Game machine

Abstract

To easily confirm whether the number of enclosed game balls is within a predetermined range.SOLUTION: A game machine 10 is set such that a rearmost section of a row of game balls is arranged in a third guide passage 41C in a state in which no shooting of game balls is performed and no game balls flow down through a game area R1. A shortage monitoring sensor 120 is arranged at a position for detecting the fortieth (the lower limit of a predetermined range) game ball in the game ball row in the third guide passage 41C, and an excess monitoring sensor 121 is arranged at a position for detecting the fiftieth (a number larger than the upper limit of the predetermined range by one) game ball in the game ball row.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to gaming machines. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines that circulate enclosed gaming balls are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-034569 A (paragraph

[0010] etc.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines, it is required to make it easier to check whether the number of enclosed gaming balls is within a predetermined range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gaming machine disclosed herein is a gaming machine that circulates and uses enclosed gaming balls within a predetermined number range, and is equipped with a detection unit capable of detecting gaming balls in a storage unit in which the gaming balls are stored, and a discrimination means capable of discriminating whether the number of gaming balls is within the predetermined range based on the detection result of the detection unit. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the gaming machine of the present disclosure, the discrimination means discriminates whether the number of gaming balls is within a predetermined range, making it easy to check whether the number of enclosed gaming balls is within the predetermined range. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] A front view of the gaming machine body with the gaming board fitted in [Diagram 3] Exploded perspective view of the gaming machine body [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine [Diagram 5] Front view of protective cover [Figure 6] Perspective view of the ball management unit [Figure 7] Front view of ball management unit [Figure 8] Conceptual diagram of when a player visually recognizes the count display unit [Figure 9] Exploded view of the launch unit [Figure 10] An exploded view of the ball collection path and its surroundings located at the bottom of the gaming machine [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the launch ball guide [Figure 12] Front cross-sectional view of the circulation path [Figure 13] Front cross-sectional view of the circulation path [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 15] A perspective view of the lifting device [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 17] An exploded perspective view of the lifting device components. [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 19] Side cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 20] Closed cross-sectional view of lifting device [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 22] Cross-sectional view of the first guideway [Figure 23] Side cross-sectional view of the first guideway [Figure 24] Cross-sectional view of the second and third guideways [Diagram 25] A perspective view of the vicinity of the cover portion [Figure 26] Front cross-sectional view of the circulation path [Figure 27] Cross-sectional view of the third guideway [Figure 28]Side cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the second guideway [Figure 29] Front view of protective cover [Diagram 30] A perspective view of a power supply board and a board case DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a gaming machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 30. The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is a pachinko gaming machine, and has a front door 10Z on the front side, through which a glass window 10W is formed in the front door 10Z, a gaming area R1 (see Fig. 2) formed on the front side of a gaming board 11 can be seen. In the following description, the side of the gaming machine 10 closer to the player is referred to as the "front side", and the opposite side is referred to as the "rear side", and the "right side" and "left side" of the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front side of the player will be simply referred to as the "right side" and "left side".

[0009] Fig. 2 shows the gaming machine 10 with the front door 10Z removed, and Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the gaming machine 10. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the gaming machine 10 has a fixed frame 10X and a game frame 10Y behind the front door 10Z. The fixed frame 10X is a frame body fixed to the game island of the game hall, and has a vertically long rectangular shape with an internal space of the vertically long rectangle penetrating in the front-rear direction.

[0010] The game frame 10Y is a frame that fits inside the fixed frame 10X, and the game board 11 and the launch unit 31 are attached to the front side, and the display device 13 and various control boards 50, 51, 52, 54 (see FIG. 4) are attached to the rear side. Various mechanisms in the game frame 10Y are covered from the rear side by upper and lower protective covers 10E and 10F (see FIG. 5). The game frame 10Y is attached to the fixed frame 10X so as to be rotatable around the left side. The front door 10Z (see FIG. 1) is attached to the game frame 10Y so as to be rotatable around the left side, and the game frame 10Y and the front door 10Z can be switched by the locking unit 10S between an unlocked state in which they can be rotated relative to the fixed frame 10X and a locked state in which they cannot be rotated.

[0011] Next, the game area R1 of the game board 11 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the game area R1 is formed by being surrounded on all four sides by guide rails 12 protruding from the front surface of the game board 11. The game ball launched from the launching unit 31 passes through the launch passage 17 on the left side of the game board 11 formed by the guide rails 12 and enters the game area R1 from an entrance 12K located near the upper end.

[0012] A display opening 11H is formed through the center of the game area R1 of the game board 11, and a display screen 13G of the display device 13 faces forward through this display opening 11H. Various effects related to the game are displayed on the display screen 13G of the display device 13.

[0013] A display decoration frame 23 is attached to the opening edge of the display opening 11H. The display decoration frame 23 is fitted into the display opening 11H from the front side of the game board 11 and protrudes from the front of the game board 11, and prevents the game balls flowing down the game area R1 from entering inside the display decoration frame 23.

[0014] A stage 24 on which the game balls can roll is formed at the lower side of the display decoration frame 23. Three discharge sections 24A capable of discharging the game balls one by one are formed at the bottom end of the stage 24. A warp path 24R is formed at the left side of the display decoration frame 23, which receives the game balls flowing down the game area R1 and guides them to the stage 24. The game balls that pass through the warp path 24R are released from the left end of the stage 24, roll on the stage 24, and flow down from the discharge sections 24A to the bottom of the display decoration frame 23.

[0015] Below the display decoration frame 23, the first and second start winning openings 14A, 14B are arranged vertically. Specifically, the first start winning opening 14A is arranged directly below the middle discharge section 24A of the three discharge sections 24A. A start gate 18 is provided on the right side of the display decoration frame 23. A large winning opening 15 is provided on the lower right side of the display decoration frame 23, that is, on the right side of the first and second start winning openings 14A, 14B. In addition to the start winning openings 14A, 14B and the large winning opening 15, the game area R1 is provided with a plurality of general winning openings 20. Although not shown, a plurality of obstacle nails are distributed throughout the game area R1.

[0016] The start gate 18 has a gate-shaped structure through which the game ball can pass. When the game ball passes through the start gate 18, a normal symbol hit determination is performed.

[0017] The first start winning opening 14A has a pocket structure that opens upward, while the second start winning opening 14B opens forward and is opened and closed by an opening door 14T. The opening door 14T is usually placed in a closed position that blocks the second start winning opening 14B, and is placed in an open position that opens the second start winning opening 14B when the normal pattern hit judgment is made.

[0018] When a game ball enters the start winning hole 14A, 14B, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls, and a special symbol hit / miss judgment is performed. The judgment result is displayed as a combination of special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C on the display screen 13G of the display device 13. Then, if the judgment result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment is a hit, a big win game is executed.

[0019] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the display screen 13G usually displays three special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C, left, center, and right, side by side in a stopped state. Each of these special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C is composed of a plurality of types of symbols, for example, numbers "0" to "11", and a predetermined type of each of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C is usually displayed in a stopped state. Then, when a game ball enters the first and second start winning holes 14A and 14B, these three special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are scrolled up and down, and after a predetermined time, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are displayed in a stopped state in the order of, for example, left, right, and center. If the result of the judgment is a hit (hereafter referred to as a "jackpot"), the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are all displayed as the same symbol (double number), and the game transitions to a "jackpot game state." On the other hand, if the result of the judgment is a miss, a combination other than a double number is displayed, and the normal game state, which is not a "jackpot game state," continues.

[0020] The big prize opening 15 is open to the front of the game board 11 and has a horizontally long shape, and is normally closed by a movable door 15T. Then, when the "big win game state" is reached as described above, the movable door 15T falls forward to open the big prize opening 15, and the game ball can enter the big prize opening 15 using the movable door 15T as a guide. When a game ball enters the big prize opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls.

