Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest of a player.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a normal winning port (a through-gate) 765 arranged on an upstream side of a movable plate member 461 and a normal winning port (a through-gate) 3765 arranged at a position different from the upstream side of the movable plate member 461, so that it is possible to frequently cause situations in which game balls are detected in the normal winning ports (through-gates) 765, 3765. Thus, it is possible to improve operation frequency of the movement plate member 641, so that it is possible to enhance interest of a player. Also, it is possible to rectify flow of game balls by a flow path connecting the normal winning port (the through-gate) 765 to the movement plate member 641 being formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines. [Background technology]

[0002] Among gaming machines such as pachinko machines, there are gaming machines that are equipped with a normal starting hole (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-54970 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines have a problem in that they may reduce the interest of the player. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of the player. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve this objective, the gaming machine described in claim 1 is a gaming machine comprising a gaming ball launching device that launches gaming balls, a gaming area forming means that forms a gaming area into which the gaming balls launched by the gaming ball launching device flow down, a plurality of detection means that are arranged in the gaming area and detect the passage of the gaming balls, an operation means that operates based on the detection of the passage of the gaming ball by the detection means, and a guided ball entry port that is configured to allow the gaming balls guided to the operation means to enter, and the plurality of detection means comprise a first detection means that is arranged upstream of the operation means, and a second detection means that is arranged at a position different from the first detection means.

[0006] The gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect, further comprising a predetermined flow path formed between the first detection means and the operation means.

[0007] The gaming machine described in claim 3 is the gaming machine described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating means is formed so as to extend toward a flow path side of the gaming ball passing through the second detection means. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the gaming machine described in claim 1, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player.

[0009] According to the gaming machine of claim 2, in addition to the effect achieved by the gaming machine of claim 1, the flow of gaming balls from the first detection means to the operation means can be rectified.

[0010] According to the gaming machine described in claim 3, in addition to the effects achieved by the gaming machine described in claim 1 or 2, it is possible to avoid the attention level on the second detection means side being too low compared to the attention level on the first detection means side. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the path configuration device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged front view of the path configuration device. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are partial cross-sectional views of the path configuration device taken along line VIIa-VIIa in FIG. [Figure 8] 7(a) and (b) are partial front views of the path configuration device in a range VIIIa of FIG. [Figure 9] 7(a) and (b) are partial front views of the path configuration device in a range VIIIa of FIG. [Figure 10] 7(a) and (b) are partial front views of the path configuration device in a range VIIIa of FIG. [Figure 11] 7(a) and (b) are partial front views of the path configuration device in a range VIIIa of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a partial front view of the game board in range XII of FIG. 2. [Figure 13] (a) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the ROM in the main control unit, (b) is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the first winning type counter and the jackpot type for special patterns, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the second winning random number counter and winnings for normal patterns. [Figure 14] 11(a) to 11(d) are diagrams showing an example of the detection of the passage of a ball through a normal winning opening (through gate) and the time-based change in the state of an electric device. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of a game board in a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 1A is a front view of the front unit, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the front unit. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2A is a front view of the sorting unit, and FIG. 2B is a rear view of the sorting unit. [Figure 20] 20(a) is a cross-sectional view of the sorting unit taken along line XXa-XXa in FIG. 19(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the sorting unit taken along line XXb-XXb in FIG. 20(a). [Figure 21] 20(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the distribution unit taken along line XXb-XXb in FIG. 20(a). [Figure 22] 11(a) to 11(d) are diagrams showing an example of detection of the passage of a ball by the detection device and a change in the state of the wing member over time. [Diagram 23] 16(a) is a cross-sectional view of the game board taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. [Figure 24] 24(a) and (b) are partial cross-sectional views of the winning port unit and the ball throwing unit taken along line XXIVa-XXIVa in FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a partial front view of a game board in a third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a partial front view of a game board in a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. First, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 14, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 will be described as a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of a game board 13 of the pachinko machine 10, and Fig. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

[0013] In the following description, the front side of the paper will be referred to as the front (front) side and the back side of the paper will be referred to as the rear (rear) side with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in Fig. 1. Also, with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in Fig. 1, the upper side will be referred to as the upper (upper) side, the lower side will be referred to as the lower (lower) side, the right side will be referred to as the right (right) side, and the left side will be referred to as the left (left) side. Furthermore, the arrows UD, LR, and FB in the figure (see Fig. 2, for example) indicate the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction of the pachinko machine 10, respectively.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, a pachinko machine 10 comprises an outer frame 2, the outer shell of which is formed by wooden frames assembled into a substantially rectangular shape, and an inner frame 4, which is formed to have substantially the same external shape as the outer frame 2 and is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 2. Metal hinges 18 are attached to the outer frame 2 at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side as viewed from the front (see Fig. 1), in order to support the inner frame 4, and the inner frame 4 is supported so as to be openable and closable towards the front side, with the side where the hinges 18 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing.

[0015] A game board 13 (see FIG. 2) having a number of nails and winning holes 63, 64, etc., is detachably attached from the back side to the inner frame 4. A pinball game is played by balls (game balls) flowing down the front of the game board 13. The inner frame 4 is equipped with a ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) that launches balls to the front area of ​​the game board 13, a launching rail (not shown) that guides the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a to the front area of ​​the game board 13, and the like.

[0016] On the front side of the inner frame 4, there is provided a front door 5 that covers the upper side of the front, and a lower tray unit 15 that covers the lower side. Metal hinges 19 are attached to two places, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), in order to support the front door 5 and the lower tray unit 15, and the front door 5 and the lower tray unit 15 are supported so that they can be opened and closed toward the front side, with the side where the hinges 19 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing. The locks on the inner frame 4 and the front door 5 can be released by inserting a special key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a specified operation.

[0017] The front door 5 is fitted with decorative resin parts, electrical parts, etc., and has a window 5c formed in a substantially elliptical shape at its approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass sheets 8 is disposed on the rear side of the front door 5, and the front surface of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0018] In the front door 5, the upper tray 17 for storing balls is formed in a generally box-like shape with an open top that protrudes forward, and prize balls and loan balls are discharged into this upper tray 17. The bottom surface of the upper tray 17 is formed with a downward inclination to the right side when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), and the balls inserted into the upper tray 17 are guided to the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) by this inclination. In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the upper surface of the upper tray 17. This frame button 22 is operated by the player, for example, when changing the stage of the performance displayed on the third symbol display device 81 (see FIG. 2) or when changing the content of the performance of the super reach.

[0019] The front door 5 is provided with various light-emitting means such as lamps around it (for example, at the corners). The light-emitting means are controlled to change the light-emitting state by lighting or blinking depending on the change in the game state such as when a jackpot is hit or when a certain reach is reached, and play a role in enhancing the presentation effect during the game. The periphery of the window 5c is provided with illumination units 29-33 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs. In the pachinko machine 10, these illumination units 29-33 function as presentation lamps such as jackpot lamps, and when a jackpot is hit or when a reach is reached, each illumination unit 29-33 lights up or blinks by lighting or blinking the built-in LEDs, thereby informing the player that a jackpot is being hit or that the player is in a reach just before a jackpot. In addition, the upper left part of the front door 5 when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1) is provided with an indicator lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs that can indicate when prize balls are being paid out and when an error occurs.

[0020] Also, a small window 35 is formed by attaching transparent resin to the underside of the right-side illumination unit 32 from the backside so that the backside of the front door 5 can be seen, and the certificate stamps and the like affixed to the attachment space K1 (see FIG. 2) on the front of the game board 13 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Also, in the pachinko machine 10, a plated member 36 made of chrome-plated ABS resin is attached to the area around the illumination units 29-33 to create a more brilliant appearance.

[0021] A ball lending operation unit 40 is disposed below the window portion 5c. The ball lending operation unit 40 is provided with a number display unit 41, a ball lending button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball lending operation unit 40 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are lent out in response to the operation. Specifically, the number display unit 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc. is displayed, and a built-in LED is lit to display the remaining balance in numbers as the remaining balance information. The ball lending button 42 is operated to obtain loan balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and loan balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a remaining balance on the card, etc. The return button 43 is operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. In addition, in pachinko machines where balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispenser to the upper tray 17 without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is not necessary, but in this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation part of the ball dispensing operation unit 40 to make the parts configuration common. It is possible to commonize pachinko machines using a card unit and cash machines.

[0022] The lower tray unit 15, located below the upper tray 17, has a lower tray 50 in the center formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top for storing balls that cannot be stored in the upper tray 17. An operating handle 51 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 50 and is operated by the player to shoot the ball into the front of the game board 13.

[0023] The operation handle 51 includes a touch sensor 51a for permitting the driving of the ball launching unit 112a, a launch stop switch 51b for stopping the launch of balls while the switch is being pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the rotation amount (rotation position) of the operation handle 51 by a change in electrical resistance. When the operation handle 51 is rotated clockwise by a player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes corresponding to the rotation amount, and the ball is launched with a strength (launch strength) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, whereby the ball is shot into the front of the game board 13 with a flight amount corresponding to the operation of the player. When the operation handle 51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the launch stop switch 51b are turned off.

[0024] A ball removal lever 52 is provided on the lower front part of the lower tray 50 to be operated when discharging the balls stored in the lower tray 50 downward. This ball removal lever 52 is always biased to the right, and by sliding it to the left against this bias, a bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 50 opens, and the balls fall naturally from the bottom opening and are discharged. This ball removal lever 52 is usually operated with a box (commonly called a "senryo box") for receiving the balls discharged from the lower tray 50 placed below the lower tray 50. As described above, the operating handle 51 is disposed on the right side of the lower tray 50, and an ashtray 53 is attached to the left side of the lower tray 50.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the game board 13 is constructed by assembling, on a base plate 60 which has been machined into a roughly square shape when viewed from the front, a number of nails (not shown) for guiding balls, a windmill, rails 61, 62, a general prize opening 63, a first prize opening 64, a second prize opening 640, a variable prize device 65, ordinary prize openings (through gates) 66, 67, a variable display device unit 80, etc., and the peripheral portion of the board is attached to the back side of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1).

[0026] The base plate 60 is made of a light-transmitting resin material, and is formed so that the player can see from the front side thereof the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60. The general winning opening 63, the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 640, the variable winning device 65, and the variable display unit 80 are arranged in through holes formed in the base plate 60 by router processing, and are fixed from the front side of the game board 13 with tapping screws or the like.

[0027] The construction of the base plate 60 is not limited to resin material. For example, it may be made of wood made by gluing together thin plates, and the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60 may be formed so that the player cannot see them from the front side.

[0028] The front central portion of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 12 through a window portion 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14. The configuration of the game board 13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0029] An outer rail 62 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a substantially arc shape is set up on the front of the game board 13, and an arc-shaped inner rail 61 formed from a strip-shaped metal plate similar to the outer rail 62 is set up on the inside of the outer rail 62. The inner rail 61 and the outer rail 62 surround the front outer periphery of the game board 13, and the game board 13 and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1) surround the front and rear, forming a game area in front of the game board 13 where games are played based on the behavior of the ball. The game area is an area (an area where winning holes and the like are arranged and where shot balls flow down) that is formed in front of the game board 13 and is partitioned by the two rails 61, 62 and the resin arc member 70 that connects the rails.

[0030] The above-mentioned game area is interpreted in a narrow sense, and in a broader sense, the game area may be expressed as the area where the game ball flows down until the profit given to the player by the flowing game ball is determined. In this sense, the game area is not limited to the area on the front side of the game board 13. For example, the path arranged on the upstream side of the sensor SE described later is also included in the game area.

[0031] The two rails 61, 62 are provided to guide the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) to the upper part of the game board 13. A return ball prevention member 68 is attached to the tip part (upper left part of FIG. 2) of the inner rail 61, and prevents the ball once guided to the upper part of the game board 13 from returning to the ball guide passage again. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip part (upper right part of FIG. 2) of the outer rail 62 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight part of the ball, and a ball launched with a predetermined force or more hits the return rubber 69 and bounces back to the center while reducing its force. In addition, between the tip part on the lower right side of the inner rail 61 and the tip part on the upper right side of the outer rail 62, a resin arc member 70 formed by providing an arc on the inner side connecting the rails is driven into the base plate 60 and fixed thereto.

[0032] The lottery based on winning will be explained in detail below. In the pachinko machine 10 in this embodiment, a lottery for a special symbol (first symbol) is held when a ball wins a prize (a ball that can be expected to give a player some kind of benefit (e.g., a prize ball is paid out, a lottery is held, or a benefit of moving to a more advantageous state)) in the first winning hole 64 and the second winning hole 640, and a lottery for a normal symbol (second symbol) is held when the ball passes through the normal winning hole 66, 67 (or the normal winning hole (through gate) 765 described later). In the lottery for a special symbol held for a ball that wins the first winning hole 64 and the second winning hole 640, a win / loss judgment is made as to whether or not the special symbol is a jackpot, and if a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot for the special symbol, the type of jackpot is also judged.

[0033] In this pachinko machine 10, in a low probability state of the special symbol, for example, a probability of 1 in 320 is determined as a jackpot of the special symbol, and in a high probability state of the special symbol (also called a special symbol probability state), for example, a probability of 1 in 60 is determined as a jackpot of the special symbol. For convenience of explanation, the lottery for the special symbol performed when the game ball that entered the first winning port 64 is detected by the sensor SE described later is called the "lottery for special symbol 1," and the lottery for the special symbol performed when the game ball that entered the second winning port 640 is detected by a downstream sensor (not shown) is called the "lottery for special symbol 2."

[0034] When a special symbol is hit, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to a special game state, and the specific winning hole 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have passed or until 10 balls (prescribed number) have entered), and this operation is repeated up to 15 times (15 rounds). As a result, a large number of balls enter the specific winning hole 65a, so a larger number of prize balls are paid out than in normal times. Note that the fact that prize balls are paid out when balls enter the specific winning hole 65a and the number of balls paid out will be described later.

[0035] There are six types of jackpots for special symbols: "jackpot A", "jackpot B", "jackpot C", "jackpot a", "jackpot b", and "jackpot c". Although details will be described later, the number of rounds of the special game and the operation pattern of the electric device 640a after the special game are different depending on the jackpot type.

[0036] When the special symbol (first symbol) is drawn, the first symbol display device 37 starts displaying the special symbol in a variable manner, and after a predetermined time (for example, 11 to 60 seconds) has elapsed, the special symbol showing the result of the drawing is displayed stationary. When a ball enters the first winning slot 64 or the second winning slot 640 while the variable display is being performed on the first symbol display device 37, the number of balls entering is reserved up to a maximum of four times for each type of winning slot, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first symbol display device 37 and also by the third symbol display device 81. When the variable display on the first symbol display device 37 ends, if there are still reserved balls (reserved balls for special symbol 1) for the first winning slot 64 or reserved balls (reserved balls for special symbol 2) for the second winning slot 640, the next special symbol is drawn and the variable display corresponding to the lottery is started. In addition, if there are both reserved balls with special pattern 1 and reserved balls with special pattern 2 remaining, the lottery based on the reserved balls with special pattern 2 will be carried out first.

[0037] In this embodiment, when there are both reserved balls of special pattern 1 and reserved balls of special pattern 2 remaining, the lottery based on the reserved balls of special pattern 2 is executed preferentially. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the lottery may be executed preferentially in the order in which the special patterns are obtained (the order in which the balls are scored), or the lottery may be executed alternately between special pattern 1 and special pattern 2, or the lottery may be executed simultaneously for special pattern 1 and special pattern 2.

[0038] In the lottery for the normal symbol (second symbol), a win / loss judgment is made as to whether or not the normal symbol is a winning symbol. When the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the electric device 640a associated with the second winning hole 640 is driven for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds or 1 second), and the ball is more likely to enter the second winning hole 640. In other words, when the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the ball is more likely to enter the second winning hole 640, and as a result, the lottery for the special symbol is more likely to be held.

[0039] In addition, when the lottery for the normal symbol (second symbol) is performed, the second symbol display device 83 starts displaying the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds or 1 second) has elapsed, the normal symbol showing the lottery result is displayed stationary. If a ball passes through the normal winning port 66, 67, 765 while the variable display is being performed on the second symbol display device 83, the number of times the ball has passed through is reserved up to a maximum of four times, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first symbol display device 37 and is also displayed by the second symbol reserved lamp 84. When the variable display on the second symbol display device 83 ends, if there are reserved balls remaining for the normal winning port 66, 67, 765, the lottery for the next normal symbol is performed and the variable display corresponding to the lottery is started.

[0040] In this embodiment, as added value after a jackpot, the pachinko machine 10 is configured to transition to a high probability state of special symbols (special symbol probability change state) from the end of the jackpot until the next jackpot (for example, jackpot A, jackpot B, jackpot a, jackpot b described below), and to a time-saving state of normal symbols after a jackpot game until 100 special symbol lottery draws are completed (for example, jackpot C, jackpot c described below).

[0041] In this embodiment, when a special symbol high probability state is granted after the end of a special game state, the high probability state of the special symbol is continued until the next jackpot occurs. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the special symbol high probability state (high probability state) may be granted from the end of the special game state until 100 special symbol lottery drawings have been completed, and after 100 special symbol lottery drawings have been completed, the normal state may be set.

[0042] The number of times the special symbol is drawn to give the special symbol high probability state (high probability state) is not limited to 100 times. For example, it may be 50 times or 200 times.

[0043] In addition, the number of times the special symbols that are the time-saving state of the normal symbols are drawn is not limited to 100 times. For example, it may be 50 times, 5 times, or 0 times.

