WO2007043258A1

WO2007043258A1 - Game machine

Info

Publication number: WO2007043258A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/317756
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masato Okuaki; Shoki Kogure
Original assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-10-13
Filing date: 2006-09-07
Publication date: 2007-04-19
Also published as: TW200730226A; JP2007105219A; TWI324943B; GB2445708B; JP3939332B2; GB2445708A; GB0808450D0; HK1123238A1

Abstract

A game machine in which the sate of game can be switched using a mechanical arrangement. Especially the station section (ST) in a pusher game machine (1) comprises a main table (501) for storing metals (M), a pusher section (510) for generating a flow of metals (M) on the main table (501) by sliding on the main table (501) and pushing the metals (M), especially a metal guide plate (533) of guide sections (530R, 530L) for controlling the flow of metals (M) on the main table (501), and a guide section moving mechanism (540) for protruding the metal guide plate (533) of the guide sections (530R, 530L) from the main table (501) or retracting the metal guide plate (533) to below the upper surface of a predetermined table.

Description

Specification

Game device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a game device, and more particularly to a game device that uses a substantially disc-shaped game medium such as a medal.

Background art

[0002] In general, game devices that use an approximately spherical game medium such as a ball or an approximately disk-shaped game medium such as a medal are known. In this description, a game device that uses such a game medium is referred to as a medal game device. In the present application, the term “game medium” means a tangible object used when playing a game.

As a typical example of a medal game device, a pusher game device is widely known. A pusher game device generally has a slot for a game player to input a game medium, a play field for temporarily storing the game medium in which the input power is input, and a game field for which the input power is input. And a pusher unit that pushes the game medium on the play field in a predetermined cycle. A part of the game media pushed by the pusher unit falls from the play field and is stocked in the game device or the force paid out to the game player.

[0004] The medal game device represented by such a pusher game device is one in which a game player plays a game by inserting a game medium. The amount of game media played will affect the outcome of the game.

Disclosure of the invention

[0005] Incidentally, in recent years, more powerful and complex game characteristics are desired. For example, in order to realize complex game characteristics, a plurality of game states such as a game state advantageous to the game player and a normal or unfavorable game state are prepared and switched appropriately. At this time, the present inventors have found that the game performance can be further improved by configuring the game state to be switched using a mechanical configuration. [0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus capable of switching a game state using a mechanical configuration.

[0007] In order to achieve such an object, the game device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a predetermined table for storing the first game medium, and sliding the first table to push the first game medium. Pusher means for generating the flow of the first game medium on the predetermined table, first flow control means for controlling the flow of the first game medium on the predetermined table, and the first flow control means projecting from the predetermined table cover. Moving means for retracting or retreating below a predetermined table top surface.

[0008] The first flow control means for switching the flow of the first game medium is provided in the game device that pushes the first game medium, which is a tangible object such as a medal, stored on the predetermined table. The flow control means can be used to control the flow of the first game medium so as to be advantageous to the game player, for example. Similarly, it is also possible to control the flow of the first game medium so as to be disadvantageous for the game player, for example, using the first flow control means. Further, it is possible to switch the flow of the game medium by further providing moving means for projecting the first flow control means onto the predetermined table or retracting it below the predetermined table. As a result, it is possible to switch between a game state advantageous to the game player, a disadvantageous game state, a normal game state, and the like using a mechanical configuration.

[0009] Further, the game device according to the second invention is the game device according to the first invention, wherein the first flow control means includes a first guide plate protruding from the predetermined table cover, and is placed on the predetermined table. The flow of the first game medium is restricted by the first guide plate.

[0010] The first flow control means for controlling the flow of the first game medium that is a tangible object can be configured using a first guide plate that is a plate member. When this plate member is used, the flow of the first game medium can be realized with a simple configuration in which the plate member protrudes above the predetermined table or retracts under the predetermined table. As a result, it is possible to realize a game device that switches the game state using a mechanical configuration at low cost.

[0011] Further, a game device according to a third aspect of the invention is the game device according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising two first guide plates in which the first flow control means are combined in parallel or in a C shape. [0012] By using the first guide plate in combination in a parallel or square shape, it becomes possible to guide the first game medium in the direction in which the first game medium is to be reliably guided. That is, by configuring the first game medium to flow between the first guide plates combined in parallel or in the shape of a letter C, the flow of the first game medium can be accurately and surely limited.

[0013] Further, the game device according to the fourth invention is a game device according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the first game medium dropped from a predetermined end of the predetermined table is paid out to the game player. And a first flow control means for controlling the flow of the first game medium on the predetermined table so that the first game medium flows to the predetermined end side.

[0014] By providing the payout means in the direction controlled by the first flow control means, the game is configured to be advantageous for the game player when the flow is controlled by the first flow control means. That's right.

[0015] Further, the game device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the game device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the second flow control means controls the flow of the second game medium stored on the predetermined table. The pusher means slides on the predetermined table and pushes the first game medium or the second game medium, thereby generating a flow of the second game medium on the predetermined table.

[0016] By providing a second flow control means for controlling the flow of the second game medium having a shape different from that of the first game medium, for example, a pusher game using the first game medium, for example, a bingo game Other types of games such as the ball lottery game used can be combined. That is, it is possible to combine a plurality of types of games, and it is possible to realize more complicated game characteristics.

[0017] Further, the game device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the game device according to the second aspect, further comprising second flow control means for controlling the flow of the second game medium stored on the predetermined table. The pusher means slides on the predetermined table and pushes the first game medium or the second game medium to generate a flow of the second game medium on the predetermined table, and the second flow control means performs the first guide. A second guide plate is disposed on the plate at a predetermined interval from the first guide plate, and the predetermined interval is equal to or greater than the thickness of the first game medium.

[0018] The second flow control means for controlling the flow of the second game medium that is a tangible object is, for example, a plate portion A second guide plate that is a material can be used. In addition, by providing the second guide plate on the first guide plate, the configuration for controlling the flow of the first game medium and the second game medium (first and second flow control means) occupies a predetermined amount. The area on the table can be reduced. At this time, by providing a gap greater than the thickness of the first game medium between the first guide plate and the second guide plate, the flow of the second game medium is not limited without restricting the flow of the first game medium. The flow can also be controlled.

[0019] In addition, a game device according to a seventh aspect of the invention is the game device according to the sixth aspect of the invention, comprising two second guide plates in which the second flow control means is combined in a parallel or square shape.

[0020] By using the second guide plate in combination in a parallel or square shape, it is possible to guide the second game medium in the direction in which the second game medium is to be reliably guided. That is, by configuring the second game medium to flow between the second guide plates combined in parallel or in the shape of a letter C, the flow of the second game medium can be accurately and surely limited.

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a game apparatus that can switch a game state using a mechanical configuration.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a part of the overall configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a station unit ST in FIG.

3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the satellite part SA in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view extracting the configuration of the play field 500 and its peripheral part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram for explaining the reciprocating motion of the pusher unit 510 in the play field 500 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the play field 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front (game player side).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of the medal M and the ball B1ZB2 on the main table 501 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a guide part moving mechanism 540 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [9] FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the protrusion and subtraction motion of the guide portions 530L and 530R according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

13 is a rear view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

14 is a partial exploded view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

[15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to Modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16] A perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to Modification 2 of the embodiment of the present invention.圆 17] It is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to Modification 3 of the embodiment of the present invention. [18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to Modification 4 of the embodiment of the present invention.圆 19] A perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to Modification 5 of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing another medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a rear view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a first modification of another medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of another medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a third modification of another medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a modification 4 of another medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28] A perspective view showing Modification Example 5 of another medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the thickness of medals and the width of the step surface of the first step and the second step. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a medal movement simulation effect section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a medal movement simulation effect section and its peripheral parts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is an exploded view showing a configuration of a medal insertion sensor and its surroundings in a medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a medal flow in the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit when producing a pseudo medal movement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a waveform diagram of signals input / output between a medal movement simulation rendering unit and its peripheral units and a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a modification of the operation of the medal movement simulation effect section and its peripheral part in one embodiment of the present invention, and shows the medal movement simulation effect part, its peripheral part and the control part in this modification example; It is a wave form diagram of the signal input / output between.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a first modification of the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect section according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 (a) is a perspective view showing a modified example 2 of the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect section in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 38 (b) is an array of LEDs provided on each side surface in FIG. FIG.

FIG. 39 (a) is a perspective view showing a modified example 3 of the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect section in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 39 (b) is an array of LEDs provided on each side surface in FIG. FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[1] One Embodiment

First, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, each

(Replacement 銑 mm) The drawings only schematically show the shape, size, and positional relationship to the extent that the contents of the present invention can be understood. Therefore, the present invention shows the shape, size, and position illustrated in each figure. It is not limited to relationships only. In each drawing, a part of the hatching in the cross section is omitted for the sake of clarity of the configuration. Furthermore, the numerical values exemplified below are merely preferred examples of the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the exemplified numerical values. This is the same in each embodiment described later.

[0025] (1 1) Overall configuration

In the present embodiment, a medal is taken as an example of the above-described approximately disc-shaped game medium, and a pusher game device is taken as an example of a game device using this medal.

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing a configuration of a pusher game device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, in order to simplify the explanation, FIG. 1 shows an excerpt of the basic configuration of the pusher game device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pusher game device 1 is configured to include a satellite unit SA and a station unit ST. In the drawing, a force indicating an example in which one station unit ST is combined with one satellite unit SA Actually, a plurality of station units ST can be combined with one satellite unit SA. In this case, the station part ST is arranged so as to surround the satellite part SA.

[0028] (1 1 1) Station configuration

In addition, the configuration of the station ST in FIG. 1 is extracted in FIG. 2, and the schematic configuration is described with reference to FIGS. The station unit ST is configured to provide various games such as pusher games, bingo games, and digital lottery games to game players.

As shown in FIG. 2, the station unit ST includes a medal insertion mechanism (insertion unit) 100, a medal transport path 200, a lift-up hopper 300, a medal discharge path 400, a play field 500, A control unit 600, a display unit 700, and a housing 800 are included.

[0030] Housing 800 is a structure that forms a framework of station ST. In the case 800, the medal insertion mechanism 100 is disposed on the upper front side, the display unit 700 is disposed on the upper back side, and the play field 500 is disposed on the upper center. In addition, the housing 800 has a meda This accommodates the transport route 200, the lift-up hopper 300, the control unit 600, and the like. Here, the term “front side” means the side located when the game player plays, and the term “back side” means the side opposite to the side where the game player plays, “Center” means the area between “front side” and “back side” described above.

The medal insertion mechanism 100 is a configuration for inserting a medal M, which is a game medium, into the pusher game device 1 when a game player plays. The medal M inserted from the medal insertion mechanism 100 is transported to the lift-up hopper 300 via the medal transport path 200 and is temporarily stored in the lift-up hopper 300. The medal transport path 200 and the lift-up hopper 300 are disposed in the housing 800 as described above. The medal transport path 200 has a function of mechanically and physically connecting the medal insertion mechanism 100 and the lift-up hopper 300 and transporting the medal M inserted from the medal insertion mechanism 100 to the lift-up hopper 300.

[0032] The lift-up hopper 300 includes a medal storage unit 310 for accumulating medals M, a lift-up unit 320 for lifting the medals M to a predetermined height, and a medal M that has been lifted up to a predetermined level. And a medal discharge unit (discharge unit) 330 for discharging at timing. In addition, a medal discharge path 400 for guiding the discharged medal M to the play field 500 is provided at the discharge port of the medal discharge unit 330 so as to be able to swing left and right.

The upper end of the lift-up unit 320 is disposed above the play field 500. Along with this, the medal discharge unit 330 provided at the upper end of the lift-up unit 320 is also disposed above the play field 500. Therefore, the medal M temporarily accumulated in the medal storage unit 310 provided under the play field 500 is lifted above the play field 500 by the lift-up unit 320 and then from the medal discharge unit 330 to the medal discharge path 400. And then injected into the play field 500.

[0034] The play field 500 mainly includes a main table 501 for storing medals M in an effective state, and a pusher unit 510 placed on the main table 501, and a force. In addition, an effective state means a state involved in a game. The play field 500 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The pusher unit 510 has an upper surface for storing the medal M in an effective state (this is a sub tape) 511), an inclined tape 512 on which the medal M dropped from the sub-table 511 slides, and a pushing wall 513 for pushing the medal M stored on the main table 501.

Further, the pusher unit 510 is slidably provided on the main table 501 in the play field 500, and slides back and forth at a constant cycle or an arbitrary cycle. A part (the back side) of the pusher unit 510 is stored in a storage unit 720, which will be described later, provided below the display unit 700. The pusher unit 510 reciprocates back and forth by sliding so as to enter and exit from the storage unit 720.

Note that the frame member 710 of the display 701 in the display unit 700 is slidably contacted with the sub-table 511. Therefore, when the pusher unit 510 moves in the direction in which the pusher unit 510 is stored in the storage unit 720, the medal M on the sub-table 511 is pushed forward by the frame member 710. Due to this pushing, some medals M on the sub-table 511 fall onto the tilting table 512.

[0038] A part of the medal M dropped from the sub-table 511 enters an opening provided in the tilting table 512 (this is referred to as “chickers 515-1, 515-2, 515-3”). Further, the remaining medals M fall as they are to the main table 501 and are stored in the main table 501.

[0039] The medal M on the main table 501 is pushed by the sliding motion of the pusher unit 510, like the medal M on the sub table 511. That is, since the pusher 510 is placed on the main table 501 with no gap, when the pusher 510 moves in the direction of unloading from the storage 720, the main table is pushed by the pushing wall 513 on the front of the pusher 510. 5 Medal M on 01 is pushed forward. Due to this pushing, some of the medals M on the main table 501 fall. Among the dropped medals M, the medals M dropped from the end on the game player side (referred to as the front end 501a (see FIG. 1)) are paid out to the game player, and other medals M, for example, both sides of the main table 501 ( The medals M that fall from the side end 501b) are stocked in a predetermined storage section in the station section ST.

In addition to the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, the station unit ST according to the present embodiment includes a medal movement simulation effect unit 900. The medal movement simulation directing section 900 will be described later. In addition, there are a plurality of light emitting units (LED 920 described later) arranged from the vicinity of the medal insertion mechanism 100 to the vicinity of the medal discharge unit 330, and these light emitting units are sequentially placed from the medal insertion mechanism 100 side to the medal discharge unit 330. By lighting up, it simulates the movement of the medals M inserted in the medal insertion mechanism 100. At this time, the route on which the medal M actually moves and the route simulated by the performance need not be the same or close to each other.

In addition, the medal M inserted from the medal insertion mechanism 100 is temporarily stored in the medal storage unit 310 in the lift-up hopper 300. In the medal discharge section 330 of the lift-up hopper 300, the medal M stocked in the medal storage section 310 is lifted up by the lift-up section 320 and set in advance. When the medal M is inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 100, the lift-up hopper 300 discharges the medal M set in the medal discharge unit 330 in advance to the play field 500 according to the control from the control unit 600. Thus, in this embodiment, the medal M inserted by the game player and the medal M actually inserted into the play field 500 are different medals.

In addition, when the medal M is inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 100, the medal movement simulation effect production unit 900 converts the arranged LED 920 from the medal insertion mechanism 100 side to the medal ejection unit 330 according to the control from the control unit 600. Turn on sequentially. At this time, the state in which the medal M inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 100 moves is controlled by controlling the timing at which the LED ED920 in the vicinity of the medal discharge unit 330 is turned on and the timing of discharging the medal M from the medal discharge unit 330. The medal movement simulation production unit 900 can produce a simulation.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the station unit ST has a ball throwing mechanism 1800 on at least one side. The ball throwing mechanism 1800 is configured to throw a ball B1 or B2 described later into the play field 500, and includes a ball throwing slope 1801 and a ball throwing position lottery mechanism 1810. The balls B1 and B2 are game media for executing a bingo game described later.

[0044] The ball throwing slope 1801 is configured to guide a ball B1 or B2 thrown from a ball carrier 1600 described later to the ball throwing position lottery mechanism 1810 by gravity. Therefore, it is a downward slope. The ball throwing position lottery mechanism 1810 is a structure for drawing lots on the play field 500 where the ball B1 or B2 is thrown. . In this way, the ball B1 or B2 thrown into the station ST from a ball carrier 1600 described later is thrown into the play field 500 via the ball throwing slope 1801 and the ball throwing position lottery mechanism 1810.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the station unit ST has a ball transport mechanism 1900 on at least one side. The ball transport mechanism 1900 is configured to transport the ball B1 or B2 dropped from the main table 501 in the play field 500 to the satellite unit SA side. The ball transport path 1040, the ball transport unit 1910, and the ball transport unit described later. A traveling slope 1901. The ball transport path 1040 is provided below the front end 501a and guides the ball B1 or B2 dropped from the front end 501a to the ball transport unit 1910. The ball transport unit 1910 is configured to transport the ball B1 or B2 received via the ball transport path 1040 to the satellite unit SA, and travels on the ball transport unit travel slope 1901 according to the control of the control unit 600. The ball B 1 or B 2 transported to the satellite SA side is delivered to a ball carrier 1600 (see FIG. 3) described later.