[0021] The general winning opening 20 has a pocket structure that is open on the upper side, and when a game ball enters the general winning opening 20, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls.

[0022] All game balls that do not enter any of the above-mentioned winning holes 14A, 14B, 15, and 20 are taken into a plurality of outlets 16 provided at the lower end of the game area R1.

[0023] <About sealed gaming machines> The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called sealed gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 40 to 49 balls) are sealed inside. When the launch handle 28 (see FIG. 1) provided at the lower right corner of the front door 10Z is rotated, the gaming balls sealed inside the machine are launched one by one by the launch unit 31, and enter the game area R1 from the entrance 12K through the launch passage 17 of the game board 11 as described above. All the launched gaming balls are collected regardless of whether they have won the winning holes 14A, 14B, 15, and 20, and are returned to the launch unit 31 through the circulation path 22 (see FIG. 12). The circulation path 22 will be described in detail later. In this way, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the internal gaming balls are used in a cyclical manner.

[0024] In this embodiment, since the game balls enclosed in the machine are circulated, the actual game balls are not lent out, but the number of game balls according to the amount of the loan is stored. Therefore, a card unit 26 (see FIG. 4) is arranged next to the gaming machine 10. The card unit 26 has a card insertion port into which a card is inserted, and performs information processing such as reading and writing about the player's balls (game balls that the player can use in the gaming machine 10) and the like for the card inserted into the card insertion port. Specifically, the card unit 26 reads the number of balls stored in the card written on the card, and writes the number of balls stored in the card as the number of balls stored in the card. The card unit 26 also has a bill insertion port for lending game balls with cash, and the remaining balance information can also be written on the card.

[0025] The number of balls held decreases as game balls are shot, and increases when prize balls are won. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, a ball management unit 19 is provided at the lower left of the front door 10Z of the gaming machine 10 to allow the player to manage the balls held. The player can operate the ball management unit 19 to transfer some of the balls stored in the card to the balls held, or transfer the balls held to the balls stored in the card.

[0026] <About the Ball Management Unit> The ball management unit 19 is provided with a ball number display unit 19A, a counting button 19H, and an operation unit 19S. In detail, the lower part of the glass window 10W in the front door 10Z is a lower decorative part 10U that protrudes forward. The operation button 10V for performance is arranged in the center of the lower decorative part 10U (see FIG. 1). The upper surface of the lower decorative part 10U is gently inclined downward toward the front, and the ball management unit 19 is arranged at the rear of the left side (the side closer to the glass window 10W). In the ball management unit 19, the ball number display unit 19A, the counting button 19H, and the operation unit 19S are arranged in order from the side closer to the glass window 10W. The operation unit 19S is operated when transferring some of the balls stored in the card to the holding ball, and is equipped with a cross key, etc. The operation unit 19S can also be used for performance, etc.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, the ball count display unit 19A displays the number of balls held by the player, and has a transparent plate 19B fitted into the upper surface of the lower decorative part 10U, and multiple seven-segment display units 19C arranged below the transparent plate 19B. The transparent plate 19B is inclined at a steeper gradient than the upper surface of the lower decorative part 10U, and the upper surface of the seven-segment display units 19C is approximately horizontal. The number of balls held displayed by the seven-segment display units 19C is visible to the player through the transparent plate 19B. At this time, because the transparent plate 19B is inclined, the light directed upward from the seven-segment display units 19C is refracted forward by the transparent plate 19B, making it easier for the player looking down diagonally from above to see it (see FIG. 8(A)).

[0028] However, if the light from the ball count display unit 19A is reflected on the glass window 10W, or the light from the display screen 13G is reflected on the transparent plate 19B of the ball count display unit 19A, it may be difficult to see the game area R1, the display screen 13G, and the ball count display unit 19A. To prevent this, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a shielding unit 21.

[0029] As shown in Figures 7 and 8(A), the shielding portion 21 is disposed between the bulb count display portion 19A and the glass window 10W, and forms a protrusion extending in the left-right direction. In detail, the shielding portion 21 protrudes upward so as to overlap the lower edge of the glass window 10W when viewed from the front, and has a front surface 21A and a rear surface 21B. The front surface 21A extends vertically upward from the upper edge of the bulb count display portion 19A, while the rear surface 21B is inclined backward from the upper end of the front surface 21A and connects to the lower edge of the glass window 10W.

[0030] This prevents at least a portion of the light traveling upward and rearward from the ball count display unit 19A from being blocked by the shielding portion 21 and being reflected in the glass window 10W, thereby preventing the game area R1 and the display screen 13G from becoming difficult to see. In addition, the light traveling from the display screen 13G to the ball count display unit 19A is also blocked by the shielding portion 21, preventing the ball count display unit 19A from becoming difficult to see.

[0031] Furthermore, since the rear surface of the shielding portion 21 is inclined downward toward the rear, the shielding portion 21 is unlikely to overlap the lower edge of the glass window 10W when the player looks down at the lower edge of the glass window 10W. Therefore, the shielding portion 21 protrudes upward so as to overlap the lower edge of the glass window 10W when viewed from the front, making it difficult for the light of the ball number display portion 19A to be reflected in the glass window 10W, while not interfering with the visibility of the glass window 10W (and the game area R1 viewed through the glass window 10W) ​​by the player.

[0032] The counting button 19H is a switch that can be pressed. When the counting button 19H is pressed, for example, at the end of a game, all balls are added to the balls stored in the card, and the number of balls becomes 0. The counting button 19H can only be operated at a limited time. For example, the counting button 19H cannot be operated during the fluctuation of the special patterns 13A, 13B, and 13C or during a jackpot game. A counting lamp 19L is disposed to the right of the counting button 19H, indicating that the counting button 19H can be operated. As shown in FIG. 8(B), the counting lamp 19L is located below the transparent lamp cover 19M that forms the upper surface of the lower decorative part 10U with a space therebelow, and when it emits light, it is visible through the lamp cover 19M. The counting button 19H protrudes upward from an opening formed in the lamp cover 19M.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 6, a notation 19N consisting of the word "Count" is printed on the lamp cover 19M so that the player can recognize that the counting lamp 19L indicates that it is time to operate the counting button 19H. As shown in Fig. 8(B), this notation 19N is located directly above the counting lamp 19L, but since the player looks at the notation 19N and the counting lamp 19L from diagonally above, the notation 19N and the counting lamp 19L are seen out of alignment. This allows the notation 19N and the counting lamp 19L to be arranged in a space-saving manner while ensuring visibility.

[0034] <About launch units> Next, the launching unit 31 will be described. The launching unit 31 is provided with a launched ball sensor 31S that detects game balls launched by the launching unit 31, and a returned ball sensor 36S (see FIG. 4) that detects game balls that have been launched by the launching unit 31 but have not reached the game area R1. When a game ball is detected by the launched ball sensor 31S, the number of detected game balls is subtracted from the number of balls held, and when a game ball is detected by the returned ball sensor 36S, the number of detected game balls is added to the number of balls held.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, the launching unit 31 is disposed in the front of the game frame 10Y, below the game board 11, at approximately the center in the left-right direction, and launches game balls toward the game area R1 in response to a rotational operation of the launching handle 28 (see Fig. 1). On the left side of the launching unit 31, a launched ball guide 36 is provided to guide the game ball launched from the launching unit 31 to the launch passage 17 on the game board 11.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 9, the launching unit 31 is mainly composed of a launching device 31A and a ball supplying device 31B. Specifically, the launching unit 31 is formed by assembling parts such as the ball supplying device 31B, the launching rail 31R, the striking hammer 34, and a launching motor (not shown) to the base plate 33 of the launching device 31A. The ball supplying device 31B is provided with a supply passage 31W which is a part of the circulation path 22 and through which the game balls pass in a line, and takes in the game balls from a supply port 33K formed through the base plate 33 and supplies them one by one onto the launching rail 31R.

