 35b move toward the front side Y1, and are eventually placed in any of the left collection tube 36L, right collection tube 36R, and acquisition hole 37. to fall.
The left collecting cylinder 36L and the right collecting cylinder 36R are provided with a detection unit 36a (such as an optical sensor) that detects the fallen internal medal M2. Similarly, the acquisition hole 37 is provided with a detection section 37a that detects the fallen internal medal M2. In the embodiment, the detection section 36a is designed to also detect the internal medal M2 that has fallen into the collection tubes 36L and 36R, but the collection tubes 36L and 36R are each provided with an independent detection section. It may be.
The storage unit 95 stores the number of medals that have fallen into the acquisition hole 37 as the number of acquired medals acquired by the player. The acquired medals stored in the storage section 95 in this way are also referred to as credit medals. Furthermore, the storage unit 95 stores the number of medals that have fallen into the collection cylinders 36L and 36R as the number of collected medals.

Further, balls 38 are supplied onto the fixed table 35b from a ball supply device according to the progress of the game. This ball 38 is a game medium different from the internal medal M2 and the ball 11 described above.
The ball 38 rides directly on the fixed table 35b or on the internal medal M2 on the fixed table 35b. Therefore, when the internal medal M2 moves on the fixed table 35b, the ball 38 also moves on the fixed table 35b.

The payout port 39 is a payout port for paying out medals acquired by the player in the game to the outside as external medals M1. The outlet 39 is provided at the front of the housing 2 (see FIG. 1).

The left hopper 40L is a container that stores the internal medals M2 ejected from the left injection device 34L. The left hopper 40L includes a delivery device 40a for delivering the internal medals M2 to the left injection device 34L.
Similarly, the right hopper 40R includes a delivery device 40a for storing the internal medals M2 ejected from the right injection device 34R and delivering the internal medals M2 to the right injection device 34R.

The external medal hopper 41 is a container that stores the external medals M1 inserted into the input ports 31L and 31R, and the external medals M1 to be paid out to the payout port 39. An administrator (such as a clerk) of the game machine 1 can replenish or reduce the number of external medals M1 in the external medal hopper 41 by opening and closing the maintenance opening 2h (see FIG. 1).
The external medal hopper 41 is provided with a delivery device 41a for delivering the external medals M1 to the delivery port 39.

The internal medal hopper 42 stores internal medals M2 that have fallen from the fixed table 35b (that is, the internal medals that have moved outside the play area) according to the result of the game, and also stores them in the left hopper 40L, right hopper 40R, and release hopper 43b. This is a container that stores the internal medals M2 before they are stored.
The internal medal hopper 42 is provided with a delivery device 42a for delivering the internal medals M2 to a left hopper 40L, a right hopper 40R, and a discharge hopper 43b. The sending device 42a may have a configuration in which one sending device selects and sends the internal medal M2 from the three hoppers 40L, 40R, and 43b, or it may include three devices corresponding to the three hoppers 40L, 40R, and 43b. may have been done.

(Mass release device 25)
The mass discharge device 25 includes a discharge hopper 43b and a motor 43c.
The discharge hopper 43b is a container that stores the internal medals M2 to be discharged from the mass discharge port 25b. Unlike the above hoppers, the discharge hopper 43b is not provided for each station St, but only one discharge hopper 43b is provided. In other words, the discharge hopper 43b is shared among all stations St1 to St6.
The discharging hopper 43b is provided with a discharging device 43a for discharging the internal medals M2 to the mass discharging port 25b.
The motor 43c is a drive device that rotates the head of the model 25a around an axis in the vertical direction Z. As a result, the motor 43c rotates the mass discharge port 25b so as to reciprocate from side to side (see direction X25b shown in FIG. 8).

In a state where a large amount of internal medals M2 are ejected, the mass ejection port 25b is located approximately at the center of the pusher stand 35 when viewed from the upper side Z2 (see FIG. 8), and the height from the mass ejection port 25b to the pusher stand 35 is is sufficiently high, for example, about 1 m.
Therefore, the internal medals M2 ejected from the mass ejection port 25b are ejected so as to fall across the left-right direction X in the approximately central range of the depth direction Y on the pusher table 35. Further, the internal medal M2 released onto the pusher stand 35 bounces on the pusher stand 35. Therefore, the ejection range A25b of the internal medal M2 is almost the entire upper surface of the pusher table 35 (the reciprocating table 35a and the fixed table 35b).
On the other hand, as described above, the injection range A34 of the injection devices 34L and 34R is only above the reciprocating table 35a.

Here, the area above the fixed table 35b is the movement range of the ball 38. Therefore, on the pusher table 35, the area where the discharge range A25b and the movement range of the ball 38 overlap is almost the entire range on the fixed table 35b. Further, in principle, there is no region where the ejection range A34 and the movement range of the ball 38 overlap. Therefore, the former range is wider than the latter range.

[Flow of external medal M1 and internal medal M2]
While explaining how to play the game, the flow of external medals M1 and internal medals M2, etc. will be explained.
(Supplying internal medals M2 to pusher stand 35 in response to medals being inserted into input ports 31L and 31R)
When the player wants to eject the internal medal M2 onto the pusher stand 35, the player tilts the left lever 32L in the left-right direction X (left side X1, right side It is only necessary to set the left input port 31L to the left input port 31L.
The control unit 96 rotates the injection barrel 34a in the depth direction Y (front side Y1, back side Y2) by controlling the left injection device 34L in response to the tilting operation of the left lever 32L in the left-right direction X, The direction of the injection port 34b, that is, the injection direction of the internal medal M2 is changed. Further, the external medal M1 inserted into the left input port 31L is detected by the detection section 31a and stored in the external medal hopper 41. The control unit 96 drives the delivery device 40a of the left hopper 40L in response to the detection by the detection unit 31a.
Thereby, the control unit 96 supplies the internal medals M2 stored in the left hopper 40L to the pusher stand 35 from the injection port 34b in response to the external medals M1 being inserted into the left input port 31L. Further, the control unit 96 executes medal injection without accepting a tilting operation of the left lever 32L in the depth direction Y.
Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the control unit 96 similarly transfers the internal medals M2 stored in the right hopper 40R from the right injection device 34R to the pusher stand 35 in response to the input of the external medals M1 through the right input port 31R. supply

(Supplying internal medals M2 to pusher stand 35 by consuming acquired medals)
As the game progresses, the internal medals M2 on the pusher stand 35 fall into the acquisition hole 37 and the collection tubes 36L and 36R.
The internal medal M2 that has fallen into the acquisition hole 37 is detected by the detection unit 37a and stored in the internal medal hopper 42. The control unit 96 counts the internal medals M2 that have fallen into the acquisition hole 37 every time the detection unit 37a detects the internal medals M2, and adds up the number of acquired medals in the storage unit 95. Furthermore, even if the internal medal M2 falls into the acquisition hole 37, the control unit 96 does not pay out the external medal M1.
Similarly, the control unit 96 counts the internal medals M2 that have fallen into the recovery tubes 36L and 36R, and adds up the number of recovered medals, according to the output of the detection unit 36a.

If the player wishes to eject the internal medals M2 onto the pusher stand 35 using the number of acquired medals, the player tilts the left lever 32L in the left-right direction X (left side X1, right side X2) to change the direction of the ejection port 34b. , and tilt the left lever 32L in the depth direction Y (back side Y2 or front side Y1).
The control unit 96 changes the direction in which the internal medals M2 are inserted into the left injection device 34L in response to the tilting operation of the left lever 32L in the left-right direction X, in the same manner as in the case of inserting the external medals M1 described above. The control unit 96 consumes the acquired medals by subtracting the number of acquired medals from the storage unit 95 in accordance with the tilting operation of the left lever 32L in the depth direction Y, and also consumes the acquired medals in the same manner as when inserting the external medal M1 described above. , the internal medals M2 stored in the left hopper 40L are supplied to the pusher stand 35 from the injection port 34b. Note that while the left lever 32L continues to be tilted in the depth direction Y, the control unit 96 continuously supplies the plurality of internal medals M2 one by one to the pusher stand 35.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the control unit 96 similarly controls the right injection device 34R in response to the tilting operation of the right lever 32R in the left-right direction The internal medal M2 is supplied to the pusher stand 35.
Note that the medals acquired by station St1 are not distinguished between left and right areas, and the storage unit 95 stores the number of medals acquired by station St1 as a whole. Therefore, regardless of whether the left lever 32L or the right lever 32R is operated, the control unit 96 consumes the acquired medals of the station St1 and injects the internal medals M2 from the left injection device 34L and the right injection device 34R, respectively. . In other words, the control unit 96 shares the number of acquired medals stored in the storage unit 95 with respect to the internal medals M2 that the two injection devices 34L and 34R respectively inject into the play area F1 in response to the operation of the levers 32L and 32R.
In the embodiment, the control unit 96 tilts the levers 32L and 32R in an oblique direction in order to prevent erroneous operations such as inserting medals while changing the direction of the injection port 34b. The configuration is such that it does not accept. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 96 may be configured to accept a tilting operation in an oblique direction so as to be able to insert medals while changing the direction of the ejection port 34b.

