Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can increase players' motivation to play by making it easier, or making it appear easier, to get balls into the prize slots. [Solution] The system includes an upward-facing opening designated prize slot 152, a ball detection means for detecting game balls that have entered the designated prize slot 152, a ball passage 160 wider than the designated prize slot 152, and a ball passage 163 for guiding game balls that have passed through the ball passage 160. A pair of left and right gaps 167 through which game balls can pass are provided between the ball passage 163 and the designated prize slot 152. Outside the pair of left and right gaps 167, entry blocking means 171 to 173 are arranged to prevent game balls from entering the gaps 167. If a game ball that has passed through the ball passage 160 does not pass through the gaps 167, it enters the designated prize slot 152 and is detected by the ball detection means when it is discharged from the game area. If it passes through the gaps 167, it is discharged from the game area via either a prize slot other than the designated prize slot 152 or an out slot 138.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

Background Art

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, a plurality of winning holes such as normal winning holes, start winning holes, and special variable winning holes are provided in the game area. When the game balls launched by the launching means flow down the game area and enter those winning holes, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for each winning hole. Further, when a game ball enters the start winning hole, the symbols are variably displayed, and when the stopped symbols after the variation become a specific pattern, a special profit state occurs and the special variable winning hole opens (a big win), so that the player can receive a great deal of profit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of gaming machine, the player can obtain profit by the game ball entering the winning hole. However, in order for the player to obtain a greater profit, it is necessary to variably display more symbols to win a big win. Therefore, the ease of the game ball entering each winning hole, particularly the start winning hole called the "waist", affects the player's gaming motivation. That is, in order to enhance the player's gaming motivation, it is important to make it easy for the game ball to enter the winning hole, particularly the start winning hole, or at least to appear easy to enter. On the other hand, since the size of the winning hole is defined by the gaming machine rules, it is not possible to enlarge the winning hole itself to make it easier for the game ball to enter. This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the player's motivation to play by making it easier, or making it appear easier, to get balls into the prize slot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention comprises a predetermined prize entry opening formed in an upward-facing opening, a ball detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the predetermined prize entry opening, a ball passage opening positioned above the predetermined prize entry opening and wider than the predetermined prize entry opening, and a ball passage for guiding a game ball that has passed through the ball passage opening toward the predetermined prize entry opening below. A pair of left and right gaps through which a game ball can pass are provided between the lower end of the ball passage and the predetermined prize entry opening, and an entry obstruction means is positioned outside the pair of left and right gaps to prevent a game ball from entering the gaps. If a game ball that has passed through the ball passage opening and been guided by the ball passage does not pass through the gaps, it is detected by the ball detection means when it is discharged from the game area after entering the predetermined prize entry opening, and if it passes through the gaps, it is discharged from the game area via either a prize entry opening other than the predetermined prize entry opening or an out opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier, or make it appear easier, for balls to enter the prize slot, thereby increasing the player's motivation to play. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall front view of a pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 3] These are a rear view and a rear cross-sectional view of the glass unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the base plate and front mounting mechanism of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6]This is a front view of the upper right component and its vicinity in the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged front view of the upper right section of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 8] These are cross-sectional views of AA and BB of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 9] This is a front cross-sectional view of the lower right component and its vicinity in the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the CC (carbon card) in the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged front view of the lower right section of the game board of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 12] These are cross-sectional views of the DD, EE, and FF sections of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the left prize entry unit of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 14] This is a disassembled perspective view of the left prize entry unit of the same pachinko machine. [Figure 15] This is a front cross-sectional view of the left prize entry unit and its vicinity in the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 16] This is a side cross-sectional view of the central lower part of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0008] The embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 16 illustrate one embodiment in which the present invention is adopted in a pachinko machine. In Figures 1 and 2, the gaming machine body 1 comprises an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 positioned in front of the outer frame 2. The front frame 3 is pivotally attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be able to open and close and to be detached via a first hinge 4 in the vertical direction, which is located on one end in the left-right direction, for example on the left end. The front frame 3 can be locked in the closed position relative to the outer frame 2 by a locking means 5 provided on the opposite side of the first hinge 4 in the left-right direction, for example on the right end.

[0009] The front frame 3 includes an inner frame 6 and a glass door 7 disposed on the front side of the inner frame 6. The glass door 7 is pivotally supported on the inner frame 6 so as to be openable / closable and detachable via a vertical second hinge 8 disposed on one end side in the left-right direction, for example, the left end side, and can be locked to the inner frame 6 in a closed state by locking means 5.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 2 is formed in a rectangular shape by a pair of left and right vertical frame members 2a and 2b and a pair of upper and lower horizontal frame members 2c and 2d. A front cover member 9 made of synthetic resin is attached to the lower front side of the outer frame 2 so as to connect the lower front sides of the left and right vertical frame members 2a and 2b along the front edge of the lower horizontal frame member 2d. The front cover member 9 protrudes forward from the left and right vertical frame members 2a and 2b, and the inner frame 6 is disposed above it. In addition, an outer frame upper hinge fitting 11 constituting the first hinge 4 is disposed, for example, at the upper left part of the outer frame 2, and an outer frame lower hinge fitting 12 is also disposed above the front cover member 9 at the lower left part.

[0011] The inner frame 6 is made of synthetic resin and integrally includes a rectangular frame portion 13 that can be substantially abutted against the front edge side of the outer frame 2 above the front cover member 9, a game board mounting portion 14 provided on the upper side within this frame portion 13, and a lower mounting portion 15 provided on the lower side within the frame portion 13. A game board 16 (FIG. 4) is detachably mounted on the game board mounting portion 14 from the front side, and a launching means 17, a lower speaker 18, etc. are disposed on the front side of the lower mounting portion 15. In addition, a main body frame upper hinge fitting 19 constituting the first hinge 4 and a main body frame upper hinge fitting 20 constituting the second hinge 8 are disposed at the upper left part of the inner frame 6, and a main body frame lower hinge fitting 21 constituting the first and second hinges 4 and 8 is disposed at the lower left part.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the glass door (front door) 7 includes a resin-made door base 22 formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the front side of the inner frame 6. A window hole 24a of a glass window 24 is formed in the door base 22 corresponding to the front side of a game area 23 formed in the game board 16, and a plurality (here, four) of upper speakers 25, a frame first movable body 26, a frame second movable body 27, an air blowing means 28, and other various effect means are disposed around the window hole 24a.

[0013] On the upper front side of the door base 22, an upper decorative cover 31 is mounted so as to surround the window hole 24a as shown in FIG. 1, and a number of LEDs constituting a lighting decoration are arranged on the rear side thereof. The frame first movable body 26 is capable of sliding movement in a substantially front-rear direction by the drive of a drive means (not shown). The frame second movable body 27 is capable of sliding movement in a substantially front-rear direction by the drive of a drive means (not shown) and can be pushed in by a player. The blowing means 28 can blow wind toward the player's hand, for example, at the timing when the player operates the frame second movable body 27.

[0014] On the lower front side of the door base 22, there are arranged an upper dish 33 for storing game balls paid out from the payout means 32 arranged on the rear side of the inner frame 6 and supplying them to the launching means 17, a lower dish 34 for storing surplus balls etc. when the upper dish 33 is full, a launch handle 35 for operating to activate the launching means 17, etc., and a lower decorative cover 36 that substantially covers the upper dish 33, the lower dish 34, etc. from the front side is mounted. The lower decorative cover 36 is formed in a forward-bulging shape, and on the upper side thereof, there are provided an operation button 37 for lighting effects and various other operation means.

[0015] On the back side of the door base 22, a glass unit 40 that substantially closes the window hole 24a from the rear side is detachably mounted as shown in FIG. 2, and there are a vertical hinge end side reinforcing sheet metal 41a arranged along the edge on the side of the first and second hinges 4, 8, a vertical opening / closing end side reinforcing sheet metal 41b arranged along the edge on the opening / closing end side, and a horizontal lower reinforcing sheet metal 41c arranged below the window hole 24a, which are detachably fixed by screwing etc. Also, on the door base 22, a glass door upper hinge fitting 42a constituting the second hinge 8 is arranged at the upper left part, and a glass door lower hinge fitting 42b is also arranged at the lower left part.