[0037] The striking hammer 34 extends vertically at the center of the base plate 33, and the game balls supplied onto the launching rail 31R are received by the ball receiving member 35. The launching motor is driven by rotating the launching handle 28 (see FIG. 1), and the striking hammer 34 rotates by receiving the driving force of the launching motor. When the striking hammer 34 rotates and is located at the striking position, it strikes the game ball received by the ball receiving member 35. This causes the game ball to be launched obliquely upward along the launching rail 31R. The ball supplying device 31B is equipped with a launched ball sensor 31S, which counts the game balls supplied onto the launching rail 31R.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 10, the launch ball guide section 36 has a base plate 36A arranged parallel to the game board 11 (see FIG. 3), and a plurality of protruding walls 36B extending rearward from the base plate 36A and abutting against the collection section 43 described later, and these protruding walls 36B form a passage between the base plate 36A and the collection section 43. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the launch passage 37 allows the game balls launched diagonally upward along the launch rail 31R to enter the launch passage 17 of the game board 11, a first return passage 38A for collecting game balls that do not reach the game area R1 due to a weak launch force and return back along the launch passage 17, and a second return passage 38B for collecting game balls that do not reach the launch passage 17. The first and second return passages 38A, 38B join at the lower end and are guided to the rear side of the collection section 43 from a return ball receiving section 43K formed through the collection section 43. In addition, the aforementioned return ball sensor 39 is provided at the joining portion of the first and second return passages 38A, 38B, and counts the gaming balls that have passed through the first and second return passages 38A, 38B.

[0039] After entering the game area R1, the game ball enters each winning opening 14A, 14B, 15, 20 or the outlet 16, and is then guided to the lower end of the game board 11 by a recovery duct guide path (not shown) located at the rear of the game board 11. The recovery duct guide path is connected to each winning opening 14A, 14B, 15, 20 and the outlet 16, and discharges the game ball toward a recovery duct 40 (see FIG. 13) that opens upward below the game board 11. The recovery duct 40 is connected to a ball recovery path 41 that is a part of the circulation path 22.

[0040] <About the circulation route> As shown in Fig. 2, a flat box-shaped collection section 43 that is disposed substantially parallel to the game board 11 and opens to the rear is fitted into the game frame 10Y below the game board 11 and behind the launch unit 31 and the launched ball guide section 36. As shown in Fig. 10, a plate-shaped cover section 42 is attached to the rear surface of the collection section 43, and a collection duct 40 and a ball collection path 41 are formed between the collection section 43 and the cover section 42 by a plurality of protruding walls 43T (see Fig. 12) protruding from the rear surface of the collection section 43.

[0041] Specifically, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, a pair of protruding walls 43T at the upper end form a pair of inclined surfaces 40S that slope downward from both the left and right ends toward the center, and the area between the collection section 43 and the cover section 42, above this pair of inclined surfaces 40S, forms the collection duct 40.

[0042] A ball recovery path 41 is formed below the recovery duct 40. The ball recovery path 41 has a first guide path 41A that extends downward from an opening 40K formed between a pair of inclined surfaces 40S, then bends to one side in the left-right direction (left side when viewed from the front) and extends diagonally downward, a second guide path 41B that turns back from the downstream end from the first guide path 41A and extends diagonally downward to the center position in the left-right direction and has a steep slope at the lower end, and a third guide path 41C that extends diagonally downward from below the outlet of the second guide path 41B to the other end in the left-right direction (right end when viewed from the front). The game balls that flow down to the downstream end of the third guide path 41C are discharged from a recovered ball discharge part 42K (see FIG. 13) formed through the cover part 42 to the rear of the cover part 42.

[0043] In addition, below the second guide path 41B, a return ball guide path 45 extends along the second guide path 41B. The return ball guide path 45 and the third guide path 41C are continuous with their lower surfaces flush with each other. The upper end of the return ball guide path 45 communicates with the above-mentioned return ball receiving portion 43K formed through the recovery portion 43. As a result, the return ball that was shot by the launch unit 31 but was collected by the first return path 38A or the second return path 38B of the shot ball guide portion 36 due to its weak launch force flows down the return ball guide path 45, merges with the game ball that flowed down the second guide path 41B, and flows down the third guide path 41C.

[0044] A lifting device 60 is disposed behind the cover section 42. The collected ball discharge section 42K is connected to the ball inlet 60A (see FIG. 14) of the lifting device 60, and all game balls that flow down the game area R1 are collected by the collection duct 40 and sent to the lifting device 60 through the ball collection path 41.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 10 and 14, the lifting device 60 is fixed to the right end of the back surface of the cover part 42. As shown in Figs. 15 to 17, the lifting device 60 is provided with a screw 62 extending in the vertical direction, a gutter member 63 surrounding the game ball together with the screw 62, and a motor 64 for rotating the screw 62 in a box-shaped case 61 with an open front. The gutter member 63 has a pair of gutter wall parts 63A facing each other in the left-right direction and is disposed in the right area of ​​the case 61. The gutter wall part 63A has a length in the front-rear direction of about 2 / 3 to 4 / 5 of the length of the case 61 in the front-rear direction, and a pair of partition bulging parts 63B are formed in the center part in the front-rear direction, bulging inward so as to approach each other and extending in the vertical direction. The pair of partition bulging parts 63B approach each other toward the front, are curved so that the game ball can be received between them, and the width between the front ends is such that the game ball cannot pass through. Also, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the lower end of the gutter member 63 is provided with a front wall portion 63C that connects the front ends of the pair of gutter wall portions 63A, and a rear wall portion 63D that connects the rear ends of the pair of gutter wall portions 63A.

[0046] The screw 62 has a shape in which a helical blade 62B protrudes from a central shaft 62A, and is disposed in a space between a pair of partition bulges 63B and a rear wall 63D of the gutter member 63. The screw 62 also has an extrusion piece 62C at its upper end that protrudes radially from the central shaft 62A so as to connect the upper end of the blade 62B to a position directly below it. The upper end of the central shaft 62A of the screw 62 has a circular cross section and is received in a shaft receiving portion 61E (see FIG. 15) of the case 61, while the lower end of the central shaft 62A of the screw 62 has a square cross section and is fixed to a screw gear 62G. This screw gear 62G is connected to a drive gear 64G of a motor 64 (see FIG. 15) via a plurality of connecting gears 64R (see FIG. 18), and the screw 62 rotates by receiving power from the motor 64.

[0047] 16 and 19, the area surrounded by the screw 62 and the partition bulges 63B of the pair of gutter wall portions 63A is the lifting path 65 through which the game ball passes. The game ball that enters the lower end of the lifting path 65 is positioned in the left-right direction by the pair of gutter wall portions 63A, and rises as the part of the blade 62B that protrudes into the lifting path 65 rises due to the rotation of the screw 62. Then, when the game ball that has been lifted by the blade 62B reaches the upper end of the lifting path 65, it is pushed out to the side (to the upper passage 61B described next) by the push-out piece 62C.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the lifting device 60 incorporates a cleaning mechanism 70 for removing dirt adhering to the game balls. The cleaning mechanism 70 includes a polishing roller 71 and a roller holding mechanism 80 for holding the polishing roller 71. The polishing roller 71 is in the form of a roll extending in the vertical direction, and is disposed on the opposite side of the lifting path 65 from the screw 62, and comes into contact with the game balls in the lifting path 65. As a result, the game balls ascending in the lifting path 65 are polished by the polishing roller 71, and dirt adhering to the game balls is removed. Note that possible examples of dirt that adheres to the game balls include nails and resin shavings that adhere to the game balls as they flow down the game area R1.