[0046] Further, in the display unit 700 in the station unit ST, other games such as a bingo game and a digital lottery game are provided to the game player.

[0047] The bingo game is a lottery game that progresses by lottery using a plurality of types of balls B1 and B2 (two types in the present embodiment) to be described later and the satellite unit SA, and is not shown in the satellite unit SA to be described later. It proceeds by the control unit and the control unit 600 in the station unit ST. In the bingo game, the control unit mainly controls the progress of the entire bingo game, and the control unit 600 in the station unit ST is mainly responsible for control of each game player side, not shown in the satellite unit SA described later. To do. Also, a matrix-like bingo table used in the bingo game is generated, for example, in the control unit 600 of the station unit ST and displayed on the display unit 700. In the bingo game, depending on the winning state, the balls B1 and Z or B2 and medals M are thrown into the play field 500 of the corresponding station section ST, and the right to participate in another game is obtained. . In addition, it may be configured to give various benefits to the game player, such as paying out the medal M directly to the game player.

[0048] Also, in the digital lottery game, the control unit 600 in the station unit ST mainly performs digital It is a lottery game that draws a lot. This digital lottery game is displayed and executed on the display unit 700, for example, while the bingo game is not in progress. The digital lottery game is started, for example, in response to the medal M entering one of the chickers 515-1, 515-2, and 515-3 provided on the tilting table 512 of the pusher unit 510. In the digital lottery game, depending on the winning state, the balls B1 and Z or B2 and the medal M may be thrown into the play field 500 of the corresponding station ST, or the lottery probability may be advantageous to the game player. To do. In addition, it may be configured to give various benefits to the game player, such as paying out the medal M directly to the game player.

[0049] Further, as shown in Fig. 1, the station unit ST has a medal payout mechanism including a lift-up hopper 1020 and a medal payout unit 1030. By driving the medal payout mechanism, the station unit ST The same amount of medals M as the number of dropped medals M and the medal M power to be paid directly to the game player are paid out to the storage unit 101 of the medal insertion mechanism 100.

[0050] (1 1 2) Configuration of satellite section

Next, the configuration of the satellite SA in FIG. 1 is extracted in FIG. 3, and the schematic configuration is described with reference to FIGS. The satellite unit SA according to the present embodiment is configured to execute a lottery in a bingo game.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the satellite unit SA includes an outer turbine stage 1100, an inner bingo stage 1200, a Bonole supply mechanism 1300 and 1400, a Bonore transport path 1500, a ball throwing mechanism 1600, and a support base 1700. And have.

[0052] The support base 1700 is a configuration that is a framework of the satellite unit SA, and supports other configurations. In the support 1700, an inner bingo stage 1200 is disposed at the upper center, and an outer bingo stage 1100 is disposed so as to surround the inner bingo stage 1200. Further, a ball transfer path 1500 is disposed so as to surround the outer turbine stage 1100. Next to the ball transport path 1500, ball supply mechanisms 1300 and 1400 are provided!

[0053] The ball supply mechanism 1300 is configured to supply a certain type of ball, for example, a non-metallic ball B1. On the other hand, the ball supply mechanism 1400 is different from the ball B1, for example, For example, the metal ball B2 is supplied. Note that the difference between the ball B1 and the ball B2 may be defined by other factors, such as the color of the ball, regardless of whether it is a metal or non-metal.

The ball supply mechanism 1300 includes a ball supply unit 1301, a lift-up unit 1302, and a ball return path 1303. The ball supply unit 1301 is configured to supply a ball B1 to a ball carrier 1520 described later. The lift-up unit 1302 is configured to lift the ball B1 to the ball supply unit 1301. The ball return path 1303 is configured to be a path for returning a ball B1 supplied to an outer turbine stage 1100, which will be described later, to a lift-up unit 1302 in the ball supply mechanism 1300.

Similarly, the ball supply mechanism 1400 includes a ball supply unit 1401, a lift-up unit 1402, and a ball return path (not shown). The ball supply unit 1401 is configured to supply a ball B2 to a ball carrier 1520 described later. The lift-up unit 1402 is configured to lift the ball B2 to the ball supply unit 1401. The ball return path is a configuration for returning the ball B2 supplied to the inner bingo stage 1200, which will be described later, to the lift-up unit 1402 in the second type ball supply mechanism 1400.

[0056] The ball carrier 1520 is configured to transport the ball B1 or B2 along the outer periphery of the annular ball transport path 1500. This ball carrier 1520 has a receiving portion made up of two bar-shaped members bent in a V shape, and holds the ball B1 or B2. The ball carrier 1520 is fixed to a ring-shaped member 1550 provided along the ball transport path 1500. Accordingly, when the ring-shaped member rotates along the ball transport path 1500, the ball carrier 1520 moves along the ball transport path 1500.

The ball conveyance path 1500 has a plurality of sensor units 1510 on the outer peripheral surface. The sensor unit 1150 is configured to detect whether or not the ball carrier 1520 exists in the immediate vicinity thereof. Information detected by the sensor unit 1510 is input, for example, to a control unit (not shown) as appropriate or in real time. This control unit specifies the position of the ball carrier 1520 based on the information sent from the sensor unit 1510, and controls the running and stopping of the ball carrier 1520 based on this. For example, supply the ball B1 to the station ST shown in Fig. 1. In this case, the control unit stops the ball carrier 1520 at the position of the sensor unit 1510-1 based on information from the sensor unit 1510. This places the ball carrier 1520 on the extension of the ball throwing slope 1801. In this state, when the V-shaped receiving portion of the ball carrier 1520 is tilted toward the ball throwing slope 1801 by a control unit (not shown), the ball B1 or B2 held on the ball carrier 1520 is thrown into the ball throwing slope 180 1 (Fig. 1). The sensor unit 1510 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the ball transport path 1500 at a position where the ball throwing slope 1801 and a ball transport unit traveling slope 1901 are arranged in each station ST. It is done.

The ball B1 or B2 thrown into the ball throwing slope 1801 is thrown into the play field 500 via the ball throwing position lottery mechanism 1810. The ball B1 or B2 thrown into the play field 500 falls from the front end 501a of the main table 501 in the same manner as the medal M in the course of the game. The dropped ball B1 or B2 is set in the ball transport unit 1910 via the ball transport path 1040 described later as described above. The ball transport path 1040 includes a ball receiving portion 1041 that receives only the ball B1 or B2 and allows the medal M to pass therethrough. Further, the ball transport unit 1910 stands by at the ball discharge port 1043 of the ball transport path 1040 in a normal state.

[0059] The ball transport unit 1910 is configured to transport the ball B1 or B2 to the satellite unit SA as described above. When the ball B1 or B2 is set, the ball transport unit 1910 is not shown! Based on the control from the control unit! /, The ball transport unit travel slope 1901 is run up, and the ball transport unit travel slope 1901 Move to the top of the. A ball carrier 1520 is waiting in the vicinity of the upper end of the ball transport section traveling slope 1901. The ball transport unit 1910 moves to the upper end of the ball transport unit traveling slope 1901 and then transfers the transported ball B1 or B2 to the ball carrier 1520. The ball carrier 1520 to which the ball B1 or B2 has been handed is in a posture to hold it.

[0060] When the ball carrier 1520 receives the ball B1 or B2, the ball carrier 1520 moves to a position facing the ball throwing mechanism 1600 based on control of a control unit force (not shown). The ball throwing mechanism 1600 receives a ball B1 for throwing it into the outer turbine stage 1100. A tray 1610 and a tray 1620 for feeding the ball B2 to the inner bingo stage 1200 are provided. The ball carrier 1520 moves to a position facing the tray 1610 or 1620 according to the type of the held ball (B1 or B2) based on the control of the control unit (not shown) described above. When receiving the ball from the ball carrier 1520, the trays 1610 and 1620 descend to a position facing the ball carrier 1520, and when receiving a ball from the ball carrier 1520, they rise to a position facing the ball insertion path 1110 and 1210. The ball is held until the ball is thrown in.

For example, when the ball carrier 1520 receives the ball B1 from the ball transport unit 1910, the ball carrier 1520 travels along the ball transport path 1500 and then delivers the ball B1 to the tray 1610 in the ball throwing mechanism 1600. The tray 1610 that has received the ball B1 holds and throws the ball B1 that is held and held at the timing according to the instruction from the game player, for example, into the ball throwing path 1110. The thrown ball B1 is thrown into the outer turbine stage 1100 after obtaining acceleration corresponding to the inclination and length of the ball throwing path 1110. For example, when the ball B2 is received from the ball transport unit 1910, the ball carrier 1520 travels along the ball transport path 1500, and then delivers the ball B2 to the tray 1620 in the ball throwing mechanism 1600. The tray 1620 that has received the ball B2 throws the held ball B2 into the ball throwing path 1210 at a timing in accordance with, for example, an instruction from the game player. The thrown ball B2 is thrown into the inner bingo stage 1200 after obtaining a calo speed according to the inclination and length of the ball throwing path 1210. Whether the type of the ball delivered to the ball carrier 1520 is a force B2 that is B1 is, for example, when the ball B1 is made of a non-metal and the ball B2 is made of a metal, It can detect by providing. Further, for example, when the balls B1 and B2 have different colors, the type of the delivered ball can be detected by providing a color sensor or the like on the ball carrier 1520. The detected ball type is sent to a control unit (not shown). Therefore, the ball carrier 1520 is controlled based on the type of ball notified to the control unit.

[0062] The outer turbine stage 1100 has one or more holes (referred to as winning spots 1101) having a diameter that allows the ball B1 to pass through, and rotates at a predetermined cycle. Each winning prize A number or a symbol in the bingo game is assigned to the pot 1101. End U The ball B1 thrown into the bingo stage 1100 circulates the outer turbine stage 1100 by the acceleration obtained in the ball insertion path 1110 and the rotation of the outer turbine stage 1100 itself, and then enters any winning spot 1101. Information about which winning spot 1101 has entered the ball B1 is appropriately sent to a control unit (not shown). Note that the control unit wins the number or symbol assigned to the winning spot 1101 containing the ball B1 and advances the bingo game.

[0063] Similarly, the inner bingo stage 1200 has one or more winning spots 1201 having a diameter that allows the ball B2 to pass therethrough, and rotates at a predetermined cycle. Each winning spot 1201 is assigned a number or symbol in the bingo game. The ball B2 thrown into the inner bingo stage 1200 goes on the ball throwing path 1210! /, And the inner bingo stage 1200 rotates around the inner bingo stage 1200 by rotating the inner bingo stage 1200 itself. Enter. Information about which winning spot 1201 has entered the ball B2 is appropriately sent to a control unit (not shown). The control unit proceeds with the bingo game by winning the number or symbol assigned to the winning spot 1201 containing the ball B2.

[0064] The ball B1 that has entered the winning spot 1101 is temporarily held at the entrance of the winning spot 1101 and then thrown into a ball return path 1303 provided below the outer bingo stage 1100 so that the game player can check it. The Similarly, the ball B2 that entered the winning spot 1201 is temporarily held at the entrance of the winning spot 1201 and then shown below the inner bingo stage 1200 so that the game player can confirm! It is thrown into the ball return path.

[0065] (1-2) Playfino Red

Next, the configuration of the play field 500 in the above-described pusher game apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of the play field 500 and its surroundings. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the reciprocating motion of the pusher unit 510 in the play field 500. FIG.

[0066] As described above, the play field 500 includes the main table (predetermined table) 501 and the menu. It consists of a pusher section (pusher means) 510 slidably mounted on the in-table 501 and force.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pusher unit 510 slides back and forth on the main table 501 so as to enter and exit the storage unit 720 provided below the display 701 of the display unit 700. 5 (a) is a top view when the pusher unit 510 is retracted most into the storage unit 720, and FIG. 5 (b) is a top view when the pusher unit 510 protrudes most from the storage unit 720. It is.

Here, as described above, the frame member 710 of the display unit 700 is in contact with the sub-table 511 that is the upper surface of the pusher unit 510. Therefore, the medal M stored on the sub-table 511 on the upper surface of the pusher unit 510 is moved in the direction in which the pusher unit 510 enters the storage unit 720 (see (b) → (a) in FIG. 5). Then, the frame member 710 pushes the sub table 511 in the direction of the tilting table 512, and the medal M on the sub table 511 as a whole flows to the tilting table 512 in the direction of the head. As a result, some medals M on the sub-table 511 existing near the tilt table 512 fall onto the tilt table 512. Of the medals M that have fallen, some of the medals M enter any one of the checkers 515-1 to 515-3 provided on the tilting table 512, and the rest fall to the main table 501. Further, drop prevention walls 521 are provided on both sides of the range in which the pusher unit 510 slides, and the side force of the sub table 511 prevents the medal M from falling.

In addition, the pusher unit 510 is placed on the main table 501 without a gap. “No gap” means that there is no gap larger than the width of the medal M. Therefore, when the medal M stored on the main table 501 moves in the direction of exiting the pusher section 510 force S storage section 720 force (see (a) → (b) in Fig. 5). The pusher 510 is pushed forward on the main table 501 in the direction of the front end 501a by the pushing wall 513 on the front surface of the pusher 510, and the medals M on the main table 5001 as a whole flow toward the front end 501a in the direction of force. As a result, some medals M on the main table 501 existing near the front end 501a fall from the front end 501a. In addition, due to the flow of medals M at this time, some medals M force on the main table 501 existing in the vicinity of both side ends (side end 501 b) of the main table 501 also drop. Note that the medal M dropped from the side end 501b is stored in a predetermined storage unit (may be a hot bar) inside the station unit ST. [0070] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the medal M dropped from the front end 501a is received by a medal receiver 1001 provided below the front end 501a. The medal receiver 1001 is connected to a medal transport path 1002 for transporting the medal M to the lift-up hopper 1020 in the medal payout mechanism. In addition, the medal receiver 1001 is inclined toward the connecting portion with the medal transport path 1002. Therefore, the medal M received by the medal holder 1001 flows into the medal transport path 1002. Further, the medal transport path 1002 is inclined toward the storage section 1021 in the lift-up hopper 1020 of the medal payout mechanism. Therefore, the medals M flowing into the medal transport path 1002 are continuously guided to the medal payout mechanism. A separation rod 1010 for blocking a ball B1 or B2, which will be described later, is provided at the connecting portion between the medal receiving 1001 and the medal transport path 1002, and the ball B1 or B2 enters the medal payout mechanism. It is structured as follows.

The medal payout mechanism is provided with a medal counter (not shown) for counting the number of medals M in addition to the lift-up hopper 1020 and the medal payout unit 1030 described above. This medal counter is provided, for example, at the entrance of the storage unit 1021 in the lift-up hopper 1020, and counts the number of medals M inserted into the storage unit 1021 from the medal transport path 1002. The number of medals M counted by the medal counter is notified to the control unit 600 in FIG. The controller 600 drives the lift-up hopper 1020 based on the notified number of medals, thereby paying out the medals M for this number from the medal payout unit 1030 to the storage unit 101 in the medal insertion mechanism 100. The lift-up hono 1020 includes a hopper drive unit 1022 and a lift-up unit 1023. The medals M to be paid out are lifted up when the hopper drive unit 1022 operates based on control from the control unit 600. The tokens are paid out from a medal payout unit 1030 provided at the end of the lock unit 1023. The medal payout mechanism including the medal receipt 1001, the medal transport path 1002, the lift-up hopper 1020, the medal payout unit 1030, and the medal counter pays the medal M dropped from the front end 501a of the main table 501 to the game player. It functions as a payout means.

[0072] On the main table 501, balls B1 and Z or B2 supplied from the satellite unit SA are also present. This ball B1 or B2 moves on the main table 501 and then drops from the front end 501a with the flow of the medals M due to the reciprocating motion of the pusher 510. . As described above, the ball transport path 1040 is provided below the front end 501a. The ball transport path 1040 receives only the dropped ball B1 or B2 and allows the medal M to pass therethrough, and a ball stopper 1042 that stops the ball received by the ball receiver 1041 until a predetermined condition is satisfied. And a ball discharge port 1043. Accordingly, the ball B1 or B2 received by the ball receiving portion 1041 is stopped by the ball stop portion 1042 until a predetermined timing and then discharged from the ball discharge port 1043. As a result, the ball B1 or B2 is set in the ball transport unit 1910 (see FIG. 1) that has been waiting at the ball discharge port 1043. Note that the station portion ST in FIG. 1 and the station ST in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 have the same force structure in which the left and right are reversed for convenience of explanation.