[0016] Furthermore, a ball feeding unit 43a, a lower tray guide unit 43b, etc., are mounted on the rear side of the lower reinforcing plate 41c. The ball feeding unit 43a is for supplying game balls from the upper tray 33 one by one to the launching means 17, and is positioned corresponding to the front side of the launching means 17. The lower tray guide unit 43b is for guiding excess balls when the upper tray 33 is full, and foul balls that have been launched by the launching means 17 but have returned without reaching the game area 23, to the lower tray 34, and is positioned adjacent to the ball feeding unit 43a on the side of its first and second hinges 4 and 8.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, the glass unit 40 comprises a pair of front and rear glass plates 44a and 44b arranged with a certain gap between them, and a frame member 45 that holds the pair of glass plates 44a and 44b on their outer periphery. The glass unit 40 is detachably fixed to the back of the door base 22 by screws or the like via a plurality of mounting parts 40a integrally formed on the outer periphery of the frame member 45. The glass plates 44a and 44b are identical in shape and are formed to correspond to the area through which game balls can pass at the front of the game board 16, including the game area 23.

[0018] The frame member 45 is made of synthetic resin and is formed in an annular shape along the outer circumference of the glass plates 44a and 44b. As shown in Figure 3(b), the frame member 45 integrally includes a gap-holding portion 46 with a substantially U-shaped cross-section that is recessed inward along the opposing surfaces of the two glass plates 44a and 44b, a front circumferential wall portion 47 arranged along the outer edge of the front glass plate 44a, and a rear circumferential wall portion 48 arranged along the outer edge of the rear glass plate 44b. Furthermore, a protruding wall 48a is integrally provided on the rear edge side of the rear circumferential wall portion 48, which protrudes rearward from the rear glass plate 44b. The protruding wall 48a may be formed with the same plate thickness as the rear circumferential wall portion 48, but in this embodiment, the protruding wall 48a is thinner than the rear circumferential wall portion 48 and is arranged along the outer circumference of the rear circumferential wall portion 48. In addition, a missing portion 106 is formed at a predetermined location on the circumference of the frame member 45 where the protruding wall 48a is not provided.

[0019] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the game board 16 includes a base plate 50 of approximately constant thickness made of plywood, polycarbonate, or the like, and a game area 23 is provided on the front side of the base plate 50. On the front side of the base plate 50, a front mounting means 53 is detachably attached, which includes an outer unit (first mounting means) 51 positioned outside along the outer circumference of the game area 23, and an inner unit (second mounting means) 52 equipped with a game ball passage section through which game balls in the game area 23 can pass.

[0020] Furthermore, the inner unit 52 is equipped with a normal symbol starting means 61, a first special symbol starting means 62, a second special symbol starting means 63, a first major prize winning means 64, a second major prize winning means 65, and multiple (in this case, four) normal prize winning slots 66-69. In addition, display means such as a normal symbol display means 71, a normal reserve number display means 72, a first special symbol display means 73, and a second special symbol display means 74 are arranged at arbitrary positions on the outer unit 51, inner unit 52, etc. The base plate 50 has one or more, for example, two mounting holes 75a, 75b that penetrate in the thickness direction, and the inner unit 52 is fitted into the mounting holes 75a, 75b from the front, while the outer unit 51 is mounted on the front side of the base plate 50 outside the mounting holes 75a, 75b.

[0021] The outer unit 51 constitutes a guide rail 76 that forms the outer perimeter of the game area 23, and includes one or more, for example, three, first to third rail members 51a to 51c. The first rail member 51a is formed in a roughly curved shape from the lower left side of the base plate 50, through approximately the center of the left edge and approximately the center of the upper edge, to the upper right, and the side facing the game area 23 constitutes part of the guide rail 76. In addition, a glass unit receiving portion 78 that receives the outer edge of the glass unit 40 is formed on the front surface 77 side of the first rail member 51a.

[0022] The glass unit receiving portion 78 is composed of a stepped portion where the height from the base plate 50 changes. For example, in the glass unit receiving portion 78 near the right end of the first rail member 51a, as shown in Figures 7 and 8(a), the inner front portion 77a on the inside (game area 23 side) is slightly higher from the base plate 50 than the outer front portion 77b. When the glass door 7 is closed, the protruding wall 48a on the rear side of the glass unit 40 is fitted to the outside of the stepped portion (glass unit receiving portion 78), and the rear end surface of the protruding wall 48a is in approximate contact with the outer front portion 77b, while the rear glass plate 44b is in approximate contact with or close to the inner front portion 77a. The glass unit receiving portion may also be composed of grooves or protrusions.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second rail member 51b is thin and plate-like, and is arranged in a roughly arc shape parallel to the inside of the first rail member 51a from the upper left to the lower left of the base plate 50, with its almost entirety forming part of the guide rail 76. The portion sandwiched between this second rail member 51b and the second rail member 51b on its outside forms a launch guide passage 79 that guides the game balls launched by the launching means 17 to the game area 23. A return prevention valve 79a is provided on the upper end side of the second rail member 51b to prevent the game balls from returning from the game area 23 to the launch guide passage 79.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the third rail member (specific first mounting means) 51c is arranged in the left-right direction along the lower edge of the base plate 50, with its left end connected to the lower end of the second rail member 51b, and a projection 70 that protrudes upward along the right edge of the base plate 50 integrally provided on its right end, with the side (top surface) facing the game area 23 forming part of the guide rail 76. The projection wall 48a on the lower rear peripheral wall portion 48 of the glass unit 40 is fitted to the outside (lower side) of the third rail member 51c along its lower edge. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12(b), a glass unit receiving portion 70a is formed on the front side of the projection portion 70 to receive the outer edge of the lower right side of the glass unit 40.

[0025] As described above, the outer unit 51 is arranged so as to surround the game area 23 on its outside with three first to third rail members 51a to 51c, except for a predetermined area corresponding to the right side of the game area 23.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the internal unit 52 includes a central display frame unit 81 and a left prize slot unit 82. The central display frame unit 81 constitutes the display frame of the liquid crystal display means 80 and has an opening window 83 of any shape corresponding to the front of the liquid crystal display means 80. It is detachably mounted from the front along the inner circumference of the mounting hole 75a and is composed of four members: an upper left member 81a, a lower left member 81b, an upper right member 81c, and a lower right member 81d. The liquid crystal display means 80 is positioned behind the base plate 50, approximately in the center of the base plate 50.

[0027] The upper left member 81a is formed in a roughly curved shape, extending from the upper right part of the opening window 83 through the upper center part to the left center part. It is positioned along the front side of the base plate 50 outside the mounting hole 75a and includes a mounting plate 84 through which game balls can pass, and a guide wall 85 erected at a predetermined height in front of the mounting plate 84 to guide game balls while preventing them from entering the opening window 83 side. The upper left member 81a is detachably fixed to the base plate 50 by screws or the like. Game balls launched by the launching means 17 and entering the upper part of the game area 23 via the launching guide passage 79 are distributed to the left and right by the guide wall 85 at the top of the upper left member 81a, and flow down either the left flow-down area 86a on the left side of the central display frame unit 81 or the right flow-down area 86b on the right side.

[0028] The lower left member 81b is formed in a roughly curved shape, extending from the left center of the opening window 83 through the lower center to the lower right, with its left end connected to the left end of the upper left member 81a. It includes a mounting plate 87 positioned outside the mounting hole 75a along the front side of the base plate 50, through which game balls can pass, a stage entrance 88 into which game balls flowing down the left flow area 86a can enter, and a stage 89 for playing the game balls that have entered the stage entrance 88. Together with the upper left member 81a, etc., it is detachably fixed to the base plate 50 by screws or the like.

[0029] Stage 89 has a section that is lower than the left and right edges in the area corresponding to approximately the center in the left-right direction of the game area 23. A central drop groove 89a is located in the central part, and side drop grooves 89b, 89b are located on both the left and right sides of the central drop groove 89a. Game balls that enter the stage entrance 88 from the left-downward flow area 86a roll freely in the left-right direction on the stage 89 before falling forward from either the central drop groove 89a or the side drop grooves 89b, 89b.

[0030] The upper right member (specific second mounting means) 81c is elongated vertically, extending from the upper right to the right center of the opening window 83, with its upper end connected to the right end of the upper left member 81a. It integrally comprises a passage forming portion 91 formed in a roughly arc shape that slopes downward to the right, and an overhanging portion 92 that extends outward from the passage forming portion 91 towards the outside of the game area 23, i.e., to the right. Together with the upper left member 81a, the lower left member 81b, etc., it is detachably fixed to the base plate 50 by screws or the like.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the passage forming section 91 is provided with a vertical passage 93 that constitutes the upstream portion of the rightward flow area 86b, a plurality of (three in this case) branch passages 94 to 96 located downstream of the vertical passage 93, and a branch guide passage 97 that guides game balls from the downstream end of the vertical passage 93 to the branching section of the branch passages 94 to 96.