[0049] The roller holding mechanism 80 has an upper connecting portion 81 and a lower connecting portion 82 that are engaged with the connecting portions 71A, 71B at the upper and lower ends of the polishing roller 71, and the lower connecting portion 82 is biased upward by a coil spring 82C. When the polishing roller 71 is pushed downward together with the lower connecting portion 82, the engagement between the connecting portion 71A at the upper end of the polishing roller 71 and the upper connecting portion 81 of the roller holding mechanism 80 is released, so that the polishing roller 71 can be removed by tilting the polishing roller 71. On the other hand, when attaching the polishing roller 71, the polishing roller 71 is tilted and the lower end connecting portion 71B is pushed down to match the lower connecting portion 82, and then the posture of the polishing roller 71 is adjusted in the vertical direction, and the polishing roller 71 is raised according to the elastic force of the coil spring 82C, so that the connecting portion 71A at the upper end of the polishing roller 71 engages with the upper connecting portion 81, and the polishing roller 71 is held by the roller holding mechanism 80.

[0050] The polishing roller 71 is replaceable at a predetermined maintenance timing by the roller holding mechanism 80. The cover part 42 and the recovery part 43 are formed with through holes 42X, 43X for exposing the polishing roller 71, and the polishing roller 71 is removable with the front door 10Z open (as shown in FIG. 2).

[0051] The lifting device 60 is provided with a lower passage 61A (see FIG. 18) that connects the front end of the lifting device 60 to the lower end of the lifting path 65, and an upper passage 61B (see FIG. 20) that connects the upper end of the lifting path 65 to the front end of the lifting device 60. The opening at the front end of the lower passage 61A is a ball inlet 60A through which game balls enter the lifting device 60, and the opening at the front end of the upper passage 61B is a ball outlet 60B through which game balls are discharged from the lifting path 65.

[0052] The ball inlet 60A of the lifting device 60 is overlapped with the above-mentioned collected ball discharge section 42K (see FIG. 14), and the ball outlet 60B of the lifting device 60 is overlapped with the rear opening of the relay passage 43R (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 21) arranged in the collection section 43. The relay passage 43R is connected to the supply port 33K of the launching unit 31. In addition, the cover section 42 is formed with a through hole 42Y through which the upper passage 61B, which protrudes forward beyond the front end face of the entire case 61, is inserted.

[0053] With the above configuration, after being launched from the launching unit 31, the game balls collected by the recovery duct 40 and the game balls collected by the first return passage 38A or the second return passage 38B pass through the ball recovery passage 41, enter the lower passage 61A of the lifting device 60 from the recovered ball discharge section 42K, rise inside the lifting path 65, and then pass through the upper passage 61B and the relay passage 43R to be sent back to the launching unit 31. The circulation path 22 is composed of the ball recovery path 41, the lower passage 61A, the lifting path 65, the upper passage 61B, the relay passage 43R, and the supply passage 31W.

[0054] <About the ball recovery route> Here, the ball recovery path 41 will be described in further detail. As described above, the ball recovery path 41 is formed between the recovery section 43 and the cover section 42 by a plurality of protruding walls 43T protruding from the rear surface of the recovery section 43. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first guide path 41A of the ball recovery path 41 is part of the protruding wall 43T, and is located on the first guide protruding wall 91 that hangs down from the lower end of the right-side inclined surface 40S and then extends downward to the right.

[0055] A front bulge 92 and a rear bulge 93 are disposed between the main wall 43A of the collection section 43 and the main wall 42A of the cover section 42, which sandwich the first guide protruding wall 91, and bend the middle part of the first guide path 41A backward. As shown in Figs. 10 and 22, the front bulge 92 of the collection section 43 has a central wall 92B extending parallel to the main wall 42A behind the main wall 43A, and a right inclined wall 92A and a left inclined wall 92C disposed on the left and right of the central wall 92B and inclined from the main wall 43A. As shown in Fig. 12, in the vertical direction, the front bulge 92 extends between the first guide protruding wall 91 and the protruding wall 43T having the left inclined surface 40S. In addition, the part of the first guide protruding wall 91 that corresponds to the front bulge 92 bulges backward.

[0056] 22, the rear bulging portion 93 faces the front bulging portion 92 and has a central wall 93B and a right inclined wall 93A and a left inclined wall 93C disposed on the left and right sides thereof and inclined from the main wall 42A of the cover portion 42. In addition, the lower end of the rear bulging portion 93 is located one plate thickness below the first protruding guide wall 91 and has a bulging lower wall 93D that overlaps with the lower surface of the first protruding guide wall 91 (see FIG. 23).

[0057] In the first guide passage 41A, a central serpentine portion 95 is formed between the front bulge portion 92 and the rear bulge portion 93. The central serpentine portion 95 includes a plurality of recovery passage protrusions 95A formed on the central wall 92B of the front bulge portion 92 of the recovery section 43, and a plurality of cover passage protrusions 95B formed on the central wall 93B of the rear bulge portion 93. The recovery passage protrusions 95A and the cover passage protrusions 95B are disposed above the first guide protruding wall 91 with a gap of about 0.5 to 0.8 game balls.

[0058] The recovery passage protrusions 95A are provided in three rows in the horizontal direction at approximately equal intervals and protrude toward the rear (inside the first guide path 41A). In addition, a cover passage protrusion 95B is formed at a position facing the recovery passage protrusions 95A in the front-rear direction. The cover passage protrusions 95B are provided in three rows in the horizontal direction at approximately equal intervals and protrude toward the rear (outside the first guide path 41A). The recovery passage protrusions 95A and the cover passage protrusions 95B are arranged so that their protruding ends overlap in the front-rear direction. This allows the game balls that bounce up from the first guide protrusion wall 91 to collide with the recovery passage protrusions 95A or the cover passage protrusions 95B at the central meandering portion 95 and fall onto the first guide protrusion wall 91, making it easier for them to line up in a row in the first guide path 41A.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 24, the area from the middle position of the second guide path 41B to the upper part of the third guide path 41C is bent backward like the first guide path 41A. In detail, as shown in Fig. 26, the collection section 43 includes a ceiling protruding wall 97A having the ceiling surfaces of the second guide path 41B and the third guide path 41C, and a second guide protruding wall 97B having the lower surface of the second guide path 41B. The ceiling protruding wall 97A and the second guide protruding wall 97B are connected at the upstream end by the main wall 43A of the collection section 43 (see Fig. 12).

[0060] As shown in Figs. 12 and 24, the main wall 43A of the collection section 43 has a strip-shaped region extending rightward from the middle position of the second guide path 41B between the ceiling protruding wall 97A and the second guide protruding wall 97B, which is a lower protruding portion 97C protruding backward. As shown in Figs. 13 and 24, the main wall 42A of the cover section 42 has a passage recess 98A recessed backward at a position opposite the lower protruding portion 97C. The passage recess 98A has a lower wall 98B that is flush with the second guide protruding wall 97B of the collection section 43 and forms the lower surface of the second guide path 41B, an upper wall 98C that is flush with the ceiling protruding wall 97A of the collection section 43, and a passage side wall 98D that connects the lower wall 98B and the upper wall 98C. As shown in Fig. 25, the passage recess 98A protrudes from the rear surface of the main wall 42A of the cover section 42.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 26, the recovery section 43 is provided with a third guide wall 99A that forms the lower surface of the third guide path 41C and the return ball guide path 45.

[0062] 27, a third serpentine portion 99C is formed at the downstream end of the third guide path 41C. The third serpentine portion 99C includes a plurality of third recovery path protrusions 99C1 formed on the main wall 43A of the recovery portion 43, and a plurality of third cover path protrusions 99C2 formed on the main wall 42A of the cover portion 42. Two third recovery path protrusions 99C1 are provided side by side, and protrude rearward (toward the inside of the third guide path 41C).