[0073] (1-3) Guide part and guide part moving mechanism

However, as shown in FIG. 4, the main table 501 is provided with guide portions (first and second flow control means) 530R and 530L for controlling the flow of the medal M and the balls B1 and B2. . A guide part moving mechanism (moving means) 540 for moving the guide parts 530R and 530L up and down relative to the main table 501 is provided below the main table 501. Hereinafter, the configuration of the guide portions 530R and 530L and the guide portion moving mechanism 540 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0074] (1 3— 1) Guide part

First, the configuration of the guide portions 530R and 530L according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a front view of the play field 500 as viewed from the front (game player side). 6A is a view when the guide portions 530R and 530L are retracted to the lower limit predetermined position, and FIG. 6B is a view when the guide portions 530R and 530L protrude to the upper limit predetermined position. It is. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of the medal M and the ball B1ZB2 on the main table 501. In FIG. 7, (a) is a top view showing the flow of the medal M and the ball B1ZB2 when the guide portions 530R and 530L are retracted to the lower predetermined position (see FIG. 6 (a)). b) is a top view showing the flow of the medal M and the ball B1ZB2 when the guide portions 530R and 530L protrude to the upper limit predetermined position (see FIG. 6 (b)).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, the guide portions 530R and 530L are balls B1 and B, respectively. 2 ball guide plate 531 for controlling the flow of 2, medal guide plate (first guide plate) 533 for controlling the flow of medal M, ball guide plate (second guide plate) 531 and medal guide plate 533 And a support portion 534 for supporting the. Further, the ball guide plate 531 and the medal guide plate 533 are supported up and down by the support portion 534 so that a predetermined shape of the passage opening 532 is formed therebetween.

[0076] The guide portions 530R and 530L having such a configuration are provided arranged in a C shape, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the width force of the gap formed by the end of the guide portion 530R on the game player side and the end of the guide portion 530L on the game player side is at least wider than the diameter of the medal M and the balls B1 and B2. As long as it is arranged like this. Therefore, for example, the guide part 530R and the guide part 530L may be arranged in parallel.

[0077] Further, the back end (the end opposite to the game player side) of the guide portion 530R is closer to the side end 501b on the right side of the drawing of the main table 501 than the radius of the ball B1 and the radius of B2. Be placed. Similarly, for example, the back end of the guide portion 530L is disposed closer to the left side end 501b of the main table 501 in the drawing than the radius of the ball B1 and the radius of B2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the ball B1 or B2 that has also flowed from the back side of the main table 501 from entering the area other than the area sandwiched between the guide portions 530R and 530L, and the ball B1 or B2 can be prevented from entering the main table 501. It can be configured not to fall from the side end 501b. That is, only the front end 501a can be the falling side of the balls B1 and B2.

Further, the guide portions 530R and 530L are provided to be movable up and down with respect to the upper surface of the main table 501. The guide unit moving mechanism 540, which is a configuration for moving the guide units 530R and 530L up and down with respect to the upper surface of the main table 501, will be described later.

[0079] The upper end of the medal guide plate 533 in the guide portions 530R and 530L has the same force as the upper surface of the main table 501, as shown in Fig. 6 (a), when the guide portions 530R and 530L are moved to the lower limit position. Or less than that. That is, when the guide portions 530R and 530L are moved to the lower limit position, the medal guide plate 533 is stored under the main table 501. However, even in this case, the passage between the medal guide plate 533 and the ball guide plate 531 Mouth 532 The entire chain table 501 is not blocked.

[0080] When the medal guide plate 533 is retracted below the main table 501, the flow of the medal M on the main table 501 is not hindered by the medal guide plate 533, as shown in FIG. 7 (a). The medal M can flow through the passage 532 in any direction. That is, the medal M can flow to the side end 501 b side of the main table 501. As a result, there are more medals M force falling from the side end 501b, for example, compared to the case where the guide portions 530R and 530L are moved to the upper limit position. However, the obstruction of the flow of the medal M by the support portion 534 is ignored for the sake of simplicity.

[0081] Further, even when the guide portions 530R and 530L are moved to the lower limit position, the ball guide plate 531 protrudes on the main table 501, and therefore, as shown in FIG. The flow is restricted by the ball guide plate 531. That is, the balls B1 and B2 are guided toward the front end 501a so as not to fall from the side end 501b of the main table 501.

[0082] On the other hand, the upper end of the medal guide plate 533 in the guide portions 530R and 530L protrudes when the guide portions 530R and 530L are moved to the upper limit position as shown in FIG. 6 (b). To do.

[0083] In such a state, the medal guide plate 533 prevents the flow of the medal M on the main table 501, so that the direction of the medal M flowing is limited to the direction of the front end 501a as shown in FIG. 7 (b). Is done. As a result, the number of medals M falling from the side end 501b can be reduced as compared with, for example, the case where the guide portions 530R and 530L are moved to the lower limit position. However, the obstruction of the flow of the medal M by the support part 534 is ignored for the sake of simplicity.

[0084] Further, even when the guide portions 530R and 530L are moved to the upper limit position, the ball guide plate 531 protrudes on the main table 501, and therefore, as shown in Fig. 7 (b), the balls B1 or B2 The flow is restricted by the ball guide plate 531. That is, the balls B1 and B2 are guided toward the front end 501a so as not to fall from the side end 501b of the main table 501.

Thus, in this embodiment, the guide portions 530R and 530L are moved to the lower limit position. In other words, by storing the medal guide plate 533 of the guide portions 530R and 530L under the main table 501, the flow of the ball M1 is restricted to the direction of the front end 501a, and the direction of flow of the medal M is compared. Can be free. As a result, it is possible to increase the ratio of the medals M falling from the side end 501b among the medals M falling from the main table 501. On the other hand, by moving the guide portions 530R and 530L to the upper limit position, in other words, by causing the medal guide plate 533 of the guide portions 530R and 530L to protrude on the main table 501, the flow of the medal M along with the flow of the ball B1. Can be restricted in the direction of the front end 501a. As a result, the flow of medals M can be concentrated in the direction of the front end 501a, many medals M can be dropped from the front end 501a, and the ratio of medals M falling from the side end 501b can be reduced. It becomes.

From the above, in this embodiment, by controlling the positions of the guide units 530R and 530L with respect to the main table 501, the medals M to be paid out to the game player and the station unit ST are collected (this is the parenthood). It is possible to control the ratio (called the payout rate) with medal M. Further, in this embodiment, the falling end of other game media (balls B1 and B2 in this case) used when the game proceeds does not depend on the position of the guide portions 530R and 530L with respect to the main table 501 and the front end 501a Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size and complexity of the configuration for collecting this.

[0087] (1-3-2) Guide section moving mechanism

Next, the configuration of the guide unit moving mechanism 540, which is a configuration for moving the above-described guide units 530R and 530L up and down with respect to the main table 501, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the guide unit moving mechanism 540. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 8, the structure of guide part 53OR and 530L is also shown. In FIG. 8, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a).

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the guide part moving mechanism 540 includes a container 541, a motor 542, a connecting part 545, a rotating shaft part 546, an eccentric cam 548, and a slide base 549.

In the above configuration, the container 541 is a box-shaped container for storing the main configuration of the guide unit moving mechanism 540. The container 541 is embedded, for example, immediately below the main table 501. A motor for fixing a motor 542, which will be described later, to the inner side surface of the container 541 A fixing portion 541a and a guide rail 541b for supporting a slide base 549, which will be described later, are slidable in the vertical direction. The vertical direction is the vertical direction when the main table 501 is horizontal.

[0090] The slide table 549 is a table to which the support portion 534 in the guide portions 530R and 530L is fixed. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the guide portions 530R and 530L from the main table 501 is increased or decreased by sliding the slide base 549 vertically along the guide rail 541b.

The motor 542, the connecting portion 545, the rotating shaft portion 546, and the eccentric cam 548 are drive means for sliding the slide base 549 along the guide rail 541b.

In this driving means, the motor 542 generates rotation based on the control of the control unit 600 (see FIG. 2), for example. A rotating shaft 546 is connected to the rotating shaft 542 a of the motor 542 via a connecting portion 545. Therefore, the rotation generated by the motor 542 is transmitted to the rotating shaft portion 546 via the connecting portion 545. The connecting portion 545 is a member for directly transmitting the rotation generated by the motor 542 to the rotating shaft portion 546, and mechanically between the rotating shaft 542a of the motor 542 and the rotating shaft portion 546. It is a member for absorbing stress. The connecting portion 545 can be formed of an elastic body such as rubber.

An eccentric cam 548 is fixed to the rotating shaft portion 546 to which the rotation of the motor 542 is transmitted. The eccentric cam 548 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and is fixed by inserting the rotation shaft portion 546 at a position other than the center on the upper Z bottom surface. Note that the upper Z bottom surface of the eccentric cam 548 indicates a circular surface, for example, when it has a cylindrical shape.

Further, the side surface of the eccentric cam 548 is slidably brought into contact with a part of the slide base 549. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, an opening 549 a is provided on the side wall of the slide base 549, and the edge of the opening 549 a is in contact with the side surface of the eccentric cam 548. Therefore, as the eccentric cam 548 rotates around the rotation shaft portion 546, the slide base 549 abutted against the side surface of the eccentric force mu 548 is guided as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b). By sliding up and down along the rail 541b, the amount of protrusion of the guide portions 530R and 530L from the main table 501 is increased or decreased.

[0095] For example, the side surface of the portion of the eccentric cam 548 having the shortest distance from the rotation shaft portion 546 is When contacting the upper edge of the opening 549a, the guide portions 530R and 530L are in the lower limit position as shown in FIG. 9 (a). In this state, the upper end of the medal guide plate 533 in the guide portions 530R and 530L is equal to or lower than the upper surface of the main table 501. As a result, the medal M can pass through the passage port 532.

[0096] Further, for example, when the side surface of the portion of the eccentric cam 548 having the longest distance from the rotation shaft portion 546 is in contact with the upper edge of the opening 549a, as shown in FIG. 530 R and 530L are upper limit positions. In this state, the upper end of the medal guide plate 533 in the guide portions 530R and 530L sufficiently protrudes from the upper surface of the main table 501. As a result, the passage opening 532 is sufficiently restricted by the flow card guide plate 533 of the medal M, and the medal M falling from the side end 50 lb of the main table 501 is reduced.

[0097] Further, for example, when the side surface between the shortest part and the longest part of the eccentric cam 548 from the rotation shaft part 546 is in contact with the upper edge of the opening 549a, FIG. ), The guide portions 530R and 530L are intermediate positions between the lower limit and the lower limit. In this state, the upper end force main table 501 of the medal guide plate 533 slightly protrudes from the upper surface of the medal guide plate 533 in the guide portions 530R and 530L. As a result, the passage opening 532 is somewhat restricted by the flow card guide plate 533 of the medal M, and the medal M falling from the side end 501b of the main table 501 is reduced.

Further, the slide table 549 is provided with a position detection sensor 550, for example. The position detection sensor 550 is, for example, a resistance value detection type sensor using a variable resistor. The value detected by the position detection sensor 550 is input to the control unit 600 (see FIG. 2), for example. Therefore, for example, the control unit 600 specifies the distance of the container 541 bottom force of the position detection sensor 550 based on the input resistance value and specifies the protrusion amount of the guide units 530R and 530L or directly. Specify the amount of protrusion of the guide parts 530R and 530L. The control unit 600 controls the protrusion amounts of the guide portions 530R and 530L by driving the motor 542 based on the specified protrusion amounts of the guide portions 530R and 530L. In this example, the position detection sensor 550 is a resistance value detection type, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be an optical type, for example. Furthermore, in the present invention, the payout rate is changed periodically by rotating the motor 542 at a low speed without providing a position detection sensor as described above. You may comprise. In this case, for example, the motor 542 is configured by a stepping motor, and the motor 542 is gradually rotated by advancing the steps every predetermined number of payouts, every predetermined number of omissions, or every time the total of both reaches a predetermined number. By doing so, the payout rate can be changed periodically according to the progress of the game.

[0099] (1 3-3) Action effect

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the guide unit that switches the flow of the medal M to the pusher game device 1 that pushes the medal M that is a tangible game medium stored on the main table 501. By providing 530R and 530L (especially the medal guide plate 533), the flow of the medal M can be controlled using the guide portions 530R and 530L so as to be advantageous for a game player, for example. According to the present embodiment, it is also possible to control the flow of the medal M so as to be disadvantageous for the game player, for example, using the guide portions 530R and 530L.

[0100] Further, by further providing a guide portion moving mechanism 540 that projects the guide portions 530R and 530L onto the main table 501 or retracts them below a predetermined table, the flow of the medal M can be switched. . As a result, it is possible to switch between a game state advantageous to the game player, a disadvantageous game state, a normal game state, and the like using a mechanical configuration.

[0101] Further, the guide portions 530R and 530L for controlling the flow of the medal M can be configured by using, for example, a plate member. When this plate member is used, the flow of the medal M can be realized with a simple configuration in which the plate member protrudes above the main table 501 or retracts below the main table 501. As a result, the pusher game device 1 that switches the game state using a mechanical configuration can be realized at low cost.

[0102] Further, by using the medal guide plate 533 in combination in a parallel or square shape, the medal M can be surely guided in a desired direction. That is, by configuring the medal M to flow between the medal guide plates 533 that are combined in parallel or in the shape of a letter C, the flow of the medal M can be accurately and surely guided in the direction of 501a. .

[0103] Also, the front end 501a in the direction in which the medal M is guided by the guide portions 530R and 530L. By providing a medal receiver 1001, a medal transport path 1002, and a medal payout mechanism including a lift-up hopper 1020, a medal payout portion 1030, and a medal counter, the flow is controlled by the game player by the guide portions 530R and 530L. It can be configured to be an advantageous game state.

[0104] Further, a pusher game using a medal M, for example, by providing it on the ball guide plates 531 guide portions 530R and 530L that are different in shape from the medal M and control the flow of the tangible game media balls B1 and B2. Such games can be combined with other types of games such as bingo games. That is, it is possible to combine a plurality of types of games, and it is possible to realize more complicated game characteristics.

[0105] Further, the ball guide plate 531 for controlling the flow of the balls B1 and B2 can be configured using, for example, a plate member. Also, by providing this ball guide plate on the medal guide plate 533, the area on the main table 501 occupied by the configuration (medal guide plate 533 and ball guide plate 531) for controlling the flow of the medal M and the ball B1ZB2 is reduced. It can be reduced. At this time, the flow of the medal M is restricted by the ball guide plate 531 by forming a passage port 532 having a gap more than the thickness of the medal M between the medal guide plate 533 and the ball guide plate 531. Can be prevented.

[0106] Further, by using the ball guide plate 531 in combination in a parallel or square shape, the balls B1 and B2 can be reliably guided in a desired direction. In other words, by configuring the balls B1 and B2 to flow between the ball guide plates 531 combined in parallel or in the shape of a letter C, the flow of the balls B1 and B2 can be accurately and reliably restricted.

In the above-described embodiment, the guide portions 530L and 530R are combined in a C shape in the drawing so that when they protrude from the main table 501, the ball B1ZB2 or the medal M is placed on the main table. The force configured to be guided to the front end 501a of the 501 The present invention is not limited to this, and the guide portions 530L and 530R are combined in an inverted C shape in the drawing so that they protrude from the main table 501. At this time, the ball B1 / B2 or medal M may be guided to the side end 50 lb of the main table 501! With this configuration, the payout rate in the station unit ST can be manipulated. Also, In the embodiment described above, the force exemplified in the case where the medal guide plate 533 and the ball guide plate 531 are both provided in the guide portions 530 L and 530 R. The present invention is not limited to this, and each is independent. It is also possible to use a configuration in which the ball guide plate is not present. In this case, it is possible to vary the payout rate by constructing at least the medal guide plate 533 so as to protrude from the play field 5001.

[0108] (1 4) Medal insertion mechanism

The configuration of the medal insertion mechanism 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0109] (1 1 4 1 1) Medals insertion mechanism 100

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 shows

FIG. 11 is a front view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a top view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

[0110] The medal insertion mechanism 100 includes a horizontal region 21, a first inclined region 22 and a second inclined region 23 located on both sides of the horizontal region 21, and an outer side of the first inclined region 22. The first side structure 117 and the second side structure 118 positioned outside the second inclined region 23 are included. The medal insertion mechanism 100 includes a storage unit 101 that stores a plurality of medals. The storage unit 101 forms a horizontal region 21 of the medal insertion mechanism 100.

[0111] The medal insertion mechanism 100 further includes a first inclined wall extending while inclining continuously upward from the first boundary region 102 in contact with the first side portion of the storage unit 101. The first inclined wall forms a first inclined region 22. The first inclined wall includes a first inclined wall lower region 104 and a first inclined wall upper region 106. The first boundary region 102 is composed of a curved surface.

[0112] The medal insertion mechanism 100 further inclines upward continuously from the second boundary region 103 in contact with the second side portion of the storage portion 101 located on the opposite side to the first side portion described above. Includes a second sloping wall that extends. The second inclined wall forms a second inclined region 23. The second inclined wall is composed of a second inclined wall lower region 105 and a second inclined wall upper region 107. The second boundary region 103 is composed of a curved surface. [0113] The medal insertion mechanism 100 further includes a first medal insertion part 108 having a first medal insertion slot 108-1 at a position close to the first inclined wall, and a position close to the second inclined wall. And a second medal slot 109-1 having a second medal slot 109-1. The first boundary region 102, the first inclined wall lower region 104, the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the first medal insertion unit 108 are the first inclined region 22 of the medal insertion mechanism 100. Form. The second boundary area 103, the second inclined wall lower area 105, the second inclined wall upper area 107, and the second medal insertion section 109 are the second inclined area of the medal insertion mechanism 100. Form 23.