[0032] The vertical passage 93 has a passage width corresponding to one game ball and is formed in a roughly U-shape in cross-section by a pair of left and right side walls 98, 99 and a rear wall 100 (Figure 8). This vertical passage 93 has a roughly arc shape when viewed from the front, with a gradually increasing downward slope angle to the right. At its lower end, the right side wall 99 is roughly in contact with the right edge of the base plate 50 when viewed from the front, and it is positioned so that the flow direction is roughly downward. In addition, at least a portion of the vertical passage 93, for example, the lower vertical passage 93b of the upper vertical passage 93a and lower vertical passage 93b at the upper end, is provided with a deceleration means 101 for slowing down the game ball. As shown in Figure 6, this deceleration means 101 is composed of multiple front-to-back projections arranged at a constant pitch along the flow direction of the game ball, and is provided on the inner surfaces of the left and right side walls 98, 99, and is positioned with a half-pitch offset between the left side wall 98 and the right side wall 99.

[0033] Downstream of the vertical passage 93, three branch passages 94-96 are connected via a branch guide passage 97. These three branch passages 94-96 are adjacent to each other on the left and right sides, with the right branch passage 96 positioned along the right edge of the base plate 50, the middle branch passage 95 positioned inside (to the left) of it, and the left branch passage 94 positioned further inside (to the left) of that. A normal symbol starting means 61 is provided in the middle branch passage 95 of these three branch passages 94-96. The normal symbol starting means 61 includes a game ball detection switch 61a that detects game balls passing through the middle branch passage 95.

[0034] The branching guide passage 97 bends from the downstream end of the vertical passage 93 toward the inside (left side) of the game area 23, then bends further downward, and opens downward above the central branching passage 95 of the three branching passages 94-96. As a result, game balls guided by the branching guide passage 97 flow down towards the central branching passage 95 (normal symbol starting means 61) with a higher probability than the left and right branching passages 94 and 95. The three branching passages 94-96 also merge at the confluence 102 downstream of the normal symbol starting means 61. Furthermore, the areas corresponding to the branching guide passage 97 and the three branching passages 94-96 are largely closed off on their front sides by a transparent front decorative panel 103 (Figure 5).

[0035] The overhang portion 92 is integrally provided on the outside (right side) of at least a part of the vertical passage 93, for example, corresponding to the lower vertical passage 93b on the downstream side. This overhang portion 92 is positioned to correspond to a roughly triangular area in front view, sandwiched between the right side wall portion 99 of the lower vertical passage 93b and the right side edge portion of the base plate 50, and a glass unit receiving portion 105 that receives the outer edge portion of the glass unit 40 is formed on its front surface 104 side.

[0036] The glass unit receiving portion 105 is composed of a stepped portion where the height from the base plate 50 changes. That is, in the glass unit receiving portion 105, as shown in Figures 7 and 8(b), the inner front portion 104a on the inside (game area 23 side) is slightly higher from the base plate 50 than the outer front portion 104b. When the glass door 7 is closed, the protruding wall 48a on the rear side of the glass unit 40 is fitted to the outside of the stepped portion (glass unit receiving portion 105), and the rear end surface of the protruding wall 48a is in approximate contact with the outer front portion 104b, while the rear glass plate 44b is in approximate contact with or close to the inner front portion 104a. The glass unit receiving portion 105 may also be composed of grooves or protrusions.

[0037] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the protruding portion 92 is positioned to abut against or be close to the lower side of the right end of the first rail member 51a, and the glass unit receiving portion 105 on the protruding portion 92 side is provided to connect to the lower side of the glass unit receiving portion 78 on the first rail member 51a side. The upper vertical passage 93a is positioned along the inside of the right end of the first rail member 51a.

[0038] In this embodiment, the glass unit receiving portion 105 is interrupted at the lower side of the protruding portion 92 and is not provided in the area from the branching guide passage 97 to the branching passages 94-96, that is, the area where the front decorative panel 103 is located. Furthermore, the protruding wall 48a of the glass unit 40 has a missing portion (missing portion 106) corresponding to its front decorative panel 103 (Figure 3), and when the glass door 7 is closed, the missing portion 106 on the back side of the glass unit 40 is fitted into the front decorative panel 103 near its outer edge (Figure 12(a)). The portion of the front decorative panel 103 near its outer edge that receives this missing portion 106 can also be considered a glass unit receiving portion different from the glass unit receiving portion 105. Of course, the glass unit receiving portion 105 provided on the protruding portion 92 may be extended below the protruding portion 92.

[0039] In conventional gaming machines, an outer unit (first mounting means) 51 forming a guide rail 76 is also placed on the right side of the game area 23, and an inner unit (second mounting means) 52 having a vertical passage 93 is placed adjacent to the game area 23. However, in this case, the vertical passage 93 is placed overlapping the inside of the guide rail, so the actual position of the guide rail (the outer side wall of the vertical passage 93) is slightly inward from its original position, and the limited space within the game area is compressed.

[0040] In contrast, in this embodiment, the outer unit (first mounting means) 51 is not positioned in a predetermined area on the right side of the game area 23. The upper right member (specific second mounting means) 81c of the inner unit (second mounting means) 52, which is positioned on the right side of the game area 23, is provided with an overhang portion 92 that extends outwards (to the right) of the game area 23. A glass unit receiving portion 105 that receives the outer edge of the glass unit 40 is provided on the front surface 104 side of the overhang portion 92. As a result, the vertical passage 93 can be positioned further outwards than in the conventional design, eliminating wasted space from the game area 23 and making more effective use of it.

[0041] The lower right member (specific second mounting means) 81d is a part that constitutes the lower right portion of the opening window 83. As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9, it is formed in a roughly L-shape when viewed from the front, with its right edge positioned along the right edge of the base plate 50 and its lower edge positioned along the upper edge of the third rail member 51c. Its upper right end is connected to the underside of the upper right member 81c, and its left end is connected to the right end of the lower left member 81b. Together with the upper left member 81a, lower left member 81b, and upper right member 81c, it is detachably fixed to the base plate 50 by screws or the like.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, the lower right member 81d is provided with a first major prize-winning means 64, a second major prize-winning means 65, a second special symbol-starting means 63, a normal prize-winning opening 66, an out-of-the-box opening 107, etc. The first major prize-winning means 64 comprises a first major prize-winning opening 111, an opening / closing member 112 that can switch the first major prize-winning opening 111 between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter, a driving means such as an electromagnetic solenoid (not shown) that drives the opening / closing member 112, and a game ball detection switch 64a that detects a game ball that has entered the first major prize-winning opening 111, and is located in the upper right part of the lower right member 81d.

[0043] The upper right portion of the lower right member 81d is provided with a first downward flow passage 115 that guides the game balls flowing down from the confluence 102 on the upper right member 81c side toward the lower left, and the first large prize opening 111 is positioned to the right of this first downward flow passage 115. The opening / closing member 112 is formed in an elongated shape when viewed from the front, and is capable of swinging around a front-to-back rotation axis 112a provided at one end (lower end) thereof. It is positioned between the first flow passage 115 and the first large prize opening 111. In the closed state (shown by a solid line in Figure 9), it closes the first large prize opening 111, allowing game balls to flow down from the first flow passage 115. In the open state (shown by a dashed line in Figure 9), it opens the first large prize opening 111 and closes the first flow passage 115 midway, guiding game balls flowing down the first flow passage 115 towards the first large prize opening 111.

[0044] A game ball detection switch 64a and an ejection guide trough 116 are located near the lower side of the first large prize opening 111. After a game ball enters the first large prize opening 111, it is detected by the game ball detection switch 64a and then guided by the ejection guide trough 116 to the rear side of the base plate 50. A second large prize means 65 is located downstream of the first downflow passage 115, and game balls that flow down the first downflow passage 115 without entering the first large prize opening 111 flow down to the second large prize means 65 side.

[0045] The second major prize-winning mechanism 65 includes a second major prize-winning opening 117, an opening / closing member 118 that can switch the second major prize-winning opening 117 between an open state in which game balls can enter and a closed state in which game balls cannot enter, a driving means such as an electromagnetic solenoid (not shown) that drives the opening / closing member 118, a prize-winning guide passage 120 that guides game balls that have entered the second major prize-winning opening 117, a game ball detection switch 65a that detects game balls passing through the prize-winning guide passage 120, and a prize-winning guide passage The machine includes a prize-winning specific passage 122a and a prize-winning normal passage 122b branching off from 120, a movable distribution means 123 that distributes game balls flowing down the prize-winning guidance passage 120 to the prize-winning specific passage 122a and the prize-winning normal passage 122b, a specific game ball detection switch 124a that detects game balls that have flowed into the prize-winning specific passage 122a, and a normal game ball detection switch 124b that detects game balls that have flowed into the prize-winning normal passage 122b.