[0063] A third cover passage protrusion 99C2 is formed at a position facing the third recovery passage protrusion 99C1 in the front-rear direction. The three third cover passage protrusions 99C2 are arranged at approximately equal intervals and protrude forward (toward the inside of the third serpentine portion 99C).

[0064] The third collection passage convex portion 99C1 and the third cover passage convex portion 99C2 are arranged alternately with the third guide protruding wall 99A in between. This allows the third serpentine portion 99C to make the rolling game ball meander.

[0065] Now, the above-mentioned ball recovery passage 41 is formed with a plurality of openings 100. The openings 100 include first to third openings 101A, 101B, and 101C formed in the cover portion 42, fourth to seventh openings 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D formed in the recovery portion 43, and first to fourth cutout portions 105A, 105B, 105C, and 105D.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 25, first and second openings 101A, 101B are formed in the rear bulging portion 93 of the cover portion 42. As shown in Fig. 22, the first opening 101A is provided below the cover passage protrusion 95B arranged most upstream among the three, and the second opening 101B is provided below the cover passage protrusion 95B arranged most downstream among the three. Since the first and second openings 101A, 101B have the same configuration except for the location where they are formed, the second opening 101B will be described below as a representative.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 23, the second opening 101B is open across the central wall 92B and the bulging lower wall 93D. Specifically, the second opening 101B has a second side wall opening 102A that opens in the central wall 92B and a second bottom opening 102B that opens in the bulging lower wall 93D. The second side wall opening 102A has a left-right length that is almost the same as the left-right width of the cover passage protrusion 95B. This length is about 0.5 to 1.2 game balls. The vertical length is also almost the same as the vertical length of the portion of the central wall 92B below the cover passage protrusion 95B.

[0068] The left-right length of the second bottom opening 102B is the same as the left-right length of the second side wall opening 102A. Also, the front-rear length of the second bottom opening 102B is less than half the front-rear width of the bulging lower wall 93D.

[0069] Second sidewall opening 102A and second bottom opening 102B are connected to each other, and second opening 101B has an L-shaped side cross section.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 25, the passage recess 98A is formed with a third opening 101C. The third opening 101C is open across the passage side wall 98D and the bottom wall 98B. Specifically, the third opening 101C has a third side wall opening 103A formed in the passage side wall 98D and a third bottom opening 103B formed in the bottom wall 98B. The third side wall opening 103A has a left-right length longer than the first and second openings 101A and 101B, and is about 1.5 to 2 game balls, and a vertical length shorter than the side wall openings of the first and second openings 101A and 101B.

[0071] The left-right length of the third bottom opening 103B is the same as that of the third side wall opening 103A. The front-rear length of the third bottom opening 103B is about one-fourth the width of the second guide path 41B, which is shorter than the bottom openings of the first and second openings 101A, 101B. The third side wall opening 103A and the third bottom opening 103B are connected to each other, and the side cross section of the opening is an L-shaped opening.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 12, a fourth opening 104A is disposed in front of the lower bulging portion 97C of the second guide path 41B of the recovery section 43. As shown in Fig. 28, the fourth opening 104A opens across the main wall 43A and the second protruding guide wall 97B. Specifically, the fourth opening 104A connects a fourth side wall opening 106A formed in the main wall 43A and a fourth bottom opening 106B formed in the second protruding guide wall 97B, and has an L-shaped side cross-sectional shape.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 12, the fifth opening 104B is disposed in the return ball guide passage 45, and the sixth and seventh openings 104C, 104D are disposed in the third guide passage 41C. The fifth and sixth openings 104B, 104C open across the main wall 43A and the third protruding guide wall 99A, and have an L-shaped side cross section like the fourth opening 104A. The seventh opening 104D opens across the main wall 43A and the third protruding guide wall 99A, and has a T-shaped side cross section.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 12, the first and second cutout portions 105A and 105B are disposed in the first guide path 41A. In detail, as shown in Fig. 23, the first cutout portion 105A is formed at a position overlapping the first opening portion 101A. Similarly, the second cutout portion 105B is formed at a position overlapping the second opening portion 101B. As a result, the first guide path 41A communicates with the first and second opening portions 101A and 101B and with the outside through the first and second cutout portions 105A and 105B.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 12, the third cutout portion 105C is disposed near the upstream end of the return ball guide path 45. Also, as shown in Fig. 28, the main wall 42A of the cover portion 42 is placed in the front-rear open portion of the third cutout portion 105C.

[0076] The fourth cutout portion 105D is formed in the third guide protruding wall 99A of the third guide path 41C, and has a slit shape extending in the left-right direction with the cover portion 42 being allocated to the open portion in the front-rear direction.

[0077] It is preferable that the vertical width and front-rear width of each opening 100 are less than half the width of a game ball.

[0078] 29, a protective plate 107 is attached to the rear surface of the cover portion 42. This protective plate 107 has an access window 107A formed therein at a position corresponding to the third opening 101C of the cover portion 42, exposing the third opening 101C.

[0079] In addition, between the cover portion 42 and the protective plate 107, the first cutout portion 105A and the first opening 101A, the second cutout portion 105B and the second opening 101B, and the third opening 101C are connected, making it possible to collect objects that fall from these openings.

[0080] Further, as shown in Figs. 26 and 28, a front dust bin 110A is formed below each of the fourth to sixth openings 104A, 104B, and 104C. The front dust bin 110A is formed by recessing the main wall 43A of the collecting section 43 rearward, and is partitioned by a plurality of protruding walls 43T. The front dust bin 110A is covered from the front by the launching unit 31. As shown in Figs. 12 and 26, a rear dust bin 110B is formed below the seventh opening 104D and the fourth cutout portion 105D. The rear dust bin 110B is disposed between the main wall 43A of the collecting section 43 and the main wall 42A of the cover section 42, and is partitioned by the protruding walls 43T including the third guide protruding wall 99A.

[0081] The cover portion 42 and the protective plate 107 are covered from the rear by the lower protective cover 10F (see Figure 5) described above, and the power supply board 51 and the frame control board 54 (see Figure 4) are arranged between the cover portion 42, the protective plate 107 and the protective cover 10F.

[0082] 5, the lower protective cover 10F has a slide lock part 10F1 at the left end when viewed from the rear, and is fixed in a state where a lock piece (not shown) at the right end is locked to the game frame 10Y. When the slide lock part 10F1 is operated, the lower protective cover 10F can be removed.

[0083] The power supply board 51 is attached to the rear surface of the protective plate 107 while being built into the board case 108 (see FIG. 30). An engagement piece 108B is provided at the front end of the board case 108, at the left end when viewed from the rear. An engagement operation piece 107B is also attached to the protective plate 107. As shown in FIG. 29, the engagement operation piece 107B is provided with a pressing portion 107B1 and an engagement portion 107B2. Then, the engagement portion 107B2 engages with the engagement piece 108B, whereby the board case 108 (i.e., the power supply board 51) is fixed to the protective plate 107.

[0084] The power supply board 51 is removed from the protective plate 107 in the following procedure. First, the pressing portion 107B1 of the engagement operation piece 107B is pushed forward. Then, the engagement portion 107B2 is separated from the engagement piece 108B, disengaging the power supply board 51, and the power supply board 51 can be removed. Similarly, the frame control board 54 is fixed by an engagement operation piece (not shown), and can be removed by pushing in the engagement operation piece. Thus, in this embodiment, the protective cover 10F, the power supply board 51, and the frame control board 54 are fixed without using screws, and can be removed without using tools.

[0085] As described above, the game machine 10 is provided with a cleaning mechanism 70 on the lifting device 60, and dirt attached to the game balls that flow down the game area R1 is removed, but it is possible that the dirt will fall into the ball recovery path 41 before reaching the cleaning mechanism 70. If the dirt accumulates in the ball recovery path 41, the game balls will not roll easily, and there is a concern that ball clogging will occur. In contrast, according to this embodiment, dirt falls from the above-mentioned multiple openings 100, and dirt is less likely to accumulate in the ball recovery path 41, so ball clogging is less likely to occur. In addition, in the game machine 10 of this embodiment in which a predetermined number of game balls are reused, dirt is more likely to accumulate on the game balls, so the effect of providing the openings 100 can be enjoyed more.