[0114] The first medal insertion portion 108 further has a first mounting flange 110, and the first mounting flange 110 has a partial force of the first boundary region 102 and a part of the storage portion 101. It extends to. The second medal slot 109 further has a second mounting flange 111, which extends from a part of the second boundary region 103 to a part of the storage part 101. Extend. As shown in FIG. 12, the first mounting flange 110 and the second mounting flange 111 extending on the storage portion 101 have corner portions that are largely rounded. The first mounting flange 110 and the second mounting flange 111 define a medal storage area in which the medal M is stored on the storage unit 101. The first mounting flange 110 and the second mounting flange 111 are separated from each other, and the medal M is supplied from the medal supply side 119 between the two flanges 110 and 111. The supplied medal M is constrained by the corners of the first mounting flange 110 and the second mounting flange 111 that are rounded. The first medal restraint plate 112 for preventing the medal M supplied from the storage unit 101 to the front side of the player from spilling out on the side opposite to the medal supply side 119 of the storage unit 101. Is provided.

[0115] A first guide 113 is formed at the boundary between the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106. The first guide portion 113 locks a medal that slides down the first inclined wall upper region 106, and slides into the first medal insertion port 108-1 along the first guide portion. To be configured. The first guide portion 113 includes a first step 113 formed at the boundary between the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106. The first step 113 extends while descending linearly toward the first medal slot 108-1. The first inclined wall upper region 106 slides along the first guide portion 113. It has at least one protrusion formed to reduce friction with the moving medal M. That is, the first inclined wall upper region 106 is spaced upward from the first guide portion 113 by a distance smaller than the diameter of the medal M, and generally extends in the direction in which the first guide portion 113 extends. It has at least one ridge-shaped projection 115 extending in parallel. Specifically, as shown in the drawing, a plurality of ridge line-shaped protrusions 115 are formed.

A second guide portion 114 is formed at the boundary between the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. The second guide portion 114 locks a medal sliding down the second inclined wall upper region 107, and slides into the second medal insertion port 109-1 along the second guide portion. To be configured. The second guide portion 114 includes a second step 114 formed at the boundary between the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. The second step 114 extends while descending linearly toward the second medal slot 109-1. The second inclined wall upper region 107 has at least one protrusion formed so as to reduce friction with the medal M that slides and moves along the second guide portion 114. That is, the second inclined wall upper region 107 is spaced upward from the second guide portion 114 by a distance smaller than the diameter of the medal M, and generally extends in the direction in which the second guide portion 114 extends. At least one ridge-shaped protrusion 116 extending in parallel is provided. Specifically, as shown in the drawing, a plurality of ridge line-shaped protrusions 116 are formed.

The outer upper end portion of the first inclined wall upper region 106 is coupled to the first side structure 117. The first side structure 117 has a deformed L-shaped cross-sectional shape and includes a horizontal upper part, a vertical wall part, and a horizontal lower part. The horizontal upper part continuously extends outward from the outer upper end of the first inclined wall upper region 106. The vertical wall extends vertically downward from the outer edge of the horizontal upper part. The horizontal lower portion extends inward from the lower end portion of the vertical wall portion. An operation handle in the control system for controlling the position and orientation of the discharge end of the medal discharge path 400 is attached to the upper horizontal portion. The player operates the operation handle to operate the medal discharge path 400. To control the position and orientation of the discharge end. The horizontal lower part serves as an attachment flange for attaching the medal injection mechanism 100 to the casing 800 of the station unit ST.

[0118] The outer upper end of the second inclined wall upper region 107 is coupled to the second side structure 118. Yes. The second side structure 118 has a deformed L-shaped cross section and includes a horizontal upper part, a vertical wall part, and a horizontal lower part. The horizontal upper part continuously extends outward from the outer upper end of the second inclined wall upper region 107. The vertical wall extends vertically downward from the outer edge of the horizontal upper part. The horizontal lower portion extends inward from the lower end portion of the vertical wall portion. An operation handle in the control system for controlling the position and orientation of the discharge end of the medal discharge path 400 is attached to the upper horizontal portion. The player operates the operation handle to operate the medal discharge path 400. To control the position and orientation of the discharge end. The horizontal lower part serves as an attachment flange for attaching the medal injection mechanism 100 to the casing 800 of the station unit ST.

[0119] The reservoir 101, the first boundary region 102, the second boundary region 103, the first inclined wall lower region 104, the second inclined wall lower region 105, the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the first If the second inclined wall upper region 107 is formed of the same member, the region where the medal M is movable has no joints and resistance can be reduced.

[0120] The first medal slot 108-1 of the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 of the second medal slot 109-1 Have dimensions that allow only one to enter at a time. When a plurality of the medals M enter the first medal slot 108-1 or the second medal slot 109-1 at the same time, the first medal slot 108 or the second medal slot This is to prevent the medal M from clogging 109.

[0121] The medal insertion mechanism 100 described above has a generally symmetrical shape and structure with respect to the intermediate position between the first and second side portions.

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG. Since the first medal insertion portion 108 and the second medal insertion portion 109 have the same structure, the internal structure of the second medal insertion portion 109 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0123] The second medal insertion portion 109 includes a second medal insertion port 109-1 adjacent to the first guide portion 113, that is, the end portion of the first step portion 113, and the first step portion 113. Medal insertion path 109-7 communicating with the end portion, medal dropping hole 109-8 communicating with the medal insertion path 109-7, and each of the medal insertion path 109-7 and the medal insertion path 109-7 Draw both sides of A first medal guide plate 109-5 and a second medal guide plate 109-6. The medal insertion path 109-7 is formed to guide the medal M inserted through the second medal insertion port 109-1 to the medal dropping hole 109-8.

[0124] Furthermore, the second medal slot 109 has a first intermediate plate 109-3 having a first roller 109-4. The first intermediate plate 109-3 is attached to the first medal guide plate 109-5 and the second medal guide plate 109-6. The first roller 109 is positioned on the medal drop hole 109-8, so that the medal M force passed through the medal insertion path 109-7 and when the first roller 109 was pushed on the medal drop hole 109-8, It abuts against the first roller 109, the medal M is slightly pushed down, and falls from the medal drop hole 109-8. The dropped medal M is transported to the lift-up hopper 300 via the medal transport path 200 shown in FIG. The medal M is lifted up to the supply end of the medal discharge path 400 by the lift-up hopper 300, and the discharge end force is also supplied onto the play field 500 through the medal discharge path 400. The second medal slot 109 further includes a first medal slot cover 109-2. The first medal slot cover 109-2 covers the first intermediate plate 109-3. In addition, the first medal slot cover 109-2 is formed integrally with the second mounting flange 111, and the second mounting flange 111 is fixed to the storage section 101, thereby indirectly. , Its position is fixed relative to the first intermediate plate 109-3

[0125] The game player extends the first sloping wall lower region 104 and the first medal M stored in the storage unit 101 while inclining continuously upward from the storage unit 101. When the upper wall area 106, the second lower wall area 105, and the second upper wall area 107 are slid up and released from the medal M, the medal M is moved to the first area by gravity. The second stepped portion forming the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114 constituting the first guide portion 113 by sliding down the inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. 114 and locked. The first step 113 and the second step 114 are configured to slide the medal M into the first medal insertion slot 108-1 and the second medal insertion slot 109-1 by gravity. .

That is, the game player extends from the storage unit 101 while continuously inclining upward. The medal M is slid up to the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second inclined wall upper region 107, and then When the hand is released from the medal M, the medal M slides down the first inclined wall upper area 106 and the second inclined wall upper area 107 by gravity, and the first step 113 and the second step 114, and thereafter, the medal M is moved along the first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114 to the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 108-1 of the first slot. Slide into the medal slot 109-1 by gravity. When the medal M rolls along the first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114, the medal M becomes the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 10 7. Will slide against. That is, the game player transfers the medal M from the storage unit 101 to the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second inclined wall upper portion. Move to the upper area of the area 107 and release the hand. The medal M is transported from the storage section 101 to the first medal insertion slot 108-1 and the second medal insertion slot 109-1 as before. There is no need. In other words, it uses gravity to make the game player's hands easier to move.

[0127] Therefore, even if the game player continuously inserts the medal M for a long time, it is possible to greatly reduce the fatigue felt by the game player. In addition, since almost no nerve is used to insert the medal M, it is possible to concentrate on the game itself and to fully enjoy the game.

In addition, the medal M is slid along the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. After lifting, when the hand is released from the medal M, the medal M slides down the first inclined wall upper area 106 and the second inclined wall upper area 107 due to gravity, and the first step 113 and The medal M is then locked to the second stepped portion 114, and the medal M then passes along the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114 to the first medal slot 108 of the first slot. — Slide into the 1st and 2nd medal slot 109-1 by gravity. That is, the game player can greatly reduce the fatigue felt by the game player even if the game player continues to insert the medal M for a long time without automating the insertion of the medal M. While having the feeling that he is playing the game, he has been able to attract the game player continuously for a long time. [0129] The first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114 have a function of locking the medal M that slides down the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 by gravity. And a function of sliding in the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 by gravity along the first step 113 and the second step 114. That's fine. However, it is necessary to slide the medal M up to a position above the first guide portion 113, that is, the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114, that is, above the second step portion 114. It is preferable that when the medal M is slid up, the presence of the first guide portion 113, that is, the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114, that is, the second step portion 114 is not hindered. ,. Considering this, it is meaningful that the first guide portion 113 is constituted by the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114 is constituted by the second step portion 114. However, it is important that the step surfaces of the first and second steps 11 3 and 114 face upward. This makes it easy to slide the medal M over the first step 113 and the second step 114, and the slid up medal M leaves the hand of the game player and The first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 can be slid down and locked by the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114. When the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114 face downward, the first inclined wall lower region 104, the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower region 105 And the second medal insertion slot 108-1 and the second medal insertion slot while preventing the medal M sliding up along the upper inclined region 10 2 of the second inclined wall 10 7 109-1 Cannot slide into gravity due to gravity.

[0130] The first step 113 can be realized by configuring the first inclined wall lower region 104 to be thicker than the first inclined wall upper region 106. Further, the second step 114 can be realized by forming the second inclined wall lower region 105 thicker than the second inclined wall upper region 107. For example, the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall may be configured by combining a first flat plate extending in both the upper and lower regions and a second flat plate extending only in the lower region. Further, the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall may be formed by thinning only the lower region of the first flat plate extending over both the upper and lower regions. In any case, the first step 113 and the second step 114 can be realized using existing technology. [0131] Then, the first step 113 and the second step 114 can be configured to extend to the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. . At this time, the medal M locked by the first step 113 and the second step 114 is guided to the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 by gravity. Since it is necessary, the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 are extended so as to move downward. Specifically, the first step 113 and the second step 114 are configured to descend linearly toward the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. And However, as a modified example, the first step 113 and the second step 114 are curvedly lowered toward the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. It is also possible to form a combination of straight lines and curves. However, regardless of the position of the first step 113 and the second step 114, the medal M is locked toward the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. It has the minimum tilt angle necessary to roll and guide by gravity.

[0132] Further, the first step 113 and the second step 114 cause the medal M to slide into the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 by gravity. It must be terminated. The end portions of the first step 113 and the second step 114 are brought close to the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. As a modified example, the end portions of the first step 113 and the second step 114 are not in contact with the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1, and there is a gap. However, the medal M that has rolled the first step 113 and the second step 114 will eventually roll into the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. That's fine. For this purpose, the first medal slot 108-1 of the first slot 110 and the second medal slot 110-1 of the second slot 109 are inclined at the first slope. It is provided at a position close to the wall and the second inclined wall.

[0133] Further, the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114, in other words, the size of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is determined by the first inclined wall upper region. It is determined that the medal M sliding down 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 can be locked by the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114. The minimum required size of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is an inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall. Depends on the degree and the thickness of the medal M. For example, when the inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is large, the first step difference is compared with the case where the inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is small. The width of the step surface of 113 and the second step 114 should be larger.

[0134] Further, if the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is too small compared to the thickness of the medal M, the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second step 114 will be described. The medal M sliding down the sloped wall upper area 107 cannot be locked, and the medal M passes over the first step 113 and the second step 114 and slides down to the storage portion 101, and the medal M Cannot be inserted into the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. Therefore, the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are slid down in consideration of the thickness of the medal M and the inclination angles of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall. The minimum width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 that can lock the medal M is required. If the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is larger than the thickness of the medal M, the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 slide down. The possibility of locking the medal M is increased. Further, if the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is larger than twice the thickness of the medal M, the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper portion Two overlapping medals M sliding down the area 107 can be locked simultaneously. However, if the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is made too large, the medal M will be slipped over the first step 113 and the second step 114. The medal M may fall down at the first step 113 and the second step 114, and the medal M may not roll the first step 113 and the second step 114 well. It should be noted that there are.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the thickness of the medal M and the widths of the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114. When the cross-sectional shape of the periphery of the medal M is rectangular and the corner is rounded, the first step 113 and the second step 114 are rounded and the rounded portion has a thickness R equal to or greater than R. If there is a width W2 of the step surface, there is a possibility that the medal M can be locked. However, in actuality, the medal M sliding down the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 becomes the first step 113 and the second step 114. There is a possibility that the first step 113 and the second step 114 may not be locked due to shock or vibration when contacting the surface. Therefore, the widths of the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114 that are larger than the theoretically required width W2 are designed. Furthermore, theoretically, as shown in FIG. 29, two medals M that have slipped down the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 and are overlapped with each other can be locked simultaneously. If the width W1 of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is equal to or greater than the sum of the thickness of the medal M alone and the thickness R of the rounded portion, There is a possibility that the stacked medals M can be locked. However, actually, the two overlapping medals M that have slipped down the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are the first step 113 and the second step 114. Due to the impact or vibration when touching the medals, there is a possibility that the one of the two overlapping medals M that is overlaid will not be locked to the first step 113 and the second step 114. is there. Therefore, in order to lock both of the two overlapping medals M, the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114, which is larger than the theoretically required minimum width W1, is set. design.

[0136] From this point of view, in order to lock the medal M alone, it is preferable to design the width of the step surface of the first step to substantially correspond to the thickness of the game medium alone. Here, “substantially” includes an error corresponding to the thickness R of the rounded portion.

[0137] Further, the step surface angle of the first step is preferably a right angle or an acute angle with respect to the first inclined wall. If the angle of the step surface of the first step is an obtuse angle with respect to the first inclined wall, the game medium that has slid down the first inclined wall is not locked to the first step. There is a high possibility of slipping off.

[0138] When the inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is large, that is, the first inclined wall lower region 104, the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower portion When the region 105 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are nearly perpendicular, the medal M is transferred from the storage portion 101 to the first inclined wall lower region 104, the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall. It is not easy to slide up the lower wall region 10 5 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. Conversely, when the inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is small, that is, the first inclined wall lower region 104, the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower portion. Region 105 and second inclined wall When the upper region 107 is nearly flat, the medal M is transferred from the storage portion 101 to the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second It is easy to slide up the upper area 107 of the inclined wall. However, after the game player releases his hand from the medal M, the frictional force between the medal M and the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall increases, so that the medal M becomes the first inclined wall. The upper region 106 and the second inclined wall It is difficult to slide down the upper region 107, and the medal M rolls along the first step 113 and the second step 114 by gravity, and the upper region of the first inclined wall 106 and the second inclined wall upper area 107, because the frictional force when sliding is large, it stops in the middle, and the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 are rolled up. It may not be possible. Therefore, the inclination angles of the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are considered in consideration of these points. It is necessary to make the angle not too close to vertical and not too close to horizontal. For example, the inclination angle of the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are 20 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less. Further, it is preferable to set it below, and more preferably 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. The inclination angles of the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the first inclined wall upper region 106, and the second inclined wall lower region 105 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are typically about 45. May be degrees.

[0139] Further, in order to slide the medal M stored in the storage section 101 into the first inclined wall lower region 104 and the second inclined wall lower region 105 with as little resistance as possible, The boundary region 102 and the second boundary region 103 are preferably formed with curved surfaces. The preferable curvature of the curved surface is a force depending on the radial dimension of the medal M. It is only necessary that the curvature radius of the curved surface is sufficiently larger than the radial dimension of the medal M. The preferred curvature can be easily determined empirically.

[0140] Furthermore, as described above, it is preferable to reduce the frictional resistance between the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall and the medal M as much as possible. In order to reduce the frictional resistance, the first plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 115 and the second plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 116 are effective. The medal M has a generally disc shape. Further, when the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 have flat surfaces, the entire area of the side surface of the medal M is the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. It contacts the flat surface of the upper wall region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. In order to reduce the frictional force between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107, the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 106 It is effective to reduce the contact area with the inclined wall upper region 107. In order to reduce the contact area, the first plurality of ridge line-shaped protrusions 115 and the second plurality of ridge line-shaped protrusions 116 are formed in the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. Is done. By configuring in this way, the medal M rolling on the first guide portion 113, that is, the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114, that is, the second step portion 114, is the first plurality of ridge lines. Slide while making contact with the shape protrusion 115 and the second plurality of ridge-line shape protrusions 116. Therefore, the contact area between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 is reduced, and the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced.