[0044] Here, the "high probability state of special symbols" refers to a state in which the probability of a subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value after the end of the jackpot, that is, during a so-called probability fluctuation (during a probability change), in other words, a game state in which it is easy to transition to a special game state. In this embodiment, the high probability state of special symbols (during a probability change of special symbols) includes a game state in which the probability of a hit of the normal symbol (second symbol) does not change, but the ball is easy to enter the second winning hole 640. On the other hand, the "low probability state of special symbols" refers to a time when the probability of a special symbol is not in a probability change, and refers to a state in which the probability of a jackpot is normal, that is, a state in which the probability of a jackpot is lower than during a probability change of special symbols.

[0045] In addition, the "time-saving state (time-saving) of normal symbols" refers to a game state in which the probability of winning a normal symbol does not change, but the ball is likely to enter the second winning hole 640. In addition, the "normal state" refers to a game state that is neither in the probability of a special symbol nor in the time-saving state of normal symbols (a state in which neither the probability of a jackpot nor the probability of winning a normal symbol (second symbol) has changed, and it is not likely that the ball will enter the second winning hole 640).

[0046] During the probability of a special symbol or during the time-saving of a normal symbol, the time for which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning hole 640 is opened is changed, and a longer time is set compared to the normal state. When the electric device 640a is in an excited state (excited state, a state in which the moving plate member 641 described later is placed in the front position and enters the first ball-sending path KR1), the ball is more likely to enter the second winning hole 640 than when the electric device 640a is in a non-excited and retreated state (non-excited state, a state in which the moving plate member 641 described later is placed in the rear position and retreats from the first ball-sending path KR1). Therefore, during the probability of a special symbol or during the time-saving of a normal symbol, the ball is more likely to enter the second winning hole 640. That is, the lottery for the special symbol is more likely to be held.

[0047] In addition, during the special pattern probability change or the normal pattern time reduction, instead of changing the opening time of the electric device 640a associated with the second winning port 640, or in addition to changing the opening time, the number of times that the electric device 640a opens when a normal pattern is hit may be increased from the normal state.

[0048] In addition, during the special pattern's special probability or during the normal pattern's time-saving period, the probability of hitting the normal pattern (second pattern) may be increased, and at least one of the time during which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is opened and the number of times the electric device 640a is opened may be changed.

[0049] In addition, during the special pattern's special chance period or during the normal pattern's time-saving period, the time for which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is opened or the number of times the electric device 640a is opened may not be changed, and only the probability of hitting the normal pattern (second pattern) may be increased compared to the normal state.

[0050] The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, which are equipped with a plurality of LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means, are arranged in the lower left side of the game area when viewed from the front (lower left side of FIG. 2). The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are used to display information according to the controls performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and mainly display the game status of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be used differently depending on whether the ball has won the first winning hole 64 or the second winning hole 640. Specifically, when the ball has won the first winning hole 64, the first symbol display device 37A is activated, and when the ball has won the second winning hole 640, the first symbol display device 37B is activated.

[0051] The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a special probability, time-saving, or normal state, whether it is fluctuating, whether the stopped symbols correspond to a special probability jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a miss, and the number of reserved balls, while displaying the number of rounds during a jackpot and errors using a 7-segment display device. The LEDs are configured to have different light colors (e.g., red, green, and blue), and the combination of light colors can suggest various game states of the pachinko machine 10 with a small number of LEDs.

[0052] When a ball enters the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 640 while the first pattern display device 37A, 37B is displaying a variable special pattern (first pattern), the number of balls entering the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 640 is reserved up to four times for each type of winning opening, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first pattern display device 37A, 37B and also by the third pattern display device 81. In this embodiment, the sensor SE located downstream of the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 640 are configured to reserve balls up to four times, but the maximum number of reserved times is not limited to four, and may be set to three or less, or five or more times (e.g., eight times).

[0053] In this pachinko machine 10, a lottery is held when a prize is won at either the sensor SE located downstream of the first winning port 64 or the second winning port 640. In the lottery, the pachinko machine 10 judges whether or not a jackpot has been won (jackpot lottery), and if a jackpot has been determined, it also judges the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be determined here include a 15R variable jackpot, an 8R variable jackpot, a 4R normal jackpot, and a 15R normal jackpot. The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stop symbol after the variation ends, but also show a symbol according to the type of jackpot if a jackpot has been won.

[0054] Here, a "15R special jackpot" refers to a special jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and an "8R special jackpot" refers to a special jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 8.

[0055] In addition, a "4R normal jackpot" is a jackpot that transitions to a low probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 4, and is in a time-saving state for a specified number of fluctuations (for example, 100 fluctuations), and a "15R normal jackpot" is a jackpot that transitions to a low probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and is in a time-saving state for a specified number of fluctuations (for example, 100 fluctuations).

[0056] In addition, the "high probability state" refers to a state in which the probability of a subsequent jackpot increases as an added value after the end of a jackpot, that is, a time when the probability is fluctuating (during a special probability change), in other words, a gaming state in which it is easy to transition to a special gaming state.

[0057] The "low probability state" refers to a state when the probability of winning is not in a high probability state, and the probability of winning is in a normal state, that is, a state in which the probability of winning is lower than when the probability of winning is in a high probability state. In addition, the time-saving state (time-saving state) of the "low probability state" refers to a game state in which the probability of winning is in a normal state and the operation pattern of the electric role 640a changes (or the probability of winning the second pattern (normal pattern) increases) while the probability of winning remains the same, making it easier for the ball to win the second winning hole 640. On the other hand, the normal state of the pachinko machine 10 refers to a game state in which the probability of winning is not in a high probability state or a time-saving state (a state in which neither the probability of winning nor the ease of winning the second winning hole 640 has increased).

[0058] During the probability variation or time reduction, not only does the probability of winning the second symbol increase, but the time for which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning port 640 is opened is also changed and set to a longer time than during normal play. When the electric device 640a is in an open state (open state), the ball is more likely to win the second winning port 640 than when the electric device 640a is in a closed state (closed state). Therefore, during the probability variation or time reduction, the ball is more likely to win the second winning port 640, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0059] In addition, during the probability variation or time reduction, instead of changing the opening time of the electric role 640a associated with the second winning port 640, or in addition to changing the opening time, the number of times the electric role 640a opens with one win may be increased compared to normal. Also, during the probability variation or time reduction, the winning probability of the second symbol may not be changed, and at least one of the time when the electric role 640a associated with the second winning port 640 is opened and the number of times the electric role 640a opens with one win may be changed. Also, during the probability variation or time reduction, the time when the electric role 640a associated with the second winning port 640 is opened and the number of times the electric role 640a opens with one win may not be changed, and only the winning probability of the second symbol may be changed to be increased compared to normal.

[0060] In the game area, a plurality of general winning holes 63 are arranged, from which 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball wins. In addition, a variable display unit 80 is arranged in the center of the game area.

[0061] The variable display device unit 80 is provided with a third pattern display device 81 consisting of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as "display device") which displays a third pattern in synchronization with the display change in the first pattern display device 37A, 37B in response to a winning (initial winning) in either the first winning port 64 or the second winning port 640; a second pattern display device 83 consisting of an LED which displays a second pattern in response to a ball passing through the normal winning port (through gate) 66, 67; and a second pattern reserved lamp 84 which, by lighting, indicates the number of reserved balls corresponding to the number of times the game ball has passed through the normal winning port 66, 67.

[0062] In addition, a center frame 86 is disposed in the variable display device unit 80 so as to surround the outer periphery of the third pattern display device 81. The third pattern display device 81 can be viewed from an opening opened in the center of the center frame 86.

[0063] The third symbol display device 81 is composed of a large 9-inch liquid crystal display, and the display contents are controlled by the display control device 114 (see FIG. 4), so that, for example, three symbol rows, upper, middle, and lower, are displayed. Each symbol row is composed of multiple symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols are scrolled horizontally for each symbol row, so that the third symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 81.

[0064] The third symbol display device 81 of this embodiment performs decorative display according to the display of the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, while the display of the game state accompanied by the control of the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed by the first symbol display device 37A, 37B. Note that the third symbol display device 81 may be configured using, for example, a reel instead of a display device.

[0065] In this embodiment, the third symbol is composed of 10 kinds of main symbols numbered "0" to "9". In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, when the result of the lottery for the special symbols performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) described later is a jackpot, a variable display in which the same main symbols are aligned (a variable display that finally stops with the same main symbols aligned) is performed, and the jackpot occurs (a transition to the special game state starts) after the variable display ends. On the other hand, when the result of the lottery for the special symbols is a miss, a variable display in which the same main symbols are not aligned (a variable display that finally stops with the symbols not aligned) is performed.

[0066] For example, if the special symbol lottery result is a regular jackpot, the display will show the main symbols with the even numbers "0, 2, 4, 6, 8" added. On the other hand, if the special symbol lottery result is a special jackpot, the display will show the main symbols with any of the numbers "0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9" added, including odd numbers. On the other hand, if the special symbol lottery result is a miss, the display will show the main symbols with the same numbers not added.

[0067] Next, a display (right hit navigation) that is displayed on the third pattern display device 81 and encourages the player to hit the ball aiming at the path (flow path) on the right side of the game board 13 will be described.

[0068] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, when the special symbol is in a high probability state or the normal symbol is in a time-saving state, the electric device 640a is likely to guide the game ball, so that the ball is more likely to enter the second winning hole 640 by shooting the ball to the right side of the game board 13 on which the electric device 640a is arranged (hitting to the right). In addition, although details will be described later, when a jackpot is obtained by drawing a special symbol (drawing special symbol 2) based on a ball entering the second winning hole 640, the jackpot is more likely to be a jackpot that can obtain the maximum number of prize balls (jackpot a, b, c) compared to when a jackpot is obtained by drawing a special symbol (drawing special symbol 1) based on a ball entering the first winning hole 64.

[0069] Therefore, in the special symbol probability state or the normal symbol time-saving state that is given after the end of the jackpot, hitting to the right is advantageous for the player. In other words, even if the special symbol probability state or the normal symbol time-saving state is set, it is difficult for the player to put the ball into the second winning hole 640 unless the player hits to the right, so the player cannot fully enjoy the benefits of the special symbol probability state or the normal symbol time-saving state.

[0070] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the special pattern is in a high probability state or the normal pattern is in a time-saving state, a specific image (right-hit navigation) is displayed so that the player can reliably obtain the benefits of being in a high probability state of the special pattern or in a time-saving state of the normal pattern.

[0071] In the right-hit navigation, the third symbol display device 81 displays the words "Aim right!!" along with three right-pointing arrows above and below the words. By displaying these words and arrows, the player can feel that he or she should shoot the ball into the path (flow path) provided on the right side of the game board 13. Therefore, the player can reliably obtain the benefits of the special symbol's probability of winning and the normal symbol's time-saving state.

[0072] Next, an example of a warning image displayed on the third symbol display device 81 in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. This warning image is an image (right hit warning image) that is displayed on the third symbol display device 81 when it is determined that the player is performing a right hit even though it is not a period in which the player should shoot the ball (hit to the right) into the path (flow path) provided on the right side of the game board 13. More specifically, it is displayed when it is determined that the player is performing a right hit in a normal state (a state in which the player is neither in a special symbol probability state nor in a normal symbol time-saving state).

[0073] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the electric device 640a is controlled so as to make it difficult to guide the ball to the second winning hole 640 in the normal state (it is difficult to make the ball enter the second winning hole 640 even if a right hit is performed). Therefore, when a right hit is performed in the normal state, the chance of receiving a lottery for a special symbol is reduced compared to when a left hit is performed to shoot a ball aiming at the first winning hole 64. In other words, when a right hit is performed in the normal state, it is difficult to get a jackpot, which is a loss for the player. Therefore, the right hit warning image is displayed to encourage a left hit, so that it is possible to prevent (suppress) the player from making a loss.

[0074] When it is determined that the player is hitting with the right hand under normal conditions, the third symbol display device 81 displays the words "Warning" and "Play with the left hand!!" By displaying these words, the player can be made aware that he should not hit with the right hand (he should hit with the left hand). In addition, by checking the presence or absence of the right hand warning screen, the hall staff can easily determine whether or not there is a player who is playing an irregular game method of hitting with the right hand under normal conditions.

[0075] In this embodiment, the method of determining whether or not a right-handed hit has been made is to determine whether or not the ball has entered the normal winning port (through gate) 67 (see Figure 2), into which the ball could flow if a right-handed hit was made.

[0076] In this embodiment, when it is detected that a ball has entered the normal winning hole (through gate) 67 (see FIG. 2) in the normal state, the right-hit warning image is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when it is detected that a ball has entered the specific winning hole 65a in a state other than the special game state (big win state), it may be determined that an illegal game (not limited to a right-hit game, but including a game mode in which a load is applied to the variable winning device 65 to open the specific winning hole 65a and the game ball is forcibly entered) is being played, and the right-hit warning image may be displayed. This allows the hall staff to easily determine whether or not there is any illegal game just by checking whether or not there is a right-hit warning image.

[0077] Also, for example, when it is detected that a ball has entered the specific winning hole 65a in a state other than the special game state (jackpot state), a signal indicating that cheating is taking place may be output to the hall computer. This allows the operator of the hall computer to easily determine whether or not cheating is likely to take place and the machine number (position) of the pachinko machine 10 where the cheating is taking place.

[0078] Also, for example, by narrowing the right flow path of the variable display unit 80, a range through which the game ball must pass may be formed, and a detection sensor capable of detecting the passage of the game ball may be disposed in that range. In this case, it can be determined that a right hit is being performed based on the detection of the passage of the game ball by the detection sensor.

[0079] Also, for example, a detection sensor capable of detecting the displacement of a movable member (e.g., a windmill) located to the left of the top position (corresponding to the center position in FIG. 2) of the variable display unit 80 may be provided. In this case, when a game ball is being shot, it can be determined that a right shot is being performed based on the fact that the displacement of the movable member is not detected even after the expected operation timing has passed.

[0080] Next, a warning image will be described that is displayed when an abnormality is detected in the variable winning device 65. Here, an abnormality in the variable winning device 65 is, for example, when a ball is detected entering the specific winning hole 65a even though the special game state (big win state) is not in effect.

[0081] If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the variable winning device 65, the word "WARNING" is displayed in large letters in the center of the third symbol display device 81. In addition, the words "Call gate error attendant" are displayed below it. These letters enable the player to determine that an error has occurred in the pachinko machine 10, and therefore the player can promptly request repairs from the hall staff.

[0082] The second symbol display device 83 performs a variable display in which a "circle" symbol and a "cross" symbol as a display symbol (second symbol) are alternately lit for a predetermined time each time the ball passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 66, 67, 765. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the normal winning opening (through gate) 66, 67, 765, a lottery is held to determine whether the second symbol will win. If the result of the lottery is a win, the second symbol display device 83 displays a "circle" symbol after the second symbol is displayed. If the result of the lottery is a miss, the second symbol display device 83 displays a "cross" symbol after the second symbol is displayed.

[0083] The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that when the varying display on the second pattern display device 83 stops at a predetermined pattern (in this embodiment, a "○" pattern), the electric device 640a attached to the second winning port 640 is activated (opened) for a predetermined period of time.

[0084] The time required for the second symbol to be displayed (variation time) is set to be shorter during the probability of a special symbol being changed or during the time-saving period of a normal symbol than during the normal state of the game. As a result, during the probability of a special symbol being changed or during the time-saving period of a normal symbol, the second symbol is displayed in a shorter time, so that the lottery for the normal symbol (second symbol) can be performed more than during the normal state. Therefore, since the chances of winning the normal symbol increase, the player can be given more opportunities to open the electric role 640a of the second winning hole 640. Therefore, during the probability of a special symbol being changed or during the time-saving period of a normal symbol, the ball can be easily entered into the second winning hole 640.

[0085] In addition, during the probability of a special symbol or during the time-saving of a normal symbol, if the state is made such that the ball is likely to enter the second winning slot 640 by increasing the probability of winning or by increasing the opening time or number of times of the electric device 640a, the time taken for the variable display of the second symbol may be constant regardless of the game state. On the other hand, if the time taken for the variable display of the second symbol is set shorter during the probability of a special symbol or during the time-saving of a normal symbol than during the normal state, the probability of a normal symbol winning may be constant regardless of the game state, and the opening time or number of times of the electric device 640a opening for one win of the normal symbol may be constant regardless of the game state.

[0086] The normal winning openings (through gates) 66, 67 are attached to the game board in the areas on both sides of the variable display unit 80, and are configured to allow some of the balls that flow down the game board out of the balls that are shot to the game board to pass through. In addition, the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 is disposed so that the game balls that flow down the internal flow path of the path configuration device 700 can be detected.

[0087] When the ball passes through the normal winning gate (through gate) 66, 67, 765, a lottery is held for the second symbol. After the lottery, a variable display is performed on the second symbol display device. If the lottery result is a win, a "○" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display. If the lottery result is a miss, a "×" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display.

[0088] The number of times that the balls pass through the normal winning openings (through gates) 66, 67, 765 is reserved up to a maximum of four times in total, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the above-mentioned first symbol display devices 37A, 37B, and is also displayed by the second symbol reservation lamp 84. Four second symbol reservation lamps 84 are provided, the maximum number of reserved balls, and are arranged symmetrically below the third symbol display device 81.

[0089] In addition, the variable display of the second symbol may be performed by switching on and off a plurality of lamps in the second symbol display device 83 as in this embodiment, or may be performed by using a part of the first symbol display device 37A, 37B and the third symbol display device 81. Similarly, the lighting of the second symbol reservation lamp 84 may be performed by a part of the third symbol display device 81.

[0090] In addition, the maximum number of reserved balls for passing through the normal winning openings (through gates) 66, 67, 765 is not limited to four times, but may be set to three times or less, or five times or more (e.g., eight times). In addition, the number of normal winning openings (through gates) 66, 67 attached to the base plate 60 is not limited to two, but may be one or more (e.g., three or more).