[0086] In addition, since the openings 100 are formed on the first to third guide protruding walls 91, 97B, and 99A, which are the undersides of the ball recovery passage 41, the garbage is discharged by gravity, so that the effort of cleaning by the worker can be reduced. Furthermore, since the openings 100 are formed over the side surfaces of the ball recovery passage 41, the garbage is less likely to stay at the corners. Moreover, since the openings 100 are provided in a plurality of parts divided into the first to third guide passages 41A, 41B, and 41C, the garbage falls easily, and the garbage is more prevented from accumulating in the ball recovery passage 41. Furthermore, the garbage that falls from each opening 100 accumulates between the main wall 42A of the cover portion 42 and the protective plate 107 or in the garbage accumulation portion 110, so that the garbage discharged from the openings 100 can be prevented from entering the passages of other game balls.

[0087] Also, by making the width of the opening 100 less than the width of a half ball, only garbage can be discharged without clogging with the game balls. Furthermore, since the opening 100 is arranged at the corner of the cross section of the first to third guide passages 41A, 41B, 41C, the game balls are unlikely to come into contact with the opening edge, and the game balls are prevented from getting caught on the opening edge and causing ball clogging. Moreover, since the opening 100 is formed in the ball recovery passage 41, which is located before the lifting device 60 in the circulation path 22, the cleaning mechanism 70 inside the lifting device 60 is unlikely to get dirty.

[0088] In addition, since an operator can insert tools or the like into the third opening 101C through the working window 107A of the protective plate 107, it is possible to remove debris or the like that has become trapped inside the ball recovery passage 41. Furthermore, when a ball jam occurs in the ball recovery passage 41, the ball jam can be resolved by inserting a tool into this third opening 101C to move the game balls. Moreover, since the third opening 101C is relatively long, the range in which a tool can be inserted is wide, and the ball jam can be easily resolved. Furthermore, since the protective cover 10F, the power supply board 51, and the frame control board 54 are fixed without using screws and can be removed without using tools, it is possible to facilitate the work.

[0089] <Electrical configuration> 4 shows the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. Reference numeral 50 in the figure denotes a main control board 50, which includes a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 50A, a RAM 50B, a ROM 50C, and multiple counters, an input / output circuit connecting the microcomputer to a sub-control board 52, and an input / output circuit connecting a relay board to which the big prize opening 15 and the like are connected and a frame control board 54 and the like, and performs main control related to the game.

[0090] The sub-control board 52, like the main control board 50, is equipped with a microcomputer having a CPU 52A, RAM 52B, ROM 52C and multiple counters, an input / output circuit connecting the microcomputer to the main control board 50, and an input / output circuit connecting the display device 13, etc.

[0091] The frame control board 54 is connected to the launch unit 31, the launched ball sensor 31S, the returned ball sensor 36S, the winning sensor 25, the ball collection sensor 44, etc., and manages the game balls circulating in the machine based on a signal from the main control board 50 based on the game balls entering each winning port 14A, 14B, 15, 20 and the outlet port 16. The frame control board 54 is also connected to the card unit 26, receives information read from the card, and transmits information to be written on the card to the card unit 26. The frame control board 54 is also connected to the ball management unit 19, and transfers game balls from the balls stored in the card to the balls stored in the game machine side, or from the balls stored in the game machine side to the balls stored in the card, based on a signal received from the ball management unit 19, and outputs information on the balls held to be displayed on the ball number display unit 19A (see FIG. 6) of the ball management unit 19 to the ball management unit 19.

[0092] The main control board 50, the sub control board 52, the frame control board 54, etc. operate by receiving power from the power supply board 51.

[0093] <Regarding monitoring of game ball count> As described above, 40 to 49 game balls are enclosed in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a shortage monitoring sensor 120 and an excess monitoring sensor 121 to determine whether the total number of game balls is within 40 to 49 (hereinafter referred to as a "predetermined range"). Details will be described below.

[0094] When no game balls are being launched and no game balls are flowing down the game area R1, one game ball is placed on the launch rail 31R of the launch device 31A, and the game balls are lined up in a line in the circulation path 22. The length of each passage of the circulation path 22 is set so that when the number of game balls is within a predetermined range, the rear end of the line of game balls is placed in the third guide path 41C. As shown in FIG. 26, a plate-shaped shortage monitoring sensor 120 and an excess monitoring sensor 121 are provided on the lower surface of the third guide protruding wall 99A in the third guide path 41C.

[0095] The shortage monitoring sensor 120 and the excess monitoring sensor 121 are high-frequency oscillation type proximity switches (induction type proximity sensors) and have a detection area of ​​about one game ball. The shortage monitoring sensor 120 is disposed at a position to detect the 40th game ball (symbol K1 in FIG. 26) in the line of game balls lined up from the launching device 31A. In other words, the shortage monitoring sensor 120 is in a detection state (ON) when the number of game balls is 40 or more (the lower limit of a predetermined range), and is in a non-detection state (OFF) when the number of game balls is less than 40 (the lower limit of a predetermined range).

[0096] On the other hand, the excess monitoring sensor 121 is disposed at a position to detect the 50th game ball (symbol K2 in FIG. 26) in the line of game balls lined up from the launching device 31A when 50 or more game balls are enclosed. In other words, the excess monitoring sensor 121 is in a detection state (ON) when the number of game balls exceeds 49 (the upper limit of the predetermined range), and is in a non-detection state (OFF) when the number of game balls is 49 or less (the upper limit of the predetermined range).

[0097] In addition, the under-monitoring sensor 120 and the over-monitoring sensor 121 generate high-frequency magnetic fields with different frequencies. As a result, even if the under-monitoring sensor 120 and the over-monitoring sensor 121 are placed close to each other, frequency interference is unlikely to occur, making it easier for detection to be performed normally.

[0098] Then, the frame control board 54 judges whether the number of enclosed game balls is within a predetermined range based on the detection status of the shortage monitoring sensor 120 and the excess monitoring sensor 121. Specifically, the frame control board 54 receives signals from the shortage monitoring sensor 120 and the excess monitoring sensor 121 during a standby state that is set when no game is played for a certain period of time or when the power is turned on. Then, when the shortage monitoring sensor 120 is in a detection state and the excess monitoring sensor 121 is in a non-detection state, it determines that the number of game balls is within a predetermined range. On the other hand, when the shortage monitoring sensor 120 is in a non-detection state and the excess monitoring sensor 121 is in a detection state, it determines that the number of game balls is outside the predetermined range and transmits a signal of abnormal ball count to the sub-control board 52. The sub-control board 52 that receives the signal of abnormal ball count displays a message indicating abnormal ball count on the display device 13. The abnormal ball count may be notified by the display device 13, but by a lamp for notifying abnormal ball count separately provided, or by sound.

[0099] In this way, according to the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to check whether the number of gaming balls is within a predetermined range based on the detection status of the shortage monitoring sensor 120 and the excess monitoring sensor 121, so that it is not necessary to perform an operation such as removing the enclosed gaming balls to check the number of gaming balls, and it becomes easy to check whether the number of enclosed gaming balls is within a predetermined range. Furthermore, if the number of gaming balls is outside the predetermined range, the abnormality in the number of balls is notified by the display device 13, so that the staff of the gaming hall can be made aware of it.