[0141] For the purpose of reducing frictional resistance, it is preferable that at least the surfaces of the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are made of a self-lubricating substance. Only the surface may be made of a self-lubricating material, and the entire first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 may be made of a self-lubricating material. Good. Further, in addition to the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107, the first inclined wall lower region 104, the second inclined wall lower region 105, the first boundary region 102, the second The boundary region 103 and the surface of the storage portion 101 or the entire surface may be made of a self-lubricating substance. Typical examples of self-lubricating materials include engineering plastics such as Teflon (registered trademark) and oil-impregnated sintered metals (product examples: oilless metal plates), but are not necessarily limited to these. . A plurality of first ridge-shaped protrusions provided for the purpose of reducing frictional resistance instead of forming the surfaces of at least the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 with a self-lubricating material. It is also possible to omit 115 and the second plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 116.

[0142] As described above, the medal insertion mechanism 100 according to the present embodiment is the first extending from the first boundary region 102 in contact with the first side of the storage unit 101 while inclining continuously upward. Including the inclined wall. The first inclined wall forms a first inclined region 22. The first inclined wall is composed of a first inclined wall lower region 104 and a first inclined wall upper region 106. Medal throwing The insertion mechanism 100 further extends while inclining continuously upward from the second boundary region 103 contacting the second side portion of the storage portion 101 located on the opposite side of the first side portion. Includes 2 inclined walls. The second inclined wall forms a second inclined region 23. The second inclined wall is composed of a second inclined wall lower region 105 and a second inclined wall upper region 107. The first inclined wall and the second inclined wall need only be configured so that a medal as a game medium can be slid up and down, so that the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall are always configured by an inclined plane having a certain inclination angle. There is no need. For example, the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall may be configured by inclined curved surfaces whose inclination angles change.

As described above, the guide unit for sliding the medal as a game medium into the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 is the first medal slot 108-1, The first medal step 113 and the second step 114 extend so as to be inclined downward in a straight line by directing the second medal slot 109-1. The medals locked to the first step 113 and the second step 114 slide into the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 by gravity. In order to enable this, the first step 113 and the second step 114 need not necessarily extend so as to incline downward. That is, the medal locked to the first step 113 and the second step 114 can slide into the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 by gravity. In order to achieve this, the first step 113 and the second step 114 may be generally lowered toward the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. That's fine. In other words, the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1 are locked to the first step 113 and the second step 114, rather than the potential energy of the medal M located at the first medal slot 109-1. The medal M's potential energy should be higher overall. For example, even if there is a rising part in the middle of the first step 113 and the second step 114, if the kinetic energy of the medal M is greater than the sum of the potential energy and the friction energy of the rising part, the medal M Will climb up the ascending section with the momentum of rolling until then and move into the first slot. Even if there is a rising part in the middle of the first step 113 and the second step 114 and the kinetic energy of the medal M is smaller than the sum of the potential energy and the friction energy of the rising part, the medal M Roll later There is no problem as long as it is possible to move up to the first insertion slot by being pushed by the medal M and climbing up the ascending section. Further, the first step 113 and the second step 114 may extend so as to descend in a stepped manner toward the first medal slot 108-1 and the second medal slot 109-1. Good.

[0144] According to the medal insertion mechanism 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above, even if the game player continuously inserts the game medium for a long time, the fatigue felt by the game player is greatly reduced. It becomes possible. In addition, since almost no nerve is used for the introduction of game media, it is possible to concentrate on the game itself and enjoy the game sufficiently.

[0145] (1 -4- 2) Modification 1 of medal insertion mechanism 100

Modification 1 to the above-described embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal insertion mechanism 100 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

Instead of forming the first plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 115 and the second plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 116 in the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107, respectively. Thus, forming the plurality of protrusions 120 scattered in the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 reduces the contact area with the medal M, and for this reason, This is effective for reducing the frictional resistance with medal M. Here, the interval between the adjacent protrusions 120 is preferably sufficiently narrower than the radial dimension of the medal M. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the plurality of protrusions 120 are regularly scattered at regular intervals. With this configuration, the medals M rolling on the first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114 slide while being in contact with the plurality of projections 120 that are scattered. Therefore, the contact area between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 is reduced, and the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced. From the viewpoint of reducing the frictional force, it is preferable that the tops of the plurality of protrusions 120 are rounded! /.

[0147] (1-4-3) Modification 2 of medal insertion mechanism 100

Modification 2 to the above-described embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modified example. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal insertion mechanism 100 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. [0148] In order to reduce the frictional force between the medal M and the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall, the vibration motor 121 is connected to each of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall. It is effective to provide the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall so as to give a minute vibration to the back side. By applying slight vibration to the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall, the medal M and the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall are prevented from coming into close contact with each other. The effective contact area between the medal M and the first and second inclined walls can be reduced, and the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced. The vibration applied to the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is not so great that the medal M does not become unstable when rolling along the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114. It should be noted. In addition, too large vibration is preferable because it may cause discomfort to the game player.

[0149] (1-4-4) Modification 3 of medal insertion mechanism 100

Modification 3 to the above-described embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal insertion mechanism 100 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0150] In order to reduce the frictional force between the medal M and the first and second inclined walls, the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are A plurality of ventilation holes 122 are provided, and a blower fan 123 is provided on the back side of each of the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107.

[0151] By blowing air through the plurality of ventilation holes 122, the medal M has a buoyancy in a direction in which the medal M is buoyant from the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. The contact force between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 is reduced, and as a result, the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and The frictional force with the second inclined wall upper area 107 is reduced. Here, the interval between the adjacent ventilation holes 122 is preferably sufficiently narrower than the radial dimension of the medals M. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the plurality of ventilation holes 122 are regularly scattered at regular intervals. Further, the blower fan 123 can be realized by being arranged on the back side of the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. With this configuration, the medal M that rolls around the first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114 is blown by the air passing through the plurality of the vent holes 122 that are scattered. In the state where the contact force between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 is reduced by the buoyant force applied, the medal M has the first stepped portions 113 and 113. And rolling along the second stepped portion 114, it is possible to effectively reduce the frictional resistance.

[0152] (1-4-5) Variation 4 of medal insertion mechanism 100

Modification 4 to the above-described embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal insertion mechanism 100 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0153] As yet another effective method for reducing the frictional force between the medal M and the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall, the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall are used. For example, the upper wall region 107 may be constituted by a reticulated inclined wall 124. Here, the lattice spacing of the net is sufficiently smaller than the radial dimension of the medal M. The first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 are constituted by a net-like inclined wall 124, so that the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 106 and the second inclined wall are formed. The contact area with the upper region 107 is reduced, and the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced.

[0154] (1-4—6) Medal throwing mechanism 100 Modification 5

Modification 5 to the above-described embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal insertion mechanism 100 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0155] In the above-described embodiment, each inclined wall is configured by the inclined wall upper region and the inclined wall lower region, and the step constituting the guide portion along the boundary between the inclined wall upper region and the inclined wall lower region. A difference portion is formed. The step portion is configured to extend from the side force of the upper region of the inclined wall located on the opposite side to the medal slot to the medal slot. In other words, the step portion is configured to extend over the entire area of the inclined wall. On the other hand, according to this modified example 5, the stepped portion is from an inner position separated from the side portion of the inclined wall upper region located on the side opposite to the medal entrance by a distance equal to or larger than the radial dimension of the medal alone. A structure extending to the medal slot can be adopted. By extending the step position from the side of the upper area of the inclined wall by a distance greater than the radial dimension of the medal alone, the step is not formed! It becomes possible to move the medal to the upper region of the inclined wall through the section.

[0156] This will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. The second inclined wall includes a second inclined wall upper region 107, a third inclined wall lower region 125, and a fourth inclined wall lower region 126. The second stepped portion 114 constituting the second guide portion is formed along the boundary between the third inclined wall lower region 125 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. The fourth inclined wall lower region 126 and the second inclined wall upper region 107 form a single plane, and a step is formed at the boundary between the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. Is not formed. The third inclined wall lower region 125 can be constituted by a substantially wedge-shaped flat plate provided on one plane composed of the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 and the second inclined wall upper region 107. It is. In this case, since the thickness of the substantially wedge-shaped flat plate corresponds to the step width of the step 114 described above, the thickness is determined based on the step width of the second step 114 described above. Further, the horizontal dimension of the fourth inclined wall lower area 126 is larger than the radial dimension of the medal M. The force M is passed through the fourth inclined wall lower area 126 to the second inclined wall upper area 107. Necessary to move.

[0157] With this configuration, the game player moves the storage unit 101 to the second inclined wall upper region 107 via the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 while pressing the medal M with a finger, It is further moved to a position above the third inclined wall lower region 125. By releasing the game player cadre M at this position, the medal M slides down the second sloped wall upper area 107 and is locked by the second step 114 formed by the upper side of a generally wedge-shaped flat plate. Is done. Thereafter, as described above, the medal M slides into the second medal slot 109-1 along the second step 114. According to this configuration, since no step is formed at the boundary between the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 and the second inclined wall upper region 107, the medal M does not pass through the second step 114. It is possible to move to the upper region 107 of the inclined wall.

[0158] The third inclined wall lower region 125 can be constituted by a plate having a substantially wedge-shaped thickness, instead of a substantially wedge-shaped flat plate. Specifically, the upper side of the approximate wedge shape has a thickness corresponding to the step width of the second stepped portion 114 described above, while the thickness gradually decreases as it approaches the lower side of the approximate wedge shape. It is possible to make the thickness substantially lower at the lower side of the generally wedge shape. With this configuration, the third inclined wall lower region 125 There is no need to form a step on the lower side.

With this configuration, the game player moves the storage unit 101 from the storage section 101 to the second inclined wall upper area 107 via the fourth inclined wall lower area 126 while pressing the medal M with a finger. Alternatively, since there is no step on the lower side of the third inclined wall lower region 125, it may be moved to the second inclined wall upper region 107 via the third inclined wall lower region 125. By moving the medal M to a position above the third inclined wall lower area 125 and releasing the game player power medal M at this position, the medal M slides on the second inclined wall upper area 107. It falls and is locked by a second step 114 formed by the upper side of a generally wedge-shaped flat plate. Thereafter, as described above, the medal M slides into the second medal slot 109-1 along the second step 114.

[0160] (1-4 7) Medals insertion mechanism 200

Next, another medal insertion mechanism according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 21 is a front view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a top view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a rear view of the medal insertion mechanism shown in FIG.

[0161] The medal insertion mechanism 130 includes an upper horizontal region 24, a first inclined region 25 and a second inclined region 26 located on both sides of the upper horizontal region 24, and an outer side of the first inclined region 25. A first lower horizontal region 27 positioned; and a second lower horizontal region 28 positioned outside the second inclined region 26. The medal insertion mechanism 130 includes an upper storage unit 131 that stores a plurality of medals. The upper storage part 131 constitutes an upper horizontal region 24 of the medal insertion mechanism 130. The medal insertion mechanism 130 includes a first lower storage unit 144 that stores a plurality of medals. The first lower storage portion 144 constitutes a first lower horizontal region 27 of the medal insertion mechanism 130. The medal insertion mechanism 130 includes a second lower storage unit 145 that stores a plurality of medals. The second lower storage section 145 constitutes a second lower horizontal area 28 of the medal insertion mechanism 130.

The medal insertion mechanism 130 further includes a first inclined wall that extends while inclining continuously downward from the first boundary region 1 32 that contacts the first side portion of the upper storage portion 131. The first inclined wall forms a first inclined region 25. The first inclined wall is composed of a first inclined wall lower region 136 and a first inclined wall upper region 134. The first boundary region 132 is composed of a curved surface. [0163] The medal insertion mechanism 130 is further continuously inclined downward from the second boundary region 133 in contact with the second side portion of the upper storage portion 131 located on the opposite side of the first side portion. Including a second inclined wall extending. The second inclined wall forms a second inclined region 26. The second inclined wall is composed of a second inclined wall lower region 137 and a second inclined wall upper region 135. The second boundary region 133 is composed of a curved surface.

[0164] The medal insertion mechanism 130 further includes a first lower reservoir 144 that continuously extends in the horizontal direction via a third boundary region 142 that contacts the outer side of the first inclined wall lower region 136. Including The first lower storage portion 144 forms a first lower horizontal region 27.

[0165] The medal insertion mechanism 130 further includes a second lower reservoir 145 continuously extending in the horizontal direction via a fourth boundary region 143 in contact with the outer side of the second inclined wall lower region 137. Including The second lower reservoir 145 forms a second lower horizontal region 28.

[0166] The medal insertion mechanism 130 further includes a first medal insertion part 138 having a first medal insertion port 138-1 at a position close to the first inclined wall, and a position close to the second inclined wall. And a second medal slot 139-1 having a second medal slot 139-1. The first boundary area 1 32, the first inclined wall lower area 136, the first inclined wall upper area 134, the first medal insertion part 138, and the third boundary area 142 are a medal insertion mechanism. 130 first inclined regions 25 are formed. The second boundary region 133, the second inclined wall lower region 137, the second inclined wall upper region 135, the second medal insertion portion 139, and the fourth boundary region 143 are the medal insertion mechanism 1 Thirty second inclined regions 26 are formed.

[0167] The first medal insertion portion 138 further includes a first mounting flange 146, and the first mounting flange 146 has a partial force in the third boundary region 142 as well as the first lower storage portion. It extends over part of 144. The second medal insertion portion 139 further has a second mounting flange 147, and the second mounting flange 147 extends from a part of the fourth boundary region 143 to a part of the second lower storage part 145. It extends to. The first mounting flange 146 extending on the first lower reservoir 144 and the second mounting flange 147 extending on the second lower reservoir 145 are largely rounded as shown in FIG. Has a corner. The first mounting flange 146 and the second mounting flange 147 define a medal storage area for storing the medal M on the first lower storage section 144 and the second lower storage section 145. Medal supply side of upper storage part 131 152 Medal M is supplied from The first lower storage section 144 includes a first medal restraining plate 148 for preventing the medal M from spilling down, and a first lower storage for isolating the medal M stored in the adjacent medal insertion mechanism. A storage partition 150 is provided. The second lower storage 145 includes a second medal restraint plate 149 for preventing the medal M from falling down and a second medal M for storing the medal M stored in the adjacent medal insertion mechanism. A lower storage section partition section 151 is provided. Further, although not shown, a medal restraining plate that prevents the medal M from spilling down may be provided on the front side of the upper storage portion 131.

[0168] A first guide 113 is formed at the boundary between the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the first inclined wall upper region 134. The first guide portion 113 locks a medal sliding down the first inclined wall upper region 134, and slides into the first medal insertion port 138-1 along the first guide portion. To be configured. The first guide portion 113 includes a first step 113 formed at the boundary between the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the first inclined wall upper region 134. The first step 113 extends while descending linearly toward the first medal slot 138-1. The first inclined wall upper region 134 has at least one protrusion formed so as to reduce friction with the medal M that slides and moves along the first guide portion 113. That is, the first inclined wall upper region 134 is spaced upward from the first guide portion 113 by a distance smaller than the diameter of the medal M, and generally extends in the direction in which the first guide portion 113 extends. It has at least one ridge-shaped protrusion 140 extending in parallel. Specifically, as shown in the drawing, a plurality of ridge line-shaped protrusions 140 are formed.

A second guide part 114 is formed at the boundary between the second inclined wall lower region 137 and the second inclined wall upper region 135. The second guide portion 114 locks a medal that slides down the second inclined wall upper region 135, and slides into the second medal slot 139-1 along the second guide portion. To be configured. The second guide part 114 includes a second step 114 formed at the boundary between the second inclined wall lower region 137 and the second inclined wall upper region 135. The second step 114 extends while descending linearly toward the second medal slot 139-1. The second inclined wall upper region 135 has at least one protrusion formed so as to reduce friction with the medal M that slides and moves along the second guide portion 114. That is, the second inclined wall upper region 135 is formed from the diameter of the medal M from the second guide portion 114. And at least one ridge-shaped protrusion 141 extending substantially parallel to the extending direction of the second guide portion 114 and spaced upward by a smaller distance. Specifically, as shown in the drawing, a plurality of ridge line-shaped protrusions 141 are formed.

[0170] The upper reservoir 131, the first boundary region 132, the second boundary region 133, the first inclined wall lower region 136, the second inclined wall lower region 137, and the first inclined wall upper region 134 If the second inclined wall upper area 135, the third boundary area 142, the fourth boundary area 143, the first lower storage section 144, and the second lower storage section 145 are made of the same member, There is no joint in the region where M is movable, and resistance can be reduced.