[0091] In addition, the installation position of the normal winning openings (through gates) 66, 67 is not limited to both the left and right sides of the variable display unit 80, and may be, for example, either the left or right side of the variable display unit 80, or may be above or below the variable display unit 80. In addition, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B, the second symbol reserved lamp 84 may not be illuminated.

[0092] A first winning hole 64 into which a ball can win is disposed below the variable display unit 80. When a ball wins into this first winning hole 64, a sensor SE serving as a first winning hole switch provided on the back side of the game board 13 turns on, and when the first winning hole switch turns on, a lottery for a big win is performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37A.

[0093] On the other hand, a second winning hole 640 into which a ball can win is disposed below the first winning hole 64 as viewed from the front. When a ball wins into the second winning hole 640, a second winning hole switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and when the second winning hole switch is turned on, a lottery for a big win is performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37B.

[0094] In addition, when a ball enters the first winning port 64 and the second winning port 640, the sensor SE serving as the first winning port switch or the second winning port switch (each switch is positioned so that the flowing balls do not pass through them in succession) is turned on, and thus each of the first winning port 64 and the second winning port 640 also serves as one of the winning ports (prize ball ports) from which five balls are paid out as prize balls.

[0095] In this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 is the same as the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 640, but the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 640 may be different numbers, for example, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning port 64 may be three, and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning port 640 may be five. Also, the number of prize balls and the magnitude relationship of the number of prize balls may be reversed.

[0096] The second winning port 640 is provided with an electric device 640a. This electric device 640a is configured to be slidable, and is usually in a non-excited state (retracted state), making it difficult for the ball to win the second winning port 640. On the other hand, when the second pattern display device 83 displays a "○" pattern as a result of the variable display of the second pattern, which is performed in response to the passage of the ball through the normal winning port (through gate) 66, 67, 765, the electric device 640a is in an excited state (entering state), making it easy for the ball to win the second winning port 640.

[0097] As described above, during the probability of a special symbol being in a special state and during the time-saving period of a normal symbol, the probability of a normal symbol winning is higher than during the normal state, and the time required for the normal symbol to change is also shorter, so the "○" symbol may be made to be more likely to be displayed in the change display of the normal symbol. In other words, the number of times that the electric device 640a is in the open state (expanded state) increases. Furthermore, during the probability of a special symbol being in a special state and during the time-saving period of a normal symbol, the time that the electric device 640a is open may be made longer than during the normal state.

[0098] During the probability of a special symbol being in a special state and during the time-saving state of a normal symbol, it is possible to create a state in which it is easier for the ball to enter the second winning hole 640 than in the normal state. On the other hand, the first winning hole 64 does not have an electric device like the second winning hole 640, and the ball can always enter the hole.

[0099] Here, the probability of winning a jackpot when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 is the same in both low and high probability states. However, the probability of winning a jackpot (jackpot A, a, b, c) that can provide the maximum profit (number of prize balls in the special game state) as the type of jackpot selected in the event of a jackpot is set higher when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 than when a ball enters the first winning slot 64. On the other hand, the first winning slot 64 does not have the electric device 640a that the second winning slot 640 has, and the ball is always in a state where it can win a prize.

[0100] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is often in a non-excited state (retracted state), making it difficult to win at the second winning slot 640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for a jackpot by shooting the ball toward the first winning slot 64, which does not have the electric device 640a, so that the ball passes to the left of the variable display unit 80 (the so-called "left shot") and having the ball win at the first winning slot 64, thereby gaining more opportunities to win the jackpot lottery.

[0101] On the other hand, during the special pattern special bonus period or the normal pattern time-saving period, the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is likely to be in an excited state (entry state) by passing the ball through the normal winning slot (through gate) 66, 67, 765, making it easier to win at the second winning slot 640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the ball toward the side where the electric device 640a is located so that it passes to the right of the variable display device 80 (the so-called "right hit"), pass through the normal winning slot (through gate) 67, open the electric device 640a, and aim for the ball to win the jackpot by winning at the second winning slot 640.

[0102] In this way, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment can allow the player to change the way the ball is shot to "left hit" or "right hit" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability change mode, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). Therefore, the player can enjoy the game because the way the ball is shot can be changed.

[0103] A variable winning device 65 is disposed below the first winning opening 64, and a horizontally elongated rectangular specific winning opening (large open opening) 65a is provided in the approximate center thereof.

[0104] In the pachinko machine 10, when a jackpot is won in a lottery of special symbols held due to winning in the first winning port 64 or the second winning port 640, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is lit up to show the jackpot stop symbol after a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed. In addition, the third symbol display device 81 is caused to display the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot, and the occurrence of the jackpot is notified. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which the ball is likely to win. In this special game state, the specific winning port 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed, or until 10 balls (prescribed number) have won).

[0105] The opening and closing of the specific winning port 65a can be repeated up to 15 times (15 rounds). The state in which this opening and closing is being performed is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player is paid out a larger amount of prize balls than usual (15 balls based on the winning of one ball in this embodiment) as a reward for the game.

[0106] Specifically, the variable winning device 65 includes a horizontally long rectangular opening plate that covers the specific winning hole 65a, and a large opening solenoid (not shown) for driving the opening plate to open and close in the forward and backward directions. The specific winning hole 65a is normally in a closed state in which a ball cannot or does not easily win a prize. In the event of a big win, the large opening solenoid is driven to move the opening plate backward, temporarily creating an open state in which a ball can easily win the specific winning hole 65a, and the device operates to alternate between the open state and the normal closed state.

[0107] The special game state is not limited to the above-mentioned form. A large opening that is opened and closed separately from the specific winning opening 65a may be provided in the game area, and when an LED corresponding to a big win is lit in the first pattern display device 37A, 37B, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time, and a large opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when a ball enters the specific winning opening 65a while the specific winning opening 65a is open. Also, the specific winning opening 65a is not limited to one, and one or more than two (for example, three) may be provided, and the location of the specific winning opening 65a is not limited to the lower side of the first winning opening 64, but may be, for example, on the left or right side or the upper side of the variable display unit 80.

[0108] An attachment space K1 for attaching stamps, identification labels, etc. is provided in the right corner of the lower side of the game board 13, and the stamps, etc. attached to the attachment space K1 can be viewed through a small window 35 in the front frame 14 (see Figure 1).

[0109] The game board 13 is provided with a first outlet 71. A ball that flows down the game area and does not win any of the winning holes 63, 64, 65a, 640 is guided through the first outlet 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown). The first outlet 71 is disposed below the first winning hole 64.

[0110] A large number of nails are set on the game board 13 in order to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and various components (gimmicks) such as windmills are also provided.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly equipped with control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is unitized with a main board (main control device 110), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 113) and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is unitized with a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115) and a card unit connection board 116.

[0112] The back pack unit 94 is a unit formed by the back pack 92 forming the protective cover and the payout unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each part, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. as necessary.

[0113] The main control device 110, the voice lamp control device 113 and the display control device 114, the payout control device 111 and the launch control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are each stored in the board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 each include a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to store the respective control devices and boards.

[0114] In addition, the board box 100 (main control device 110) and the board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) are connected (connected by a crimping structure) between the box base and the box cover by a sealing unit (not shown). In addition, a sealing seal (not shown) is attached to the connecting portion between the box base and the box cover, spanning the box base and the box cover. This sealing seal is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing seal to open the board box 100, 102 or to forcefully open the board box 100, 102, it will be cut into the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or the sealing seal, it is possible to know whether the board box 100, 102 has been opened.

[0115] The payout unit 93 includes a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upward, a tank rail 131 connected to the bottom of the tank 130 and gently inclined toward the downstream side, a case rail 132 connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 132 and paying out balls by a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4). The tank 130 is successively replenished with balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall, and the payout device 133 appropriately pays out the required number of balls. A vibrator 134 for applying vibration to the tank rail 131 is attached to the tank rail 131.

[0116] In addition, the payout control device 111 is provided with a state recovery switch 120, the launch control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 121, and the power supply device 115 is provided with a RAM erase switch 122. The state recovery switch 120 is operated to resolve ball jams (return to normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as ball jamming in the payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the launch force of the launch solenoid. The RAM erase switch 122 is operated when the power is turned on to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

[0117] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0118] The main control device 110 is equipped with an MPU 201 as a one-chip microcomputer that is a calculation device. The MPU 201 has a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 202, and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. The main control device 110 uses the MPU 201 to execute the main processes of the pachinko machine 10, such as drawing a jackpot, setting the display on the first symbol display device 37A, 37B and the third symbol display device 81, and drawing the display result on the second symbol display device.

[0119] In addition, in order to instruct sub-control devices such as the dispensing control device 111 and the voice lamp control device 113 to operate, various commands are sent from the main control device 110 to the sub-control devices via a data transmission / reception circuit, but such commands are sent only in one direction, from the main control device 110 to the sub-control devices.

[0120] The RAM 203 has various areas, counters, flags, a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 201 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 201 are stored, and a work area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored. The RAM 203 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up.

[0121] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the stack pointer and the values ​​of each register at the time of the power outage (including the time of the power outage; the same applies below) are stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power supply is turned on (including the time of the power supply being turned on due to the power outage being resolved; the same applies below), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power supply was cut off based on the information stored in the RAM 203. Writing to the RAM 203 is executed by the main processing (not shown) when the power supply is cut off, and the restoration of each value written to the RAM 203 is executed in the start-up processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned on. Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 201 is configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 201, an NMI interrupt processing (not shown) is immediately executed as a processing during a power outage.

[0122] An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 via a bus line 204 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 205 is connected to the payout control device 111, the voice lamp control device 113, the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, the second symbol display device, the second symbol reservation lamp, a large opening solenoid for driving the opening and closing of the specific winning port 65a forward with the lower side of the opening and closing plate as an axis, a solenoid for driving the electric role, and the like, and the MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0123] In addition, the input / output port 205 is connected to various switches 208 consisting of a group of switches not shown and a group of sensors including a slide position detection sensor S and a rotation position detection sensor R, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 described below that is provided in the power supply device 115, and the MPU 201 performs various processes based on the signals output from the various switches 208 and the RAM erasure signal SG2 output from the RAM erasure switch circuit 253.

[0124] The payout control device 111 drives a payout motor 216 to control the payout of prize balls and loan balls. The MPU 211, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 212 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 211, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 213 used as a work memory, etc.

[0125] The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and the return address of the control program executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (working area) in which the values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured to be supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 and to hold (back up) data even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. In addition, like the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) is immediately executed as a process during a power outage.

[0126] The MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 is connected to an input / output port 215 via a bus line 214 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 215 is connected to the main control device 110, the payout motor 216, the launch control device 112, and the like. Although not shown, the payout control device 111 is connected to a prize ball detection switch for detecting the paid-out prize balls. The prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but is not connected to the main control device 110.

[0127] The launch control device 112 controls the ball launch unit 112a so that the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51 when the main control device 110 issues an instruction to launch a ball. The ball launch unit 112a is equipped with a launch solenoid and an electromagnet (not shown), and the launch solenoid and the electromagnet are permitted to be driven when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operating handle 51, and on condition that the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the launch of the ball is off (not operated), the launch solenoid is excited in response to the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51, and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the operating handle 51.

[0128] The voice lamp control device 113 controls the output of voice in the voice output device (such as a speaker not shown) 226, the output of turning on and off the lamp display device (such as the illumination unit 29 to 33 and the display lamp 34) 227, and the setting of the display mode of the third pattern display device 81 performed by the display control device 114, such as variable performance (variable display) and advance notice performance. The MPU 221, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 222 that stores the control program executed by the MPU 221, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0129] An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the voice and lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 225 is connected to the main control device 110, the display control device 114, a voice output device 226, a lamp display device 227, other devices 228, the frame button 22, etc.

[0130] The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 based on various commands (variation pattern command, stop type command, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode by commands (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). In addition, the voice lamp control device 113 monitors input from the frame button 22, and when the frame button 22 is operated by the player, instructs the display control device 114 to change the stage displayed on the third symbol display device 81 or change the performance content at the time of super reach. When the stage is changed, a back image change command including information on the changed stage is sent to the display control device 114 so that the third symbol display device 81 displays a back image corresponding to the changed stage. Here, the back image is an image displayed on the back side of the third symbol, which is the main image to be displayed on the third symbol display device 81. The display control device 114 displays various images on the third symbol display device 81 according to the command sent from this voice lamp control device 113.

[0131] Also, the voice lamp control device 113 receives a command (display command) representing the display content of the third pattern display device 81 from the display control device 114. Based on the display command received from the display control device 114, the voice lamp control device 113 outputs a sound corresponding to the display content of the third pattern display device 81 from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content, and also controls the turning on and off of the lamp display device 227 in accordance with the display content.

[0132] The display control device 114 is connected to the voice lamp control device 113 and the third pattern display device 81, and controls the display of the third pattern display device 81, such as the variable performance of the third pattern, based on the command received from the voice lamp control device 113. In addition, the display control device 114 appropriately transmits a display command notifying the display content of the third pattern display device 81 to the voice lamp control device 113. The voice lamp control device 113 can match the display of the third pattern display device 81 with the audio output from the audio output device 226 by outputting audio from the audio output device 226 in accordance with the display content indicated by this display command.

[0133] The power supply device 115 has a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruption due to a power failure or the like, and a RAM deletion switch circuit 253 provided with a RAM deletion switch 122 (see FIG. 3). The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltage to each of the control devices 110-114, etc. through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 251 takes in an AC voltage of 24 volts supplied from the outside, generates a voltage of 12 volts for driving various switches such as the various switches 208, solenoids such as the solenoid 209, motors, etc., a voltage of 5 volts for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies the necessary voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc.

[0134] The power failure monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 and the MPU 211 of the dispensing control device 111 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 252 monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and when this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power failure (power failure, power cut) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SG1 to the main control device 110 and the dispensing control device 111. By outputting the power failure signal SG1, the main control device 110 and the dispensing control device 111 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute NMI interrupt processing. Note that the power supply unit 251 is configured to maintain the output of the voltage of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the NMI interrupt processing, even after the voltage of 24 volts DC becomes less than 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control unit 111 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown).

[0135] The RAM clear switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM clear signal SG2 to the main control device 110 to clear the backup data when the RAM clear switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM clear signal SG2 when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, it clears the backup data and transmits a payout initialization command to the payout control device 111 to clear the backup data in the payout control device 111.

[0136] The overall configuration of the path configuration device 700 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Fig. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the path configuration device 700, Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged front view of the path configuration device 700, and Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are partial cross-sectional views of the path configuration device 700 taken along line VIIa-VIIa in Fig. 6.

[0137] In Fig. 6, the inner circumferential surface of the distribution member 760, the seesaw member 762, the communication hole 751, and the outer shape of the recovery hole 752 are illustrated by dashed lines. Also, Fig. 7(a) illustrates a retreat state in which the electric role object 640a retreats from a first ball sending path KR1 described later, and Fig. 7(b) illustrates an advance state in which the electric role object 640a advances into the first ball sending path KR1.

[0138] As shown in Figure 5, the path configuration device 700 is disposed below the center frame 86 of the game board 13 and is mainly formed with a front side forming portion 710 arranged on the front side of the base plate 60, and a rear side forming portion 720 arranged on the rear side of the base plate 60.

[0139] The front side forming portion 710 is formed mainly by including a winning member 730 attached to the front side of the base plate 60, and bending members 740 disposed on the front side on both the left and right sides of the winning member 730.

[0140] The rear side forming portion 720 is formed mainly by comprising an interposed member 750 attached to the rear side of the base plate 60, a distribution member 760 disposed on the rear side of the interposed member 750, and an electric accessory 640a having a solenoid 640s fixedly disposed on the interposed member 750.

[0141] The winning member 730 is arranged on the front surface of the base plate 60, and is formed thinly in a shape that covers the through hole 60a and is attached to the base plate 60. An upper ball passing hole 713 is drilled in the front-rear direction at the left-right center position of the covering plate portion 711, a lower ball passing hole 714 is located below the upper ball passing hole 713 and drilled in the front-rear direction, a first winning opening 64 located in the upper left-right center of the covering plate portion 711, a second winning opening 640 located below the first winning opening 64 (below the lower ball passing hole 714), through holes 731 located on both left-right sides and formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction, and It is mainly formed with a lower insertion hole 732 located below 731 and formed to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction, a first ball throwing section 734 having a ball passing hole 734a formed to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction to the left of the right lower insertion hole 732 on the right side, a through hole 735 formed to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction as a long hole extending from the right end of the lower edge of the first ball throwing section 734 toward the upper right, a second ball throwing section 736 having a ball passing hole 736a formed to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction to the right of the right lower insertion hole 732 on the right side, and a third ball throwing section 737 formed symmetrically to the first ball throwing section 734 with respect to the upper ball passing hole 713.

[0142] The through hole 731 is a member into which an upper protrusion 741 of a bending member 740 described later is inserted, and is formed in a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the front with an opening slightly larger than the outer shape of the upper protrusion 741 when viewed from the back.

[0143] The lower through-hole 732 is a hole that communicates with the recovery hole 752 of the interposed member 750 disposed on the back side, and is formed at a position facing the recovery hole 752 of the interposed member 750. The lower through-hole 732 opens in a generally D-shape when viewed from the front, with the lower side curved.

[0144] A sensor SE for detecting the passage of a ball is disposed on the back surface of the lower insertion hole 732. The sensor SE is a member formed in a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and has a through hole formed on its side surface with a diameter slightly larger than that of the ball, and the passage of the ball can be detected when the ball passes through the through hole. The sensor SE is disposed such that the axis of the through hole is positioned coaxially with the arc axis on the lower surface side of the lower insertion hole 732. This allows the opening direction of the through hole to be inclined slightly downward as it approaches the back surface side, thereby preventing a ball passing through the inside of the through hole of the sensor SE from remaining inside the through hole.