(Payout of external medal M1)
The player only has to operate the payout button 33 to end the game.
The control unit 96 controls the external medal hopper 41 in response to the operation of the payout button 33, and pays out the external medals M1 corresponding to the number of acquired medals stored in the storage unit 95 to the payout port 39.
Thereby, the player can pay out external medals M1 corresponding to the number of acquired medals acquired in the game.

In this way, by inserting the external medals M1 that can actually be touched into the slots 31L and 31R, the player can feel as if he or she is directly inserting the medals into the play area F, as in the past. You can play with.

Furthermore, by operating the levers 32L and 32R in the depth direction Y, the player can play by consuming the medals earned in the game. Therefore, when the player uses up all the external medals M1, the player can play by consuming the acquired medals that have been acquired up to that point.
In this case, the player can change the injection direction and execute injection of the left injection device 34L by operating only the left lever 32L with his left hand. Similarly, the player can change the injection direction and execute injection of the right injection device 34R by operating only the right lever 32R with the right hand. Thereby, the player can operate both the left ejection device 34L and the right ejection device 34R at the same time by operating the levers with both hands, and can play while sharing and consuming the acquired medals with both ejection devices.
As described above, the game machine 1 has much better operability than conventional game machines.

(Circulation of internal medal M2)
The control unit 96 controls the delivery device 42a to transfer the internal medals M2 that have fallen into the acquisition hole 37, the collection tubes 36L and 36R and are stored in the internal medal hopper 42 to the left hopper 40L, right hopper 40R, and release hopper 43b. It is sent out in such a way that it is distributed to
The internal medal hopper 42 can accommodate the largest number of medals, for example, several hundred medals. The control unit 96 sends out to the left hopper 40L, right hopper 40R, and discharge hopper 43b as necessary.
The internal medal M2 is ejected from the left ejection device 34L when the player inserts the medal into the left slot 31L or when the left lever 32L is operated. Similarly, the internal medal M2 is ejected from the right ejection device 34R when the player inserts the medal into the right slot 31R or when the right lever 32R is operated. Also, when a small win is won in the game, the internal medal M2 is ejected from the ejection devices 34L and 34R.
For this reason, the control unit 96 controls the internal medals M2 such that, for example, about 100 internal medals M2 are stored in the left hopper 40L and the right hopper 40R, respectively, as the required quantity for inputting from the left injection device 34L and the right injection device 34R. , controls the delivery device 42a of the internal medal hopper 42.

On the other hand, the control unit 96 does not store the internal medals M2 in the discharge hopper 43b during the normal stage. The control unit 96 only performs the mass discharge process at each station St that has transitioned to the mass discharge stage from stations St1 to St6 as the game progresses (that is, each station St determined to perform mass discharge). Control is performed to send out the internal medals M2 of each station St to the discharge hopper 43b.
For example, when the station St1 moves to the mass release stage and processes mass release, the control unit 96 sends the number of internal medals M2 won in the roulette lottery from the internal medal hopper 42 of the station St1 to the release hopper 43b. do. Further, the internal medal hoppers 42 of the other stations St2 to St6 different from the station St1 are not driven, and the internal medals M2 are not sent from these internal medal hoppers 42 to the discharge hopper 43b. Then, the control unit 96 further controls the discharge hopper 43b to supply the internal medals M2 sent to the discharge hopper 43b from the mass discharge port 25b to the pusher stand 35 of the station St1.
Therefore, in the mass discharging process at station St1, only the internal medals M2 of the internal medal hopper 42 of station St1 are used, and the internal medals M2 of the internal medal hoppers 42 of the other stations St2 to St6 are not used.

In this way, the internal medals M2 of each station St are not only completely separated from the flow path of the external medals M1, but also do not mix with the internal medals M2 of other stations St. Therefore, the internal medals M2 of each station St do not move from each station St to other stations St, but circulate only within each station St. Therefore, the quantity of internal medals M2 held by each station St remains constant and does not change even as the game progresses.
Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a shortage of internal medals M2 (so-called medal shortage) at each station St. In addition, the administrator of the game machine 1 only has to pay attention to whether the number of external medals M1 is too large or too small when replenishing or reducing the number of external medals M1, so that management regarding the medals is easy.

(Operation of mass discharge port 25b during mass discharge)
When discharging a large amount at each station St, the control unit 96 does not accept operation of the injection devices 34L, 34R by the levers 32L, 32R of that station St. That is, even if the levers 32L, 32R are tilted, the control unit 96 is not controlled to change the direction of ejection of the internal medal M2 by the ejection devices 34L, 34R, and to execute the ejection.
When discharging a large amount at each station St, the control unit 96 changes the direction of the large quantity discharging port 25b by controlling the motor 43c in accordance with the operation of the levers 32L and 32R in the left-right direction X. Thereby, the control unit 96 changes the release direction of the large amount of internal medals M2 to the left-right direction X (see direction X25b shown in FIG. 8).
In this case, when both levers 32L and 32R are operated, the control unit 96 may follow the operation of the lever operated last, for example.

When the levers 32L, 32R are tilted to the left side X1, the control unit 96 accepts this operation and moves the mass discharge port 25b to the left side X1. Further, when the levers 32L and 32R are tilted to the right side X2, the control unit 96 receives this operation and moves the injection port 34b to the right side X2.

In this manner, the control unit 96 switches the lever operation target from the injection devices 34L and 34R to the mass discharge device 25 in response to the mass discharge device 25 discharging the internal medals M2 into the play area F1. Thereby, the levers 32L and 32R can be used both as operating devices for the injection devices 34L and 34R and as operating devices for the mass ejection device 25.
Further, the control unit 96 can change the direction in which the internal medals M2 are released into the play area F1 by the large amount ejection device 25 by accepting only the lever operation of the station St that performs large amount ejection.

Since the player can control the direction in which the internal medals M2 are released from the large-volume release device 25 at the time of large-volume release, the player can control the position on the pusher stand 35 at which the internal medals M2 are released.
A ball 38 is placed on the fixed table 35b.
Therefore, the player can play so as to hit the ball 38 with the internal medal M2 by operating the release direction of the internal medal M2. The ball 38 moves on the fixed table 35b by hitting the released internal medal M2. Further, the release range A25b of the internal medal M2 includes the entire surface of the fixed table 35b, which is the movement range of the ball 38, so it is a chance for the player to move the ball 38 advantageously.
In addition, if the ball 38 falls into the acquisition hole 37 during mass release, the player is given a benefit, such as processing that two balls 38 have fallen in response to one ball 38 falling. May be granted.

That is, during the normal stage, the internal medals M2 ejected from the ejection devices 34L and 34R cannot directly hit the ball 38. During the normal stage, the internal medal M2 moves as the reciprocating table 35a reciprocates, and the ball 38 moves little by little on the fixed table 35b as the internal medal M2 moves.
On the other hand, when discharging a large amount, the internal medals M2 from the mass discharging device 25 can directly hit the ball 38, so the ball 38 can be moved a large distance. Furthermore, since the release range A25b is the entire surface of the fixed table 35b, if the internal medal M2 is hit on the ball 38 so that the ball 38 moves toward the front side Y1, the ball 38 will move in the direction of the acquisition hole 37. Can be done.

When the mass release stage of station St1 ends, the control unit 96 shifts to the normal stage and restarts the normal stage. Accordingly, the control unit 96 switches the lever operation target of the station St1 from the mass ejection device 25 back to the injection devices 34L and 34R. Injection devices 34L, 34R are uncontrolled during the bulk ejection stage. Therefore, when the normal stage is restarted, the state before the transition to the mass ejection stage is maintained, so the injection direction is maintained.
Therefore, when the normal stage is resumed, the player can eject the internal medals M2 in the desired direction before ejecting a large amount.

[Configuration related to pusher stand 35 and collection cylinder 36]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the configuration near the collection tube 36 of the embodiment, viewed from the back side Y2.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the cylinder body 55 of the collection cylinder 36 of the embodiment.
FIG. 11(A) is a diagram of the cylinder body 55 viewed from the upper side Z2.
FIG. 11(B) is a sectional view (BB sectional view) of the cylinder body 55 viewed from the right side X2.
FIG. 11(C) is a right side view of the cylinder body 55.
FIG. 11(D) is a diagram of the cylinder body 55 viewed from the back side Y2.
FIG. 11(E) is a perspective view of the cylinder body 55.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the vicinity of the recovery tube 36 when the recovery tube 36 of the embodiment is arranged in an inner rotation state and an outer rotation state.
In addition, in FIG. 12, illustration of the ball guard 56 is omitted in order to explain the movement mode of the medal M in an easy-to-understand manner.