[0100] In addition, the shortage monitoring sensor 120 and the excess monitoring sensor 121 are configured to detect the end of the row of game balls continuing from the launching device 31A in the third guide path 41C where the game balls are lined up in a single row, so the placement of the game balls is less likely to vary and false detection is less likely to occur than in a configuration in which the game balls are stored in a space with a width or depth of two or more game balls and the game balls in that space are detected. Furthermore, the number of game balls is determined when the game balls are not being launched (or, more specifically, when the game balls are stationary), so the determination can be made more accurately.

[0101] [Other embodiments] (1) In the gaming machine 10 of the above embodiment, the shortage monitoring sensor 120 and the excess monitoring sensor 121 are proximity switches, but they may be distance measuring sensors. In the case of a distance measuring sensor, a single sensor may be configured to detect the presence or absence of a gaming ball at the position of the 40th gaming ball in the line of gaming balls lined up from the launching device 31A and the presence or absence of a gaming ball at the position of the 50th gaming ball, or a configuration may be used in which the last gaming ball in the line of gaming balls is detected and whether or not the number of gaming balls is within a predetermined range is determined based on the position of the last gaming ball.

[0102] (2) The configuration may be such that only the detection states of the shortage monitoring sensor 120 and the excess monitoring sensor 121 are notified, and an operator determines whether the number of game balls is excessive or insufficient.

[0103] (3) Only one of the shortage monitoring sensor 120 and the excess monitoring sensor 121 may be provided. Even in this case, either an excess of game balls or a shortage of game balls can be detected.

[0104] (4) The display unit arranged on the upper surface of the lower decorative portion 10U may be a display unit for presentation purposes instead of the ball number display unit 19A.

[0105] (5) The configuration of the display unit and the shielding unit 21 on the upper surface of the lower decorative portion 10U may be applied to a gaming machine in which gaming balls are supplied from a ball reservoir in the gaming hall, rather than being of an enclosed type.

[0106] (6) The opening 100 may be a slit formed in the center of the width direction of the lower surface (projecting wall 43T) of the first to third guide passages 41A, 41B, 41C. Also, the opening 100 may be provided only in the side wall.

[0107] (7) The opening 100 was formed in a passage through which the game ball passes after flowing down the game area R1 and heading toward the launch unit 31, but this is not limited to this and may be provided, for example, in the rolling path of the game ball on the game area R1.

[0108] (8) The front dust collector 110A and the rear dust collector 110B below the opening 100 do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0109] (9) The opening 100 may be cleaned by an operator after removing the protective cover 10F, the power supply board 51, and the frame control board 54.

[0110] <Additional Notes> The following describes the features of the inventions extracted from the above-described embodiments, while indicating, as necessary, their effects, etc. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiments are appropriately indicated in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0111] [First group of characteristics] The present disclosure relates to gaming machines, and gaming machines that circulate enclosed gaming balls are known (see, for example, JP 2016-034569 A (paragraph

[0010] , etc.)). In the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines, it is required to make it easier to check whether the number of enclosed gaming balls is within a predetermined range. In response to this, the present group of features makes it easier to check whether the number of enclosed gaming balls is within a predetermined range.

[0112] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses a predetermined number of enclosed gaming balls in a circulating manner, A gaming machine equipped with a shortage monitoring detection unit that detects whether the number of gaming balls is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the specified range, and an excess monitoring detection unit that detects whether the number of gaming balls is equal to or less than the upper limit of the specified range.

[0113] According to feature 1, it is possible to check whether the number of game balls is within a specified range based on the detection status of the shortage monitoring detection unit and the excess monitoring detection unit. This eliminates the need to perform tasks such as removing the enclosed game balls to check the number of game balls, making it easy to check whether the number of enclosed game balls is within a specified range.

[0114] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in feature 1, wherein the shortage monitoring detection unit and the excess monitoring detection unit detect gaming balls in a circulation path through which gaming balls that have flowed down the gaming area and been collected pass in a single file and are guided to the launching device.

[0115] According to feature 2, the shortage monitoring detection unit and the excess monitoring detection unit detect game balls lined up in a row on the circulation path, so that the arrangement of the game balls is less likely to vary and false detection is less likely to occur than in a configuration in which the game balls are stored in a space with a width and depth sufficient for two or more game balls and the game balls within that space are detected.

[0116] [Feature 3] The shortage monitoring detection unit is configured to detect the last game ball when a number of game balls equal to the lower limit of the predetermined range are lined up in the circulation path from the launching device, while the excess monitoring detection unit is configured to detect the last game ball when a number of game balls equal to one more than the upper limit of the predetermined range are lined up in the circulation path from the launching device, A gaming machine as described in feature 2, further comprising a discrimination means for discriminating that the number of gaming balls is within the specified range when the shortage monitoring detection unit is in a detection state and the excess monitoring detection unit is in a non-detection state.

[0117] In a gaming machine with feature 3, when the last gaming ball lined up in the circulation path is located between the position detected by the shortage monitoring detection unit and just before the position detected by the excess monitoring detection unit, the number of gaming balls is determined to be within the specified range.

[0118] [Feature 4] The gaming machine according to feature 3, wherein the discrimination means notifies of an abnormality in the number of gaming balls based on the shortage monitoring detection unit being in a non-detection state or the excess monitoring detection unit being in a detection state.

[0119] According to the fourth feature, it is possible to make the staff of the game hall aware that the number of game balls is not within the predetermined range.

[0120] [Feature 5] The gaming machine according to feature 3 or 4, wherein the discrimination means operates when the power is turned on or in a standby state which is set when no game has been played for a certain period of time.

[0121] According to feature 5, the discrimination means operates in a state in which no game ball is being shot, making it easier to make accurate discrimination.

[0122] [Feature 6] A gaming machine described in any one of Features 1 to 5, wherein the under-monitoring detection unit and the over-monitoring detection unit are separate proximity switches.

[0123] The under-monitoring detection unit and over-monitoring detection unit may be distance measuring sensors or may be proximity sensors as in Feature 6.

[0124] [Feature 7] The gaming machine according to feature 6, wherein the proximity switch is a high-frequency oscillation type, and the under-monitoring detection unit and the over-monitoring detection unit have different frequencies.

[0125] According to feature 7, the proximity switch for the under-monitoring detection section and the proximity switch for the over-monitoring detection section have different frequencies, so frequency interference is unlikely to occur and detection can be performed normally.

[0126] [Feature 8] In a gaming machine that uses a predetermined number of enclosed gaming balls in a circulating manner, A detection unit capable of detecting game balls in a storage unit in which game balls are stored; A gaming machine equipped with a discrimination means capable of determining whether the number of gaming balls is within the specified range based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0127] According to feature 8, the detection unit and the discrimination means discriminate whether the number of game balls is within a predetermined range. For example, the detection unit may be a distance sensor, and the number of game balls may be determined to be within a predetermined range based on the position of the last game ball in the storage unit, or the detection unit may be configured to include two proximity sensors as in feature 6.

[0128] [Correspondence between components of the first feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, shortage monitoring detection unit: shortage monitoring sensor 120, excess monitoring detection unit: excess monitoring sensor 121, circulation path: circulation path 22, discrimination means: frame control board 54

[0129] [Second group of characteristics] The present disclosure relates to gaming machines, and conventionally, gaming machines have been known that include a lower decorative part that protrudes forward below a transparent window (see, for example, JP 2016-034569 A (FIG. 1, etc.)). In the conventional gaming machines described above, if a display part that emits light is placed on the upper surface of the lower decorative part, there is a concern that the light from the display part will be reflected in the transparent window, making it difficult to see the gaming area, and it is desirable to prevent this. In contrast, according to the present group of features, a shielding part that prevents the light from the upper display part from being reflected in the transparent window is placed between the upper display part and the transparent window, so that it is possible to prevent the light from the display part from being reflected in the transparent window, making it difficult to see the gaming area.