[0145] The first ball throwing section 734 comprises a ball passing hole 734a arranged at a position connected to the upstream end of the first inclined groove 755 of the intervening member 750, a protruding edge portion 734b where the U-shaped edge of the ball passing hole 734a when viewed from the front protrudes toward the front side, and a downstream throwing section 734c which protrudes toward the ball path at the downstream portion of the protruding edge portion 734b and has a protruding tip that is shaped to incline toward the rear side, thereby enabling a ball that flows down to be thrown to the rear side.

[0146] The through hole 735 is formed in a shape that allows the movable plate member 641 to be inserted in the front-rear direction. That is, the through hole 735 is formed in a shape that is slightly larger than the outer shapes of the right guide portion 643 and the left guide portion 645 of the movable plate member 641 and the connecting portion that connects them when viewed from the front.

[0147] As a result, when the movable plate member 641 is in the retracted state, the front end of the movable plate member 641 is supported by the through hole 735, and when the movable plate member 641 is in the advanced state, the rear end of the movable plate member 641 is supported by the through hole 735, thereby stabilizing the position of the movable plate member 641.

[0148] The second ball throwing section 736 comprises a ball passing hole 736a arranged at a position connected to the upstream end of the second inclined groove 757 of the intervening member 750, a protruding edge portion 736b where the U-shaped edge of the ball passing hole 736a when viewed from the front protrudes toward the front side, and a downstream throwing section 736c which protrudes toward the ball path at the downstream portion of the protruding edge portion 736b and has a protruding tip that is shaped to incline toward the rear side, thereby enabling a ball that flows down to be thrown to the rear side.

[0149] The third ball throwing section 737 is formed symmetrically to the first ball throwing section 734, but is not configured to guide the game ball by the electric device 640a. Its shape allows balls to enter from the left, which reduces the frequency of balls entering. The third ball throwing section 737 has the same function as the general winning opening 63 (see FIG. 2). That is, when a ball enters the opening, 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls. Since balls rarely enter the third ball throwing section 737, the number of prize balls is set to a maximum (15) in order to maximize the player's profit when a ball does enter the opening.

[0150] The bending members 740 are members arranged on the front side of the through hole 731 and lower insertion hole 732 of the above-mentioned winning member 730, and two of them are arranged symmetrically at approximately the center position in the left-right direction of the base plate 60 (see Figure 2) when viewed from the front, and their external shape is formed to be approximately symmetrical.

[0151] Moreover, the bending member 740 is disposed at a position where a gap large enough for a ball to pass is formed between the bending member 740 and the inner rail 61 (see FIG. 2) that forms the play area when viewed from the front. This prevents a ball flowing down the play area below the bending member 740 from being pinched between the bending member 740 and the inner rail 61 and remaining in the play area.

[0152] The bending member 740 is formed from a plate-like body that is approximately rectangular when viewed from the front, and is formed with an upper protrusion 741 protruding from its back surface, a lower protrusion 743 protruding below the upper protrusion 741, and an opening 744 formed between the opposing upper protrusion 741 and lower protrusion 743.

[0153] Upper protrusion 741 is formed in a generally U-shape that is open on the bottom when viewed from behind, and its outer shape is set to be slightly smaller than the inner shape of through hole 731 of winning member 730. As a result, when bending member 740 is arranged on winning member 730, upper protrusion 741 can be inserted and disposed inside through hole 731. Therefore, when bending member 740 is arranged on winning member 730, upper protrusion 741 can be inserted and positioned, which simplifies the assembly process.

[0154] The lower protrusion 743 is formed below the upper protrusion 741, and is formed in a generally U-shape when viewed from behind with the upper side open. That is, when viewed from behind, the upper protrusion 741 and the lower protrusion 743 are formed such that their open portions face each other in the up-down direction.

[0155] The lower protrusion 743 is a member for forming a path (hereinafter referred to as the "second ball sending path KR2") for sending the ball sent from the through hole 731 of the winning member 730 toward the bending member 740 to the lower insertion hole 732 of the winning member 730, and is formed at a position opposite the lower insertion hole 732 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0156] The protruding distance of the lower protruding portion 743 toward the rear side is set to a dimension larger than the diameter of the ball. In addition, the bending member 740 is placed on the winning member 730 with the protruding tip surface of the lower protruding portion 743 abutting against the winning member 730. Thus, the distance dimension between the opposing bending member 740 and the winning member 730 is made larger than the diameter of the ball, and a ball throwing path (hereinafter referred to as "first ball throwing path KR1") along which the ball is thrown in the vertical direction is formed between the opposing bending member 740 and the winning member 730.

[0157] The bending member 740 is formed with a guide portion 742 that protrudes from an upper inner surface of the upper protrusion 741 to a lower inner surface of the lower protrusion 743. The guide portion 742 protrudes in a substantially U-shape with an open rear surface in a side view.

[0158] The guide portion 742 is a protruding wall that sends the ball vertically from the through hole 731 of the winning member 730 to the bending member 740 (first ball sending path KR1) and then sends it to the lower insertion hole 732 of the winning member 730, and the vertical height of the lower inner edge is formed slightly smaller than the height of the lower inner edge of the lower insertion hole 732 located on the back surface.

[0159] Guide portion 742 is formed along the center line in the left-right direction in a front view of through-hole 731 arranged on the rear side. As a result, the ball comes into contact with guide portion 742 and is guided (folded back toward the rear side), so that the ball can be easily displaced in the left-right direction.

[0160] The opening 744 is a predetermined gap formed between the opposing upper protrusion 741 and the lower protrusion 743, and is formed on both the left and right sides in rear view. In addition, the opening 744 is formed in a substantially U-shape in side view with the rear side open.

[0161] The height of the upper end of the rear end portion of opening 744 is set to be approximately the same as the vertical height of the tip side portion of guide portion 742 at the same front-rear position, and the height of the lower end of the rear end portion is set to be approximately the same as the vertical height of the lower surface of right guide portion 643 of moving plate member 641. Opening 744 is formed by opening into the left and right side surfaces of the connecting portion between first ball throwing path KR1 and fourth ball throwing path KR4.

[0162] The allocating member 760 is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is formed in a box shape with the front side open. The allocating member 760 is bent at approximately the center position in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, and is formed to incline downward as it moves from the approximately center position in the left-right direction toward the outside in the left-right direction. Furthermore, both ends in the left-right direction of the allocating member 760 are set at positions facing the through-holes 731 of the above-mentioned winning member 730.

[0163] The distribution member 760 is mainly formed by a pair of inclined surfaces 761 that slope downward from the center position in the left-right direction when viewed from the front to both the left and right, a seesaw member 762 that is arranged in the center of each of the inclined surfaces 761, a ball sending port 763 formed above the seesaw member 762, a regulating wall portion 764 for regulating the rotation of the seesaw member 762, and a normal winning port (through gate) 765 that is arranged at a position where a ball guided to the right-side inclined surface 761 can pass through.

[0164] The pair of inclined surfaces 761 are inclined surfaces extending in opposite directions, and are formed so that the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is symmetrical. In this embodiment, a region with a slightly steep inclination angle is provided on the upstream side, and the inclination angle of the region with a gentle inclination angle on the downstream side is formed at 5 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0165] Ball throwing port 763 is a member for forming an opening on the front side of sorting member 760, and is formed at a position facing first winning port 64 of winning member 730. Thereby, when sorting member 760 is disposed on interposed member 750 described later, a space can be formed between ball throwing port 763 and interposed member 750.

[0166] The space is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the ball (i.e., a space through which the ball can pass), and is connected to the internal space of the first winning opening 64 of the winning member 730 via the through-hole 60b drilled in the base plate 60. This allows the ball entered into the first winning opening 64 to be sent into the space between the ball sending opening 763 and the interposed member 750, and the ball can be sent inside the space.

[0167] The shaft portion 762b is a support portion for rotating the seesaw member 762 around an axis, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is inserted into the inner side of the ring of the seesaw member 762. In this state, the shaft portion 762b is sandwiched between the interposition member 750 and the distribution member 760, so that the seesaw member 762 is disposed to be rotatable about the shaft portion 762b.

[0168] Protrusions 762a are protrusions for distributing balls alternately to the left and right inclined surfaces 761 one by one when the balls are thrown from the space between the above-mentioned throwing port 763 and interposed member 750, and the balls are thrown in the direction opposite to the left and right direction of the direction in which the tip of central protrusion 762a is located. Protrusions 762a protruding from both ends are members that regulate the displacement of seesaw member 762, and displace the direction in which the tip of central protrusion 762a is located (rotate seesaw member 762) due to the weight applied when a ball passes through, and the rotation of seesaw member 762 is regulated by the contact of the tip surface of protrusion 762a with regulating wall portion 764.

[0169] On the other hand, when a ball is guided by the central protrusion 762a, the guided ball collides with the protrusion 762a and is pushed downward when it is not in contact with the restricting wall portion 764. As a result, the protrusion 762a on the opposite side is displaced upward, and the tip of the protrusion 762a displaced downward comes into contact with the restricting wall portion 764, restricting its displacement.

[0170] Inclined surface 761 is a rolling surface of a path (hereinafter referred to as "third ball throwing path KR3") along which the ball sorted to the left and right by seesaw member 762 described above rolls and is thrown, and is formed with a downward incline toward the outside from the center position in the left-right direction of sorting member 760. As a result, the ball sorted to the left and right by seesaw member 762 of sorting member 760 rolls on inclined surface 761 and is thrown (rolled) to the end of inclined surface 761 on the downward side.

[0171] At the end of the downwardly descending side of inclined surface 761, the side surface on the rear side is formed to be inclined toward interposed member 750 so that the thickness of the side surface on the front side increases toward the end. This allows a ball that has rolled on inclined surface 761 and been sent to the end to be sent to communication hole 751 of interposed member 750 disposed in front of sorting member 760.

[0172] A normal winning port (through gate) 765 is disposed between the interposed member 750 and the distribution member 760, and is fixedly disposed on the inside by connecting and fixing the interposed member 750 and the distribution member 760.

[0173] The layout of normal winning opening (through gate) 765 is designed so that the inner surface of the ball passage hole of normal winning opening (through gate) 765, which is the surface that runs along inclined surface 761, is in plane with the upper surface of inclined surface 761.

[0174] This minimizes the resistance experienced by the ball as it passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, and makes it possible to equalize the flow speed of the ball flowing down the right-hand inclined surface 761 where the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 is located, and the ball flowing down the left-hand inclined surface 761 where the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 is not located.

[0175] The function of the normal winning port (through gate) 765 is the same as the above-mentioned normal winning ports (through gates) 66 and 67. That is, the normal winning port (through gate) 765 has a function as a detection port through which a lottery for a normal symbol (second symbol) is performed when a ball passes through.

[0176] In addition, when a ball passes through the normal winning port (through gate) 765 while the variable display is being performed on the second pattern display device 83, the number of times the ball has passed through is reserved up to a maximum of four times together with the number of times the ball has passed through the normal winning ports (through gates) 66, 67, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first pattern display device 37 and is also shown by the second pattern reserved lamp 84.

[0177] In addition, the maximum number of reserved balls for passing through the normal winning gates (through gates) 66, 67, 765 is not limited to four times, but may be set to three times or less, or five times or more (for example, eight times).

[0178] The second symbol display device 83 performs a variable display in which a "circle" symbol and a "cross" symbol as a display symbol (second symbol) are alternately lit for a predetermined time each time the ball passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 66, 67, 765. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the normal winning opening (through gate) 66, 67, 765, a lottery is held to determine whether the second symbol will win. If the result of the lottery is a win, the second symbol display device 83 displays a "circle" symbol after the second symbol is displayed. If the result of the lottery is a miss, the second symbol display device 83 displays a "cross" symbol after the second symbol is displayed.

[0179] When the variable display ends on the second pattern display device 83, if there are balls remaining in reserve for the normal winning ports (through gates) 66, 67, and 765, a lottery is held for the next normal pattern, and a variable display according to the lottery is started.

[0180] The intervening member 750 is a member interposed between the bending member 740 and the distribution member 760 in the front-to-back direction, and is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is mainly formed with the above-mentioned variable winning device 65 at the lower center in the left-to-right direction when viewed from the front, a communicating hole 751 penetrating in the front-to-back direction on both the left and right sides, a recovery hole 752 opening below the communicating hole 751, a support recess 753 formed in a left-to-right elongated shape penetrating in the front-to-back direction between the communicating hole 751 and the recovery hole 752, a first inclined groove 755 which is linear and slopes downward to the left when viewed from the front, with its downstream end at the left-to-right center position, a second inclined groove 757 which is linear and slopes downward to the left when viewed from the front, with its downstream end at the left-to-right center position below the first inclined groove 755, and a second recovery hole 758 which is arranged below the second inclined groove 757.

[0181] The communication holes 751 are formed on the front side of both the left and right ends of the sorting member 760, and are also formed on the back side of the through hole 731 of the winning member 730. Therefore, the spaces at both the left and right ends of the sorting member 760 and the internal space of the through hole 731 of the winning member 730 are connected via the communication holes 751. Therefore, a path (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth ball sending path KR4") can be formed that sends the ball rolling on the upper part of the inclined surface 761 of the sorting member 760 to the through hole 731 of the winning member 730 by passing through the communication holes 751.

[0182] As described above, the collection hole 752 is an opening formed on the back side of the lower insertion hole 732 of the winning member 730. That is, the collection hole 752 is connected to the back side of the sensor SE, and the ball passing through the sensor SE is sent to the opening of the collection hole 752. The collection hole 752 is connected to a device for circulating balls installed in the store, and the balls collected in the collection hole 752 are circulated by the circulation device and shot out again from the ball launching unit 112a as game balls.

[0183] The support recess 753 is a recessed groove formed to ensure sufficient space for the right guide portion 643 of the moving plate member 641 to move in the front-rear direction. A lower bottom surface of the support recess 753 facing the lower surface of the right guide portion 643 in the up-down direction is formed in a planar shape that is horizontal in the left-right direction. In addition, an upper top surface of the support recess 753 facing the upper surface of the right guide portion 643 in the up-down direction is formed in a planar shape with the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 643a.

[0184] In other words, the support recess 753 is recessed from the left side to the right side, and is formed in a wedge shape that is wider on the left side and narrower on the right side, and functionally is formed with a vertical width (slightly larger wedge shape) that is slightly larger than the vertical width of the right guide portion 643 when viewed from the front.

[0185] As a result, when moving plate member 641 is used and slid forward and backward, right guide portion 643 is guided inside support recess 753, so that the movement can be executed smoothly, and when right guide portion 643 enters first ball sending path KR1 to receive a ball flowing down, right guide portion 643 can be supported from below by the lower bottom surface of support recess 753. That is, support recess 753 has the effect of smoothing the movement of moving plate member 641 and the effect of stabilizing the vertical position of moving plate member 641.

[0186] The first inclined groove 755 is arranged at a position where its upstream end communicates with the ball passing hole 734a, and is configured with a shape that allows a ball that reaches its downstream end to be sent to the front side through the upper ball passing hole 713 of the front side forming portion 710.

[0187] The second inclined groove 757 is arranged at a position where its upstream end communicates with the ball passing hole 736a, and is configured with a shape that allows a ball that reaches its downstream end to be sent to the front side through the lower ball passing hole 714 of the front side forming portion 710.

[0188] In this embodiment, the first inclined groove 755 and the second inclined groove 757 are formed in a linear groove shape, and are formed in a relationship in which the straight lines along which the respective grooves run are parallel to each other.

[0189] The second collection hole 758 is an opening through which the ball that entered the second winning hole 640 is sent, and is disposed upstream of the second winning hole switch (not shown). The second collection hole 758 is connected to a ball circulating device installed in the store, and the balls collected in the second collection hole 758 are circulated by the circulating device and shot out again from the ball launching unit 112a as game balls.

[0190] The upper ball passing hole 713 and the lower ball passing hole 714 are aligned in a straight line along the vertical direction, and the second winning opening 640 is located below the lower ball passing hole 714 on that same straight line (see Figure 6).

[0191] Therefore, a ball sent to the front side through the upper ball passing hole 713 passes through the front side of the lower ball passing hole 714 and enters the second winning hole 640. In addition, a ball sent to the front side through the lower ball passing hole 714 merges with the flow path of the ball sent to the front side from the upper ball passing hole 713 and enters the second winning hole 640.

[0192] At the confluence point of the ball flow paths, the ball flows down from the upper ball passing hole 713 in a vertical direction, which allows the ball's falling speed at the confluence point to be increased. Therefore, even if the balls guided from the upper ball passing hole 713 and the lower ball passing hole 714 reach the confluence point at the same time, the ball flowing down from the upper ball passing hole 713 can pass downward by its momentum, making it easy to avoid ball clogging.

[0193] In addition, the wall portions 714a extending from the left and right edges of the lower ball passage hole 714 to the front side can easily prevent the ball from deviating to the left or right from the joining position. The wall portions 714a also act to prevent balls from entering the second winning hole 640 from the outside left or right.

[0194] The wall portion 713a extending from the left and right edges and the upper edge of the upper ball passing hole 713 to the front side can prevent a ball flowing down the front side of the base plate 60 from colliding with a ball immediately after it is sent to the front side from the upper ball passing hole 713. The wall portion 713a also acts to prevent a ball flowing down the front side of the base plate 60 from flowing down toward the second winning opening 640.

[0195] The electric role 640a includes a solenoid 640s fixed to the intermediate member 750, and a movable plate member 641 that is interlockingly connected to the solenoid 640s and slides in the front-rear direction when driven by the solenoid 640s.

[0196] The movable plate member 641 comprises a transmission plate portion 642 which is a plate-shaped portion to which the driving force of the solenoid 640s is transmitted and which extends in the vertical direction, a left side guide portion 645 which is disposed at the front end portion of the transmission plate portion 642 and protrudes toward the front side, and a right side guide portion 643 which extends to the right of the left side guide portion 645.