In the game machine 1, the configuration regarding the pusher stand 35 and the two collection cylinders 36L and 36R is substantially symmetrical in the left-right direction X. Hereinafter, the left recovery tube 36L on the left side X1 will be mainly explained, and the recovery tubes 36L and 36R will also be referred to as the recovery tube 36.
The game machine 1 includes a pusher stand 35, a collection tube 36 (medal collection section), a surrounding wall 58, and a drive section 59.
The pusher stand 35 includes a reciprocating table 35a and a fixed table 35b.
The upper surfaces of the reciprocating table 35a and the fixed table 35b are horizontal surfaces, on which the medals M can be movably placed. A side wall 34d is provided on the outside of the reciprocating table 35a and the fixed table 35b in the left-right direction X (direction perpendicular to the medal movement direction).

The reciprocating table 35a is driven to reciprocate in the depth direction Y on the fixed table 35b by a drive unit (not shown) including a motor or the like. The state shown in FIG. 10 is a state in which the reciprocating table 35a is disposed at the frontmost side Y1.
The medals M supplied onto the reciprocating table 35a from the injection device 34 or the like come into contact with the back wall 50 (see FIG. 1) due to the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating table 35a. For this reason, the plurality of medals M placed on the reciprocating table 35a gradually move toward the front side Y1 like a ball bump phenomenon. As a result, some of the plurality of medals M fall onto the fixed table 35b from the inclined surface 35c on the front side Y1.

The fixed table 35b is fixed to the housing 2. Although the shape of the fixed table 35b viewed from the upper side Z2 is rectangular in the embodiment, it may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the game machine.
The medals M and the like that have fallen from the reciprocating table 35a in this way are placed on the fixed table 35b. Furthermore, the medals M that have fallen from the reciprocating table 35a come into contact with the front wall of the reciprocating table 35a due to the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating table 35a. Therefore, the plurality of medals M placed on the fixed table gradually move toward the front side Y1 (medal movement direction) like a ball-and-ball phenomenon. As a result, some of the plurality of medals M fall from the front edge of the fixed table 35b into the acquisition hole 37 or are collected into the collection cylinder 36.

A corner portion of the front side Y1 of the fixed table 35b (that is, both left and right ends of the front edge portion) is provided with a notch 52.
The cutout 52 is an arc-shaped cutout in the corner of the fixed table 35b. The radius of this arc is equivalent to the radius of the cylinder of the collection tube 36. In this way, the notch 52 has a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the collection tube 36.
For this reason, the collection cylinder 36 and the fixed table 35b are arranged continuously in the play area F1, and the collection cylinder 36 can be rotated without interfering with the fixed table 35b.

Note that unlike conventional game machines, the side wall 34d is not provided with a hole for the medal M to fall into (also referred to as a parent hole). Therefore, the medal M placed near the side wall 34d of the fixed table 35b easily moves toward the front side Y1 along the side wall 34d. Further, as will be described later, the area on the fixed table 35b near the side wall 34d is an easy-to-move area 61b (see FIG. 14(A)) in which the medal M can easily move.
Since the collection tube 36 is provided so as to be continuous with the side wall 34d, the medals M moving along the side wall 34d near the side wall 34d can be efficiently guided to the collection tube 36.

Balls 38, which are game media different from medals M, are supplied on the fixed table 35b. The ball 38 moves on the fixed table 35b in response to the movement of the medal M on the fixed table 35b. The diameter of the ball 38 is larger than the diameter of the medal M.

The collection cylinder 36 is a member that collects the medals M that have moved on the fixed table 35b.
The collection tube 36 is arranged so that a portion thereof is accommodated in the notch 52 of the fixed table 35b. That is, the two collection tubes 36 are provided at the front edge of the fixed table 35b, on the left side X1 and the right side X2 in the left-right direction X (orthogonal direction), respectively (see FIG. 8). Further, the collection tube 36 is provided on the front side Y1 of the side wall 34d so as to be continuous with the side wall 34d.
The game machine 1 is not provided with a member for hiding the collection tube 36. Therefore, unlike the drop hole of a conventional game machine, the collection tube 36 is exposed to the upper side Z2 within the play area F1, and is arranged so as to be clearly visible to the player.
A ball guard 56 (ball movement suppressing member) is fixed to the upper side Z2 of the collection cylinder 36.

Referring to FIG. 11, the shape of the cylinder body 55 of the recovery cylinder 36 will be described. In addition, in the description of the cylinder main body 55, for convenience, the central axis C35 of the cylinder is set in the vertical direction Z, and the flat surface 55b is arranged toward the back side Y2.
The table arrangement line 55i shown in FIG. 11 indicates the position of the surface of the fixed table 35b in the vertical direction Z when the cylinder body 55 is attached to the game machine 1.
The cylinder main body 55 has a shape in which a part of the upper part of the cylindrical member is shaved off so as to have an opening 55j that opens toward the back side Y2. Further, the hollow portion of the cylinder forms a collection hole 55h into which the medal M falls. The diameter of the collection hole 55h is larger than the diameter of the medal M.

The cylinder body 55 includes a falling surface 55a, a flat surface 55b (easy falling surface), a raised surface 55c (hard falling surface), an upright surface 55d, an inner wall 55e, and a top surface 55f.
The falling surface 55a guides the medals M that have moved from the flat surface 55b, the raised surface 55c, etc. to the collection hole 55h by sliding them down. The falling surface 55a is inclined toward the lower side Z1 toward the collection hole 55h.

The flat surface 55b and the raised surface 55c are formed on the upper surface of the cylinder body 55.
The flat surface 55b is a surface formed at the outer edge of the cylinder body 55 and surrounded by an arc and a chord on the outer periphery of the cylinder body 55. The flat surface 55b is a plane and a horizontal surface. In the vertical direction Z, the flat surface 55b is arranged at the same position as the surface of the fixed table 35b. Furthermore, the outer edge of the flat surface 55b coincides with the table arrangement line 55i.
The raised surface 55c is a surface formed on the outer edge of the cylinder body 55. The raised surfaces 55c are provided on the left and right outer sides of the flat surface 55b, respectively.
The raised surface 55c extends from the table arrangement line 55i toward the recovery hole 55h (in other words, in the direction of the central axis C35 of the cylinder) and extends toward the upper side Z2 (that is, so as to protrude above the surface of the fixed table 35b toward the upper side Z2). ), is formed.

The upright surface 55d is a wall surface extending from the side on the front side Y1 of the raised surface 55c to the top surface 55f. The upright surface 55d is a surface substantially parallel to the vertical plane (XZ plane).
The inner wall 55e is a side wall extending from the left and right outer sides of the falling surface 55a to the raised surface 55c.
The top surface 55f is a surface forming the top of the cylinder body 55. The top surface 55f is a horizontal surface.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the collection tube 36 is attached to the game machine 1, the flat surface 55b is arranged so as to be continuous with the surface of the fixed table 35b. Moreover, the flat surface 55b forms a surface continuous with the collection hole 55h without protruding from the surface of the fixed table 35b. Therefore, the flat surface 55b can easily guide the medals M that have moved on the fixed table 35b to the collection hole 55h, that is, can constitute a part where the medals M can be easily collected.
The raised surface 55c is arranged so as to be continuous with the surface of the fixed table 35b and to form a surface protruding from the surface of the fixed table 35b. Therefore, the raised surface 55c can constitute a part where it is more difficult to guide the medals M that have moved on the fixed table 35b to the collection hole 55h than the flat surface 55b, that is, it is difficult to collect the medals M.

Note that the part where the medals M can be easily collected (easily falling part) is not composed only of the flat surface 55b, but may be composed of a combination of the flat surface 55b and other surfaces. Similarly, the portion where it is difficult to collect the medal M (difficult to fall portion) may be configured by combining the raised surface 55c and other surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 10, the ball guard 56 is a member that prevents the ball 38 on the fixed table 35b from entering the collection hole 55h. The ball guard 56 is fixed to the top surface 55f of the cylinder body 55. For this reason, the ball guard 56 is arranged above the flat surface 55b and the raised surface 55c Z2.
The ball guard 56 is an annular plate. The outer diameter of the ball guard 56 is equal to the outer diameter of the cylinder body 55 when viewed from the upper side Z2. Also, the height from the fixed table 35b to the ball guard 56 is smaller than the diameter of the ball 38; in embodiments, this height is equal to the radius of the ball 38. The ball 38 that has moved on the fixed table 35b contacts the ball guard 56 before contacting the cylinder body 55. Thereby, the ball guard 56 can suppress the ball 38 from reaching the flat surface 55b and the raised surface 55c.