[0171] The first medal slot 138-1 of the first medal slot 138 and the second medal slot 139-1 of the second medal slot 139 are connected to the medal M Have dimensions that allow only one to enter at a time. When a plurality of the medals M enter the first medal slot 138-1 or the second medal slot 139-1 at the same time, the first medal slot 138 or the second medal slot This is to prevent the medal M from clogging 139 with certainty.

[0172] The above-described medal insertion mechanism 130 has a generally symmetrical shape and structure with reference to the intermediate position between the first and second side portions.

[0173] The first medal insertion unit 138 and the second medal insertion unit 139 have the same structure as the first medal insertion unit 108 and the second medal insertion unit 109 described above with reference to FIG. Description of the internal structure of is omitted.

[0174] The game player extends the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the first inclined wall M that are stored in the upper storage part 131 while continuously inclining downward from the upper storage part 131. 2 When moving to the upper area of the inclined wall upper area 135 and releasing the hand from the medal M, the medal M slides down the first inclined wall upper area 134 and the second inclined wall upper area 135 by gravity. The first step portion 113 constituting the first guide portion 113 and the second step portion 114 constituting the second guide portion 114 are locked. The first step 113 and the second step 114 are configured to slide the medal M into the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 by gravity. .

That is, the game player inclines the medal M continuously downward from the upper storage 131. Move to the upper region of the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 extending obliquely, and after that, when the medal M force is released, the medal M is moved by gravity. The first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 are slid down and locked to the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114, and then the medal M is Along the step 113 and the second step 114, the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 are slid into the first slot by gravity. When the medal M rolls along the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114, the medal M is in contact with the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the first inclined wall upper region 134. Will slide. That is, the game player moves the medal M to the upper areas of the first inclined wall upper area 134 and the second inclined wall upper area 135 and releases the medal M as in the conventional case. The upper storage portion 131 does not need to be transported to the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1. In other words, gravity is used effectively to make the game player's hands move easily.

[0176] Furthermore, the medal M may not be locked to the first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114. In this case, the medal M slides down the first and second inclined walls beyond the first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114, and the first and second lower storage portions 144, 145 It is stored here. The game media stored in the first and second lower storage units 144 and 145 can be used as they are. The game player slides the medal M stored in the first and second lower storage portions 144, 145 along the first and second inclined walls, and then from the medal M When the hand is released, the first sloped wall upper region 134 and the second sloped wall upper region 135 are slid down by gravity and locked to the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114. The medal M slides into the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 by gravity along the first step 113 and the second step 114. This mechanism is the same as described in the first embodiment.

[0177] For this reason, even if the game player continuously inserts the medal M for a long time, it is possible to greatly reduce the fatigue felt by the game player. In addition, since almost no nerve is used to insert the medal M, it is possible to concentrate on the game itself and to fully enjoy the game.

[0178] In addition, the game player continuously inclines the medal M downward from the upper storage unit 131. While moving to the upper region of the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 extending, and then releasing the medal M force, the medal M is moved by gravity. The first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 are slid down and locked to the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114, and then the medal M is moved to the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114. The first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 are slid into the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 138-1 along the stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114. Furthermore, the game player slides down the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the second inclined wall lower region 137 without being locked by the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114. After sliding the medal M retained in the lower reservoir 144 and the second lower reservoir 145 along the first and second inclined walls, if the hand is released from the medal M, The first sloped wall upper region 134 and the second sloped wall upper region 135 are slid down by gravity and locked to the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114. The first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 are slid into the first medal slot 138-1 along the first step 113 and the second step 114 by gravity. In other words, even if the game player continues to insert the medal M for a long time without automating the insertion of the medal M, it is possible to greatly reduce the fatigue felt by the game player. It is possible to continue attracting game players for a long time while having a sense of playing games.

The first step 113 and the second step 114 have a function of locking the medal M sliding down the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 by gravity, and It is only necessary to have a function of sliding in the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 by gravity along the first step 113 and the second step 114. However, the medals M stored in the first and second lower storage portions 144 and 145 are converted into the first guide portion 113, that is, the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114, that is, the second guide portion. Therefore, when the medal M is to be slid up, the first guide portion 113, that is, the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114, that is, It is preferable that the presence of the second step 114 does not hinder. In consideration of this, it is significant that the first guide portion 113 is constituted by the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114 is constituted by the second step portion 114. However, the step surfaces of the first and second steps 113 and 114 face upward. It is important that This makes it easy to slide the medal M beyond the first step 113 and the second step 114, and the slid up medal M leaves the hand of the game player and moves to the first step 113. The first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 can be slid down and locked by the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114. When the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114 face downward, the first inclined wall lower region 136, the first inclined wall upper region 134, and the second inclined wall lower region 137 The medal M sliding up along the upper inclined wall upper region 135 is blocked, and the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139— Can't slide into 1 due to gravity! /.

[0180] The first step 113 can be realized by configuring the first inclined wall lower region 136 to be thicker than the first inclined wall upper region 134. Further, the second step 114 can be realized by forming the second inclined wall lower region 137 thicker than the second inclined wall upper region 135. For example, the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall may be configured by combining a first flat plate extending in both the upper and lower regions and a second flat plate extending only in the lower region. Further, the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall may be formed by thinning only the lower region of the first flat plate extending over both the upper and lower regions. In any case, the first step 113 and the second step 114 can be realized using existing technology.

[0181] Then, the first step 113 and the second step 114 can be configured to extend to the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1. . At this time, the medal M locked by the first step 113 and the second step 114 is guided to the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 by gravity. Since it is necessary, the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 are extended so as to move downward. Specifically, the first step 113 and the second step 114 are configured to descend linearly toward the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1. And However, as a modified example, the first step 113 and the second step 114 are lowered in a curve toward the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1. It is also possible to form a combination of straight lines and curves. However, the medal M is locked at any position of the first step 113 and the second step 114. Even so, it has a minimum inclination angle required to roll and guide it toward the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1.

[0182] Further, the first step 113 and the second step 114 cause the medal M to slide into the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 by gravity. It must be terminated. The terminal portions of the first step 113 and the second step 114 are brought close to the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1. As a modified example, the end portions of the first step 113 and the second step 114 are not in contact with the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1, and there is a gap. However, the medal M that has rolled the first step 113 and the second step 114 is finally rolled into the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1. That's fine. For this purpose, the first medal slot 138-1 of the first slot 108 and the second medal slot 1 39-1 of the second slot 109 are arranged on the first slope. It is provided at a position close to the wall and the second inclined wall.

[0183] Further, the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114, in other words, the size of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is determined by the first inclined wall upper region. It is determined that the medal M sliding down 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 can be locked by the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114. The minimum required size of the first step 113 and the second step 114 depends on the inclination angles of the first and second inclined walls and the thickness of the medal M. For example, when the inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is large, the first step difference is compared with the case where the inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is small. The width of the step surface of 113 and the second step 114 should be larger.

[0184] Furthermore, if the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is too small compared to the thickness of the medal M, the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second step 114 will be described. The medal M that slides down the sloped wall upper area 135 cannot be locked, and the medal M passes over the first step 113 and the second step 114 and passes through the first lower storage portion 144 and the second lower portion 114. It slips down to the storage section 145! / ヽ, the medal M cannot be inserted into the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 1 39-1. Therefore, considering the thickness of the medal M and the inclination angles of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall, the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall The minimum width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 that can lock the medal M sliding down the partial area 135 is required. If the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is larger than the thickness of the medal M, the medal that slides down the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 The possibility of locking M increases. If the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is larger than twice the thickness of the medal M, the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall Two overlapping medals M sliding down the upper area 135 can be locked simultaneously. However, if the width of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is made too large, the medal M may be slid up beyond the first step 113 and the second step 114. The medal M may fall down at the first step 113 and the second step 114, and the medal M may not roll the first step 113 and the second step 114 well. It should be noted.

As shown in FIG. 29, when the cross-sectional shape of the periphery of the medal M is a rectangle and the corner is rounded with a round R, the first step of the rounded portion having a thickness R or more If there is a width W2 of the step surface of 113 and the second step 114, there is a possibility that the medal M can be locked. However, in actuality, when the medal M sliding down the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 comes into contact with the first step 113 and the second step 114, There is a possibility that the first step 113 and the second step 114 are not locked due to impact or vibration. Therefore, the widths of the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114 which are larger than the theoretically required width W2 are designed. Furthermore, theoretically, as shown in FIG. 29, two medals M that have slipped down the first sloped wall upper region 134 and the second sloped wall upper region 135 and that overlap each other are locked simultaneously. If the width W1 of the step surface of the first step 113 and the second step 114 is equal to or greater than the sum of the thickness of the medal M and the thickness R of the portion, the two pieces of the medal M There is a possibility that the overlapping medals M can be locked. In practice, the two overlapping medals M sliding down the first sloped wall upper region 134 and the second sloped wall upper region 135 become the first step 113 and the second step. Due to shock or vibration when touching the step 114, the upper one of the two overlapping medals M may not be locked to the first step 113 and the second step 114. There is sex. Therefore, the 2 In order to lock both of the medals M that overlap each other, the widths of the step surfaces of the first step 113 and the second step 114 that are larger than the theoretically required width Wl are designed.

[0186] From this point of view, in order to lock the medal M alone, it is preferable to design the width of the step surface of the first step to substantially correspond to the thickness of the game medium alone. Here, “substantially” includes an error corresponding to the thickness R of the rounded portion.

[0187] Further, the step surface angle of the first step is preferably a right angle or an acute angle with respect to the first inclined wall. If the angle of the step surface of the first step is an obtuse angle with respect to the first inclined wall, the game medium that has slid down the first inclined wall is not locked to the first step. There is a high possibility of slipping off.

[0188] When the inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is large, that is, the first inclined wall lower region 136, the first inclined wall upper region 134, and the second inclined wall lower portion When the region 137 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 are nearly perpendicular, the medal M is moved from the first lower storage portion 144 to the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the first inclined wall upper region 134, and It is not easy to slide the second inclined wall lower region 137 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 from the second lower reservoir 145. Conversely, when the inclination angle of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is small, that is, the first inclined wall lower region 136, the first inclined wall upper region 134, and the second inclined wall lower portion. When the region 137 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 are nearly flat, the medal M is transferred from the first lower storage portion 144 to the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the first inclined wall upper region 134. It is easy to slide the second inclined wall lower area 137 and the second inclined wall upper area 135 from the second lower storage section 145, but the game player releases his hand from the medal M. Thereafter, since the frictional force between the medal M and the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall increases, the medal M becomes the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135. And the medal M rolls along the first step 113 and the second step 114 due to gravity, and the upper region of the first inclined wall 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135, because the frictional force when sliding is large, it stops halfway, and the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 There is a possibility that it may not be. Therefore, the inclination angles of the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the first inclined wall upper region 134, and the second inclined wall lower region 137 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 take these into account. And It is necessary to make the angle not too close to vertical and not too close to horizontal. For example, the

The inclination angle of the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall lower region 137 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 should be not less than 20 degrees and not more than 70 degrees. More preferably, it is more preferably 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. The slope angle of the first sloped wall lower region 136 and the first sloped wall upper region 134, and the second sloped wall lower region 137 and the second sloped wall upper region 135 are typically about 45. May be degrees.

Furthermore, the medal M stored in the first lower storage portion 144 and the second lower storage portion 145 can be converted into the first inclined wall lower region 136 and the second inclined wall lower region 137. In order to make the resistance slip as low as possible, it is preferable that the third boundary region 142 and the fourth boundary region 143 are formed with curved surfaces. The preferable curvature of the curved surface depends on the radial dimension of the medal M, but it is sufficient that the curvature radius force of the curved surface is substantially larger than the radial dimension of the medal M. The preferred curvature can be easily determined empirically.

[0190] Furthermore, as described above, it is preferable to reduce the frictional resistance between the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall and the medal M as much as possible. In order to reduce the frictional resistance, the first plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 140 and the second plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 141 are effective. The medal M has a generally disc shape. Further, when the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 have a flat surface, the entire area of the side surface of the medal M is the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 134. In contact with the flat surface of the upper area 135 of the inclined wall. In order to reduce the frictional force between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135, the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 134 It is effective to reduce the contact area with the inclined wall upper region 135. In order to reduce the contact area, the first plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 140 and the second plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 141 are formed in the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135. Is done. By configuring in this way, the medal M rolling on the first guide portion 113, that is, the first step portion 113 and the second guide portion 114, that is, the second step portion 114, is the first plurality of ridge lines. Slide in contact with the shape protrusion 140 and the second plurality of ridge-line shape protrusions 141. Therefore, the contact area between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 is reduced, and the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced. [0191] For the purpose of reducing frictional resistance, at least the surfaces of the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 are preferably made of a material having self-lubricating properties. Only the surface may be made of a self-lubricating material, and the entire first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 may be made of a self-lubricating material. Good. Furthermore, in addition to the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135, the first inclined wall lower region 136, the second inclined wall lower region 137, the first boundary region 132, the second Self-lubricating the surface or the whole of the boundary region 133, the third boundary region 142, the fourth boundary region 143, the upper reservoir 131, the first lower reservoir 144, and the second lower reservoir 145 It may be composed of a certain substance. Typical examples of self-lubricating substances include engineering plastics such as Teflon (registered trademark) and oil-impregnated sintered metals (product examples: Oiles metal plate). . At least the surfaces of the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 are made of a material having a self-lubricating property, and instead of being made of a self-lubricating material, a first plurality of ridged linear protrusions provided for the purpose of reducing frictional resistance. It is also possible to omit the part 140 and the second plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 141.

As described above, the medal insertion mechanism 130 according to the present embodiment includes the upper storage unit 131 that stores a plurality of medals. The upper storage part 131 constitutes an upper horizontal region 24 of the medal insertion mechanism 130. The medal insertion mechanism 130 includes a first lower storage unit 144 that stores a plurality of medals. The first lower storage section 144 constitutes a first lower horizontal area 27 of the medal insertion mechanism 130. The medal insertion mechanism 130 includes a second lower storage unit 145 that stores a plurality of medals. The second lower storage section 145 constitutes a second lower horizontal area 28 of the medal insertion mechanism 130.

The medal insertion mechanism 130 further includes a first inclined wall that extends while inclining downward continuously from the first boundary region 1 32 that contacts the first side portion of the upper storage portion 131. The first inclined wall forms a first inclined region 25. The first inclined wall is composed of a first inclined wall lower region 136 and a first inclined wall upper region 134. The first inclined wall and the second inclined wall need only be configured so that a medal as a game medium can be slid up and down, and is not necessarily configured by an inclined plane having a certain inclination angle. . For example, the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall may be configured by inclined curved surfaces whose inclination angles change. [0194] As described above, the guide section for sliding the medal M as a game medium into the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 is the first medal slot. The first step 113 and the second step 114 that extend downwardly and linearly toward the 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 respectively. However, the medal locked to the first step 113 and the second step 114 slides into the first medal inlet 108-1 and the second medal inlet 109-1 due to gravity. In order to make this possible, the first step 113 and the second step 114 do not necessarily have to extend so as to incline downward. That is, the medals locked to the first step 113 and the second step 114 slide into the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 due to gravity. In order to make it possible, the first step 113 and the second step 114 are generally lowered toward the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1. Good. In other words, the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1 are locked to the first step 113 and the second step 114 rather than the potential energy of the medal M located at the position 1. The medal M's potential energy should be higher overall. For example, even if there is a rising part in the middle of the first step 113 and the second step 114, if the kinetic energy of the medal M is greater than the sum of the potential energy and the friction energy of the rising part, the medal M Will climb up the ascending section with the momentum of rolling until then and move into the first slot. Even if there is a rising part in the middle of the first step 113 and the second step 114 and the kinetic energy of the medal M is smaller than the sum of the potential energy and the friction energy of the rising part, the medal M There is no problem as long as it is possible to move up to the first insertion port by being pushed by the medal M that has been rolling and climbing up the ascending portion. Further, the first step 113 and the second step 114 may extend so as to descend in a stepped manner toward the first medal slot 138-1 and the second medal slot 139-1. Good.

[0195] According to the medal insertion mechanism 130 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above, even if the game player continuously inserts the game medium for a long time, the fatigue felt by the game player is greatly reduced. It becomes possible. In addition, since almost no nerve is used for the introduction of game media, it is possible to concentrate on the game itself and enjoy the game sufficiently. [0196] (1 -4-8) Modification 1 of medal insertion mechanism 200

Modification 1 to the medal insertion mechanism 200 described above will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal injection mechanism 200 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

Instead of forming the first plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 115 and the second plurality of ridgeline-shaped protrusions 116 in the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135, Thus, forming the plurality of scattered protrusions 153 in the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 reduces the contact area with the medal M, and for this reason, This is effective for reducing the frictional resistance with medal M. Here, the interval between the adjacent protrusions 153 is preferably sufficiently narrower than the radial dimension of the medal M. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the plurality of protrusions 153 are regularly scattered at regular intervals. With this configuration, the medals M rolling on the first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114 slide while contacting the plurality of scattered protrusions 153. Therefore, the contact area between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 is reduced, and the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced. From the viewpoint of reducing the frictional force, the plurality of protrusions 153 are preferably rounded at the top! /.