[0197] The right guide portion 643 has an upper surface, which serves as a rolling surface for the balls, formed as an inclined surface 643a that slopes downward toward the right, and is disposed between the communication hole 751 and the recovery hole 752 when viewed from the front.

[0198] Left guide portion 645 has an upper surface, which is a ball rolling surface, formed as inclined surface 645a that slopes downward toward the left side, and is disposed so as to connect bending member 740 and first ball throwing portion 734 in a front view. The upper surface of the downstream end of inclined surface 645a is disposed so as to be flush with the upper surface of the lower end of protruding edge portion 734b of first ball throwing portion 734.

[0199] Since protruding edge 734b of first ball throwing section 734 is not dish-shaped with an open top, but has a shape with a lid on the top side with the open side facing right, it is possible to smoothly receive a rolling ball in left guide section 645 while preventing a ball that bounces off left guide section 645 or a ball that flows down a path that reaches first ball throwing section 734 from above from flying into ball passing hole 734a. Note that protruding lid section 734b may be formed into a dish shape to allow a ball to fly in from above.

[0200] In addition, even if the ball lands on left side guide portion 645, it is difficult for it to enter first ball sending portion 734 until the rebound stops. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt a configuration that reduces the rebound at left side guide portion 645.

[0201] For example, the momentum of the ball flowing down may be slowed down in advance by closely arranging nails that can collide with the ball above the left guide portion 645, or by arranging multiple deceleration protrusions protruding from the front side of the covering plate portion 711. Also, a highly cushioned sheet material may be attached to the inclined surface 645a to suppress the ball bouncing.

[0202] When the solenoid 640s is in a non-excited state, the movable plate member 641 is in a retracted state in which it retreats from the first ball throwing path KR1 (see Figure 7(a)), and when the solenoid 640s is in an excited state (a state in which a driving force is being generated), the movable plate member 641 is in an entry state in which it enters the first ball throwing path KR1 (see Figure 7(b)).

[0203] The path configuration device 700 configured as above sends a game ball as follows. A ball entering from the first winning opening 64 is sent to the distribution member 760 and is sent to the third ball sending path KR3 in either the left or right direction by the seesaw member 762 of the distribution member 760. When the ball sent on the third ball sending path KR3 reaches the end of the third ball sending path KR3, it is sent to the fourth ball sending path KR4 inside the communication hole 751 of the intervening member 750 arranged on the front side. The ball sent on the fourth ball sending path KR4 is sent to the first ball sending path KR1 on the back side of the bending member 740. The ball sent on the first ball sending path KR1 is guided by the lower protrusion 743 of the bending member 740 and sent to the second ball sending path KR2. The ball sent along the second ball sending path KR2 passes through the lower insertion hole 732 of the winning member 730, is sent to the recovery hole 752 of the interposed member 750, and passes through the inside of the sensor SE.

[0204] The ball sent from the fourth ball sending path KR4 to the first ball sending path KR1 flows down toward the front side of the base plate 60, and the ball appears to be approaching the player from the player's line of sight. This clarifies the difference in the flow pattern between the ball and other game balls flowing downward in the game area, thereby enhancing the presence of the ball sent from the fourth ball sending path KR4 to the first ball sending path KR1.

[0205] Next, the setting of the flow pattern of the ball will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8(a), 8(b), 9(a) and 9(b) are partial front views of the path configuration device 700 in the range VIIIa of Figure 6.

[0206] Figures 8(a), 8(b), 9(a) and 9(b) show the flow patterns of three balls P1 to P3 that enter the first winning port 64 in succession with no gap between them, shown in a time series at 0.5 second intervals.

[0207] That is, Fig. 8(b) is illustrated as the state 0.5 seconds after the state of Fig. 8(a), Fig. 9(a) is illustrated as the state 0.5 seconds after the state of Fig. 8(b), and Fig. 9(b) is illustrated as the state 0.5 seconds after the state of Fig. 9(a). Note that, as an example, Fig. 8(a) illustrates a state in which the tip of the central protrusion 762a faces leftward.

[0208] As shown in Fig. 8(a), when the ball P1 is guided by the protrusion 762a at the center, the guided ball P1 collides with one of the protrusions 762a at both ends and is pushed downward. As a result, the protrusion 762a on the opposite side is displaced upward, and the tip of the protrusion 762a displaced downward comes into contact with the regulating wall portion 764, regulating its displacement (see Fig. 8(b)).

[0209] In this state, the ball P1 that pushed down the seesaw member 762 flows down to the right, and at the same time the next ball P2 is guided to the central projection 762a. At this time, at the same time that the ball P2 reaches the central projection 762a, the ball P1 that previously pushed down the seesaw member 762 passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0210] The ball P2 is caused to flow down to the left by the seesaw member 762, and at the same time the next ball P3 is guided to the central protrusion 762a. At this time, at the same time that the ball P3 reaches the central protrusion 762a, the ball P1 is disposed below the right-side guide portion 643 (see FIG. 9(a)). Thereafter, the ball P3 is caused to flow down to the right by the seesaw member 762 (see FIG. 9(b)).

[0211] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 is determined in relation to the arrangement of the electric role 640a. In other words, it is designed so that the next ball P3 does not reach the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 after the ball P1 passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 and before it is positioned below the right guide portion 643.

[0212] Here, when the passage of a ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, the operation of the electric role 640a is executed based on a preset operation pattern. The operation of the electric role 640a is not interrupted in the middle of the operation pattern. Even if the passage of a ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 while the operation of the electric role 640a based on the operation pattern is continuing, the execution of the operation of the electric role 640a due to the detection is suspended until the operation of the electric role 640a based on the currently executed operation pattern is completed.

[0213] Therefore, even if the operation pattern of the electric device 640a is set so that it can affect a ball that has passed through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 based on the ball's flow time, if a situation arises in which the execution of the operation of the electric device 640a is put on hold, the effect on the ball that has passed through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 may be unexpected.

[0214] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, on the premise that the operation pattern of the electric reel 640a is set based on the time width until the ball reaches the right-side guide section 643, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the operation of the electric reel 640a continues as a result of the previous ball P1 being detected by the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 until the next ball P3 is detected by the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 (the operation of the electric reel 640a ends in advance).

[0215] Therefore, when the passage of the ball is detected by the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, the operation of the electric role 640a can be immediately executed based on a preset operation pattern without being suspended. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the effect on the ball that has passed through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 will be unexpected.

[0216] Figures 10(a), 10(b), 11(a) and 11(b) are partial front views of the path configuration device 700 in range VIIIa of Figure 6. Figures 10(a) and 10(b) and Figures 11(a) and 11(b) show different examples of how a ball flows down the right-side inclined surface 761 in a time series.

[0217] That is, Figure 10(a) shows the state in which the ball passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, and Figure 10(b) shows the state in which the movable plate member 641 is maintained in a retracted state (see Figure 7(a)) in which it is retracted from the first ball sending path KR1 when the ball passes through, and the ball is guided to the recovery hole 752.

[0218] In addition, Figure 11(a) shows a state in which the ball is passing through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 (a state similar to Figure 10(a)), and Figure 11(b) shows a state in which the moving plate member 641 is in an entry state in which it enters the first ball throwing path KR1 (see Figure 7(b)) just before the ball passes through, and the ball is guided toward the second ball throwing section 736.

[0219] In addition, in Figure 11 (b), dots are drawn on the movable plate member 641 to diagrammatically indicate that the movable plate member 641 is sliding toward the front side and is in a state in which it is not allowing the ball to pass through the front side.

[0220] Here, when the solenoid 640s is in a non-excited state, the movable plate member 641 is in a retracted state in which it retreats from the first ball throwing path KR1 (see Figure 7(a)), and when the solenoid 640s is in an excited state (when a driving force is being generated), the movable plate member 641 is in an entry state in which it enters the first ball throwing path KR1 (see Figure 7(b)).Therefore, in the non-excited state, a ball that reaches the top surface of the movable plate member 641 when viewed from the front passes through the front side of the movable plate member 641 and flows downward, while in the excited state, a ball that reaches the top surface of the movable plate member 641 when viewed from the front rolls on the inclined surface 643a or inclined surface 645a of the movable plate member 641 and flows downward in the left-right direction.

[0221] For example, the ball flows down along the arrow shown in Fig. 11(b). In more detail, when the moving plate member 641 is in an excited state, the ball that reaches the first ball throwing path KR1 rolls on the upper surface of the inclined surface 643a, passes through the opening 744, and then falls to be received by the second ball throwing section 736.

[0222] Furthermore, when the movable plate member 641 is in an excited state, a ball attempting to flow down between the right-side bending member 740 and the first ball sending section 734 rolls along the upper surface of the inclined surface 645a, is guided to the ball passing hole 734a, and enters the second winning port 640.

[0223] Fig. 12 is a partial front view of the game board 13 in the range XII of Fig. 2. Fig. 12 illustrates the solenoid 640s being in an excited state and the moving plate member 641 being in an advanced state.

[0224] As described above, the functions of the normal winning openings (through gates) 66, 67, 765 are common, so the electric device 640a operates not only when the ball that enters the path configuration device 700 passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, but also when the ball passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 67 when playing the above-mentioned right-hand game.

[0225] In this case, when a game ball is released in a right-handed play, more balls reach the ceiling surface of the right-side bending member 740 than are guided to the first winning port 64 (approximately 10 times more), so when the movable plate member 641 is in the entered state, the ball is more likely to reach the left-side guide portion 645 than the right-side guide portion 643 of the electric device 640a.

[0226] If the solenoid 640s is kept in an excited state until the ball reaches the first ball throwing section 734, the ball that reaches the left guide section 645 will enter the second winning hole 640, and even if the solenoid 640s is switched to a non-excited state before the ball reaches the first ball throwing section 734, the ball will simply flow directly below it and will not be guided to the recovery hole 752. In other words, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a ball that reaches the left guide section 645 wins the lottery for special pattern 1.

[0227] A ball that reaches left side guide portion 645 in the approaching state can be received by first ball throwing portion 734 in about 1.0 second regardless of the landing position. On the other hand, if moving plate member 641 changes to the retracted state in a very short time such as 0.5 seconds, the ball may be prevented from entering first ball throwing portion 734 even if the ball lands near the left end of left side guide portion 645 in the approaching state.

[0228] Therefore, when a ball that does not enter the first winning port 64 but flows down reaches the left side guide section 645 at the right time, which is activated and put into an entry state as a result of a lottery following the detection of the ball at the normal winning port (through gate) 66, 67, 765, whether the ball will be accepted by the first ball sending section 734 depends on the operating mode of the electric device 640a.

[0229] In particular, in the operating pattern in the normal state (the fourth operating pattern described later), the period during which the moving plate member 641 is in the entered state is shorter than 0.5 seconds, so that the probability that the ball will be received by the first ball throwing section 734 is extremely low.

[0230] When the ball enters the first winning opening 64, if the moving plate member 641 is in the advanced state when the ball reaches the first ball throwing path KR1, the ball is guided by the right guide portion 643 and finally enters the second winning opening 640, and therefore does not pass through the sensor SE (see FIG. 7(b)), thereby preventing the lottery for the special symbol 1 from being won. On the other hand, if the moving plate member 641 is in the retracted state when the ball reaches the first ball throwing path KR1, the ball is guided to the second ball throwing path KR2 and passes through the sensor SE, resulting in the lottery for the special symbol 1 being won.

[0231] In this way, according to the electric device 640a of this embodiment, the chances of the ball winning the lottery for special pattern 1 (the chances of winning the lottery for special pattern 2) can be varied depending on whether the ball flows down a path that can reach the right-side guide section 643 (the path after entering the first winning port 64) or a path that can reach the left-side guide section 645.

[0232] As described above, the balls arrive at the right guide section 643 at intervals, but the left guide section 645 does not have intervals due to the action of the seesaw member 762, so multiple balls that flow down the normal winning opening (through gate) 67 side may arrive at the same time. Therefore, it is preferable to form the left guide section 645 stronger than the right guide section 643.

[0233] For this reason, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the left guide portion 645 is disposed on the transmission plate portion 642 (see FIG. 5). That is, by disposing the left guide portion 645 on the transmission plate portion 642 that is closer to the solenoid 640s (upstream side of the driving force transmission path), a change in posture of the left guide portion 645 is suppressed. As a result, even if weight is applied by multiple balls being placed on the left guide portion 645, it is possible to prevent the left guide portion 645 from excessively changing its posture and increasing the operating resistance of the moving plate member 641.

[0234] The means for sturdily forming the left guide portion 645 is not limited to the above. For example, the plate thickness of the left guide portion 645 may be made thicker than the plate thickness of the right guide portion 643, or a rib may be formed to connect the lower portion of the left guide portion 645 and the transmission plate portion 642.

[0235] The contents of the ROM 202 (see FIG. 4) will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13(a) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the ROM 202 in the main control device 110, FIG. 13(b) is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the first winning type counter C2 and the big winning type in the special pattern, and FIG. 13(c) is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the second winning random number counter C4 and the winning in the normal pattern.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the ROM 202 of the main control device 110 stores at least a first winning random number table 202a, a first winning type selection table 202b, a second winning random number table 202c, and a variation pattern selection table 202d as part of the fixed value data described above.

[0237] The first winning random number table 202a is a data table in which the jackpot determination value of the first winning random number counter, which is updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec), is stored. When the value of the first winning random number counter acquired based on the start winning coincides with any of the determination values ​​defined in the first winning random number table 202a, it is determined that the special symbol is a jackpot.

[0238] The first winning type selection table 202b (see FIG. 13(b)) is a data table in which a judgment value for determining a jackpot type is stored, and the judgment value of the first winning type counter C2 is specified in correspondence with each jackpot type and the type of winning slot that triggered the drawing of the special symbol. In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, when a jackpot with a special symbol is judged to be a jackpot, the value of the first winning type counter C2 obtained based on the start winning is compared with the first winning type selection table 202b, and the jackpot type corresponding to the value of the first winning type counter C2 is selected.

[0239] Specifically, when a jackpot is awarded in the lottery for special pattern 1 (a lottery based on the ball entering the first winning port 64), the value of the first winning type counter C2 in the range of "0 to 19" is associated with jackpot A (see 202b1 in Figure 13(b)).

[0240] If jackpot A is obtained, the game state after 15 rounds of jackpot play (special play) is set to a high probability state, and the operation pattern of the electric device 640a is set to the first operation pattern described below, and this state continues until the next jackpot is obtained.

[0241] The range of the value of the first winning type counter C2 from "20 to 49" is defined to correspond to the big win B (see 202b2 in FIG. 13(b)).

[0242] In the case of jackpot B, the game state after 8 rounds of jackpot play (special play) is set to a high probability state, and the state in which the operation pattern of the electric device 640a is set to the second operation pattern described below continues until the next jackpot is obtained.

[0243] The range of the value of the first winning type counter C2 from "50 to 99" is defined to be associated with the big winning C (see 202b3 in FIG. 13(b)).

[0244] In the case of a jackpot C, the game state after four rounds of jackpot play (special play) is set to a low probability state, and the operation pattern of the electric device 640a is set to the second operation pattern described below, and this state continues until 100 special pattern lottery draws are completed.

[0245] In the case of a jackpot based on the drawing of special pattern 1 (a drawing based on the ball entering the first winning slot 64), there is a 20% chance of winning a 15-round jackpot, while there is a 50% chance of winning a 4-round jackpot, so you cannot expect to win a large number of prize balls. On the other hand, a 4-round jackpot game ends in a short time compared to a 15-round jackpot game, so you can start shooting balls early in order to win the next jackpot.

[0246] On the other hand, when a jackpot is awarded in the lottery for special pattern 2 (a lottery based on the ball entering the second winning port 640), the value of the first winning type counter C2 is in the range of "0 to 19", and is associated with jackpot a (see 202b4 in Figure 13(b)).

[0247] In the case of a jackpot a, as in the case of a jackpot A, the game state after 15 rounds of jackpot play (special play) is set to a high probability state, and the operation pattern of the electric device 640a is set to the first operation pattern described below, and this state continues until the next jackpot is obtained.

[0248] The range of the value of the first winning type counter C2 from "20 to 49" is defined to be associated with the big winning b (see 202b5 in FIG. 13(b)).

[0249] In the event of a jackpot b, the game state after 15 rounds of jackpot play (special play) is determined to be a high probability state, and the operation pattern of the electric device 640a is set to the first operation pattern described below, and this state continues until the next jackpot is won.

[0250] The range of the value of the first winning type counter C2 from "50 to 99" is defined to correspond to the big win c (see 202b6 in FIG. 13(b)).

[0251] In the event of a jackpot C, the game state after 15 rounds of jackpot play (special play) is set to a low probability state, and the operation pattern of the electric device 640a is set to the third operation pattern described below, and this state continues until 100 special pattern lottery draws have been completed.

[0252] As described above, when a jackpot is won in the drawing of the special symbol 2 (a drawing based on the ball entering the second winning slot 640), 15 rounds of jackpot play can be played regardless of the type of jackpot, while the allocation of the operation pattern of the electric role 640a after the jackpot play ends is set to be different from the case of a jackpot being won in the drawing of the special symbol 1. The difference is particularly noticeable in the case of the jackpot c, but the details will be described later.

[0253] The second winning random number table 202c (see FIG. 13(c)) is a data table in which winning judgment values ​​for normal symbols are stored. Specifically, in the normal state of normal symbols, "5 to 204" is stipulated as the judgment value for winning a normal symbol (see 202c1 in FIG. 13(c)). Also, in the high probability state of normal symbols, "5 to 204" is stipulated as the judgment value for winning a normal symbol (see 202c2 in FIG. 13(c)).