The diameter of the inner diameter portion of the ball guard 56 is larger than the diameter of the medal M.
Here, for example, the medals M released when a large amount of medals M are released may bounce off the pusher stand 35 or the like and fall toward the collection tube 36 from the upper side Z2. Such medals M pass through the inner diameter part of the ball guard 56 and fall into the collection hole 55h.
In this way, the ball guard 56 can prevent the ball 38 from reaching the cylinder body 55, and can also allow the medal M to pass even if it moves in an unusual manner.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 10, a ball guide plate 57 is provided on the side wall 34d to guide the ball 38 on the pusher stand 35 so that it does not move toward the collection cylinder 36.
The ball guide plate 57 is provided so as to protrude inwardly from the side wall 34d.
However, in order to ensure that the balls 38 do not reach the collection tube 36, it is necessary to make the ball guide plate 57 larger and to install the ball guide plate 57 close to the collection tube 36. In this case, the ball guide plate 57 hides many of the medals M on the fixed table 35b, and it is also difficult to observe the movement of the medals M in the vicinity of the collecting tube 36. Therefore, even if the game machine 1 is provided with the ball guide plate 57, the ball 38 may reach the collection cylinder 36.

The surrounding wall 58 is a wall portion that surrounds the front side Y1 and the right and left outer portions of the collection tube 36. In the left-right direction X, the inner part 58a of the surrounding wall 58 is located between the collection tube 36 and the fixed table 35b.
The drive unit 59 is a device that rotates the collection tube 36 around an axis in the vertical direction Z, and includes, for example, a motor. The collection cylinder 36 is rotationally driven by the drive unit 59 so as to reciprocate around the central axis C35 within a range of about 90 degrees.

Therefore, in the depth direction Y, the part of the collection cylinder 36 that is continuous with the notch 52 of the fixed table 35b (that is, the edge of the tip of the fixed table 35b in the medal movement direction) is changed between the flat surface 55b and the raised surface 55c. be done.
As a result, the ease with which the medal M falls changes between an easy fall state (the state shown in FIG. 12(A)) and a difficult fall state (the state shown in FIG. 12(B)).

(Movement of the medal M that has reached the collection tube 36)
As shown in FIG. 12(A), in the easy-fall state, the opening 55j where the flat surface 55b is formed is arranged so as to face the back side Y2, so it moves on the fixed table 35b to the near side Y1. The medals M are placed facing each other. Further, in the left-right direction X, the outer end 55k (indicated by a black circle) of the flat surface 55b is arranged at the same position as the side wall 34d. For this reason, the medal M that has moved on the fixed table 35b is likely to move onto the flat surface 55b. Thereby, in the easy-falling state, the medals M on the fixed table 35b are easily collected into the collection cylinder 36.

As shown in FIG. 12(B), in the difficult-to-fall state, the flat surface 55b is arranged to face the right side X2 (inner left and right). Therefore, the portion of the opening 55j in which the flat surface 55b is formed is arranged to face the right side X2 (that is, the direction perpendicular to the front side Y1, which is the medal movement direction). Further, the portion where the raised surface 55c is formed is arranged so as to face the back side Y2. Further, a portion 55m of the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 55 is also arranged to face the back side Y2.
Therefore, the medals M that have moved on the fixed table 35b are difficult to ride on the raised surface 55c, move along the hem of the raised surface 55c, and are difficult to move onto the flat surface 55b. Further, the medal M that has come into contact with a portion 55m of the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 55 cannot also enter the collection hole 55h. As a result, in a difficult-to-fall state, the medals M on the fixed table 35b are difficult to be collected into the collection cylinder 36.

Here, the medals M that have reached the collection tube 36 are further moved as the collection tube 36 is rotationally driven.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating how the medal M of the embodiment is moved by the collection tube 36.
Note that the manner in which the medals M move is complicated because it depends on the number of medals M, the state of movement of the medals M as the reciprocating table 35a moves back and forth, and the like. FIG. 13 shows a typical example of how the medal M moves.
As shown in FIG. 13(A), the medal M located on the flat surface 55b in the easy-falling state will fall into the collection hole 55h if it moves further toward the front side Y1. However, when the collection tube 36 rotates clockwise to change from this state to the difficult-to-fall state, the medal M may come into contact with the inner wall 55e. As shown in FIG. 13(B), therefore, this medal M may be moved inward in accordance with the rotation of the collection cylinder 36. Therefore, the medals M that the player expected to be collected in the collection tube 36 may not be collected.

As shown in FIG. 13(C), the medal M located on the raised surface 55c in the easy-falling state is returned onto the fixed table 35b when the collection cylinder 36 rotates clockwise from this state. However, when the collecting tube 36 rotates clockwise as described above, the medal M may get caught in the inner part 58a of the surrounding wall 58. When the medal M rotates while being caught in this way, it may climb over the raised surface 55c and fall into the collection hole 55h, as shown in FIG. 13(D). Therefore, medals M that the player expected not to be collected into the collection cylinder 36 may be collected.

As shown in FIG. 13(E), the medal M that has landed on the raised surface 55c in a difficult-to-fall state is maintained in a state where it does not fall into the recovery hole 55h. When the collection cylinder 36 rotates counterclockwise to change from this state to an easy-fall state, the medal M that has landed on the raised surface 55c continues to rotate and move, as shown in FIG. 13(F). After coming into contact with the side wall 34d and moving to the flat surface 55b, it may fall into the collection hole 55h. In this way, the manner in which the medal M falls into the collection hole 55h can be made interesting.

Since the collection cylinder 36 is exposed, the player can observe the movement of the medals M in an interesting manner. The player can also observe the medals M falling into the collection hole 55h through the inner diameter part of the ball guard 56.

(Operation after medal collection into collection tube 36)
As described above, the medals M collected in the collection tube 36 are detected by the detection section 36a (see FIG. 9).
Here, since the game machine 1 can efficiently guide the medals M on the fixed table 35b to the collection tube 36 as described above, the opening area of the collection hole 55h is the same as the opening area of the main hole of the conventional game machine. It can be made smaller than the area. Therefore, the area through which the medals M collected in the collection tube 36 pass can be made into a small space. Thereby, the detection unit 36a can easily detect the collected medals M.

The control unit 96 drives the ball supply device 70 to raise the ball 38 of the ball lifting device 71 according to the output of the detection unit 36a. The ball feeding device 70 feeds the balls 38 to the fixed table 35b, and further the balls 38 fall from the fixed table 35b into the acquisition hole 37, leading to a transition to the mass ejection stage.
In this way, unlike the pitfalls of conventional game machines, the game machine 1 of the embodiment has a configuration that makes it easy to detect the collected medals M, and also actively controls the manner in which the medals M are collected. It is structured so that it can be seen by the player. Therefore, the game machine 1 of the embodiment can not only use the collecting cylinder 36 as a substitute for the parent pit, but also use the collected medals M to advance the game.
Furthermore, in order to make it difficult for the player to understand that medals are being collected and the amount of medals collected, conventional game machines are provided with a blindfold on the pusher stand that hides the pitfalls of the player. On the other hand, since the game machine 1 is configured to show that the medals M are being collected, this blindfold is not necessary. Thereby, the game machine 1 can give the player a sense of security.

Note that the rotation period of the collection tube 36 may not be constant. For example, the control unit 96 may calculate the payout rate based on the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out, and change the rotation period of the collection tube 36 based on the calculation result. In this case, the control unit 96 can increase the payout rate by increasing the time during which the collecting cylinder 36 is placed in the easy-to-fall state, while increasing the time during which the collecting cylinder 36 is placed in the difficult-to-fall state. If you make it longer, you can adjust the payout rate to be lower.
Further, for example, when the reciprocating table 35a is moving toward the front side Y1, the medals M on the fixed table 35b are likely to move toward the front side Y1. Therefore, when the reciprocating table 35a is moving toward the front side Y1, the control unit 96 can increase the payout rate by controlling the collection tube 36 to be in an easy-to-fall state. The payout rate can be adjusted to be lower by controlling it so that it is difficult to fall.