[0046] The second large prize opening 117 is formed in a horizontally elongated shape that opens slightly upward and can be opened and closed by an opening / closing member 118 that can slide in the front-to-back direction. The opening / closing member 118 is a thin plate-like shape arranged in a downward sloping direction to the left. In the closed state, it protrudes forward of the front side of the base plate 50 to close the second large prize opening 117 and receives the game balls flowing down from the first down passage 115 at its right end and guides them to the left. In the open state, it retracts behind the front side of the base plate 50 to open the second large prize opening 117 and allow the game balls flowing down from the first down passage 115 to enter the second large prize opening 117.

[0047] A game ball that enters the second large prize opening 117 flows down the prize guidance passage 120, where it is detected by the game ball detection switch 65a. Downstream from the game ball detection switch 65a, the prize guidance passage 120 branches into, for example, a prize-specific passage 122a on the left and a prize-normal passage 122b on the right. The game balls that have flowed down the prize guidance passage 120 are distributed to the prize-specific passage 122a and the prize-normal passage 122b by a distribution means 123 located at the branching point. The distribution means 123 is movable, for example, in the left-right direction by a distribution drive means (not shown), and is configured to switch between a V-guidance state that guides the game ball towards the prize-specific passage 122a side and a non-V-guidance state that guides the game ball towards the prize-normal passage 122b side, according to a predetermined distribution pattern. Furthermore, the prize-winning guidance passage 120, the prize-winning specific passage 122a, and the prize-winning normal passage 122b, through which the game balls that enter the second major prize-winning opening 117 pass, are located in front of the base plate 50.

[0048] Game balls guided to the prize-winning specific passage 122a by the sorting means 123 are detected by the specific game ball detection switch 124a and then discharged approximately downward from the specific discharge port 125a located on the bottom side of the lower right member 81d. Game balls guided to the prize-winning normal passage 122b by the sorting means 123 are detected by the normal game ball detection switch 124b and then discharged approximately downward from the normal discharge port 125b located on the bottom side of the lower right member 81d.

[0049] Here, the third rail member 51c, located below the lower right member 81d, is provided with a discharge guide section (inclined section) 126 formed in a downward-sloping shape on the upper surface of at least the right portion corresponding to the lower right member 81d, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. This discharge guide section 126 is formed with a front-to-back width such that its rear end substantially reaches the back side of the base plate 50, and is designed to receive game balls discharged substantially downward from the specific discharge port 125a and the normal discharge port 125b, respectively, and guide them to the rear of the base plate 50.

[0050] In this way, the game balls that have flowed down through the prize-winning specific passage 122a and the prize-winning normal passage 122b are discharged downwards and guided to the rear of the base plate 50 by the discharge guide section 126 provided on the third rail member 51c side. Therefore, there is no need to provide a guide section on the lower side of the lower right member 81d to guide the game balls that have flowed down through the prize-winning specific passage 122a and the prize-winning normal passage 122b to the rear of the base plate 50, and thus it is possible to make more effective use of the space within the limited game area 23.

[0051] Downstream (to the left) of the second large prize opening 117, there is a branching section 129 that branches into a lower second downflow passage 127 and a third downflow passage 128 to its left. Multiple game pins 130 are arranged in this branching section 129, and game balls that flow down without entering the second large prize opening 117 are deflected by these game pins 130 and flow into either the second or third downflow passage 127 or 128.

[0052] An outlet 107 is located on the downstream (lower) side of the second flow passage 127, and game balls that flow down the second flow passage 127 enter the outlet 107 with a high probability. Game balls that enter the outlet 107 are discharged almost downward from the outlet discharge port 107a provided on the bottom side of the lower right member 81d and are guided to the rear side of the base plate 50 by the discharge guide section 126 provided on the third rail member 51c side. In this way, game balls that enter the outlet 107 are discharged downward and guided to the rear side of the base plate 50 by the discharge guide section 126 provided on the third rail member 51c side, so there is no need to provide a guide section on the lower side of the lower right member 81d to guide game balls that enter the outlet 107 to the rear side of the base plate 50, and therefore it is possible to make more effective use of the space within the limited game area 23.

[0053] A second special symbol starting means 63 is located on the side of the third down passage 128. The second special symbol starting means 63 includes a second starting prize entry opening 131, an opening / closing means 132 that can switch the second starting prize entry opening 131 between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter (or is more difficult to enter than in the open state), a driving means such as an electromagnetic solenoid (not shown) that drives the opening / closing means 132, and a game ball detection switch 63a that detects a game ball that has entered the second starting prize entry opening 131.

[0054] The second starting prize entry opening 131 opens approximately to the right within the third downstream passage 128, and an opening / closing mechanism 132 is positioned on its entrance side. The opening / closing mechanism 132 consists of a ball entry guide plate 132a and an opening / closing member 132b, which are linked together by the drive of a drive mechanism. The ball entry guide plate 132a is a thin plate formed in a downward sloping shape to the left, and can be switched between a ball entry guide state, which protrudes forward from the front side of the base plate 50 and guides game balls that flow into the third downstream passage 128 to the second starting prize entry opening 131 on the left, and a non-guiding state, which retracts behind the front side of the base plate 50 and allows game balls that flow into the third downstream passage 128 to flow downstream directly.

[0055] The opening / closing member 132b is positioned on the entrance side of the second starting prize opening 131 and can be switched between a ball entry blocking state, which prevents balls from entering the second starting prize opening 131, and a ball entry allowing state, which allows balls to enter the second starting prize opening 131 by retracting, for example, upward from the entrance side of the second starting prize opening 131. When the opening / closing means 132 is open, the ball entry guide plate 132a is in the ball entry guiding state and the opening / closing member 132b is in the ball entry allowing state, and game balls that flow into the third downstream passage 128 are guided by the ball entry guide plate 132a and enter the second starting prize opening 131. When the opening / closing means 132 is closed, the ball entry guide plate 132a is in the non-guiding state and the opening / closing member 132b is in the ball entry blocking state, and game balls that flow into the third downstream passage 128 flow downstream without entering the second starting prize opening 131.

[0056] Game balls that enter the second starting prize entry opening 131 are detected by a game ball detection switch 63a located near its downstream side, and then guided to the rear of the base plate 50 by an outlet guide trough 135. Game balls that flow down the third downstream passage 128 without entering the second starting prize entry opening 131 flow into either the normal prize entry opening 66, the out opening 107, or the fourth downstream passage 136 downstream. If a ball flows into the right-side out opening 107, the process is the same as if the ball flowed into the out opening 107 from the second downstream passage 127. If a ball flows into the left-side fourth downstream passage 136, it is guided to the left, then flows out to the left from the outlet 137 provided on the left side of this lower right member 81d, and is guided to the rear of the base plate 50 via the out opening 138 located in the lower center of the game area 23.

[0057] A game ball that enters the central prize-winning slot 66 is detected by the game ball detection switch 66a and then discharged approximately downward from the regular discharge port 139 located on the bottom side of the lower right member 81d. It is then guided to the rear of the base plate 50 by the discharge guide section 126 located on the third rail member 51c side. In this way, the game ball that enters the prize-winning slot 66 is discharged downward and guided to the rear of the base plate 50 by the discharge guide section 126 located on the third rail member 51c side. Therefore, there is no need to provide a guide section on the lower side of the lower right member 81d to guide the game ball that enters the prize-winning slot 66 to the rear of the base plate 50, and thus the space within the limited game area 23 can be utilized more effectively.

[0058] Furthermore, the right end of the lower right member 81d also has an integrally provided overhang portion 141 that extends outwards from the game area 23, i.e., to the right, similar to the upper right member 81c. This overhang portion 141 is adjacent to the upper side of the projection portion 70 of the third rail member 51c, and a glass unit receiving portion 143 is positioned on its front surface 142 side so as to connect to the glass unit receiving portion 70a (Figure 12(c)) on the projection portion 70 side.

[0059] The glass unit receiving portion 143, like the glass unit receiving portion 105 on the upper right member 81c side, is composed of a stepped portion where the height from the base plate 50 changes. That is, in this glass unit receiving portion 143, as shown in Figures 11 and 12(b), the inner front portion 142a on the inside (game area 23 side) is slightly higher from the base plate 50 than the outer front portion 142b. When the glass door 7 is closed, the protruding wall 48a on the rear side of the glass unit 40 is fitted to the outside of the stepped portion (glass unit receiving portion 143), and the rear end surface of the protruding wall 48a substantially abuts against the outer front portion 142b, while the rear glass plate 44b substantially abuts against or is close to the inner front portion 142a. Note that the glass unit receiving portions 143 and 70a may be composed of grooves or protrusions.