[0198] (1 -4- 9) Modification 2 of medal insertion mechanism 200

Modification 2 to the above-described medal insertion mechanism 200 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal injection mechanism 200 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0199] In order to reduce the frictional force between the medal M and the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall, the vibration motor 154 is connected to each of the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall. It is effective to provide the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall so as to give a minute vibration to the back side. By applying slight vibration to the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall, the medal M and the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall are prevented from coming into close contact with each other. The effective contact area between the medal M and the first and second inclined walls can be reduced, and the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced. The vibration applied to the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall is too great, and the medal M must not become unstable when rolling along the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114. You should be careful. In addition, too large vibration is preferable because it may cause discomfort to the game player.

[0200] (1-4-10) Variation 3 of medal insertion mechanism 200

Modification 3 to the medal insertion mechanism 200 described above will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal injection mechanism 200 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0201] In order to reduce the frictional force between the medal M and the first inclined wall and the second inclined wall, the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 The ventilation fan 156 is provided on the back side of each of the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135.

[0202] By blowing air through the plurality of ventilation holes 155, the medal M has a buoyancy in a direction in which the medal M is buoyant from the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135. The contact force between the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 is reduced, and as a result, the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and The frictional force with the second inclined wall upper region 135 is reduced. Here, the interval between the adjacent ventilation holes 155 is preferably sufficiently narrower than the radial dimension of the medals M. Furthermore, the plurality of ventilation holes 155 are more preferably scattered regularly at regular intervals. Further, the blower fan 156 can be realized by being arranged on the back side of the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135. With this configuration, the medal M that rolls the first stepped portion 113 and the second stepped portion 114 has the medal due to the buoyancy provided by the air blowing through the plurality of interstitial ventilation holes 155. In a state where the contact force between M and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 is reduced, the medal M has the first step portion 113 and the second step portion 114. Therefore, the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced.

[0203] (1 -4- 11) Modification 4 of medal insertion mechanism 200

Modification 4 to the medal insertion mechanism 200 described above will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal injection mechanism 200 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. [0204] As yet another effective method for reducing the frictional force between the medal M and the first and second inclined walls, the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall are effective. For example, the upper wall region 135 may be constituted by a net-like inclined wall 157. Here, the lattice spacing of the net is sufficiently smaller than the radial dimension of the medal M. The first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall upper region 135 are constituted by a net-like inclined wall 157, so that the medal M and the first inclined wall upper region 134 and the second inclined wall are formed. The contact area with the upper region 135 is reduced, and the frictional resistance can be effectively reduced.

[0205] (1-4-12) Variation 5 of medal insertion mechanism 200

Modification 5 to the medal insertion mechanism 200 described above will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a medal insertion mechanism according to this modification. Hereinafter, only differences from the above-described medal injection mechanism 200 will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0206] In the above-described embodiment, each inclined wall is composed of an inclined wall upper region and an inclined wall lower region, and the step constituting the guide portion along the boundary between the inclined wall upper region and the inclined wall lower region. A difference portion is formed. The step portion is configured to extend from the side force of the upper region of the inclined wall located on the opposite side to the medal slot to the medal slot. In other words, the step portion is configured to extend over the entire area of the inclined wall. On the other hand, according to this modified example 5, the stepped portion is from an inner position separated from the side portion of the inclined wall upper region located on the side opposite to the medal entrance by a distance equal to or larger than the radial dimension of the medal alone. A structure extending to the medal slot can be adopted. By extending the stepped portion from the side of the upper region of the inclined wall to the inner position force separated by a distance equal to or larger than the radial dimension of the medal alone, the stepped portion is not formed! The medal is inclined via the inclined plane portion. It is possible to move to the upper wall area.

[0207] This will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. The first inclined wall includes a first inclined wall upper region 134, a third inclined wall lower region 125, and a fourth inclined wall lower region 126. The first step 113 that constitutes the second guide portion is formed along the boundary between the third inclined wall lower region 125 and the first inclined wall upper region 134. The fourth inclined wall lower region 126 and the first inclined wall upper region 134 form a single plane, and there is a step at the boundary between the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 and the first inclined wall upper region 134. Is not formed. The third inclined wall lower region 125 is formed on one plane composed of the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 and the first inclined wall upper region 134. It is possible to comprise with a substantially wedge-shaped flat plate provided in the. In this case, since the thickness of the substantially wedge-shaped flat plate corresponds to the step width of the step 113 described above, the thickness is determined based on the step width of the first step 113 described above. Further, the horizontal dimension of the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 is larger than the radial dimension of the medal M. The force M is passed through the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 to the first inclined wall upper region 134. Necessary to move.

[0208] With this configuration, the game player moves from the first lower reservoir 144 to the first inclined wall upper region 134 via the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 while pressing the medal M with his / her finger. It is moved and further moved to a position above the third inclined wall lower region 125. At this position, by releasing the game player force S medal M, the medal M slides down the first inclined wall upper region 1 34 and the first step portion 113 constituted by the upper side of the generally wedge-shaped flat plate 113. It is locked with. Thereafter, as described above, the medal M slides into the first medal inlet 138-1 along the first step 113. According to this configuration, since no step is formed at the boundary between the fourth inclined wall lower region 126 and the first inclined wall upper region 134, the medal M is inserted into the first step without exceeding the first step portion 113. It is possible to move to the upper region 134 of the inclined wall.

[0209] The third inclined wall lower region 125 can be constituted by a plate having a substantially wedge-shaped thickness, instead of a substantially wedge-shaped flat plate. Specifically, the upper side of the approximate wedge shape has a thickness corresponding to the step width of the first step 113 described above, while the thickness gradually decreases as it approaches the lower side of the approximate wedge shape. It is possible to make the thickness substantially lower at the lower side of the generally wedge shape. With this configuration, it is not necessary to form a step on the lower side of the third inclined wall lower region 125.

[0210] With this configuration, the game player moves from the first lower storage section 144 to the second inclined wall upper area 107 via the fourth inclined wall lower area 126 while pressing the medal M with a finger. Since there is no step on the lower side of the third inclined wall lower region 125, it may be moved to the second inclined wall upper region 107 via the third inclined wall lower region 125. Good. By moving the medal M to a position above the lower inclined wall region 125 of the third inclined wall and releasing the game player power medal M at this position, the medal M becomes an upper region of the first inclined wall. It slides down the area 134 and is locked by a first step 113 formed by the upper side of a generally wedge-shaped flat plate. After that, as described above, the medal M slides into the first medal insertion slot 138-1 along the first step 113.

[0211] (1-5) Medal Movement Simulation Director

Next, the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect unit 900 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0212] (1 5— 1) Composition of medal movement simulation production section

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect production unit 900 according to this embodiment. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship between the medal movement simulation effect production unit 900 and its peripheral parts.

First, as shown in FIG. 30, the medal movement simulation rendering unit 900 includes a long and narrow bar-shaped support member 910 and a plurality of LEDs (light emitting elements) arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support member 910. Part) 920a to 920n (hereinafter, an arbitrary LED sign is 920) and an LED driving circuit 930 for driving the LED. It should be noted that other light emitting means can be used in place of the LED 920.

[0214] The support member 910 is, for example, a steel rod-like member having a cavity therein. By using the rod-shaped member, it is possible to easily arrange the LEDs from the vicinity of the medal insertion mechanism 100 to the vicinity of the medal discharge part 330. In this example, the support member 910 is a linear bar member. Note that the cross section of the support member 910 may be a square, a rectangle, another polygon, or a round shape such as a circle or an ellipse. In this example, it is assumed that the support member 910 has a rectangular cross section, and each side surface of the support member 910 is a flat surface without substantial twist. In this example, it is assumed that the plurality of LEDs 920 described above are linearly arranged at predetermined intervals on any side surface of the support member 910. The side surface on which the plurality of LEDs 920 are provided is a surface that is arranged so that it can be seen by the game player during the game.

[0215] As described above, the LED 920 is arranged on the support member 910 which is a linear rod-shaped member, so that a linear trajectory is drawn by the light of the LED 920 that is continuously lit, thus providing a sense of speed. It is possible to produce a pseudo movement of medals. The LEDs 920 that are arranged may all have the same emission color (for example, red, blue, or green), but LEDs of various emission colors may be used. You may arrange in regular or random combination.

[0216] The support member 910 is provided with the arranged LED 920 and the LED drive circuit 930, in the vicinity of the medal insertion mechanism 100 (particularly the first medal insertion slot 108-1) and the medal discharge part 330. It is bridged between. At this time, one end of the support member 910 is disposed close to a medal insertion slot 108-1 (see FIG. 33), which will be described later, of the medal insertion mechanism 100, and the other end cadal discharge portion 330 of the support member 910 is disposed. It is preferable to arrange | position close to. As a result, the LEDs 920 can be arranged so that the force in the vicinity of the medal insertion mechanism 100 is connected to the vicinity of the medal discharge unit 330. In addition, by sequentially lighting the arranged LEDs 920, it is possible to visually produce a pseudo state of moving from the medal-cadal insertion mechanism 100 to the medal discharge unit 330. Note that a wiring for electrically connecting the LED drive circuit 930 and the LED 920 is accommodated in the cavity of the support member 910.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 31, LED drive circuit 930 is electrically connected to control unit 600. The control unit 600 includes a medal insertion sensor (sensor) 1 08-9 provided in the medal insertion mechanism 100, a lift-up hopper 300, and a medal discharge sensor 332 provided in the medal discharge unit 330. Connected. For each connection, for example, a wiring such as a harness cable can be used.

The medal insertion sensor 108-9 is a sensor for detecting a medal in which the medal insertion slot 108-1 force in the medal insertion mechanism 100 is also inserted. The medal insertion sensor 108-9 may be a non-contact type using magnetism or light, or a contact type using an on-Z off switch. Here, the configuration of the medal insertion sensor 108-9 and its periphery will be described with reference to FIG.

[0219] As shown in FIG. 32, the medal M lifted up to the first sloped wall upper area 106 by the game player and the plate member constituting the first sloped wall lower area 106 and the first The first guide portion 113 formed by a step with the plate member constituting the inclined wall upper region 106 is inserted into the medal insertion slot 108-1 while slidingly rotating. Thereafter, the medal M passes the medal insertion path 108-7 formed by the first medal guide plate 108-5, the second medal guide plate 108-6, and the plate member constituting the first inclined wall upper region 106. Pass through to the medal transport path 200 (see Fig. 2). The medal insertion sensor 108-9 is It is provided in the middle of the medal insertion path 108-7 connecting the token insertion slot 108-1 to the medal transport path 200, and the passage of this medal M is detected by contact or non-contact. Further, when the medal insertion sensor 108-9 detects the insertion of the medal M, the medal insertion detection signal S1 is generated and input to the control unit 600 (see FIG. 2).

[0220] Based on the timing when medal insertion detection signal S1 is input, control unit 600 generates LED drive circuit control signal S2 for driving LED drive circuit 930, and inputs this to LED drive circuit 930. To do. The LED drive circuit 930 sequentially lights the LEDs 920a to 920n based on the timing when the LED drive circuit control signal S2 is input.

[0221] Lift-up hopper 300 discharges medal M set in medal discharge section 330 to medal discharge path 400 based on control from control section 600 (see FIG. 2). Note that the lift-up hopper drive signal S3 output from the control unit 600 is used to control the lift-up hopper 300. Further, after the medals are discharged, the next medals are quickly set in the medal discharging unit 330.

[0222] The medal discharge sensor 332 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the medal M has been discharged from the medal discharge unit 330. As with the medal insertion sensor 108-9, it uses magnetism or light. The non-contact type may be a contact type using an on / off switch. This medal discharge sensor 332 is provided at a discharge port (not shown) of the medal discharge unit 330, and detects the medal M discharged from the discharge locusr by contact or non-contact. Further, when the medal discharge sensor 332 detects the discharge of the medal M, it generates a medal discharge detection signal S4 and inputs it to the control unit 600 (see FIG. 2).

[0223] (1-5- 2) Operation of the medal movement simulation direction section and its surroundings

Next, with reference to FIG. 31 to FIG. 35, the operation of the medal movement simulation effect production unit 900 and its peripheral parts will be described in detail. Fig. 33 shows the flow of medals from medal insertion to medal discharge. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 600 from medal insertion to medal discharge. FIG. 35 is a waveform diagram of signals input / output between the medal movement simulation effect production unit 900 and its peripheral parts and the control unit 600 before the medal insertion and medal discharge. The peripheral portion includes a control unit 600, a medal insertion sensor 108-9, a lift-up hopper 300, and a medal discharge sensor 332. [0224] As shown in FIG. 33, first, the medal Ml inserted into the medal insertion slot 108-1 passes through the medal insertion path 108-7 as described with reference to FIG. Enter. At this time, the medal M2 stored in the medal storage unit 310 of the lift-up hopper 300 is set in the medal discharge unit 330. By providing a storage section 310 for storing medals for discharging from the medal discharge section 330, a medal M2 different from the medal Ml inserted from the medal insertion mechanism 100 is received from the medal discharge section 330. It can be discharged. As a result, it is possible to arbitrarily set the positional relationship between the medal insertion mechanism 100 and the medal discharge unit 330, and the degree of design freedom of the game device (especially the station unit ST) is improved. In addition, by configuring the medal Ml inserted from the medal insertion mechanism 100 to be stored in the storage unit 310 that stores the discharged medal M2, the number of medals placed in and out of the storage unit 310 can be reduced. It becomes possible to have a balance. As a result, it is possible to save the trouble of replenishing the storage unit 310 with medals during the game.

[0225] When the medal Ml passes through the medal insertion path 108-7, the medal insertion sensor 108-9 detects this. Further, the medal insertion sensor 108-9 generates a medal insertion detection signal S1 at the timing when the medal Ml is detected as shown in FIG. 35, and outputs this to the control unit 600 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 33, the medal Ml inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 100 is transported to the medal storage section 310 of the lift-up hopper 300 via the medal transport path 200 and stored therein.

Further, as shown in FIG. 34, control unit 600 is on standby for input of medal insertion detection signal S1 from medal insertion sensor 108-9 (step S101). When the medal insertion detection signal S1 is input from the medal insertion sensor 10 8-9 (Yes in step S101), the control unit 600 controls the first predetermined time (first lighting offset time in FIG. 35) as shown in FIG. tl) waits for the elapse of time (Yes in step S102), and then generates an LED drive circuit control signal S2 for driving the LED drive circuit 930 (step S103), as shown in FIG. Output to the LED drive circuit 930 (step S104). The first lighting offset time tl is a time required for the medal Ml to virtually move from the medal insertion slot 108-1 to the LED 920a.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 34, control unit 600 starts to output LED drive circuit control signal S2. Then, it waits for the second predetermined time (waiting time t5 in FIG. 35) to elapse (step S105). The waiting time t5 is the time to turn on each LED 920 as the LED lighting time t2, the time from turning off the previous LED 920 to turning on the next LED 920 is the LED offset time t3, and after turning on the last LED 920n, If the time until the medal M2 is discharged is the medal discharge offset time t4, it can be determined based on the following (Equation 1). t5 = tl + n X t2 + (n- 1) X t3 + t4 (Equation 1)

[0228] Actually, there is a slight time lag between the output of the LED drive circuit control signal S2 and the output of the first LED drive signal S920a. Since the first lighting offset time tl and LED lighting time t2 are sufficiently large compared to the operating speed of the LED drive circuit 930, this time lag can be ignored.

[0229] When the LED drive circuit control signal S2 is input, the LED drive circuit 930 first generates an LED drive signal S920a for driving the LED 920a closest to the medal insertion mechanism 100, as shown in FIG. This is applied to the wiring connected to the LED 920a. As a result, the LED 920a is turned on first. The LED drive signal S920a and the LED drive signals S920b to S920n described later are rectangular signals having a predetermined time (LED lighting time t2) width. Accordingly, the LEDs 920a to 920n to which they are respectively applied are lit for a period of the predetermined time (LED lighting time t2).

Next, as shown in FIG. 35, the LED drive circuit 930 generates an LED drive signal S920b for driving the LED 920b next to the medal insertion mechanism 100, and this is connected to the LED 920b. Apply to. As a result, the LED 920b is turned on next. As shown in FIG. 35, the timing at which the LED drive signal S920b is generated can be, for example, after the predetermined time (inter-LED offset time t3) has elapsed for the falling timing force of the LED drive signal S920a. Similarly, the timing for generating the subsequent LED drive signals S920c to S920n is after a predetermined time (LED offset time t3) has elapsed from the fall timing of the previous LED drive signals S920b to S920n-1. be able to. Thereby, each LED 920a-920n lights so that lighting time may not overlap. By operating so that the lighting times of the respective LEDs 920 do not overlap, it becomes possible to more closely represent the pseudo movement of medals. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 35, the LED drive circuit 930 sequentially generates the LED drive signals S920c to S 920η, and uses them to turn on the LEDs 920c to 920n. Thus, the LEDs 920a to 920n can be turned on sequentially from the medal insertion mechanism 100 side to the medal discharge unit 330 side. The control unit 600 and the LED driving circuit 930 function as a light emitting unit driving unit for driving the LED.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 34, control unit 600 waits for a second predetermined time (waiting time t5) (Yes in step S105), and then generates lift-up hopper drive signal S3 as shown in FIG. (Step S106), and this is output to the lift-up hopper 300 as shown in FIG. 31 (Step S107). Note that the timing at which the lift-up hopper control signal S3 is output after the LED drive circuit control signal S2 is output is after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last LED 920n is turned off. That is, the end of the second predetermined time (waiting time t5) is set to be after the last LED 920n is turned off.