[Configuration related to pusher stand 35 and ball supply device 70]
With reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, etc., the configuration related to the pusher stand 35 and the ball supply device 70 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the pusher stand 35 and the vicinity of the ball supply device 70 of the embodiment.
FIG. 14(A) is a diagram of the configuration near the fixed table 35b viewed from the upper side Z2.
FIG. 14(B) is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the fixed table 35b, side structure 65, ball lowering device 73, ball supply port 75, etc. when viewed from the front side Y1, and FIG. 14(A) It is a figure corresponding to the BB sectional view of.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the structure of the fixed table 35b and the vicinity of the ball supply device 70 of the embodiment, viewed from the upper right.
Note that FIG. 15 shows a state in which the transparent cover 71e of the ball raising device 71, the transparent cover 73e of the ball lowering device 73, the blind cover 74e, etc. are removed.

The game machine 1 includes a fixed table 35b, a ball supply device 70 (ball supply section), and the like as components related to the ball 38.
As shown in FIG. 10, the ball supply device 70 is provided on the side structure 65 located on the left side X1 of the fixed table 35b. The side structure 65 is a structure placed on the left side X1 of the play area F1. The right side surface of the side structure 65 is the side wall 34d.

(Easy movement area 61 and difficult movement area 62 of fixed table 35b)
As shown in FIG. 14, the fixed table 35b includes a plurality of screws 60 (resistance imparting members).
The screw 60 is fixed in a stepped hole in the fixed table 35b. The screw 60 is a type of screw whose head surface has a gently curved surface (that is, a large radius of curvature), and is, for example, a truss screw, a bind screw, or the like.
Only the upper portion of the curved surface of the head of the screw 60 protrudes from the surface of the fixed table 35b. The edge of the curved surface is located on the lower side Z1 than the surface of the fixed table 35b, and the outer peripheral surface of the head is also located on the lower side Z1 than the surface of the fixed table 35b.
Therefore, when the medal M moving on the fixed table 35b passes through the installation part of the screw 60, it rides on the curved surface without getting caught on the outer peripheral surface of the head of the screw 60, making it difficult to move. resistance is provided.
Note that during play, the screw 60 is covered with the medal M and cannot be visually recognized. Therefore, the player does not feel uncomfortable.

The installation range of the screw 60 is an area approximately in the center of the fixed table 35b. The outer shape of the installation range of the screw 60 is an isosceles trapezoid shape having an upper base on the back side Y2 and a lower side on the front side Y1. Further, within this isosceles trapezoidal region, there is a smaller isosceles trapezoidal region in which the screw 60 is not installed.
On the surface of the fixed table 35b, the area inside the small isosceles trapezoid and the area outside the large isosceles trapezoid are easy-to-move areas 61 in which the medal M can easily move.
In the embodiment, the inside of the small isosceles trapezoid in the easy-to-move area 61 is also called an easy-to-move area 61a, and the area along the side wall 34d is also called an easy-to-move area 61b. A ball stopping range (described later) is located in the easy movement area 61a.
The range in which the small isosceles trapezoid is removed from the large isosceles trapezoid becomes a difficult-to-move region 62 in which the medal M is more difficult to move than the easy-to-move region 61.

In the easy movement area 61, there is less resistance to movement of the medal M, so the movement speed of the medal M becomes faster. On the other hand, in the difficult-to-move area 62, the resistance to movement of the medal M is greater than in the easy-to-move area 61, so the moving speed of the medal M is slower than in the easy-to-move area 61. Therefore, the medals M are more likely to stagnate in the difficult-to-move region 62 than in the easy-to-move region 61.
As shown in FIG. 14(B), therefore, the height of the medals M loaded on the fixed table 35b is higher in the difficult-to-move region 62 and lower in the easily-moveable region 61. Further, the surface shape on which the medals M are loaded has a caldera-like shape in which the easily movable region 61a has a concave portion, and the difficult to move region 62 protrudes and surrounds the concave portion.

(Ball supply device 70)
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 15, the ball supply device 70 is a device that supplies the balls 38 onto the fixed table 35b. The surface layer of the ball 38 may be formed of an elastic body such as rubber or sponge.
The ball supply device 70 includes a ball raising device 71, a bridge rail 72, a ball lowering device 73 (ball moving section), a deceleration section 74, and a ball supply port 75.
The movement path of the balls 38 within the ball supply device 70 is in this order, that is, the balls 38 move from the ball lifting device 71 toward the ball supply port 75. The ball lifting device 71 side is the upstream side, and the ball supply port 75 is the downstream side.

(Ball lifting device 71)
The ball lifting device 71 is a device for lifting the balls 38 from a ball container (not shown) in which the balls 38 are stocked to the upper side Z2 of the side structure 65. The ball raising device 71 is provided upstream of the ball moving path than the ball lowering device 73.
The ball lifting device 71 includes a lifting guide rail 71a, a spiral screw 71b, and a transparent cover 71e.

The rising guide rail 71a is a member that guides the rising ball 38. The rising guide rail 71a has two rod shapes extending from the ball container toward the upper side Z2. The upper part of the ascending guide rail 71a is located above the side structure 65 Z2 and is therefore exposed to the play area F1.
The spiral screw 71b includes a rod member and a rising blade 71c (contact portion) that is a spiral blade attached around the rod member. The direction of the central axis C71b of the helical screw 71b is the vertical direction Z. The helical screw 71b is driven to rotate around the central axis C71b.
The transparent cover 71e (see FIG. 10) is a transparent cover that covers the helical screw 71b from the outside. The transparent cover 71e prevents the medals M from entering the inside of the ball lifting device 71.

With the above configuration, the ball lifting device 71 moves the balls 38 housed in the ball container along the lifting guide rail 71a while making contact with the lifting blades 71c of the spiral screw 71b by rotationally driving the spiral screw 71b. It can be raised by The player can visually recognize the ball 38 rising in this way through the transparent cover 71e.
Note that a detection section (such as an optical sensor) for detecting the elevated ball 38 is provided at the upper part of the ascending guide rail 71a (near the upper end of the vertical movement range of the ball). The control unit 96 can confirm that the ball 38 has risen to the upper end of the rising guide rail 71a and moved to the bridge rail 72 in response to the detection by the detection unit.

(Bridge rail 72)
The bridge rail 72 is a rail that moves the ball 38 lifted by the ball lifting device 71 to the upper part of the ball lowering device 73. The bridge rail 72 is formed from a plurality of rod-shaped members, and is inclined toward the lower side Z1 from the ball raising device 71 to the ball lowering device 73. Thereby, the bridge rail 72 can move the ball 38 toward the ball lowering device 73 while rolling it under the action of gravity so that the ball 38 is visible to the player.

(Ball lowering device 73)
The ball lowering device 73 includes a lowering blade 73c and a transparent cover 73e.
The descending blade 73c is a spiral blade attached around the rod member. The axial direction of the rod member is the vertical direction Z. The shape of the descending vane 73c is similar to the shape of the ascending vane 71c of the spiral screw 71b, that is, the two have corresponding shapes. The descending blade 73c is not rotationally driven, unlike the spiral screw 71b.
The upper part of the descending blade 73c is located above the side structure 65 Z2, while the lower part is accommodated in the side structure 65.
The transparent cover 73e (see FIG. 10) is a transparent cover that covers the descending blade 73c from the outside. The transparent cover 73e has a thin cylindrical shape.

With the above configuration, a spiral descending path 73d (ball descending path), which is a path that changes spirally at the center of the rod member, is formed between the inner wall surface of the transparent cover 73e and the descending blade 73c. The ball 38 in the spiral descending path 73d comes into contact with the descending blade 73c and the inner wall surface of the transparent cover 73e, and moves while being in contact with these while being accelerated by the action of gravity.
In this manner, the ball lowering device 73 receives the ball 38 that has moved from the bridge rail 72 and passes the ball 38 through the spiral lowering path 73d, thereby lowering the ball 38 while rotating. Further, since the ball 38 is accelerated by the action of gravity, the ball lowering device 73 does not require a drive device including a motor or the like, and can have a simple configuration.

The ball 38 is guided to the deceleration section 74 through the spiral descending path 73d.
As shown in FIG. 15, the terminal end of the spiral descending path 73d is arranged so that the tangential direction substantially faces the left-right direction X. The ball 38 advances toward the right side X2 almost parallel to the left-right direction X from the end of the spiral descending path 73d.

As described above, the ball 38 moves dynamically and is interesting because it rotates, accelerates, and descends at high speed. The player can visually recognize the ball 38 through the transparent cover 73e at the portion of the ball lowering device 73 that protrudes from the side structure 65, and can observe it with interest.
Further, the ball raising device 71 and the ball lowering device 73 have spiral blades having a similar shape to each other, and are installed in pairs in the depth direction Y so as to stand upright on the side structure 65. . Therefore, both can be neatly arranged within the play area F1 and have a good appearance.