[0060] Next, the left prize entry unit 82, which is located in the lower left of the central display frame unit 81, will be described. As shown in Figures 4, 5, 13, and 14, the left prize entry unit 82 is formed in a substantially arc shape along the guide rail 76, i.e., the second and third rail members 51b and 51c, in the lower left side of the game area 23, and is detachably attached from the front to the mounting hole 75b. It is positioned outside the mounting hole 75b along the front side of the base plate 50 and has a mounting plate 151 through which game balls can pass. The mounting plate 151 has a first start prize entry 152, normal prize entry 67-69, out 138, 153-155 and a ball guide section 156 positioned in front of the mounting plate 151, and a front decorative plate 157 that substantially covers the front of the first start prize entry 152, normal prize entry 67-69, out 153-155 and the ball guide section 156.

[0061] The ball guide unit 156 is located at the left end of the left prize entry unit 82 and has a downward sloping surface on the left end that is close to the guide rail 76. It is designed to pull the game balls that have flowed down along the guide rail 76 within the left flow area 86a away from the guide rail 76 and guide them to the right. To the right of the ball guide unit 156, the regular prize entry openings 67 and 68 are located adjacent to each other on the left and right sides, flanking the out openings 153 and 154, and further to the right of the out opening 155, there is a regular prize entry opening 69. Game balls that enter the regular prize entry openings 67 to 69 are guided backward and, for example, after being detected by the game ball detection switches 67a to 69a (Figure 15) behind the mounting plate 151, are discharged to the rear of the base plate 50. Game balls that enter the out openings 153 to 155 are also guided backward and discharged directly to the rear of the base plate 50.

[0062] Furthermore, a first special symbol starting means 62 and an out opening 138 are located near the right end of the left prize entry unit 82. As shown in Figure 15, the out opening 138 is located at the bottom of the game area 23, approximately in the center in the left-right direction, and game balls that do not enter other prize entry or out openings are ultimately discharged to the rear side of the base plate 50 through this out opening 138.

[0063] As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the first special symbol starting means 62 includes a first starting prize opening (predetermined prize opening) 152 of a fixed width that opens upward on the front side of the mounting plate 151 and does not have an opening / closing mechanism, a prize ball guide passage 158 that guides the game ball that has entered the first starting prize opening 152 backward to the rear side of the base plate 50, and a game ball detection switch (ball detection means) 62a that detects the game ball passing through the prize ball guide passage 158.

[0064] The game ball detection switch 62a is positioned behind the front of the base plate 50 that constitutes the back of the game area 23, for example, on the back side of the mounting plate 151, in a direction in which game balls pass in the front-to-back direction. It is configured to detect game balls when they enter the first starting prize entry opening 152 and are guided to the rear side of the base plate 50 by the prize ball guide passage 158. For example, if the game ball detection switch 62a were positioned on the rear side of the base plate 50 in a direction in which game balls pass in the up-and-down direction, a large vertical space would be required on the rear side of the base plate 50, which would reduce the space on the rear side of the game board 16. However, by positioning the game ball detection switch 62a as in this embodiment, the limited space on the rear side of the base plate 50 can be utilized more effectively.

[0065] The first starting prize entry opening 152 is formed in a roughly U-shape when viewed from the front, and a front decorative plate 157 is provided on its front end. As shown in Figure 15, it is positioned near the upper side of the out opening 138 and corresponding to the lower side of the central drop groove 89a of the stage 89. The width Wa of the central drop groove 89a is smaller than the opening width Wb of the first starting prize entry opening 152. In addition, a game ball passage section 159 is provided between the first starting prize entry opening 152 and the regular prize entry opening 69 to its side (left side), through which game balls can pass. Game balls that pass through this game ball passage section 159 are discharged to the rear side of the base plate 50 via the out opening 138.

[0066] Furthermore, above the first starting prize entry opening 152 and below the central drop groove 89a, a pair of left and right first game nails (specific nails) 161, 161 are arranged on the base plate 50, which is higher than the mounting plate 151, and a pair of second game nails (predetermined nails) 162, 162 are arranged on both the left and right sides of these first game nails 161, 161. The pair of first game nails 161, 161 constitute the ball passage opening 160, and its opening width Wc is larger than the width Wa of the central drop groove 89a and the opening width Wb of the first starting prize entry opening 152, and smaller than the distance Wd between the lowest points of the side drop grooves 89b, 89b. Also, the center position between the first game nails 161, 161 is approximately the same as the center position of the central drop groove 89a in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the pair of second game nails 162, 162 are positioned outside the first game nails 161, 161, with a gap that allows game balls to pass through.

[0067] A ball passage 163 is positioned below the first game nails 161, 161 and above the first starting prize entry opening 152. The ball passage 163 consists of a pair of left and right side walls 164, 164, a mounting plate 151 on the back side, and a front decorative plate 157 on the front side. A ball receiving section 165 is provided on the upper side, and a ball guide section 166 is provided on the lower side. Its center position is approximately the same vertically as the center positions of the upper first game nails 161, 161 and the lower first starting prize entry opening 152. The ball guide section 166 has a distance (passage width) between the left and right side walls 164, 164 that is approximately constant vertically, and is formed to have a passage width approximately the same as the opening width of the lower first starting prize entry opening 152. The ball receiving section 165 is formed in an inverted V shape when viewed from the front, with the distance between the left and right side walls 164, 164 (passage width) increasing towards the top. The lower end is connected to the upper end of the ball guide section 166, and the upper end is located below the left and right first game nails 161, 161. The distance between the upper end of the ball receiving section 165 and the game nails 161 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

[0068] Between the lower end of the ball passage 163 and the first starting prize entry opening 152 below it, a pair of left and right gaps 167, 167 are provided through which game balls can pass. In front of these gaps 167, 167, a front decorative plate 157 is also positioned, similar to the ball passage 163 and the first starting prize entry opening 152. This front decorative plate 157 extends from the left end to the right end of the left prize entry unit 82. Focusing on the area in front of the first special symbol starting means 62, in the vertical direction it extends from the front of the ball passage 163 to the underside of the first starting prize entry opening 152, i.e., the front of the out opening 138. In the horizontal direction it extends to approximately the same horizontal position as the second game nails 162, 162, or even further out. In other words, the width of the front decorative plate 157 is approximately the same as or greater than the distance between the second game nails 162, 162.

[0069] The front decorative panel 157 is made of, for example, a transparent or translucent synthetic resin, and any decoration is applied to its front side to reduce the visibility from the front of a predetermined area including the first starting prize entry opening 152 and the gap 167 above it. This allows the player to perceive the ball passage opening 160 above the first starting prize entry opening 152 as the actual first starting prize entry opening, and also makes it less noticeable if a game ball passes through the space between the ball passage opening 160 and the game pins 162 without passing through the ball passage opening 160. The front decorative panel 157 may be decorated by attaching a sticker with a picture or letter printed on it, or by directly decorating it with a textured surface.

[0070] Furthermore, the mounting plate 151 is provided in the area surrounding the first special symbol starting means 62, extending vertically from the upper end of the ball passage 163 to the vicinity of the lower end of the first starting prize entry opening 152, i.e., above the out opening 138, and horizontally to the left and right outwards from the second game pins 162, 162. Consequently, no game pins are placed on the game ball path from the ball passage 163 through the gaps 167, 167 to the first starting prize entry opening 152, nor within certain areas on both the left and right sides thereof.

[0071] Furthermore, a deceleration mechanism 168 for slowing down the game balls is provided within the ball passage 163. This deceleration mechanism 168 includes a vertical projection 169 and a horizontal projection 170 that project forward from the rear side of the ball passage 163. The vertical projection 169 is positioned vertically in the center of the ball passage 163 in the left-right direction, and is formed so that the projection height increases steplessly or in multiple stages (two stages in this case) from the upper side to the lower side. As shown in Figure 16, the vertical projection 169 in this embodiment is composed of an upper projection 169a on the upper side and a lower projection 169b that has a higher projection height than the upper projection 169a, and the upper end side of the upper projection 169a and the upper end side of the lower projection 169b are formed in a downward sloping shape. The upper end side of the vertical projection 169 is located within the ball receiving section 165, and the lower end side is located approximately at the same level as or slightly below the lower end of the ball passage 163.

[0072] The lateral projection 170 is positioned in the left-right direction perpendicular to the upper projection 169a of the longitudinal projection 169 at or slightly above the lower end of the spherical passage 163. Its projection height is approximately the same as that of the longitudinal projection 169 (specifically the upper projection 169a) in the center of the left-right direction (where it intersects with the longitudinal projection 169), and it is formed in a roughly arc shape, becoming steeply higher towards both the left and right sides.