[0254] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the value of the second winning random number counter C4 acquired based on the ball passing through the normal winning port (through gate) 66, 67, 765 and the second winning random number table 202c are referenced to determine whether or not the normal pattern is a winning pattern. The variation pattern selection table 202d is a data table in which the judgment value of the variation type counter for determining the display mode of the variation pattern is specified for each display mode.

[0255] Figures 14(a) to 14(d) are diagrams showing an example of the detection of the passage of a ball through the normal winning port (through gate) 765 and the time-counting change of the state of the electric role 640a. Note that Figure 14(a) shows the time-counting change in the first operation pattern, Figure 14(b) shows the time-counting change in the second operation pattern, Figure 14(c) shows the time-counting change in the third operation pattern, and Figure 14(d) shows the time-counting change in the fourth operation pattern.

[0256] The fourth operation pattern is an operation pattern that is adopted during normal play or after 100 special symbol lotteries have been completed after the end of the big wins C and c (see FIG. 13(b)).

[0257] In Figures 14(a) to 14(d), when the second pattern is displayed changing due to the detection of the passage of a ball at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 (after about 0.1 seconds in this embodiment), and the "○" pattern is displayed on the second pattern display device 83, the meaning of the state of the electric device 640a at the reference time Td1 (about 0.5 seconds in this embodiment) from the detection of the passage of the ball at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 will be described in detail, among each operation pattern of the electric device 640a based on the time when the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765.

[0258] The length of the reference time Td1 is set as the time corresponding to the time from when the ball passes through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 until when it passes through the right guide portion 643.

[0259] As shown in Figure 14(a), in the first operating pattern, from when the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 66, 67, 765 until the end of the display of the changing second pattern (0.1 seconds after the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765), the moving plate member 641 of the electric device 640a is maintained in an advanced state (also shown as "advanced" in the figure; the same applies in subsequent figures) in which it has advanced into the first ball sending path KR1 for a reference time Td1.

[0260] In the first operating pattern, the electric device 640a remains in the first ball sending path KR1 until approximately 3.0 seconds after the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, exceeding the reference time Td1 (approximately 3.0 seconds pass before the normal pattern stops changing).

[0261] As a result, when the passage of the ball is detected by the normal winning opening (through gate) 67 due to the execution of a right hit, the moving plate member 641 can be maintained in a state in which it has entered the first ball sending path KR1 for a length sufficient to guide the ball that has reached the left side guide portion 645 to the first ball sending portion 734. This makes it easier to get the ball into the second winning opening 640.

[0262] In addition, the movable plate member 641 can be made to enter the first ball throwing path KR1 before the ball detected to have passed through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 passes through the right-side guiding section 643, so that the ball can be made to roll on the upper surface of the right-side guiding section 643 and flow to the right, making it easier to guide it to the second ball throwing section 736.

[0263] This makes it easier for a ball that enters the first winning slot 64 to be swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 and detected by the sensor SE and win a draw for special pattern 1 to enter the second winning slot 640 and win a draw for special pattern 2, compared to a ball that enters the first winning slot 64 and is swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 and detected by the sensor SE and wins a draw for special pattern 1.

[0264] As shown in Figure 14 (b), in the second operating pattern, after the passage of a ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 66, 67, 765, just before the reference time Td1 has elapsed, the moving plate member 641 of the electric device 640a changes to a state in which it has entered the first ball throwing path KR1, and immediately after the reference time Td1 has elapsed, the moving plate member 641 of the electric device 640a changes to a retracted state (also shown as "retracted" in the figure; the same applies in subsequent figures) in which it has retracted from the first ball throwing path KR1.

[0265] In the second operating pattern, the electric device 640a remains in the first ball sending path KR1 until approximately 1.0 second after the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning port (through gate) 765, exceeding the reference time Td1 (approximately 1.0 second passes before the normal pattern stops changing).

[0266] As a result, when the passage of the ball is detected by the normal winning port (through gate) 67 due to a right-handed hit, even if the ball reaches the left-side guiding section 645, it cannot be said that the moving plate member 641 will maintain a state in which it has entered the first ball sending path KR1 for a length sufficient to guide the ball to the first ball sending section 734, and therefore it is not possible to make it easier for the ball to enter the second winning port 640 when playing with a right-handed hit.

[0267] On the other hand, since the moving plate member 641 can be set in a state in which the ball detected to have passed through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 has entered the first ball throwing path KR1 before passing through the right-side guide section 643, the ball can be made to roll on the upper surface of the right-side guide section 643 and flow to the right, making it easier to guide the ball to the second ball throwing section 736. Since the moving plate member 641 is maintained in the entered state for 0.5 seconds after the ball reaches the right-side guide section 643, the ball can be stably thrown toward the second ball throwing section 736.

[0268] This makes it easier for a ball that enters the first winning slot 64 to be swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 and detected by the sensor SE and win a draw for special pattern 1 to enter the second winning slot 640 and win a draw for special pattern 2, compared to a ball that enters the first winning slot 64 and is swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 and detected by the sensor SE and wins a draw for special pattern 1.

[0269] As shown in Figure 14 (c), in the third operating pattern, after the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 66, 67, 765 and the variable display of the second pattern ends (0.1 seconds after the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765), the moving plate member 641 of the electric device 640a is maintained in a state in which it has entered the first ball throwing path KR1, and just before the reference time Td1 has elapsed, the moving plate member 641 of the electric device 640a changes to a state in which it has retreated from the first ball throwing path KR1 (also shown as "retreat" in the figure; the same applies in the following figures), and just after the reference time Td1 has elapsed, the moving plate member 641 of the electric device 640a changes to a state in which it has entered the first ball throwing path KR1.

[0270] In the third operating pattern, after the reference time Td1 has elapsed, the electric device 640a remains in the first ball sending path KR1 until approximately 3.0 seconds have elapsed since the passage of the ball was detected at the normal winning port (through gate) 765 (approximately 3.0 seconds elapse until the normal pattern stops changing).

[0271] As a result, when the passage of the ball is detected by the normal winning opening (through gate) 67 due to the execution of a right hit, the moving plate member 641 can be maintained in a state in which it has entered the first ball sending path KR1 for a length sufficient to guide the ball that has reached the left side guide portion 645 to the first ball sending portion 734. This makes it easier to get the ball into the second winning opening 640.

[0272] On the other hand, since the movable plate member 641 can be moved away from the first ball throwing path KR1 before a ball detected passing through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 passes through the right-side guide section 643, the ball can be rolled on the upper surface of the right-side guide section 643 and guided to the right, thereby preventing the ball from being guided to the second ball throwing section 736.

[0273] This makes it less likely that a ball that enters the first winning port 64 will be swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 and detected by the sensor SE, resulting in a draw for special pattern 1, and less likely that the ball will enter the second winning port 640 and win the draw for special pattern 2.

[0274] In addition, if the normal symbol (second symbol) is still fluctuating when the ball swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 is detected by the normal winning hole (through gate) 765, the electric device 640a may be in the ingress state when the ball reaches the first ball sending path KR1. In this case, the ball swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 enters the second winning hole 640, and the special symbol 2 can be drawn.

[0275] As shown in Fig. 14(d), in the fourth operation pattern, after the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning port (through gate) 66, 67, 765, the moving plate member 641 of the electric role 640a is maintained in a retracted state retracted from the first ball sending path KR1, and after the moving plate member 641 changes to an entering state, the moving plate member 641 of the electric role 640a changes to the retracted state again just before the reference time Td1 has elapsed. In the fourth operation pattern, the control is completed at the reference time Td1 (approximately 0.5 seconds elapse until the change of the normal pattern ends).

[0276] As a result, when the passage of the ball is detected by the normal winning port (through gate) 67 due to a right-handed hit, even if the ball reaches the left-side guiding section 645, it cannot be said that the moving plate member 641 will maintain a state in which it has entered the first ball sending path KR1 for a length sufficient to guide the ball to the first ball sending section 734, and therefore it is not possible to make it easier for the ball to enter the second winning port 640 when playing with a right-handed hit.

[0277] On the other hand, since the movable plate member 641 can be moved away from the first ball throwing path KR1 before a ball detected passing through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 passes through the right-side guide section 643, the ball can be rolled on the upper surface of the right-side guide section 643 and guided to the right, thereby preventing the ball from being guided to the second ball throwing section 736.

[0278] This makes it less likely that a ball that has entered the first winning opening 64 will be swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 and will enter the second winning opening 640 and win a lottery for special symbol 2, compared to a situation in which a ball that has entered the first winning opening 64 will be detected by the sensor SE and win a lottery for special symbol 1. In other words, when multiple balls enter the first winning opening 64, it is possible to configure the lottery for special symbol 1 to be repeatedly won.

[0279] According to each of the operation patterns described above in detail, in a gaming state in which the aim is to win a jackpot by winning the lottery for special symbol 1 or special symbol 2, it is possible to create winning patterns for the lottery for special symbols in different modes.

[0280] For example, in the first and third operation patterns, it is possible to aim to win the lottery for special pattern 2 when playing right-hand, so it is preferable to display the above-mentioned "right-hand hit navigation" on the third pattern display device 81.

[0281] Furthermore, in the first operation pattern, the moving plate member 641 is maintained in the state of entering the first ball sending path KR1 (see FIG. 7(b)) for a long period of time, and the moving plate member 641 is in the state of entering the first ball sending path KR1 when the reference time Td1 has elapsed since the passage of the ball was detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765. Therefore, even if the ball enters the first winning opening 64, the ball can win the lottery for the special symbol 2 with part of the ball swept to the right by the seesaw member 762. This makes it possible to reduce the disadvantage suffered by the player when the ball enters the first winning opening 64 during right-handed play.

[0282] On the other hand, in the third operating pattern, the movable plate member 641 is maintained in the approaching state (see Figure 7 (b)) for a long period of time, but when the reference time Td1 has elapsed since the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, the movable plate member 641 is in a retracted state in which it is retracted from the first ball sending path KR1. Therefore, when the normal pattern (second pattern) begins to fluctuate simultaneously with the passage of the ball at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, the ball passes through the front side of the movable plate member 641 and is guided to the sensor SE.

[0283] That is, when the ball enters the first winning hole 64, the possibility of winning the lottery for the special symbol 2 with the ball swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 can be reduced. This makes it possible to increase the disadvantage suffered by the player when the ball enters the first winning hole 64 during right-hand play, compared to the first operation pattern.

[0284] For example, in the second and fourth operation patterns, it is difficult to aim to win the lottery for special pattern 2 in right-hand play because the operating time of the electric device 640a is too short, so it is preferable not to display the above-mentioned "right-hand play navigation" on the third pattern display device 81 and to recommend left-hand play.

[0285] In this case, in the second operating pattern, the movable plate member 641 is in an entry state (see Figure 7 (b)) in which it has entered the first ball sending path KR1 when a reference time Td1 has elapsed since the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, so that even if the ball enters the first winning opening 64, a part of the ball that has been swept to the right by the seesaw member 762 can be used to win the lottery for special pattern 2.

[0286] This allows the player to alternate between the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2 in the lottery for the special symbol that can be won when the ball enters the first winning port 64 during left-handed play. Note that when the moving plate member 641 is in the entry state at the time when the reference time Td1 has elapsed since the passage of the ball was detected at the normal winning port (through gate) 765, the lottery for the special symbol 2 can be won only when the normal symbol (second symbol) starts to fluctuate at the same time as the ball passes through the normal winning port (through gate) 765. Therefore, if the normal symbol (second symbol) is still fluctuating when the passage of the ball is detected at the normal winning port (through gate) 765, the effect of making it easier to win the lottery for the special symbol 2 cannot be achieved.

[0287] On the other hand, in the second operation pattern (or the fourth operation pattern), the time from the detection of the ball at the normal winning port (through gate) 765 to the end of the operation control of the electric role 640a is set to 0.5 seconds, so that the possibility of the occurrence of a situation in which the fluctuation of the normal pattern (second pattern) is withheld can be reduced compared to the first and third operation patterns in which the same time span is set to 3 seconds. Therefore, the effect of easily winning the lottery for the special pattern 2 can be achieved with a high probability.

[0288] On the other hand, in the fourth operation pattern, the entry state of the moving plate member 641 (see FIG. 7(b)) is short like the second operation pattern, and in addition, the moving plate member 641 is in the retreated state when the reference time Td1 has elapsed since the passage of the ball was detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, so that when the ball enters the first winning opening 64, it is possible to reduce the possibility of winning the lottery for the special symbol 2 with the ball swept to the right by the seesaw member 762. As a result, when the ball enters the first winning opening 64 during left-handed play, the lottery for the special symbol 1 can account for most of the lotteries for the special symbols that the player can win.

[0289] As described above in detail, according to each operation pattern, in a gaming state in which the aim is to win a jackpot by winning the lottery for special symbol 1 or special symbol 2, it is possible to create winning patterns for the lottery for special symbols in different modes.

[0290] Returning to FIG. 13(b), the difference in the profit that the player can get when the special symbol 1 jackpot is won and when the special symbol 2 jackpot is won will be described.

[0291] First, the probability of winning the maximum round (15 rounds in this embodiment) is higher with special symbol 2. Among jackpots with special symbol 1, the maximum round jackpot is 20% while the maximum round jackpot is 100% with special symbol 2. Therefore, at least in terms of the number of winning balls, the profit a player can get from a jackpot with special symbol 2 is greater than the profit a player can get from a jackpot with special symbol 1.

[0292] In addition, in the case where a high probability state is reached after the end of a jackpot game, if the jackpot is a special symbol 2, right-hand play will be performed 100%, and the special symbol 2 can be drawn repeatedly. However, in 30% of jackpots with special symbol 1 (jackpot B), right-hand play will not be performed and left-hand play is recommended, and the drawings for special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 will occur alternately.

[0293] In this case, when playing with the left hand, the time efficiency of winning the lottery for the special symbol is lower than when playing with the right hand, and since the lottery for special symbol 1 is executed with a 1 / 2 chance, the hurdle to winning the maximum round of the jackpot is higher.

[0294] In addition, in the case where a low probability state occurs after a jackpot play ends, if the jackpot is a special symbol 2 (jackpot c), the player will play with the right hand and the player will be able to repeatedly win the lottery for special symbol 2. However, if the jackpot is a special symbol 1 (jackpot C), the player will not play with the right hand and left hand play is recommended, and the lottery for special symbol 1 and the lottery for special symbol 2 will occur alternately.

[0295] In this case, when playing with the left hand, the time efficiency of winning the lottery for the special symbol is lower than when playing with the right hand, and since the lottery for special symbol 1 is executed with a 1 / 2 chance, the hurdle to winning the maximum round of the jackpot is higher.

[0296] Furthermore, although the condition of 100 draws for the special symbol is the same, with jackpot C it is easy to win 100 draws for special symbol 2, whereas with jackpot C the 100 draws are completed after 50 draws for special symbol 1 and 50 draws for special symbol 2, so in effect you can only win 50 draws for special symbol 2.

[0297] In summary, compared to a jackpot by drawing special pattern 1, a jackpot by drawing special pattern 2 has at least the following advantages: first, it is easier to win a jackpot of the maximum round; second, it is easier to enter a gaming state in which special pattern 2 is repeatedly drawn; and third, it is easier to maintain a high time efficiency in winning special pattern drawings by playing to the right.

[0298] In the above first embodiment, when the lottery for the special symbol 2 is executed preferentially, the variable time for the lottery is selected from options of about 3 seconds to 5 minutes by probability, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the lottery is executed simultaneously for the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2, the game state may be configured to intentionally set the variable time for the lottery for the special symbol 2 to be long.

[0299] That is, for example, in the 100 drawings of special symbols after the end of the jackpot B or the end of the jackpot C, the variable time for the drawing of the special symbol 2 may be always set to 10 minutes. In this case, on the premise that the ball that entered the first winning port 64 alternates between passing through the sensor SE and passing through the second winning port 640, if the ball is allowed to enter the first winning port 64 after the reserved number of special symbols 2 is full, the ball will not be able to win the drawing of the special symbol 2 even if it passes through the second winning port 640, and the drawing of the special symbol 1 will be repeatedly executed.

[0300] Also, when the reserved number of special symbols 2 is full, the player can play the game so that the ball does not enter the first winning hole 64, but in this case, the time efficiency of the game can be reduced, and the number of big wins that occur within the same time can be reduced. This makes it easier for the gaming machine store to avoid running in the red.

[0301] In the above-described game state, a ball drifted to the right from the seesaw member 762 gives the player the benefit of winning the lottery for special pattern 2 and the benefit of receiving a prize ball until the reserved number of special pattern 2 is full, and therefore the benefit obtained by the player is greater than that obtained by a ball drifted to the left from the seesaw member 762, which gives the player the benefit of winning the lottery for special pattern 1 and the benefit of receiving a prize ball.

[0302] On the other hand, when the reserved number of special symbol 2 is full, a ball that is swept to the right from the seesaw member 762 only provides the player with the benefit of receiving a prize ball, and therefore the benefit that the player can obtain is smaller than that of a ball that is swept to the left from the seesaw member 762, since it includes the benefit of winning the lottery for special symbol 1.

[0303] In other words, the amount of benefit given to the player by the balls that are swept to the right and the balls that are swept to the left from the seesaw member 762 can be switched depending on whether the number of reserved special symbols 2 is full or not.

[0304] In the above-mentioned game state, the operation of the moving plate member 641 based on the detection of a ball at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 may be configured to be selected by lottery from a plurality of operation patterns.

[0305] For example, the operation may be controlled so that the second operation pattern is 5% and the remaining 95% is the fourth operation pattern. In this case, if the moving plate member 641 operates in the second operation pattern, there is an advantage that the lottery for the special symbol 2 can be won, so that the attention to the moving plate member 641 can be improved.