(Deceleration section 74)
The deceleration section 74 is a portion from the end of the spiral descent path 73d to the ball supply port 75, and is a portion that mainly has the function of decelerating the balls 38 that have been accelerated to a high speed in the spiral descent path 73d. be.
The speed reducer 74 is provided inside the side structure 65.
The structure of the deceleration part 74 is hidden by a blind cover 74e (blind part) so that it is not exposed to the play area F1 (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the play area F1 is not impaired. The blind cover 74e constitutes a part of the top surface of the side structure 65.

The deceleration section 74 includes a deceleration protrusion 74a and an inclined surface 74b.
The deceleration protrusion 74a is a member that decelerates the ball 38 by coming into contact with the ball 38 that has moved from the spiral descending path 73d. As described above, the ball 38 is accelerated on the spiral descending path 73d, and the speed is too high to be delivered to the fixed table 35b as it is. Therefore, the deceleration protrusion 74a decelerates the ball 38.

The deceleration protrusion 74a is arranged on the movement trajectory of the ball 38 that has moved from the spiral descending path 73d. The deceleration protrusion 74a is fixed so as to protrude from the front inner surface of the deceleration portion 74 toward the back side Y2. The deceleration protrusion 74a may be formed of an elastic member (eg, sponge, rubber, spring, etc.) so as to suppress damage to the ball 38.

The inclined surface 74b is a part of the bottom surface of the deceleration section 74. The inclined surface 74b is a surface connected to the ball supply port 75, and is located immediately inside the ball supply port 75. The inclined surface 74b is inclined so as to reach the lower side Z1 toward the ball supply port 75 to such an extent that the medal M can slide down.
Here, when a large amount of medals M are released, the medals M that bounce off the pusher stand 35 or the like may enter the inside of the ball supply port 75. The inclined surface 74b can slide down the medals M that have entered in this way and discharge them from the ball supply port 75 onto the fixed table 35b.

(Ball supply port 75)
The ball supply port 75 is an opening provided in the side wall 34d, through which the ball 38 is directed onto the fixed table 35b.
As shown in FIG. 14(A), in the depth direction Y, the ball supply port 75 is arranged at the same position as the easy movement area 61a.

(Operation of the ball 38 coming out of the ball supply port 75)
As shown in FIG. 14(B), the ball 38 advances toward the right side X2 from the end of the spiral descending path 73d, and exits from the ball supply port 75 toward the right side X2. After falling onto the fixed table 35b, the ball 38 rolls to the right side X2 and stops within the easy movement area 61a, or falls into the easy movement area 61a and stops.
In other words, the size, material, etc. of the deceleration protrusion 74a are such that when the ball 38 moves along the spiral descending path 73d, the ball stops within the easy movement area 61a when the ball 38 is placed on the fixed table 35b. It is set to decelerate to the extent that The setting of the deceleration protrusion 74a may be changed as appropriate depending on the characteristics of the game machine, such as the size of the ball 38 and the speed of the ball 38 when exiting the spiral descent path 73d.
When the game machine 1 was actually prototyped, it was confirmed that the provision of the deceleration protrusion 74a had the effect of stopping the ball 38 coming out of the ball supply port 75 within the easy movement area 61a. Moreover, in the case where the deceleration protrusion 74a is not provided, the ball 38 reaches the opposite wall of the side wall 34d on the left side X1 because the ball 38 is at high speed due to the spiral descending path 73d.

Further, the height from the fixed table 35b to the ball supply port 75 is set so that the falling speed of the ball 38 can be stopped within the ball stopping range. The height H75 from the fixed table 35b to the lower part of the ball supply port 75 is, for example, 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less.
That is, if the position of the ball supply port 75 is too high, the ball 38 will again become too fast due to the action of gravity. Moreover, if the ball 38 falls onto the medal M on the fixed table 35b at too high a speed, it will bounce in too irregular directions, making it difficult to move in the direction of the easy-to-move area 61a. Furthermore, if the position of the ball supply port 75 is too low, it is not preferable because it may cause the medals M that bounced on the fixed table 35b to easily enter the ball supply port 75.

In this manner, the game machine 1 of the embodiment can stop the ball 38 taken out from the ball supply port 75 of the side wall 34d within the easy movement area 61a, which is the targeted position according to the game specifications. Therefore, the game machine 1 does not need to provide a large arm, rail, etc. for guiding the ball 38 on the fixed table 35b. Therefore, the play area F1, which is the area for playing games, can be kept neat and tidy without becoming complicated.
As shown in FIG. 8, the mass ejection device 25 ejects a large amount of medals M from the upper side Z2 of the fixed table 35b to a range including the ball stopping range on the upper surface of the fixed table 35b. Since the game machine 1 of the embodiment does not require the arms, rails, etc., the discharging of such a large amount of medals M is not obstructed.
On the other hand, since conventional game machines are equipped with the arms, rails, etc., the play area F1 is complicated, and when a large number of medals M are released, the medals M hit the arms, rails, etc. and become a hindrance. Ta.

(Ball supply timing)
In the embodiment, when the number of medals collected in the collection tubes 36L and 36R reaches a certain number (for example, about 100 medals), the control unit 96 rotates the spiral screw 71b to collect one ball 38. It is supplied onto a fixed table 35b. The display unit 20 may display the ratio of the collected amount to the above-mentioned fixed number of medals M using a gauge or the like.
Further, the control unit 96 may play a game using the display unit 20 when the number of medals reaches a certain number, and supply balls on condition that the player wins the game.
However, the method of supplying the balls can be set as appropriate depending on the specifications of the game machine 1. For example, each time the medals M are collected one by one, the spiral screw 71b is rotated by a certain angle, so that the balls are fed into the ball lifting device 71. The ball 38 may be raised little by little.
In addition, the ball lifting device 71 raises the ball 38 to the top of the lifting guide rail 71a, holds the ball 38 so that it does not move to the bridge rail 72 with a locking mechanism, and locks the ball 38 when supplying the ball. Ball 38 may be moved to bridge rail 72 by releasing.

[Lottery process associated with winning the Chukka]
With reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, etc., the slot lottery process associated with a Chukka winning will be explained.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of lottery processing associated with a Chukka winning according to the embodiment.
17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating the slot screen 80 of the display unit 21 during the slot lottery process of the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 96 controls three chuckers 90R (first winning port), chucker 90G (second winning port), and chucka 90B (second winning port) provided on the inclined surface 35c of the pusher stand 35. ), the slot screen 80 (see FIG. 17) is displayed on the display unit 21 (see FIG. 1), and slot lottery processing (profit awarding lottery processing) is performed. In other words, the control unit 96 grants the player the right to execute the slot lottery in response to the Chukka win. In embodiments, this right is also referred to as a stock.
The edges of the chucka 90 are colored red (R), green (G), and blue (B), which indicate the attributes of the chucka 90G. In the embodiment, the color attributes of these chukkas 90 are also referred to as winning colors.
Inside each chucka 90, a detection unit (such as an optical sensor) for detecting a winning medal M is provided.

The control unit 96 can determine which chucka 90 the medal M has entered based on the outputs of these detection units. When the result of the slot lottery is a winning result, the control unit 96 injects and supplies medals M in the number corresponding to the winning result onto the pusher stand 35 from the injection devices 34L, 34R. The number of medals supplied is, for example, 50 if the variable symbol is "777", 30 if 3 identical odd numbers other than "7" are lined up, and 3 identical even numbers. If they are lined up, there will be 10 sheets, etc.
When the medals M are supplied onto the pusher table 35, the medals M (M2) and the ball 38 on the fixed table 35b tend to fall into the acquisition hole 37. Therefore, it is profitable for the player to win in the slot lottery process.

As shown in FIG. 17(A), the control unit 96 displays the slot screen 80 on the display unit 21 during the slot lottery.
The slot screen 80 includes a variable display section 81, a stock display section 82, and a lottery execution stock display section 83.
The variable display section 81 dynamically displays numbers 0 to 9 in three display areas in order to display the lottery results. The winning combination of the slot lottery corresponds to the combination of these three numbers.

The stock display section 82 displays information on stocks owned by the player as stock figures 85 (85R, 85G, 85B). In the embodiment, the stock figure 85 is a circular figure having a color corresponding to the winning color. 17 and 18 show the colors of the stock figure 85 by indicating the colors "R, G, B" in the stock figure 85. The stock figures 85 are displayed side by side from the left side X1 to the right side X2 in order of winning, and a lottery is drawn from the stock figure 85 placed furthest to the left side X1. In FIGS. 17 and 18, the acquisition order of stocks corresponding to each stock figure 85 is shown by branch number. The stock display section 82 displays up to ten stock figures 85.
The lottery execution stock display section 83 displays a stock figure 85 of the stock whose lottery is currently being executed.