[0073] When a game ball passes through the ball passage opening 160 between the first game nails 161, 161, it collides with the deceleration means 168 as it flows down through the ball receiving section 165 of the ball passage 163, slowing down. It then passes through the ball guide section 166 at a low speed and is discharged downward from the ball passage 163. Therefore, compared to the case where the deceleration means 168 is not provided, the possibility of the game ball flying outward from the gaps 167, 167 is reduced, and the possibility of the ball entering the first starting prize opening 152 is increased. The deceleration means 168 may be placed not only on the back side but also on the front side of the ball passage 163, or only on the front side. Furthermore, the deceleration means 168 only needs to decelerate the game ball by protruding inward from the ball passage 163, and its shape is arbitrary.

[0074] Furthermore, outside the left and right gaps 167, 167, there are intrusion-preventing means to obstruct the entry of game balls into the gaps 167, 167: a first intrusion-preventing means 171 positioned on both the left and right sides of the ball passage 163; a second intrusion-preventing means 172 positioned outside (to the right) of the right-side gap 167; and a third intrusion-preventing means 173 positioned outside (to the left) of the left-side gap 167.

[0075] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first intrusion-preventing means 171 is provided so as to protrude outward from the side wall portions 164, 164 of the ball passage 163, and is positioned in the front-rear direction between the rear mounting plate 151 and the front decorative plate 157 along the boundary portion (bent portion) between the ball receiving portion 165 and the ball guide portion 166, and is, for example, semi-cylindrical in shape and protruding outward. This first intrusion-preventing means 171 is composed of a screw-fastening base for screw-fastening the front member, which integrally includes the ball passage 163 and the front decorative plate 157, to the mounting plate 151 side.

[0076] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the second intrusion-blocking means 172 is provided to protrude diagonally downward outward from the right side wall portion 164 of the ball passage 163, and is positioned in the front-rear direction between the rear mounting plate 151 and the front decorative plate 157 along the outside (right side) of the right first intrusion-blocking means 171, and protrudes diagonally downward to the right. Note that this second intrusion-blocking means 172 may be positioned to the left of the ball passage 163, or it may be positioned approximately symmetrically on both sides of the ball passage 163.

[0077] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the third intrusion obstruction means 173 is positioned outside (to the left of) the gap 167 on the left side at a distance of about one game ball width, and comprises a rear obstruction means 173a provided on the front side of the mounting plate 151 and a front obstruction means 173b provided on the back side of the front decorative plate 157. The rear obstruction means 173a is composed of a substantially vertical projection integrally formed on the front side of the mounting plate 151, and is gently curved from the left side of the gap 167 to the left side of the first start prize entry opening 152, for example, with the lower end being further out (to the left) than the upper end. Furthermore, the protrusion height of the rear obstruction means 173a from the mounting plate 151 is largest on the upper side corresponding to the side of the gap 167, and the protrusion height gradually decreases towards the lower side.

[0078] Furthermore, the front obstruction means 173b is composed of a substantially vertical projection integrally formed on the back side of the front decorative plate 157, and is gently curved from the left side of the gap 167 to the left side of the first start prize entry opening 152, for example, with the lower end being more inward (right) than the upper end. Thus, the left-right position of the lower end relative to the upper end of the front obstruction means 173b and the rear obstruction means 173a is reversed. Also, the protrusion height of the front obstruction means 173b from the front decorative plate 157 is substantially constant over substantially the entire length. Note that this third intrusion obstruction means 173 may be positioned to the right of the gap 167, or it may be positioned substantially symmetrically on both sides of the gap 167, 167. Also, only one of the rear obstruction means 173a or the front obstruction means 173b may be provided.

[0079] By providing the intrusion-blocking means 171 to 173 described above, the possibility of a game ball that did not pass through the ball passage opening 160 entering the first starting prize entry opening 152 through the gap 167 can be reduced. The intrusion-blocking means are not intended to completely prevent the game ball from passing through the gap 167, but are provided to minimize the possibility while leaving room for the game ball to pass through the gap 167. If the gap 167 were configured in a way that made it impossible for the game ball to pass through, the ball passage opening 160 would become a prize entry opening according to the game rules. Of course, it is not necessary to provide all of the first to third intrusion-blocking means 171 to 173, and any or all of them may be omitted.

[0080] The normal symbol display means 71 is for displaying a normal symbol in a variable manner and is composed of multiple (2) LEDs, etc. When the normal symbol starting means 61 detects a game ball, that is, when a game ball passes through the normal symbol starting means 61 and the game ball detection switch 61a detects the game ball, the two LEDs that make up the normal symbol light up in a normal variable light pattern, and then the variable stops in a winning manner if the random value for winning judgment included in the normal random number information acquired when the game ball is detected by the normal symbol starting means 61 matches a predetermined winning judgment value, and in a losing manner otherwise.

[0081] Furthermore, the normal random number information acquired when the game ball is detected by the normal symbol starting means 61 is stored in reserve up to a predetermined upper limit, for example, 4 units, and one unit is consumed each time the normal symbols can be changed, causing the normal symbols to change. The number of normal random number information units stored (normal reserve units) is notified to the player by the normal reserve unit display means 72, etc. If the stopped symbols after the change by the normal symbol display means 71 become a winning combination, a normal profit state is created, and the opening / closing means 132 of the second special symbol starting means 63 changes from a closed state to an open state according to a predetermined opening / closing pattern.

[0082] The first special symbol display means 73 is composed of a light-emitting element such as a 7-segment LED capable of displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner. The first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, provided that the first special symbol starting means 62 detects a game ball, that is, a game ball enters the first starting prize entry port 152 and the game ball detection switch 62a detects the game ball. The first special symbol is then displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, and if the jackpot judgment random value included in the first special random number information acquired when the ball enters the first starting prize entry port 152 matches a predetermined jackpot judgment value, it stops in a jackpot manner if it matches a minor win judgment value, and in a losing manner otherwise. Regarding entry into the first special symbol starting means 62, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 1 ball) are paid out as prize balls for each entry. The number of prize balls for this first special symbol starting means 62 is set to the smallest number among all prize entry ports (in this case, 1 ball).

[0083] The second special symbol display means 74 is composed of a light-emitting element such as a 7-segment LED capable of displaying the second special symbol in a variable manner. The second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, provided that the second special symbol starting means 63 detects a game ball, that is, a game ball enters the second starting prize entry opening 131 and the game ball detection switch 63a detects that game ball. The display is configured to stop in a jackpot mode if the jackpot judgment random number value included in the second special random number information acquired when the ball enters the second starting prize entry opening 131 matches a predetermined jackpot judgment value, in a minor win mode if it matches a minor win judgment value, and in a losing mode otherwise. Regarding the entry into the second special symbol starting means 63, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 4 balls) are paid out as prize balls for each entry.

[0084] If the stopping symbols after the first and second special symbol display means 73 and 74 change to a jackpot pattern, a jackpot state (special profit state) occurs in which, for example, the opening / closing member 112 of the first jackpot entry means 64 opens according to one or more types of jackpot opening patterns. If a minor win state occurs, a minor win state occurs in which, for example, the opening / closing member 118 of the second jackpot entry means 65 opens according to a predetermined minor win opening pattern. In addition, a jackpot state also occurs when a game ball that enters the second jackpot entry means 65 during a minor win state is guided to the specific entry passage 122a side by the distribution means 123, and the specific game ball detection switch 124a detects that game ball (V entry). Regarding entries into the first and second jackpot entry means 64 and 65, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 14 and 3) are paid out as prize balls for each entry.

[0085] Furthermore, when the first and second special symbols are changed by the first and second special symbol display means 73 and 74, the symbol change is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 80 in parallel with this. As shown in Figure 4, the performance symbol 181 has multiple symbol rows (in this case, three in the left-right direction) composed of a number symbol and multiple other symbols, and each symbol constituting each of these symbol rows is composed of a symbol body part 181a consisting of numbers such as 1 to 8 and others, and a character or other decorative part 181b attached to this symbol body part 181a. The performance symbol 181 can be arbitrarily changed in its display mode, such as by enlarging or shrinking it, changing its display position, or erasing the decorative part 181b.

[0086] The performance symbols 181 begin to move vertically, etc., in each symbol row according to a predetermined movement pattern, approximately simultaneously with the start of movement of the first and second special symbols, and come to a final stop approximately simultaneously with the stop of movement of the first and second special symbols, so that the stopping symbols on the predetermined active lines are in a predetermined state. In the performance symbols 181, if all the stopping symbols on the active lines are the same, it is a jackpot performance pattern, and otherwise it is a minor win performance pattern or a losing performance pattern. If the first and second special symbols are in a jackpot, minor win, or losing state, the first and second special symbols will be in a jackpot, minor win, or losing state.