Further, as shown in FIG. 34, after outputting the lift-up hopper control signal S3 (step S107), the control unit 600 generates the medal discharge detection signal S4 from the medal discharge sensor 332 during the third predetermined time. It is determined whether or not an input is made (steps S108 to S109). When the third predetermined time has elapsed without the medal discharge detection signal S4 being input (No in step S108 and Yes in S109), the control unit 600 performs error processing when the medal M2 is not properly discharged. Is executed (step S110), and then the process ends. When the medal discharge right knowledge signal S4 is input within the third predetermined time (Yes in step S108), the process returns to step S101. The error process includes, for example, a process for notifying that an error due to a medal jam has occurred in another configuration, a process for displaying the occurrence of an error on the display unit 700, and the like.

On the other hand, when the lift-up hopper driving signal S3 is input, the lift-up hopper 300 receives the medal M2 set in the medal discharge unit 330 in advance as shown in FIG. Output to. Therefore, the medal M2 discharged at this time is different from the medal Ml inserted by the game player. The control unit 600 functions as a discharge unit driving unit for discharging the medal M2 to the play field 500 by driving the medal discharge unit 330 in the lift-up hono 300. However, the lift-up hopper 300 may be included in the discharge unit driving means. [0235] The medal M2 discharged from the medal discharge unit 330 of the lift-up hopper 300 is discharged to the sub table 511 on the pusher unit 510 in the play field 500 through the medal discharge path 400. The medal M2 discharged to the sub-table 511 collides with the display unit 700 and the lower portion 710 of the display unit 700, and falls from the card stored on the sub-table 511 or from the sub-table 511. As described above, the medal discharge sensor 332 is provided at the discharge port of the medal discharge unit 330. The medal discharge sensor 332 detects whether or not the medal M2 has been discharged normally. When the medal discharge sensor 332 detects the discharge of the medal M2, the medal discharge sensor 332 generates a medal discharge right knowledge signal S4 and inputs it to the control unit 600.

[0236] As described above, when the medal Ml is inserted from the game player, the LEDs 920a to 920n are sequentially turned on from the medal insertion mechanism 100 side to the medal discharge unit 330 side, and then from the medal discharge unit 330 to the other By discharging the medal M2, it is possible to achieve such an effect that the medal Ml, which was also inserted by the warmer, is discharged from the medal discharge path 400.

[0237] Also, in the present embodiment, when the next medal Ml is inserted between the time when the medal Ml is inserted and the medal M2 is discharged, it is generated by detecting this next medal Ml. In order to prevent the medal insertion detection signal S1 from being ignored, for example, it is possible to provide a counter (not shown) that constantly monitors the generation of the medal insertion detection signal S1 and the generation of the medal discharge detection signal S4. is there. In this case, the counter operates to count up when the medal insertion detection signal S1 is generated, and to count down when the medal discharge detection signal S4 is generated. Then, control unit 600 operates to continue to output lift-up hopper control signal S3 until the counter reaches zero. As a result, even when the next medal Ml is continuously inserted before the medal M2 is discharged, it is possible to reliably discharge the inserted number of medals after a predetermined delay. Also, the medal movement simulation performance unit 900 shown in FIG. 33 starts an operation every time the medal insertion detection signal S1 is generated, and when a new medal insertion detection signal S1 is generated before the series of operations ends. It operates to start a new operation while continuing the previous operation.

[0238] (1 5— 3) Effects

As described above, the game apparatus (station unit ST) according to the present embodiment is inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 100 into which the medal M as the game medium is inserted, and the medal insertion mechanism 100. Medal insertion sensor 108-9 for detecting medal M, medal discharge section 330 for discharging medals to play field 500, a plurality of LEDs 920 arranged from the vicinity of medal insertion mechanism 100 to the vicinity of medal discharge section 330, and medal insertion When the medal M insertion into the mechanism 100 is detected by the medal insertion sensor 108-9, the control unit 600 and the LED for sequentially lighting a plurality of arranged LEDs 920 from the medal insertion mechanism 100 side to the medal discharge unit 330 side. A drive circuit 930 is included. In addition, the control unit 600 detects the medal input to the medal insertion mechanism 100 by the medal insertion sensor 108-9, and then discharges the medal after a predetermined time (first lighting offset time tl + standby time t5) has elapsed. Drive part 330 to eject the medal.

[0239] When a medal is inserted, a plurality of LEDs 920 arranged from the vicinity of the medal insertion mechanism 100 to the vicinity of the medal discharge section 330 are sequentially turned on from the medal insertion mechanism 100 side to the medal discharge section 330 side. It is possible to visually represent how the selected medal moves from the medal insertion mechanism 100 to the medal discharge unit 330. As a result, for example, when the medal inserted from the medal insertion mechanism 100 and the medal discharged from the medal discharge unit 330 are different, the pseudo movement of the medal body from the medal insertion mechanism 100 to the medal discharge unit 330 is performed. It becomes possible to produce. As a result, when a medal is inserted into the play field 500, the game player does not feel uncomfortable regardless of whether the inserted medal and the discharged medal are the same. Further, when the medal inserted from the medal insertion mechanism 100 and the medal discharged from the medal discharge unit 330 are the same, it is possible to produce this effect by light separately from the actual movement of the medal.

[0240] (1 5— 4) Operational variations of the medal movement simulation direction section and its surroundings

Next, a modified example of the operation of the medal movement simulation effect part 900 and its peripheral parts will be described. FIG. 36 is a waveform diagram of signals input / output between the medal movement simulation rendering unit 900 and its peripheral units and the control unit 600 from medal insertion to medal discharge. As described above, the peripheral portion includes the control unit 600, the medal insertion sensor 108-9, the lift-up hopper 300, and the medal discharge sensor 332.

[0241] As is clear from comparison between FIG. 36 and FIG. 35, in this modification, the timing force at which the LED drive signal S920b is generated, for example, the falling timing of the LED drive signal S920a It may be before a predetermined time (overlapping lighting time t6). Similarly, the timing for generating the subsequent LED drive signals S 920c to S920n may be a predetermined time (inter-LED offset time t3) before the fall timing of the previous LED drive signals S920b to S92 On-1. it can. As a result, the LEDs 920a to 920n operate so as to be lit in duplicate. In other words, the operation is performed so that the next LED 920 is turned on before the LED 920 that was turned on immediately before is turned off. By duplicating the lighting time of each LED 920, it is possible to more smoothly express the pseudo movement of medals.

[0242] Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0243] (1-5-5) Configuration modification of the medal movement simulation effect section

Next, some modifications of the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect unit 900 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0244] (1-5- 5- 1) Configuration modification 1 of the medal movement simulation effect section

First, Modification 1 of the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect unit 900 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

. FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect section 901 according to this modification.

As shown in FIG. 37, the medal movement simulation performance unit 901 has a structure in which the support member 910 is replaced with the support member 911, compared to the medal movement simulation performance unit 900 shown in FIG.

[0246] Whereas the support member 910 shown in Fig. 30 is configured by a linear elongated rod-shaped member, the support member 911 according to the present modification is configured by a spiral elongated rod-shaped member.

[0247] Like the support member 910, the support member 911 is, for example, a steel rod-like member having a cavity therein. The cross section of the support member 911 may be a square, a rectangle, another polygon, or a round shape such as a circle or an ellipse. In this example, the support member 911 has a rectangular cross section. In this example, it is assumed that the plurality of LEDs 920 described above are arranged at predetermined intervals on any side surface of the support member 911. The side surface on which the plurality of LEDs 920 are provided is a surface that is arranged so that it can be seen by the game player during the game. [0248] By arranging the LED 920 on the support member 911, which is a tortuous rod-shaped member, a curved trajectory is drawn by the light of the LED 920 that is continuously lit, thus imitating a dynamic medal. A movement can be produced.

[0249] Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0250] (1-5- 5- 2) Configuration modification 2 of the medal movement simulation production part

Next, Modification 2 of the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect unit 900 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 38 (a) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect production unit 902 according to this modification, and FIG. 38 (b) is provided on each side surface 912-1 to 912-4 in FIG. 38 (a). It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of LED921a-921n, 922a-922n, 923a-923n, and 924a-924n. Note that, as described above, the description will be made assuming that the symbol of an arbitrary LED is 920.

[0251] As shown in Fig. 38 (a), the medal movement simulation effect section 902 is different from the medal movement simulation effect section 900 shown in Fig. 30 in that the support member 910 is replaced with the support member 912 and the support member 912 is supported. LEDs 920 are arranged on all side surfaces of the member 912. That is, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), LEDs 921a to 921n are arranged and provided on the side surface 912-1, and LEDs 922a to 922n are arranged and provided on the side surface 912-2. LED923a to 923η are arranged, and LEDs 924a to 924n are arranged on the side surface 912-4. Note that the same number of LEDs 920 is provided on each of the side surfaces 912-1 to 912-4.

[0252] Like the support member 910, the support member 912 is, for example, a steel rod-like member having a cavity therein. The cross section of the support member 912 may be a square, a rectangle, or another polygon. Further, the cross section of the support member 912 may have a round shape such as a circle or an ellipse. In this case, by providing a plurality of arrayed LEDs 920 along the side surface, a configuration equivalent to this modification can be obtained.

[0253] Further, the LEDs 920 arranged on each of the side surfaces 912-1 to 912-4 of the support member 912 are continuously turned on and turned off on the respective surfaces in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. That is, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 100, the LED 921a on the medal insertion mechanism 100 side on the side 912-1 and the LED 921a on the medal insertion mechanism 100 side on the side 912-2 922a and Medallé Thrower Mechanism 10 on 佃 J Side 912-3 (K-law: LED923a and Medal Insertion Mechanism on における J Side 912-4 and LED 924a on 100 side turn on and turn off at the same time. To the discharge part 330, it lights continuously and turns off.

Such an operation is realized by distributing and supplying the LED drive signals S920a to S920n in the above-described embodiment to all four corresponding LEDs (for example, LEDs 921a, 922a, 923a, and 924a). Can do.

[0255] As described above, by providing a plurality of LED 920 arranged on the side surface of the support member 912, it is possible to increase the number of trajectories drawn by the light of the LED 920 that is continuously lit. It is possible to produce a pseudo movement of a certain medal.

[0256] Note that other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0257] (1-5- 5- 3) Configuration modification 3 of the medal movement simulation production part

Next, Modification 3 of the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect production unit 900 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 39 (a) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the medal movement simulation effect section 903 according to this modification, and FIG. 39 (b) is provided on each of the side surfaces 913-1 to 913-4 in FIG. 39 (a). It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of LED921a-921n, 922a-922n, 923a-923n, and 924a-924n. Note that, as described above, the description will be made assuming that the symbol of an arbitrary LED is 920.

[0258] As shown in Fig. 39 (a), the medal movement simulation effect section 903 is different from the medal movement simulation effect section 900 shown in Fig. 2 in that the support member 910 is replaced with the support member 913 and the support member 913 is supported. The LEDs 920 are arranged on all side surfaces of the member 913. That is, the support member 913 according to this modification has a structure in which the support member 912 according to modification 2 is twisted. Therefore, the LED 920 array provided on each side 913-1 to 913-4 of the twisted support member 913 is also twisted along each side! / Speak.

[0259] Like the support member 910, the support member 913 is, for example, a steel rod-like member having a cavity therein. The cross section of the support member 913 may be a square, a rectangle, or another polygon. Further, the cross section of the support member 913 may have a rounded shape such as a circle or an ellipse. In this case, a plurality of arrayed LEDs 920 are provided along the side surface, and each array is spirally transferred to achieve the same configuration as this modification. be able to.

[0260] In addition, 1 ^: 0920 arranged on each side surface 913-1 to 913-4 of the support member 913 is continuously turned on and off on each side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. To do. That is, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 100, the medal insertion mechanism 100 side LED921a on the side 913-1 and the medal insertion mechanism 100 side LED 922a on the side 913-2, 913-3 Medallor Thrower Mechanism 10 (K-law LED923a and 佃 J-plane 913-4 medal insertion mechanism 100-side LED924a turn on and turn off at the same time. Turns on and off continuously.

[0261] Such an operation can be realized by distributing and supplying the LED drive signals S920a to S920n in the above-described embodiment to all four corresponding LEDs (for example, LEDs 921a, 922a, 923a, and 924a). Can do.

[0262] As described above, by providing a plurality of LED 920s arranged on the side surface of the support member 913, it is possible to increase the number of trajectories drawn by the light of the LED 920 that is continuously lit, so that more impact is achieved. It is possible to produce a pseudo movement of a certain medal. Furthermore, by making the arrangement of the LEDs 920 spiral, for example, a more dynamic medal pseudo-movement can be produced.

[0263] Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0264] (1-5-6) Variation of medal movement simulation production

Further, in the above description, the movement of the medal is simulated using light, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same as the above-described embodiment between the medal insertion and the medal discharge. In addition, it is possible to perform a pseudo movement of medals simply by providing a delay time (time lag). In this case, after the medal Ml is inserted into the medal insertion mechanism 100 and the medal insertion detection signal SI is generated, the control unit 600 drives the medal discharge unit 330 in the lift-up hopper 300 to play the medal M2 in the play field. It is configured to function as a delay means for delaying the time until discharge to 500 for a predetermined time.

In this way, when a medal is inserted, after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, the medal insertion slot 108.

-The medal is removed by ejecting the medal from the medal ejector 330 located away from 1. It is possible to give the game player the feeling of moving from the dull slot 108-1 to the medal discharger 330. As a result, for example, when the medal Ml inserted from the medal insertion slot 108-1 and the medal M2 discharged from the medal discharge section 330 are different from each other, It is possible to produce a realistic movement. As a result, when a medal is inserted into the play field 500, the game player does not feel uncomfortable regardless of whether or not the inserted medal M1 and the discharged medal M2 are the same. At this time, it is also possible to more effectively perform a pseudo effect of medal movement by generating, for example, a changing sound during the time until the medal discharge unit 330 discharges the medal. . The sound generated in this case may be continuous or intermittent, but it is better to gradually change the pitch and sound quality. By doing so, it gives the game player the impression that the state will change, making it easier to imagine the movement of medals.

[0266] In the present embodiment, the control unit 600, which is a delay unit, can be configured to change and control the delay time.

[0267] By changing and controlling the predetermined time (delay time) from when the medal Ml is inserted to when the medal M2 is discharged, the direction of medal movement can be changed according to the situation or game state, It is possible to control the maximum number of medals that can be consumed by one game player per unit time. In addition to the delay time, for example, in order to more effectively produce a medal movement by generating a changing sound, it is possible to control the sound playback speed (change speed) and the generation interval. Thus, the moving speed of the medals to be produced can be changed, and as a result, the game player can predict the delay time. For example, when the delay time is lengthened, the game player can predict that the delay time is long by slowing down the sound reproduction speed or lengthening the sounding interval. On the other hand, for example, when the delay time is shortened, the game player can predict that the delay time is short by increasing the sound reproduction speed or shortening the sounding interval.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a predetermined table for storing the first game media;

Pusher means for generating a flow of the first game medium on the predetermined table by sliding on the predetermined table and pushing the first game medium, and the first game medium on the predetermined table First flow control means for controlling the flow of

Moving means for causing the first flow control means to protrude from the predetermined table or to retract below the upper surface of the predetermined table;

A game apparatus comprising:

[2] The first flow control means includes a first guide plate protruding from the predetermined table, and the flow of the first game medium on the predetermined table is restricted by the first guide plate. The game device according to claim 1.

3. The game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first flow control means includes the two first guide plates combined in parallel or in a C shape.

[4] The game device further includes payout means for paying the first game medium dropped from a predetermined end of the predetermined table to the game player!

Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first flow control means controls the flow of the first game medium on a predetermined table so that the first game medium flows to the predetermined end side. The game device according to item 1.

[5] Second flow control means for controlling the flow of the second game medium stored on the predetermined table,

The pusher means generates a flow of the second game medium on the predetermined table by sliding on the predetermined table and pushing the first game medium or the second game medium. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[6] Second flow control means for controlling the flow of the second game medium stored on the predetermined table,

The pusher means slides on the predetermined table and the first game medium or A flow of the second game medium on the predetermined table is generated by pushing the second game medium,

The second flow control means includes a second guide plate disposed on the first guide plate at a predetermined interval from the first guide plate,

The game device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined interval is equal to or greater than a thickness of the first game medium.

7. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second flow control means includes the two second guide plates combined in parallel or in a C shape.