[0306] On the other hand, when the reserved number of special symbols 2 is full, if the moving plate member 641 is operated in the fourth operation pattern, the lottery for special symbol 1 can be won, but if the moving plate member 641 is operated in the second operation pattern, there is a disadvantage that neither the lottery for special symbols 1 nor 2 can be won, so even in this case, the attention to the moving plate member 641 can be improved. In other words, whether the reserved number of special symbols 2 is full or not, the attention to the moving plate member 641 can be improved.

[0307] In addition, when the lottery is performed simultaneously for special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, a game state may be configured in which the variable time for the lottery for special symbol 1 is intentionally set long. For example, by always setting the variable time for the lottery for special symbol 1 to 10 minutes, in a game state in which the lottery for special symbol 1 and the lottery for special symbol 2 can both occur, the lottery for special symbol 2 can be performed multiple times before the result of the lottery for special symbol 1 is announced. This reduces the possibility that a jackpot due to the lottery for special symbol 1 occurs unintentionally, causing a disadvantage to the player.

[0308] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0309] It is possible to equalize the flow speed of the balls flowing down the right-side inclined surface 761 where the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 is located, and the balls flowing down the left-side inclined surface 761 where the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 is not located.

[0310] In addition, at the position where the ball that entered the first winning opening 64 branches off into the flow path on the second winning opening 640 side (for example, the first ball sending path KR1) and at the position where the ball falls toward the second winning opening 640 side (for example, the upper ball passing hole 713, the lower ball passing hole 714), the ball's flow direction has a front-rear direction component. This makes it possible to highlight the points that are closely related to the ball's flow toward the second winning opening 640.

[0311] In addition, the paths to the second winning opening 640 merge in front of the lower ball passing hole 714, but this merging position is sufficiently far from the moving plate member 641. This makes it possible to prevent a load from a ball colliding at the merging position from being applied to the moving plate member 641. Note that it is also possible to avoid the merging of the flow paths in front of the lower ball passing hole 714 by shifting the left-right positions of the upper ball passing hole 713 and the lower ball passing hole 714 and expanding the left-right width of the second winning opening 640 to more than the width of two balls.

[0312] Also, it is possible to form a case where it is possible to manage so that the next ball is not detected by the normal winning port (through gate) 765 until the variable display of the normal symbol ends after the ball is detected by the normal winning port (through gate) 765. This allows the electric role 640a, which is controlled by the detection of the ball, to act in a timely manner on the ball that has passed through the normal winning port (through gate) 765.

[0313] In addition, the moving plate member 641 is disposed so as to be able to act on balls that have passed through the normal winning opening (through gate) 765 as well as on balls that have passed through the normal winning openings (through gates) 66 and 67. This can increase the availability of the moving plate member 641.

[0314] That is, the movable plate member 641 can be effectively used in a game state where a left-handed play aiming at the ball entering the first winning hole 64 is recommended, and in a game state where a right-handed play aiming at the ball entering the normal winning hole (through gate) 67 is recommended. This effect is not limited to a symmetrical board surface, but is also effective, for example, in an asymmetrical board surface (for example, a configuration in which the normal winning hole (through gate) 66 is omitted).

[0315] In addition, regarding the number of balls that can be placed on the moving plate member 641, while multiple balls can be placed on the left guide part 645 at the same time, the number of balls that can be placed on the right guide part 643 is limited to one. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the moving plate member 641 by making the right guide part 643 stronger than the left guide part 645.

[0316] In addition, by preparing multiple operation patterns of the electric roler 640a, it is possible to create different patterns for drawing the special symbols. For example, when the ball repeatedly enters the first winning slot 64, it is possible to switch between a pattern in which the special symbol 1 is drawn repeatedly and a pattern in which the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2 are drawn alternately.

[0317] In addition, when right-hand play is recommended as a pattern for winning the lottery for the special symbols, if the ball accidentally enters the first winning slot 64, it is possible to switch between a pattern in which it is easy to repeatedly win the lottery for special symbol 1, and a pattern in which there is a high probability that the winning of the lottery for special symbol 1 will be avoided for a ball that is swept to the right by the seesaw member 762.

[0318] Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15 to Fig. 24. In the first embodiment, a case was described in which a ball passes through a normal winning port (through gate) 765 when flowing down one of the paths allocated by the path configuration device 700, but the allocation unit 980 of the second embodiment is configured so that the ball passes through detection devices SE4 and SE5 as normal winning ports (through gates) in the multiple paths to which the balls are allocated. Note that the same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0319] Fig. 15 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board 13 in the second embodiment. Note that in Fig. 15, units other than the winning hole unit 930 and the ball throwing unit 970 disposed on the base plate 60 are omitted from the illustration.

[0320] As shown in FIG. 15, a through hole 2060a penetrating the base plate 60 in the thickness direction is formed by router processing below a central opening to which the center frame 86 (see FIG. 2) is attached.

[0321] The through hole 2060a is formed slightly smaller than the outer shape of the front unit 940, described later, when viewed from the front, and the drive unit 960 and the specific winning port unit 950 arranged in the front unit 940 are inserted inside.

[0322] On the base plate 60, the winning port unit 930 is disposed from the play area (front side), and the ball throwing unit 970 is disposed from the opposite side (back side) of the play area, and each is fastened and fixed by tapping screws, etc. The detailed configurations of the winning port unit 930 and the ball throwing unit 970 will be described later.

[0323] The winning port unit 930 is formed mainly by including a front unit 940, a specific winning port unit 950 disposed on the back side of the front unit 940, a drive unit 960 disposed on the back side of the specific winning port unit 950, and a displacement member 966 configured to be movable in the vertical direction by the driving force of the drive unit 960. The displacement member 966 will be described later.

[0324] A portion of the specific winning port unit 950 is inserted inside the specific winning port 65a formed in the front unit 940, and a game ball can be sent to the inside of the specific winning port unit 950 through the specific winning port 65a.

[0325] The drive unit 960 is disposed on the back side of the specific winning port unit 950, and is connected to the feather member 945 disposed in the front unit 940 via a displacement member 966. This allows the feather member 945 to be rotationally displaced by operating the displacement member 966 with the driving force of the drive unit 960. The operation of the feather member 945 will be described in detail later.

[0326] Next, the front unit 940 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 16 to Fig. 18. Fig. 16(a) is a front view of the front unit 940, and Fig. 16(b) is a rear view of the front unit 940. Fig. 17 is an exploded front perspective view of the front unit 940, and Fig. 18 is an exploded rear perspective view of the front unit 940. Note that in Fig. 16(a) and Fig. 16(b), the outer shape of the blade member 945 is shown by hidden lines.

[0327] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the front unit 940 is mainly formed by a rear base 941 fastened to the base plate 60, a front base 943 arranged on the rear base 941 at a distance greater than the diameter of a game ball, and two (a pair) of wing members 945 arranged in a rotatable state between the opposing rear base 941 and the front base 943.

[0328] The rear base 941 is formed of a plate-like body having a predetermined thickness and an outer shape that is upside down in a front view of the rear base 941. The rear base 941 is formed of a colorless and transparent resin material, and when the prize winning port unit 930 (front unit 940) is disposed on the base plate 60, the inside of the through hole 2060a of the base plate 60 can be seen through the rear base 941.

[0329] The rear base 941 mainly comprises a first outlet 71 cut out at the lower end, a specific winning opening 65a located above the first outlet 71 and formed as a long rectangle in the horizontal direction, a second winning opening 640 formed above the specific winning opening 65a, and a first winning opening 64 cut out at the edge (upper edge) opposite the first outlet 71.

[0330] The rear base 941 has a plurality of through holes 941a penetrating in the plate thickness direction at the outer edge portion. The through holes 941a are formed of a first through hole 941a1 whose diameter decreases from the front side to the rear side, and a second through hole 941a2 whose diameter decreases from the rear side to the front side.

[0331] The first through hole 941a1 is a hole through which a tapping screw for fastening the rear base 941 (prize-winning opening unit 930) to the base plate 60 is inserted, and the inner diameter is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the screwed-in portion of the tapping screw.

[0332] As described above, the first through hole 941a1 is formed with a diameter decreasing from the front side to the rear side, so that the head of the tapping screw can be accommodated in the enlarged diameter portion on the front side. Therefore, the head of the tapping screw can be prevented from protruding into the play area. Furthermore, a positioning protrusion 942a protruding in a cylindrical shape from the rear surface of the rear base 941 is formed near the first through hole 941a1.

[0333] The positioning protrusion 942a is formed at a position corresponding to a positioning hole formed around the through hole 2060a of the base plate 60, and is formed with an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the positioning hole. This allows the rear base 941 (prize winning port unit 930) to be positioned and disposed relative to the base plate 60.

[0334] The second through hole 941a2 is a hole through which a screw for fastening the rear base 941 and the front base 943 is inserted from the rear base 941 side, and the inner diameter is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the screw-in portion. That is, the front base 943 is fastened with a screw from the rear side of the rear base 941. In this case, the operation of removing the front base 943 from the rear base 941 needs to be performed in a state in which the winning port unit 930 has been removed from the base plate 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player from tampering by removing only the front base 943 from the front side (play area side) of the game board 13.

[0335] As described above, the second through hole 941a2 is formed with a diameter decreasing from the rear side to the front side, so that the head of the screw can be accommodated in the enlarged diameter portion on the rear side. Therefore, the head of the screw can be prevented from protruding from the rear side of the rear base 941. As a result, when the specific winning hole unit 950 described later is disposed on the rear side of the rear base 941, the head of the screw can be prevented from abutting against the specific winning hole unit 950.

[0336] The outer shape of the lower end of the rear base 941 in the direction of gravity is formed along the inner edge of the inner rail 61 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 13. The first outlet 71 is formed with a dimension such that the edge of the cutout bottom (the edge on the upper side in the direction of gravity) is separated from the inner edge of the inner rail 61 by a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, game balls that flow down the game area formed on the front side of the game board 13 and do not flow into any of the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 640, the specific winning opening 65a, and the general winning opening 63 (see FIG. 2) can be sent to the rear side of the game board 13 (the opposite side of the game area) via the first outlet 71.

[0337] The first winning opening 64 is formed by cutting out the end opposite the first outlet 71 in a semicircular shape. The first winning opening 64 is also formed so that the inner edge dimension is larger than the diameter of the game ball. This allows the game ball that flows into the inside of the first receiving portion 941g (described later) to be sent through the first winning opening 64 to the rear side (the opposite side of the game area (the front side of the paper in FIG. 16(b)).

[0338] The edge of the first winning opening 64 is formed with a first receiving portion 941g that protrudes toward the playing area (the front side of the paper in Figure 16(a)) and is cup-shaped, and a first ball throwing portion 942g that protrudes with a U-shaped cross-section on the opposite side to the playing area (the front side of the paper in Figure 16(b)).

[0339] The first receiving portion 941g is formed to have a size capable of receiving one game ball inside. This allows the game ball flowing down the game area from the upper side of the first receiving portion 941g (first winning port 64) in the gravity direction to flow inside the first receiving portion 941g.

[0340] In addition, the first receiving portion 941g is formed such that the bottom surface is inclined downward toward the rear side. This allows the game ball that has flowed into the first receiving portion 941g to be sent to the rear side (the first ball sending portion 942g side) through the first winning opening 64.

[0341] Furthermore, the first receiving portion 941g includes a guide portion 941g1 extending downward from the upper end portions of both ends of the short side direction (left and right direction in FIG. 16) of the base plate 60, and inclining outward in the left and right direction. The guide portion 941g1 is formed in a plate-like body having a predetermined thickness, and a side surface opposite the play area (back side) is connected to the front side of the back base 941. This can increase the rigidity of the first receiving portion 941g, and can suppress damage to the first receiving portion 941g caused by a game ball flowing down the flow-down area colliding with the first receiving portion 941g.

[0342] Furthermore, if the first winning hole 64, the second winning hole 640, and the specific winning hole 65 are integrally formed on the back base 941, there is a possibility that the arrangement of the game nails that change the game ball flowing down the game area will be insufficient, making it difficult to change the flow direction of the game ball. Therefore, there is a risk that the interest of the player will be lost, but by having the game ball collide with the guide portion 941g1, the flow direction of the game ball can be changed, and the loss of interest of the player can be suppressed.

[0343] Furthermore, when a game ball flowing down the front side of the rear base 941 toward the second winning opening 640 collides with the guide portion 941g1, the guide portion 941g1 can guide the game ball outward in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to prevent the probability of the game ball entering the second winning opening 640 from becoming excessively high.

[0344] The first ball throwing section 942g is formed in a U-shape with the upper side open in the direction of gravity, and the distance between the opposing inner edges is formed to be larger than the diameter of the game ball. The bottom surface of the first ball throwing section 942g is formed to be inclined downward toward the back side, and the protruding tip side is abutted against the edge of the inlet 982d of the ball throwing unit 970 described later. This allows the game ball thrown from the inside of the first receiving section 941g through the first winning port 64 to the first ball throwing section 942g to roll toward the back side and be thrown to the ball throwing unit 970.

[0345] The upper end of the first ball throwing section 942g has a first recess 942g1 cut into a rectangular shape in side view. The first recess 942g1 is a notch on which a second protrusion 982d1 of the ball throwing unit 970 described later is placed, and is recessed to a size approximately equal to the shape of the second protrusion 982d1 in side view. The arrangement of the first ball throwing section 942g and the ball throwing unit 970 will be described in detail later.

[0346] The second winning hole 640 is formed to have a substantially D-shape with a curved upper portion when viewed from the front, and the inner edge is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the game ball. This allows the game ball sent between the opposing blade members 945 (described later) to be sent from the second winning hole 640 to the back side.

[0347] The second winning opening 640 is formed at its edge with a front side wall portion 941b that protrudes toward the front side, and a second ball throwing portion 942c that protrudes toward the rear side.

[0348] The front side wall portion 941b is formed along both side edges of the second winning hole in the short direction of the base plate 60. The front side wall portion 941b is set to a size such that its protruding tip surface abuts against a ball sending guide portion 943d of the front base 943 described later.

[0349] The second ball sending section 942c is formed at both ends of the lower edge of the second winning opening 640 by bending it into a generally L-shape when viewed from the rear. The dimension of the second ball sending section 942c in the direction of gravity (the vertical direction in FIG. 16(b)) is set to be larger than the radius of the game ball. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball rolling on the rolling section 943a of the front base 943, which will be described later, from falling from the upper surface of the rolling section 943a.

[0350] The pair of second ball sending sections 942c have a distance dimension between them in the short direction of the base plate 60 (left-right direction in Figure 16(b)) that is set to be approximately the same as the length dimension of the rolling section 943a of the front base 943 described later in the short direction of the base plate 60 (left-right direction in Figure 16(b)), and the rolling section 943a is arranged on the inside.

[0351] In the assembled state, second ball throwing section 942c is disposed inside displacement member 966 and disposed opposite displacement member 966 in the up, down, left, and right directions. The left-right width between the outer sides of second ball throwing section 942c is formed slightly shorter than the left-right width between the inner sides of second opening 966c of displacement member 966. This allows second ball throwing section 942c to limit the left-right displacement of displacement member 966.

[0352] The rear base 941 is formed with: first axis holes 941d recessed in two circular locations on the upper side (first prize winning port 64 side) near the second winning port 640 from the game area side of the rear base 941 toward the opposite side of the game area; two first openings 941e curved around the axis of the first axis holes 941d and formed through the rear base 941; and a first guide wall 942b located outside the opposing directions of the two first openings 941e and protruding toward the rear side.

[0353] The first shaft hole 941d is capable of supporting a shaft member 945a which pivotally supports the blade member 945 described below, and is formed with an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the shaft member 945a, so that one end of the shaft member 945a can be inserted into the first shaft hole 941d and supported.

[0354] The first opening 941e is opened in an arc shape with the center of the first shaft hole 941d as an axis. The first opening 941e is configured to allow the protrusion 945b of the feather member 945 to be inserted therethrough, and is set to be larger than the maximum width dimension of the protrusion 945b in the radial direction of the rotation shaft (insertion hole 945c) of the feather member 945. This makes it possible to prevent the protrusion 945b from contacting the inner surface of the first opening 941e when the feather member 945 rotates.

[0355] The pair of first guide walls 942b are walls that guide the upward and downward displacement of the displacement member 966 when the displacement member 966 described later is displaced, and the distance dimension between the pair of opposing first guide walls 942b is set to be slightly larger than the distance dimension in the short side direction (left and right direction) of the displacement member 966.

[0356] The pair of first guide walls 942b are formed in a generally L-shape in rear view, and extend in a direction in which the bent portions approach each other. This allows the protrusion 966a of the displacement member 966 to abut against the bent portions of the first guide walls 942b, thereby regulating the displacement distance of the displacement member 966.

[0357] The specific winning opening 65a is formed as a long rectangular opening in the opposing direction of the pair of blade members 945 (left and right direction in Figure 16 (b)), and an opening and closing plate of the specific winning opening unit 950 described later is arranged inside the opening.

[0358] The rear base 941 has a bulge portion 942h that bulges between the specific winning opening 65a and the second ball sending portion 942c, and a second guide wall 942d that protrudes from the outer frame of the specific winning opening 65a toward the first guide wall 942b (upper side of Figure 16 (b)).

[0359] The bulging portion 942h bulges out toward the rear side of the rear base 941, and is connected to the outer frame of the specific winning opening 65a and the second ball sending portion 942c. This makes it possible to reduce the contact area between the displacement member 966 and the rear surface of the rear base 941 when the displacement member 966 described later is disposed on the rear side of the rear base 941, and thus makes it possible to suppress the frictional (sliding) resistance of the displacement member 966.

[0360] The second guide wall 942d is a wall surface that guides the displacement of a lower end portion of the displacement member 966, and the distance between the opposing second guide walls 942d is set to be slightly larger than the distance in the short side direction of the displacement member 966. Therefore, when the displacement member 966 is disposed between the opposing pair of second guide walls 942d, the displacement distance of the lower end portion of the displacement member 966 in the short side direction (left and right direction) of the displacement member 966 can be regulated.