[0087] Furthermore, the first and second special random number information acquired when a ball enters the first and second special symbol starting means 62 and 63 is stored in reserve up to a predetermined upper limit, for example, 4 for each. When the first and second special symbols become capable of changing, if there is 1 or more reserved values ​​for the second special symbol, one reserved value for the second special symbol is consumed and the second special symbol is changed. If only the first special symbol has 1 or more reserved values, one reserved value for the first special symbol is consumed and the first special symbol is changed. Thus, in this embodiment, the first and second special symbols are never changing simultaneously, and if there are reserved values ​​for both the first and second special symbols, the second special symbol is prioritized for changing.

[0088] In this embodiment, during normal gameplay, except during the special game state described later, the player aims to the first special symbol starting means 62 and shoots to the left, and during the special game state (time-saving state), the player aims to the normal symbol starting means 61 and the second special symbol starting means 63 and shoots to the right. Therefore, during normal gameplay, the first special symbol mainly changes, and during the special game state (time-saving state), the second special symbol mainly changes.

[0089] The number of first and second special random number information items stored in reserve (first and second special reserve number) is notified to the player by the liquid crystal display means 80, etc. As shown in Figure 4, the liquid crystal display means 80 is capable of displaying first and second reserve images X1~X4, Y1~Y4, and a reserve image Z that is currently changing, which indicate the first and second special reserve numbers. Specifically, when the number of first and second special reserved balls increases based on the detection of game balls by the first and second special symbol starting means 62 and 63, one additional first and second reserved image X1~, Y1~ is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 80. Conversely, when the number of first and second special reserved balls decreases based on the start of a new variation of the first and second special symbols by the first and second special symbol display means 73 and 74, for example, the variation-in-progress reserved image Z is erased, the first and second reserved images X1~, Y1~ are shifted one by one toward the front of the queue (for example, the right side of the screen), and the pushed-out leading first and second reserved images X1, Y1 are moved to a predetermined position, for example, and changed into a new variation-in-progress reserved image Z.

[0090] Furthermore, the probability of hitting a jackpot (jackpot probability) in the jackpot determination (random number drawing) performed based on the detection of game balls by the first and second special symbol starting means 62 and 63 has two types: low probability and high probability. During the probability variation state, one of the special game states described later, the probability is set to high, and at all other times, it is set to low probability. Also, if the jackpot determination result is a miss, one or more types of misses are selected. If the jackpot determination result is a minor win, one or more types of minor wins are selected. If the jackpot determination result is a jackpot, one or more types of jackpots (for example, probability variation jackpot and non-probability variation jackpot) are selected. Here, a "probability-increasing jackpot" is a jackpot that generates a probability-increasing state as a special game state after the jackpot state ends, while a "non-probability-increasing jackpot" is a jackpot that generates a special game state, such as a time-saving state, after the jackpot state ends. The distribution of these is determined based on random values ​​of the jackpot symbols, etc.

[0091] During the time-saving state, the fluctuation time of the first and second special symbol display means 73 and 74 for the first and second special symbols is switched to a shortened fluctuation time, which is shorter than the normal fluctuation time. In addition, for the regular symbols, the probability of winning is switched from the normal probability to the high probability, the fluctuation time is switched from the normal fluctuation time to the shortened fluctuation time, and the opening and closing pattern of the second special symbol starting means 63 in the normal profit state is switched from the normal opening and closing pattern (e.g., 0.2 seconds x 1 opening) to the special opening and closing pattern (e.g., 2 seconds x 3 openings). The time-saving state starts when the jackpot state ends and ends when, for example, the first and second special symbols fluctuate a predetermined number of times (e.g., 50 times) or when the next jackpot state occurs. During the probability variation state, in addition to the same switching as in the time-saving state, for example, the probability of winning is switched from the low probability to the high probability. The probability variation state starts when the jackpot state ends and ends when, for example, the next jackpot state occurs.

[0092] Next, a brief explanation of the gameplay flow in this pachinko machine will be given. In this pachinko machine, during normal gameplay other than special gameplay, even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol starting means 61 and the normal symbol display means 71 changes, and the normal symbol changes to a winning state and a normal winning state is created, the opening time (normal opening time) of the second special symbol starting means 63 for starting the change of the second special symbol is only a short time (for example, 0.2 seconds). Therefore, even if the player aims to shoot the game ball towards the right-downward flow area 86b side where the normal symbol starting means 61 and the second special symbol starting means 63 are located (right-shot), the possibility of the ball entering the second special symbol starting means 63 is extremely low. On the other hand, the difficulty of ball entry into the non-operating first special symbol starting means 62 does not change depending on the gameplay state, and stable ball entry can be expected even during normal gameplay.

[0093] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, due to reasons such as the existence of a route from the stage entrance 88 through the stage 89 to enter the first special symbol starting means 62, game balls flowing down the left flowing area 86a have a higher probability of entering the first special symbol starting means 62 than game balls flowing down the right flowing area 86b. Therefore, instead of immediately aiming to the normal symbol starting means 61 and the second special symbol starting means 63 on the right flowing area 86b side and shooting to the right from the start of normal gameplay, it is desirable for the player to first aim to the left flowing area 86a side, where entry into the first special symbol starting means 62 is more likely, and shoot the game ball (shot to the left) in order to generate a special game state (left-shot period).

[0094] In this embodiment of the pachinko machine, above the first starting prize entry opening (predetermined prize entry opening) 152 which constitutes the first special symbol starting means 62, there is a ball passage opening 160 that is wider than the first starting prize entry opening 152, and a ball passage 163 that guides the game ball that enters the ball passage opening 160 toward the first starting prize entry opening 152 below. Between the lower end of the ball passage 163 and the first starting prize entry opening 152, there is a pair of left and right gaps 167, 167 through which the game ball can pass. Therefore, the player perceives the ball passage opening 160, which is larger and easier for the ball to enter than the actual first starting prize entry opening 152, as the de facto first starting prize entry opening, thus increasing the player's motivation to play compared to conventional machines. However, while it is easy to enter the first starting prize entry opening 152 in this way, the number of prize balls paid out for entering the first starting prize entry opening 152 is set to the smallest number (for example, 1) among all prize entry openings.

[0095] During normal gameplay, when a game ball enters the first starting entry point 152 of the first special symbol starting means 62, the first special symbol changes according to the first special symbol display means 73, and simultaneously, the performance symbol 181 changes on the liquid crystal display means 80. When the first special symbol stops in a jackpot pattern and the performance symbol 181 stops in a jackpot performance pattern, a jackpot state is created, and the first large entry means 64 opens according to a predetermined opening pattern. The player then shoots to the right, aiming for the right-downward flow area 86b where the first large entry means 64 is located (right-shooting period). When the player shoots to the right during the jackpot state, many of the shot game balls enter the open first large entry point 111, allowing the player to enjoy a large profit.

[0096] Furthermore, if the first special symbol stops in a minor win pattern and the performance symbol 181 stops in a minor win performance pattern, a minor win state is generated, and the second major prize entry means 65 opens according to a predetermined opening pattern. In this case, the player aims to shoot to the right towards the right-down flow area 86b where the second major prize entry means 65 is located (right-shooting period). If the player shoots to the right during the minor win state and a ball enters the open second major prize entry opening 117, the ball is guided by the distribution means 123 to either the specific prize entry passage 122a or the normal prize entry passage 122b. A major win state is also generated if the ball is guided to the specific prize entry passage 122a (V-entry).

[0097] When the jackpot state ends, a special game state (probability variation state or time reduction state) is started with a predetermined probability. During the special game state (probability variation state or time reduction state), the normal symbols have a high probability of resulting in a winning pattern. Therefore, if the game ball passes through the normal symbol starting means 61, the normal profit state will occur with a high probability after the normal symbols change, and the second special symbol starting means 63 will open for a long period of time (for example, 2 seconds x 3 times). Consequently, during this special game state, it is desirable for the player to continue shooting to the right, aiming for the right-downward flow area 86b side where the normal symbol starting means 61 and the second special symbol starting means 63 are located (right-shooting period).

[0098] When a game ball enters the second starting prize entry point 131 of the second special symbol starting means 63, the second special symbol is changed by the second special symbol display means 74, and in parallel with this, the performance symbol 181 is changed on the liquid crystal display means 80. If the second special symbol stops in a jackpot pattern and the performance symbol 181 stops in a jackpot performance pattern, a jackpot state is triggered, and after it ends, a special game state (probability change state or time reduction state) is started with a predetermined probability. When the special game state (probability change state or time reduction state) ends, the game returns to the normal game state and the left-hand play period starts again.