For example, FIG. 17(A) shows a situation in which the stock corresponding to the stock figure 85R-0 is consumed and a slot lottery is being performed from a state where there are 10 stocks.
Therefore, the stock figure 85R-0 is displayed in the lottery execution stock display section 83. Further, the number of stock figures 85 displayed on the stock display section 82 has been reduced from ten to nine.

(Flow of slot lottery processing)
The flow of the slot lottery process will be explained using the game progress shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 as an example.
As shown in FIG. 16, in S1, the control unit 96 determines whether or not the medal M has won based on the output of the detection unit of the chucka 90. When the control unit 96 determines that a prize has been won (S1: YES), the process proceeds to S2; on the other hand, when it is determined that a prize has not been won (S1: NO), the process proceeds to S1a.
In S1a, the control unit 96 refers to the storage unit 95 to determine whether or not there is stock. If the control unit 96 determines that there is stock (S1a: YES), the process proceeds to S5, whereas if it determines that there is no stock (1a: NO), the control unit 96 repeats the process from S1.

In S2, the control unit 96 determines winning probability information corresponding to each prize by executing a lottery of winning probability information. Information regarding winning probability information is stored in the storage unit 95.
The winning probability information is information on the winning probability used in the slot lottery (S5 described later). The winning probability information includes, for example, three types of information: high probability, medium probability, and low probability. The higher the probability, the easier it is to win a winning combination with a larger number of medals supplied, and the lower the probability of losing, which is advantageous for the player.

In S3, the control unit 96 associates the winning color with the winning probability information determined in S2 and stores it in the storage unit 95 as stock. As a result, each time a prize is won in the chucka 90, a plurality of stocks are stored in the storage unit 95 in the order of winning. Note that the maximum number of stocks in the storage section 95 is 10, which is the number corresponding to the stock display section 82, and the control section 96 does not store more than 11 stocks in the storage section 95. Therefore, even if a new prize is won when the stock is 10, it will not be profitable for the player.

In S4, the control unit 96 displays the stock figure 85 corresponding to the stock in response to storing the stock in the storage unit 95. As a result, the stock figure 85 is displayed on the stock display section 82 each time a prize is won in the chucka 90. In addition, by checking the stock figure 85, the player can confirm that he/she owns the stock (that is, that he/she has the stock in the storage section 95) and the winning color.

In S5, the control unit 96 displays the stock figure 85 placed on the leftmost side X1 so as to be moved to the lottery execution stock display unit 83, and also performs slot lottery processing for the stock corresponding to this stock figure 85. . In the slot lottery process, winning probability information (for example, high probability) associated with the stock is used. Further, the control unit 96 deletes the stock for which the lottery was performed from the storage unit 95.
As a result, the stocks are consumed in the order in which they won, and the slot lottery process corresponding to each stock is sequentially performed.
As shown in FIG. 17(B), in response to displaying the lottery result on the variable display section 81, the control section 96 erases the stock figure 85R-0, which has been used for the slot lottery, from the lottery execution stock display section 83. do. Thereby, the player can confirm information on the slots consumed for the slot lottery process.

In S6, the control unit 96 determines whether the lottery result in S5 is a winning result. If the control unit 96 has won (S6: YES), the process proceeds to S7; on the other hand, if it has determined that the winner has not won (S6: NO), it repeats the process from S1.
In S7, the control unit 96 performs winning processing. That is, the control unit 96 controls the injection devices 34L and 34R to supply the winning number of medals M onto the pusher stand 35.

In FIG. 17(B), 50 pieces are won in the slot lottery of the stock (each first lottery right) corresponding to the stock figure 85R-0 (first right display of each first lottery right), so the control unit 96 supplies 50 medals M onto the pusher stand 35.
In S8, the control unit 96 refers to the storage unit 95 to determine whether or not there is a stock (another first lottery right) of the same winning color as the winning stock in S6 among the stored stocks. Determine. If the control unit 96 determines that there is stock of the same winning color (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S9; on the other hand, if it determines that there is no stock of the same winning color (S8: NO). , the next stock slot is drawn by repeating the process from S1.

In S9, the control unit 96 performs combo processing (collective profit granting processing) regarding the stock of the same winning color. Combo processing is performed in the following order.
(1) As shown in FIGS. 17(C) and 18(A), the stock figure 85R-3 in the stock display section 82 is moved to the lottery execution stock display section 83. Further, the stock display section 82 moves the stock figure 85 displayed on the right side X2 of the stock figure 85R-3 so as to fill up the space left by the movement of the stock figure 85R-3.
Furthermore, the stock corresponding to the stock figure 85R-3 is deleted from the storage section 95.
When this stock is deleted, the number of stocks in the storage section 95 decreases, and the number of new stocks that can be stored increases.

(2) Display "Stock Combo! 50 pieces x 2" on the display section 21, and in the above (1), regarding the stock corresponding to the stock figure 85R-3 moved to the lottery execution stock display section 83, the same as in S7 Perform the winning process. That is, the injection devices 34L and 34R are controlled to supply 50 medals M onto the pusher stand 35, similar to the scene shown in FIG. 17(B).
(3) Upon completion of the medal supply, the stock figure 85R-3 is deleted from the lottery execution stock display section 83.

In this way, if the lottery result for the stock figure 85R-0 is a win, the control unit 96 processes it as a win without performing the slot lottery process for the stock figure 85R-3.
Further, in this case, the control unit 96 controls the selection of the same number of medals M as the lottery result of the stock of the stock figure 85R-0, regardless of the winning probability information (for example, low probability, etc.) associated with the stock of the stock figure 85R-3. is supplied onto the pusher stand 35. In other words, even if there is winning probability information associated with the stock of the stock figure 85R-3, the lottery result of the stock of the stock figure 85R-0 is transferred to the stock of the stock figure 85R-3 without using this information. By reflecting this, it is possible to perform medal supply processing regarding the stock of the stock figure 85R-3.
In addition, by performing the processes (1) to (3) above regarding the display of the stock figure 85R-3, the control unit 96 can supply medals related to the stock figure 85R-3 following the stock figure 85R-0. It is possible to notify the player that this has been performed.

(4) When the supply of medals related to the stock figure 85R-3 is finished, the control unit 96 refers to the storage unit 95 again to determine whether there is stock of the same winning color as the winning stock in S6. do. If the control unit 96 determines that there is stock of the same winning color, it repeats the processes (1) to (3) above again.

In the example of FIG. 18(A), a stock figure 85R-8 having the same color as the stock figure 85R-0 is displayed. Therefore, there is a stock of the same color as the stock won in S6.
As shown in FIG. 18(B), therefore, the control unit 96 processes the stock corresponding to the stock figure 85R-8 in the same manner as in (1) to (3) above.
In this way, in the combo process, when there are multiple stocks of the same winning color, processes such as stock display and medal supply are performed sequentially, so it can be produced as if it were linked to the first winning.

(5) After the medal supply process for the stock figure 85R-8, there is no stock of the same winning color as the winning stock in S6.
As shown in FIG. 18C, the control unit 96 therefore repeats the process from S1 for stocking the stock figure 85G-1.

Although the above process has been explained with respect to the stock associated with the winning of the Chukka 90R, the same process is performed regarding the stock associated with the winning of the Chukka 90G and 90B.

In this manner, when the lottery result of the slot lottery is a win, the gaming machine 1 processes stocks of the same winning color as the winning stock as winnings without performing the slot lottery. This saves playing time.
That is, in a mode in which batch processing is not performed unlike the embodiment, if the time until the slot stops in one lottery process is, for example, 5 seconds, the stock figures 85R-3 and 85R-8 in the above example It takes an extra 10 seconds to process this.
Further, even if the number of items in stock is at most 10, there is a sufficient margin in the number of remaining items due to batch processing. This reduces the chances of winnings being wasted, which is beneficial to the player.
Furthermore, since the game machine 1 supplies medals M corresponding to a plurality of winnings onto the pusher table 35 upon winning one slot lottery, it is possible to increase the player's desire to play.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and, for example, various modifications and changes are possible, and these are also within the technical scope of the present invention. be. Further, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Note that the configurations of the embodiments described above can be used only in part or in appropriate combinations, but detailed explanations will be omitted.

(Deformed form)
(1) In the embodiment, an example is shown in which the lottery device is used for a lottery regarding mass release, but the lottery device is not limited to this. For example, the lottery device may be used for lottery for generating various events of the game (event type lottery, etc.).

(2) In the embodiment, the lottery device uses a roulette wheel for lottery, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lottery device may be of a type that determines the winning result according to the timing when the ball is stored in the storage section. good.