[0130] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine having a lower decorative part protruding forward below a transparent window through which a gaming area can be viewed, The gaming machine is provided with an upper surface display unit that emits light on the upper surface of the lower decorative unit, and a shielding unit that is disposed between the upper surface display unit and the transparent window and prevents light from the upper surface display unit from being reflected on the transparent window.

[0131] According to feature 1, a shielding section is disposed between the top display section and the transparent window to prevent light from the top display section from being reflected on the transparent window, thereby preventing the light from the display section from being reflected on the transparent window and making it difficult to see the playing area.

[0132] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the shielding portion protrudes upward and forms a protrusion that overlaps the lower edge of the transparent window when viewed from the front, and has a front surface and a rear surface that is inclined downward to the rear with a greater vertical inclination than the front surface.

[0133] According to feature 2, since the rear surface of the shielding part is inclined downward toward the rear, the shielding part is unlikely to overlap the lower edge of the transparent window when the player looks down at the lower edge of the transparent window. Therefore, by protruding the shielding part upward so as to overlap the lower edge of the transparent window when viewed from the front, it is possible to prevent the light of the display part from being reflected in the transparent window, while making it difficult for the player to see the transparent window.

[0134] [Feature 3] The gaming machine described in feature 1 or 2, wherein the upper display unit comprises a light-emitting unit and a transparent plate arranged above the light-emitting unit, forming part of the upper surface of the lower decorative unit, and tilted upward at the rear to direct light from the light-emitting unit forward.

[0135] According to feature 3, the transparent plate directs the light from the light-emitting unit diagonally forward, making it difficult for the light from the top display unit to be reflected by the transparent window.

[0136] [Feature 4] It is a sealed gaming machine that uses circulating game balls, A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the top display unit displays the number of balls a player has available for use within the gaming machine.

[0137] The top display unit may be for presentation purposes, or as in Feature 4, may display the number of balls held in an enclosed gaming machine.

[0138] [Feature 5] The upper surface display unit includes a light-emitting lamp unit, The light-emitting lamp unit includes a lamp body and a transparent plate disposed above the lamp body with a gap therebetween, A gaming machine described in any one of Features 1 to 4, wherein the transparent plate has non-transparent letters, symbols or decorations directly above the lamp body.

[0139] According to feature 5, when a player looks down on the light-emitting lamp unit from diagonally above, the lamp body and the letters, symbols, or decorations placed directly above it appear misaligned, so that both can be arranged in a space-saving manner while ensuring visibility.

[0140] [Correspondence between components of the second feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, transparent window: glass window 10W, lower decorative part: lower decorative part 10U, playing area: playing area R1, upper display part: ball number display part 19A, shielding part: shielding part 21, light-emitting part: 7-segment 19C, transparent plate: transparent plate 19B, light-emitting lamp part: counting lamp 19L, lamp cover 19M, lamp body: counting lamp 19L, transparent plate: lamp cover 19M, non-transparent letters or symbols or decoration: notation part 19N

[0141] [Third group of characteristics] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine. Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, a gaming machine that uses a plurality of gaming balls by circulating them in a single gaming machine is known (for example, see JP2018-143831A (paragraph

[0022] )). In the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, dirt or the like on the gaming balls may remain inside the gaming ball passage, and improvement is required. According to the present feature group, it is possible to remove dirt from the opening.

[0142] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine in which a gaming ball that has been shot into a gaming area by a launching device and has flowed down passes through a guide passage and returns to the launching device, and a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used by the gaming machine alone, A gaming machine in which an opening is formed in the guide passageway that opens in a direction perpendicular to the passing direction of the gaming ball.

[0143] According to feature 1, even if dirt or the like attached to the game ball falls off the game ball in the guide passage, it can be discharged to the outside from the opening or removed through the opening, so that it is possible to prevent dirt or the like from accumulating in the guide passage. In addition, in a gaming machine with this feature, since multiple game balls are circulated and used, dirt tends to accumulate on the game balls, so the effect of providing an opening can be enjoyed even more.

[0144] [Feature 2] The guide passage extends in the left-right direction, 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the opening is provided on a lower surface of the guide passage.

[0145] According to feature 2, dirt is discharged outside the guide passage by gravity.

[0146] [Feature 3] The guide passage is a gutter-shaped passage having a square cross section, The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the opening is formed across the bottom and side surfaces of the guide passage.

[0147] According to feature 3, since the corners of the passage are cut out to form openings, dirt is less likely to accumulate in the guide passage.

[0148] [Feature 4] The opening has a slit shape extending along the guide passage, A gaming machine described in any one of Features 1 to 3, wherein the width of the opening in the short direction is less than half the diameter of the gaming ball.

[0149] According to feature 4, only dirt can be discharged outside the guide passage without causing balls to get stuck in the opening and become clogged.

[0150] [Feature 5] A gaming machine described in any one of Features 1 to 4, wherein the guide passage is provided between a collection port where gaming balls that have finished flowing down the gaming area are collected, and a polishing device that polishes the gaming balls.

[0151] According to feature 5, dirt on the game balls is easily discharged outside on the way to the polishing device, so the polishing device is less likely to become dirty.

[0152] [Feature 6] A play frame having a play area on the front side; A fixed frame having the game frame therein; A base case is attached to the back side of the game frame without being screwed, Equipped with The game frame rotates around one of the left and right ends relative to the fixed frame, A gaming machine described in any one of Features 1 to 5, wherein the opening is exposed from the back side when the base case is removed.

[0153] According to feature 6, a worker can insert a tool or the like into the opening to clean, thereby removing dirt and the like that has remained inside the guide passage.

[0154] [Feature 7] The guide passage is disposed between a front wall and a rear wall, The front wall and the rear wall each have a bulging portion that bulges rearward, A gaming machine described in any one of Features 1 to 6, wherein the opening is formed in the bulge portion.

[0155] According to feature 7, dirt is discharged from the guide passage that bulges out rearward, so that dirt can be prevented from entering other passages.

[0156] [Feature 8] A gaming machine described in any one of Features 1 to 7, wherein the opening is provided in plurality.

[0157] According to feature 8, dirt is more easily discharged to the outside of the guide passage.

[0158] [Correspondence between components of the third feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, opening: opening 100, guide passage: first guide passage 41A, second guide passage 41B, third guide passage 4C, playing area: playing area R1, recovery port: recovery duct 40, polishing device: cleaning mechanism 70, playing frame: playing frame 10Y, fixed frame: fixed frame 10X, board case: board case 108, front side wall: 43A, rear side wall: 42A

[0159] In addition, although this specification and drawings disclose specific examples of the technology included in the scope of the claims, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples, as well as parts of the specific examples taken alone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 10 Gaming machines 10F Lower protective cover 10U Lower decorative part 10W Glass Window 10Y Game Frame 19A Ball count display 21 Shield part 22 Circulation route 31A Launcher 41 Ball Retrieval Path 41A 1st guideway 41B 2nd guideway 41C 3rd guideway 51 Power supply board 54 Frame control board 91 First guide wall 97B 2nd guide wall 99A 3rd guide wall 100 Opening 107 Protective plate 107A Working window 120 Shortage monitoring sensor 121 Excessive monitoring sensor

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine that uses a predetermined number of enclosed gaming balls in a circulating manner, A circulation path that collects the game balls launched by the launching device and flowing down the game area, and guides them back to the launching device, A return ball guide path collects game balls that were launched by the launching device but did not reach the game area, and rejoins them at an intermediate position in the circulation path, A shortage monitoring detection unit that can detect game balls and detects whether the number of game balls is above the lower limit of the predetermined range, It includes an over-monitoring detection unit that can detect game balls and detects whether the number of game balls is below the upper limit of the predetermined range, The aforementioned shortage monitoring and detection unit and the aforementioned excess monitoring and detection unit are positioned in a gaming machine that can detect game balls that have passed through the return ball guide path and joined the circulation path.

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