[0099] As described above, the pachinko machine of this embodiment includes a first starting prize entry opening (predetermined prize entry opening) 152 formed in an upward-facing opening, a game ball detection switch (ball detection means) 62a for detecting game balls that have entered the first starting prize entry opening 152, a ball passage opening 160 positioned above the first starting prize entry opening 152 and wider than the first starting prize entry opening 152, and a ball passage 163 for guiding game balls that have entered the ball passage opening 160 toward the first starting prize entry opening 152 below, with a pair of left and right gaps 167, 167 through which game balls can pass between the lower end of the ball passage 163 and the first starting prize entry opening 152. The system is configured such that if a game ball that has passed through the ball passage 160 and been guided by the ball passage 163 does not pass through the gap 167, it enters the first starting prize entry opening 152 and is detected by the game ball detection switch 62a when it is discharged from the game area 23. If it passes through the gap 167, it is discharged from the game area 23 via either a prize entry opening other than the first starting prize entry opening 152 or an out opening (in this embodiment, the out opening 138). This makes it easier or easier to see the ball entering the first starting prize entry opening 152, and can increase the player's motivation to play.

[0100] Furthermore, since a front decorative plate 157 is provided that reduces the visibility from the front of a predetermined area including the first starting prize entry opening 152 and the gap 167 above it, the player can be made to perceive the ball passage opening 160 above the first starting prize entry opening 152 as the actual first starting prize entry opening. In addition, game pins (predetermined pins) 162, 162 are placed on both the left and right sides of the ball passage opening 160 with a gap that allows game balls to pass through, and the width of the front decorative plate 157 is made larger than the distance between the left and right game pins 162, 162, so that game balls that do not pass through the ball passage opening 160 but pass between the ball passage opening 160 and the game pins 162 are made less noticeable.

[0101] Furthermore, since a deceleration means 168 is provided in the ball passage 163 to slow down the game balls, the possibility of game balls that have passed through the ball passage opening 160 flying outwards from the gaps 167, 167 is reduced, that is, the possibility of them entering the first starting prize entry opening 152 is increased. In addition, since entry obstruction means 171 to 173 are arranged outside the pair of left and right gaps 167, 167 to prevent game balls from entering the gaps 167, 167, the possibility of game balls that have not passed through the ball passage opening 160 entering the first starting prize entry opening 152 via the gaps 167 is reduced.

[0102] Furthermore, by making the width Wa of the central drop groove 89a smaller than the opening width Wb of the first starting prize entry opening 152, and making the distance Wd between the lowest points of the left and right side drop grooves 89b, 89b larger than the width Wc of the ball passage opening 160, it is possible to increase the probability that a game ball that falls from the central drop groove 89a will enter the first starting prize entry opening 152, while keeping the probability that a game ball that falls from the side drop grooves 89b, 89b will enter the first starting prize entry opening 152 low.

[0103] Furthermore, since the game ball detection switch (ball detection means) 62a is positioned on the back of the game area 23, that is, behind the front side of the base plate 50, the vertical width of the first special symbol starting means 62 can be reduced, making more effective use of the limited space of the game area 23. In addition, since the ball passage opening 160 is composed of a pair of left and right game nails (specific nails) 161, and no nails are placed on the game ball path from the ball passage 163 to the first starting prize entry opening 152, game balls that do not pass through the ball passage opening 160 can be quickly flowed downstream.

[0104] Furthermore, the pachinko machine of this embodiment comprises a game board 16 having a game area 23 on the front side, an inner frame 6 that detachably supports the game board 16, a glass door (front door) 7 pivotally supported on the front side of the inner frame 6 so as to be openable and closable, and a glass unit 40 attached to the glass door 7 corresponding to the front side of the game area 23. The game board 16 comprises a base plate 50 and a front mounting means 53 that detachably attaches to the front side of the base plate 50. The front mounting means 53 comprises an outer unit (first mounting means) 51 arranged on the outside along the outer circumference of the game area 23, and a play area through which game balls can pass within the game area 23. The system includes an inner unit (second mounting means) 52 equipped with a ball passage section, and the inner unit 52 includes upper right and lower right members (specific second mounting means) 81c and 81d having protruding portions 92 and 141 that extend outwards from the game area 23. Glass unit receiving portions 105 and 143 that receive the outer edge of the glass unit 40 are provided on the front side of the protruding portions 92 and 141. Therefore, there is no need to place an outer unit 51 equipped with unused guide rails outside the upper right and lower right members 81c and 81d, making it possible to eliminate wasted space from the game area 23 and utilize it more effectively.

[0105] Furthermore, the inner unit 52 includes a lower right member (specific second mounting means) 81d positioned on the lower side of the game area 23 and having an entry opening into which game balls can be entered, and the outer unit 51 includes a third rail member (specific first mounting means) 51c positioned below the lower right member 81d, the third rail member 51c has an discharge guide section (inclined section) 126 formed in an inclined shape that slopes downward toward the rear side of the base plate 50, and the lower right member 81d has discharge openings 125a, 125b, 107a, and 139 that guide game balls that have entered the entry opening onto the discharge guide section 126. Therefore, there is no need to provide a guide section on the lower right member 81d to guide game balls to the rear side of the base plate 50, making it possible to eliminate wasted space from the game area 23 and utilize it more effectively.

[0106] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the glass unit receiving portion provided on the protruding portion is provided so as to face the outer edge of the glass unit from the rear side, and is a portion that abuts against or is close to the outer edge. Therefore, the shape of the glass unit receiving portion can be anything, such as a stepped portion or a grooved portion, and a protruding wall is not required on the outer edge of the glass unit.

[0107] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which multiple ordinary prize slots and the first special symbol starting means 62 are arranged on a single unit. However, the ordinary prize slot unit equipped with multiple ordinary prize slots and the starting prize slot unit equipped with the first special symbol starting means 62 may be mounted separately on the base plate 50 as separate units.

[0108] The left side portion of the third rail member 51c may also be provided with a discharge guide section (inclined section) formed in a downward sloping shape towards the rear side of the base plate 50, and a discharge port may be provided on the discharge guide section corresponding to the normal prize slots 67-69 and out slots 153-155 of the left prize slot unit 82.

[0109] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the ball passage opening 160 is composed of a pair of left and right game nails (specific nails) 161, 161. However, the ball passage opening may also be formed with a configuration other than nails, such as a projection integrally formed on the front side of the mounting plate. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for maintenance and making adjustment impossible.

[0110] In the embodiment, an example was shown in which a ball passage opening 160, ball passage 163, gaps 167, 167, etc. are arranged above a fixed-width first starting prize opening 152 that does not have an opening / closing mechanism. However, the ball passage opening 160, ball passage 163, gaps 167, 167, etc. as shown in the embodiment may also be arranged above a variable prize opening that has an opening / closing mechanism.

[0111] Although the embodiments shown illustrate the application of the present invention to a pachinko machine, it can be similarly implemented in various other gaming machines such as arrangement ball machines and mahjong ball games. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 6 Inner frame 7. Glass door (front door) 16 Game boards 23 Gaming Area 40 glass units 50 base plate 51 External unit (first mounting means) 51c Third rail member (specific first mounting means) 52 Internal unit (second mounting means) 53 Front mounting means 62a Game ball detection switch (ball detection means) 81c Upper right member (specific second mounting means) 81d Lower right member (specific second mounting means) 89a Central drop groove 89b Side drop groove 92 Overhang 105 Glass unit support 107a Outlet (Discharge port) 125a Specific discharge port (discharge port) 125b Normal discharge port (discharge port) 126 Discharge guide section (slanted section) 138 Outlet 139 Normal discharge port (discharge port) 141 Overhang 143 Glass unit support 152 First starting prize slot (designated prize slot) 157 Front decorative panel 160 Ball passage port 161 Gaming pins (specific pins) 162 Game nails (designated nails) 163 Ball passage 167 Gap 168 Deceleration means 171 First Intrusion Prevention Means 172 Second Intrusion Prevention Measure 173 Third Intrusion Prevention Measure

Claims

[Claim 1] A predetermined prize entry opening formed in an upward-facing shape, A ball detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the predetermined prize slot, A ball passage opening is positioned above the predetermined prize entry opening and is wider than the predetermined prize entry opening, The system includes a ball passage that guides the game balls that have passed through the ball passage toward the predetermined prize-winning opening at the bottom, A pair of left and right gaps are provided between the lower end of the ball passage and the predetermined prize entry opening, through which the game balls can pass. An entry-blocking means is placed on the outside of the pair of left and right gaps to prevent game balls from entering the gaps. The game balls that have passed through the ball passage and been guided by the ball passage are If the ball does not pass through the gap, it will be detected by the ball detection means when it is ejected from the game area after entering the predetermined prize slot. If the ball passes through the aforementioned gap, it will be discharged from the game area via either the prize entry slot other than the designated prize entry slot or the out slot. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images