(3) In the embodiment, an example was shown in which the mass ejection device ejects medals, but the present invention is not limited to this. The mass ejection device may be a device (game media ejection unit) that ejects game media (spheres such as balls, capsules, etc.) other than medals.

(4) In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control unit similarly ejects medals from the ejection device regardless of whether the lever is tilted toward the front side or the back side, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit may change the medal ejection time interval (that is, the number of medals ejected per unit time) depending on, for example, an operation on the near side or the back side of the lever. In this case, the player can take a strategy such as changing the amount of medals supplied to the pusher stand depending on the state of the medals placed on the pusher stand, for example. Further, the control unit may change the medal ejection speed depending on, for example, an operation on the front side or the back side of the lever. In this case, the speed at which the left hopper and right hopper send out medals may be changed.
Furthermore, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot, the control unit is configured to select whether to eject the medal immediately or to store it in the storage unit as a credit medal. Depending on the operation, credit medals may be consumed and medals may be ejected from the ejection device. In this form, the player can select his or her preferred playing method.

(5) In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the medal release direction from the release port of the mass release device is moved in the left-right direction during mass release, but the present invention is not limited to this. The discharge direction from the discharge port may be at least one of the left-right direction and the other direction. For example, a large-volume discharge device includes a motor that moves the discharge port in the vertical direction (the axis of rotation is in the horizontal direction, etc.), and the control unit controls this motor in accordance with the tilting operation of the lever in the depth direction to move the discharge port in the vertical direction. may be moved vertically.

(6) In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the collection tube includes a flat surface and a raised surface as the easy-to-fall part and the hard-to-fall part, but the present invention is not limited to this. The easy-to-fall part and the hard-to-fall part may have any form as long as they change the ease with which the medals can be collected in accordance with the rotational movement of the collection tube. For example, the easy-fall part may have a form in which the falling surface is extended to the outer periphery of the collection tube without having a flat surface. Further, the difficult-to-fall portion may be a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the collection cylinder above the fixed table.

(7) In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the deceleration portion includes a deceleration protrusion to decelerate the ball, but the present invention is not limited to this. The deceleration part may include other members as long as they can decelerate the ball. For example, a sheet material with a rough surface may be provided to increase the rolling resistance of the ball.

(8) In the embodiment, the example in which the resistance imparting member is a screw is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The resistance providing member may be any member that provides resistance to movement of the medal. The resistance imparting member, for example, may be a sheet material in which part of the surface of the fixed table has different surface roughness.
Further, in the game machine, the reciprocating table may be provided with an easy-to-move area and a difficult-to-move area by providing the resistance imparting member on the reciprocating table.

(9) In the embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit executes a lottery according to winnings in the chukka and determines winning probability information (high probability, medium probability, low probability, etc.), but the control unit is not limited to this. . In addition to this lottery, the control unit also performs an additional rights lottery to determine whether or not to grant additional rights (for example, the right to add 10 medals to the pusher table when winning a slot lottery). May be executed. If the granting of the additional rights is won, the control unit may store the additional rights and the stock in association with each other in the storage unit.
This additional right may not be extinguished in combo processing. That is, in the example of the embodiment, when the stock of the stock figure 85R-3 and the additional rights are associated, the control unit controls the stock of the stock figure 85R-3 during combo processing based on the stock figure 85R-0. In addition to the 150 medals, 10 medals for additional rights may be added and supplied to the pusher stand. As a result, the player does not lose the benefits related to the additional rights.

(10) In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which, in the combo processing, processes such as moving stock figures and supplying medals are performed sequentially for each stock with respect to stocks of the same winning color, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the combo process, the total number of medals corresponding to all the stocks of the same winning color may be simultaneously supplied without moving the stock figures, regarding the stocks of the same winning color. In this case, the processing time for combo processing can be further reduced.

(11) In the embodiment, the game machine that performs the combo process for stocks of the same winning color is a medal pusher game machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a game machine such as a pachinko machine, combo processing may be performed by assigning a stock attribute to each winning prize. Further, the present invention may be applied to an electronic game machine that includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device and allows game media to be entered into a winning slot on the display unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Game machine 10... Lottery device 11... Ball 12... Inclined surface 14... Accommodation part 14a... First opening/closing arm 14b... Second opening/closing arm 14c... Ball detection part 15, 15A to 15D... Dotted projections 15a... Upright surface 15b ... Slope 16 ... Obstruction projection 16a ... Curved surface 16b ... Slope 17 ... First arm 18 ... Second arm 19 ... Model table 20 ... Lottery section 20a ... Roulette 21 ... Display section 25 ... Mass discharge device 25b ... Mass discharge port 31L ... Left inlet 31R...Right inlet 31a...Detection unit 32L...Left lever 32R...Right lever 34L...Left injection device 34R...Right injection device 34b...Injection port 34d...Side wall 35...Pusher stand 35a...Reciprocating table 35b...Fixed table 36L ...Left collection tube 36R...Right collection tube 37...Acquisition hole 37a...Detection part 38...Ball 39...Payout port 41...External medal hopper 42...Internal medal hopper 43b...Discharge hopper 52...Notch 55...Cylinder body 55a...Falling surface 55b... Flat surface 55c... Raised surface 55h... Collection hole 56... Ball guard 59... Drive part 60... Screw 61, 61a, 61b... Easy movement area 62... Difficult movement area 70... Ball feeding device 71... Ball lifting device 71a... Rising guide rail 71b...Spiral screw 71c...Rising vane 71e...Transparent cover 72...Bridge rail 73...Ball descending device 73c...Descent vane 73d...Spiral descending path 74...Reduction part 74a...Reduction projection 74b...Slope surface 75...Ball supply port 85...Stock Figures 90, 90R, 90G, 90B...Chucka 95...Storage section 96...Control section F0-F6...Play area M...Medal M1...External medal M2...Internal medal S15...Gap St, St1-St6...Station

Claims (8)

A lottery device that uses moving balls for lottery,
an inclined surface on which the ball is movably arranged;
a ball accommodating part that is disposed below the slope in the slope direction and can accommodate the ball that has moved on the slope;
an obstructing protrusion that is disposed above the ball accommodating part in the sloping direction and protrudes from the sloping surface, and that prevents the ball moving on the sloping surface from moving toward the ball accommodating part ;
The arm includes an arm that rotates on the inclined surface to come into contact with a ball that is obstructed by the obstructing protrusion, and is disposed in a range above the ball accommodating portion in the inclination direction, and a ball moving unit that moves the ball that is obstructed by the protrusion in a direction away from the obstructing protrusion;
The rotation range of the arm is a space above the obstructing protrusion in the normal direction of the inclined surface, and overlaps with the obstructing protrusion when viewed from the normal direction.
A lottery device characterized by: The movement speed and movement direction of the ball vary depending on the manner in which the ball is arranged on the inclined surface,
Claim 1: The height of the obstructing protrusion is set to a certain level, depending on the movement mode of the ball , in cases where the ball can get over the obstructing protrusion and in cases where the ball cannot get over the obstructing protrusion. The lottery device described in . 3. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a display section that displays a roulette wheel, and a lottery section that stops the roulette wheel and determines a winning result when a ball is stored in the ball storage section. Lottery device. A plurality of dotted protrusions are provided so as to be dotted on the inclined surface and protrude from the inclined surface, and when a ball moving on the inclined surface comes into contact with the protrusions, the moving direction of the ball is irregularly changed. The lottery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A lottery device that uses a moving ball to generate a game event,
an inclined surface on which the ball is movably arranged;
a ball accommodating part that is disposed below the slope in the slope direction and can accommodate the ball that has moved on the slope;
a plurality of interspersed protrusions dotted on the slope and protruding from the slope, the ball moving on the slope changing the direction of movement of the ball when the ball comes into contact therewith ;
It is a surface provided on some of the scattered protrusions, and has a slope that is farther away from the slope toward the upper side in the slope direction,
A ball moving unit that is provided on the slope and in a movement range of the ball guided by the slope of the dotted projection, and is capable of moving the ball guided by the slope of the dotted projection upward in the slope direction. Equipped with
The slopes of the some of the interspersed protrusions are arranged on the same plane.
A lottery device characterized by: The lottery device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least some of the plurality of dotted protrusions are spaced apart from each other with a gap through which a ball can pass and are arranged on the same line. comprising a regulating part regulating a movement range of the ball on the inclined surface,
The ball moving section is capable of moving the ball along the regulating section,
The lottery device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein at least some of the interspersed protrusions are arranged along the restriction part. The gap between the adjacent dotted protrusions becomes smaller as the upper side in the slope direction of the slope surface is located, and the gap between the adjacent scattered protrusions becomes larger as the slope position is lower in the slope direction of the slope surface.
The lottery device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that:

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