[0361] Therefore, not only is the above-mentioned second ball throwing portion 942c disposed on the inside, but the left-right displacement of displacement member 966 is also limited by the fact that second guide wall 942d is disposed on the outside, thereby making it possible to limit the left-right displacement of displacement member 966 for a long period of time.

[0362] The rear base 941 is provided with a second outlet 941f formed by cutting out a semicircular shape downward from the upper edge of both the left and right ends of the specific winning port 65a. The second outlet 941f is a cutout for sending the game ball that has flowed into the third receiving portion 944a formed in the front base 943 to the rear side of the base plate 60, and is formed in a shape larger than the diameter of the game ball.

[0363] In addition, a third ball throwing section 942e that is formed in a substantially U-shape in rear view and protrudes to the rear side is formed on the edge of the second outlet 941f. This allows the game ball that is thrown to the rear side through the inside of the second outlet 941f to be thrown to the inside of the third ball throwing section 942e.

[0364] The third ball throwing section 942e is formed so that the U-shaped curved portion (lower portion) when viewed from the rear is inclined downward in the direction of gravity as it protrudes toward the rear side, allowing the game ball thrown from the second outlet 941f to roll toward the rear side.

[0365] The rear base 941 is formed with a third through hole 941i formed in a shape extending linearly upward from the upper end of the first opening 941e, a fourth through hole 941j formed in an arc shape centered on the axis of the first axis hole 941d from the upper end of the third through hole 941i toward the left and right outside, a ball throwing hole 941k drilled between the pair of third through holes 941i with a size allowing a game ball to pass through, and a rolling plate portion 941l extending toward the rear side from the lower edge portion of the ball throwing hole 941k as a base end.

[0366] The third through hole 941i is a through hole for passing the extension portion 945d and the plate-shaped portion 945e to the rear side when the wing member 945 is assembled. The fourth through hole 941j is a through hole for allowing the extension portion 945d to be displaced when the wing member 945 operates, and is drilled in a shape that includes the entire displacement trajectory of the extension portion 945d in a front view (as viewed in the axial direction of the shaft member 945a). Since the plate-shaped portion 945e is disposed on the rear side through the rear base 941, it is not necessary to consider the displacement trajectory of the plate-shaped portion 945e.

[0367] The ball throwing hole 941k is an opening for throwing a ball that has rolled on the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 945e to the front side when the wing member 945 is in an open state. Since the lower part of the ball throwing hole 941k is left open on the front side of the ball throwing hole 941k (see FIGS. 17 and 18), it is possible to reduce the possibility of a ball entering the ball throwing hole 941k from the front side.

[0368] In other words, the front area of ​​ball throwing hole 941k can be formed as a meeting point between the ball rolling on the upper surface of plate-shaped portion 945e and the ball rolling on the upper surface of feather-shaped main body 945, and the flow of balls through ball throwing hole 941k can be made to flow exclusively toward the front side.

[0369] The rolling plate portion 941l is formed as an inclined plate that is inclined upward toward the rear side, and is configured to allow a ball that has landed on the extended tip side to flow down to the base end side (front side). The ball that rolls on the upper surface of the rolling plate portion 941 and reaches the base end side passes through the ball sending hole 941k to reach the front side of the rear base 941 (the space between the rear base 941 and the front base 943), and then flows down.

[0370] The front base 943 is formed in a generally upside-down T-shape with an outer shape smaller than that of the rear base when viewed from the front. The front base 943 is formed from a colorless and transparent plate-like body. This allows the player to visually recognize the game ball flowing down between the opposing front base 943 and rear base 941.

[0371] The front base 943 is formed mainly by comprising a second receiving portion 943c and a third receiving portion 944a which are protruded at positions corresponding to the second winning opening 640 and the second outlet opening 941f of the rear base 941 described above, respectively.

[0372] The second receiving portion 943c is formed in a substantially U-shape when viewed from the rear, and the second winning hole 640 of the rear base 941 is disposed on the inside when viewed from the front. In addition, a pair of feather members 945, which will be described later, is disposed on the open side (the open side of the U-shape) of the second receiving portion 943c.

[0373] Furthermore, the protruding distance of the second receiving portion 943c toward the rear base 941 side is set to be greater than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, the game ball can be sent between the opposing rear base 941 and the front base 943, and the game ball can be prevented from flowing into the second winning hole 640 from the outside between the opposing pair of wing members 945 described later.

[0374] Second receiving portion 943c also includes a ball throwing guide portion 943d protruding inward from its inner edge, and a rolling portion 943a protruding from the inside of the curved portion toward the rear base side.

[0375] The ball throwing guide portion 943d is formed as a pair on the lower side of the pair of wing members 945. The pair of ball throwing guide portions 943d are formed at positions corresponding to the front side wall portion 941b of the rear base 941, respectively, and when the rear base 941 and the front base 943 are combined, their end faces are abutted against each other. This allows the game ball that has flowed between the opposing wing members 945 to be thrown between the opposing ball throwing guide portions 943d.

[0376] The rolling portion 943a is formed below the opposing portion between the pair of ball sending guide portions 943d, and has an upper end surface 943a1 formed to be inclined downward toward the rear base 941. As described above, when the rear base 941 and the front base 943 are fastened (combined), the rolling portion 943a is disposed at the inner lower end of the second winning opening 640, and has a tip end protruding from the rear side of the rear base 941.

[0377] This allows the game ball sent between the pair of opposing ball sending guide portions 943d to be sent to the end face 943a1 of the rolling portion 943a, and the game ball can be rolled on the upper part of the end face 943a1 and sent to the rear side of the rear base 941.

[0378] Further, the front base 943 is provided with an annular projection 943b that protrudes in an annular shape at a position facing the first shaft hole 941d of the rear base 941 on the opening side (upper side) of the second receiving portion 943c. The annular projection 943b is provided with a second shaft hole 943b1 on its inner edge, and the other end of the shaft member 945a that supports the blade member 945 described later can be inserted into the inside of the second shaft hole 943b1. As described above, one end of the shaft member 945a is inserted into the first shaft hole 941d of the rear base 941. Therefore, the shaft member 945a can be supported by being sandwiched between the opposing rear base 941 and the front base 943.

[0379] The third receiving portion 944a is formed in a substantially U-shape when viewed from the rear, and the second outlet 941f of the rear base 941 is disposed inside the third receiving portion 944a. This allows game balls flowing down the play area of ​​the game board 13 to flow into the inside of the third receiving portion 944a, and the game balls that have flowed into the third receiving portion 944a can be sent to the rear side via the second outlet 941f.

[0380] The feather members 945 are arranged in a pair on either side of the second winning opening 640 formed in the rear base 941 when viewed from the front. The feather members 945 are formed from a colored translucent material and are visible to the player through the front base 943.

[0381] The feather member 945 mainly comprises a feather-shaped main body 945m which is formed in a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the front and which is formed with a thickness smaller than the width between the rear base 941 and the front base 943, a protrusion 945b which protrudes from the rear side of the feather-shaped main body 945m, an insertion hole 945c which is formed through the thickness direction of the feather-shaped main body 945m (from the rear base 941 side to the front base 943 side), a connecting portion 945d which extends from the end of the feather-shaped main body 945m opposite the side where the insertion hole 945c is located toward the rear side, and a plate-shaped portion 945e which extends in a plate shape from the tip side of the extension portion 945d in the longitudinal direction of the feather-shaped main body 945m (up and down direction in Figure 16 (a)).

[0382] The extension portion 945d and the plate-like portion 945e are portions that pass through the through-holes 941i, 941j in the assembled state (see FIG. 16(a)) and are configured to be operable inside the sorting unit 980, and will be described in detail later.

[0383] The insertion hole 945c is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft member 945a supported between the opposing rear base 941 and the front base 943. Therefore, when fastening (assembling) the rear base 941 and the front base 943, the shaft member 945a is inserted into the insertion hole 945c, so that the wing member 945 can be disposed between the opposing rear base 941 and the front base 943 in a rotatable state. This allows the wing member 945 to be displaced between a closed state (see FIG. 16(a)) in which the rotating tips are close to each other, and an open state in which the rotating tips are displaced to open outward to both the left and right.

[0384] The protrusion 945b is a transmission part that is inserted into a sliding groove 966a2 of a displacement member 966 described later and transmits the driving force of the drive unit 960. The protrusion 945b has a dimension that allows its tip to pass through a first opening 941e of the rear base 941 and protrude toward the rear side of the rear base 941, and to be inserted into the sliding groove 966a2.

[0385] The displacement member 966 is formed in a U-shape with an open upper side when viewed from the front, and has a protruding portion 966a protruding outward in the left-right direction from the upper end, and a bulging portion 966b bulging toward the rear side from the lower end, and a second opening 966c is formed therethrough at approximately the center when viewed from the front.

[0386] The second opening 966c is formed such that the shape of the inner edge in a front view is larger than the second winning opening 640, and the second winning opening 640 is disposed inside. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball sent to the opposite side of the game area through the second winning opening 640 from colliding with the inner edge of the displacement member 966.

[0387] The protruding portion 966a includes contact portions 966a1 located on both outer sides in the short side direction of the displacement member 966 and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a sliding groove 966a2 formed penetrating the displacement member 966 in the plate thickness direction.

[0388] The sliding groove 966a2 is an elongated hole into which the above-mentioned protrusion 945b of the feather member 945 is inserted, and is formed as an elongated hole that is long in the short direction of the displacement member 966. The width dimension of the sliding groove 966a2 is set to be larger than the width dimension of the protrusion 945b in the radial direction of the rotation shaft (insertion hole 945c) of the feather member 945. This makes it possible to prevent the protrusion 945b from contacting both inner faces of the sliding groove 966a2 facing each other in the width direction when the feather member 945 rotates, thereby preventing the movement of the feather member 945 from being restricted.

[0389] The bulging portion 966b is formed to bulge out toward the rear side (the rear base 941 side), and has a horizontally long rectangular connecting hole 966b1 formed in the inner portion in rear view. The connecting hole 966b1 is an opening into which the transmission member of the drive unit 960 is inserted, and the shape of the inner edge is set to be larger than the outer shape of the tip of the transmission member.

[0390] The wing member 945 is in a closed state in response to the displacement member 966 being placed in a lower position via the transmission member of the drive unit 960. On the other hand, the wing member 945 is in an open state in response to the displacement member 966 being placed in an upper position via the transmission member of the drive unit 960.

[0391] Next, the sorting unit 980 will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19(a) is a front view of the sorting unit 980, Figure 19(b) is a rear view of the sorting unit 980, Figure 20(a) is a cross-sectional view of the sorting unit 980 taken along line XXa-XXa in Figure 19(a), and Figure 20(b) is a cross-sectional view of the sorting unit 980 taken along line XXb-XXb in Figure 20(a).

[0392] The distribution unit 980 is formed mainly by including a rear base 985, a front base 981 disposed on the player side of the rear base 985, and a distribution section 983 disposed in a rotatable state between the front base 981 and the rear base. The distribution section 983 is a member corresponding to the seesaw member 762 in the first embodiment.

[0393] The rear base 985 is formed from a colored translucent resin material (blue in this embodiment) and is mainly comprised of a base portion 985a formed in a plate-like body, a plurality of openings (openings 985b to 985g) penetrating through the thickness direction of the base portion 985a, a recess 985h recessed into the upper side of the plurality of openings, and a accommodating portion 986b protruding from the opposite surface of the recess 985h.

[0394] The base portion 985a is formed in a vertically elongated rectangle when viewed from the front, and is formed with a plurality of fastening holes 986c and 986d that penetrate the outer edge of the base portion 985a in a circular shape. The fastening holes 986c are holes into which screws that are inserted through a front base 981 (described later) are screwed. This allows the front base 981 and the rear base 985 to be fastened together. The fastening holes 986d are holes into which screws that are inserted through a passage unit 990 (described later) are screwed. This allows the rear base 985 (sorting unit 980) and the passage unit 990 to be fastened together.

[0395] The recess 985h is recessed from the front base 981 side toward the back side at approximately the center position in the short side direction (left-right direction) of the base portion 985a. The recess 985h is formed with a size capable of accommodating a part of the distribution portion 983 described later on the inside, and is provided with a bearing portion 985j protruding in an annular shape on the bottom surface. The bearing portion 985j is a hole into which one end of a shaft member 988a that axially supports the distribution portion 983 is inserted, and is formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft member 988a.

[0396] The openings 985b and 985c are formed at both ends of the base portion 985a in the short side direction, and the size of the inner edge is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball. The openings 985b and 985c are formed with the lower inner surface inclined downward as it goes toward the opposite side to the front base 981 side. This allows the game ball flowing in from the front base 981 side to roll to the opposite side (back side) of the front base 981.

[0397] The opening 985e is formed closer to the opening 985b than the left-right center position, and the opening 985f is formed closer to the opening 985c than the left-right center position. In the following, the openings 985e and 985f have the same configuration, so a detailed description will be given of the opening 985f that can receive the ball that has flowed down the second passage TR2, and a description of the opening 985e that can receive the ball that has flowed down the first passage TR1 will be omitted.

[0398] The opening 985f is formed mainly by an inflow passage 985f1 of the space opening on the front base 981 side, a discharge passage 985f3 of the space opening on the side opposite the front base 981 side, an intermediate passage 985f2 extending in the direction of gravity connecting the inflow passage 985f1 and the discharge passage 985f3, and a recessed portion 985f4 recessed in the intermediate passage 985f2 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the throwing direction of the game ball (the direction of gravity) (see Figures 19(b) and 20(a)).

[0399] The inflow passage 985f1 is connected to a second passage TR2 formed between the front base 981 and the rear base 985, which will be described later, and is formed to a size that allows the game ball to pass through. This allows the game ball flowing down the second passage TR2 to flow into the inflow passage 985f1.

[0400] The intermediate passage 985f2 is formed by extending in the direction of gravity, and the upper side is connected to the inflow passage 985f1, and is formed to a size that allows the game ball to pass through. This allows the game ball passing through the inflow passage 985f1 to flow into the intermediate passage 985f2.

[0401] The recessed portion 985f4 is a cutout for disposing the detection device SE3 described later inside, and is set to have substantially the same outer shape as the detection device SE3 when viewed from behind. This allows the detection device SE3 to be inserted and disposed from the back side of the base portion 985a (the side opposite to the front base 981).

[0402] The detection device SE3 is a device for detecting the passage of a game ball, and a detection hole SE1a having an inner diameter slightly larger than the game ball is formed through the detection device SE3 in the thickness direction. The detection hole SE1a is formed biased to one side in the longitudinal direction of the detection device SE3, and a detection board SE1b for controlling the detection device SE1 is disposed on the other side in the longitudinal direction where the detection hole SE1a is not formed.

[0403] In addition, the detection device SE3 is arranged such that the axial direction of the detection hole SE1a is set parallel to the extension direction of the middle passage 985f2, and the internal space of the detection hole SE1a and the space of the middle passage 985f2 are substantially aligned. This allows the game ball to pass through the detection hole SE1a of the detection device SE3 when it flows down from the upper side of the middle passage 985f2. This allows the game ball passing through the second passage TR2 to be detected.

[0404] In addition, since the axial direction of the detection hole SE1a of the detection device SE3 is formed parallel to the direction of gravity, the weight of the game ball can be easily utilized when sending the game ball to the detection hole SE1a. As a result, the game ball can be prevented from getting caught in the connecting portion between the intermediate passage 985f2 and the detection hole SE1a.

[0405] The recessed portion 985f4 is formed to communicate with the spaces of the inlet passage 985f1 and the outlet passage 985f3. That is, the middle passage 985f2 is formed using the detection device SE3. This makes it possible to prevent the length dimension of the middle passage 985f2 in the direction of gravity from increasing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rear base 985 from becoming large in the direction of gravity.

[0406] The discharge passage 985f3 is connected to the lower side of the intermediate passage 985f2 and is formed to a size that allows the game ball to pass through. In addition, the discharge passage 985f3 is connected to the insertion hole of the passage unit 990 in a state in which the sorting unit 980 and the passage unit 990 are combined. This allows the game ball passing through the intermediate passage 985f2 to flow into the discharge passage 985f3 and to pass through the space to be sent to the passage unit 990.

[0407] The opening 985g is formed at the lower end of the rear base 985 at the left-right center position. The opening 985g is formed such that the inner surface of the lower side is inclined downward toward the opposite side to the front base 981. This allows the game balls flowing in from the front base 981 side to roll toward the opposite side to the front base 981.

[0408] The inflow passage 985f1 is connected to a second passage TR2 formed between the front base 981 and the rear base 985, which will be described later, and is formed to a size that allows the game ball to pass through. This allows the game ball flowing down the second passage TR2 to flow into the inflow passage 985f1.

[0409] The accommodation portion 986b is formed from a pair of semicircular rings. The accommodation portion 986b is a portion that accommodates the magnetic body 988b described later inside, and its inner diameter is set to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the magnetic body 988b formed in a cylindrical body. The protruding dimension of the accommodation portion 986b is set to be larger than the axial dimension of the magnetic body 988b. This allows the magnetic body 988b to be accommodated inside the accommodation portion 986b. Since the accommodation portion 986b is formed from a pair of semicircular rings, even if the outer diameter of the magnetic body 988b is formed slightly larger due to a manufacturing error, the pair of semicircular rings can be elastically deformed to arrange the magnetic body 988b.

[0410] The magnetic body 988b is made of a magnet, and by being disposed in the housing portion 986b, it is possible to generate a magnetic field on the front base 981 side via the base portion 985a. This makes it possible to repel the magnetic body 988c disposed in the sorting portion 983 described later, making it easier to displace the sorting portion 983.

[0411] In the rear base 985, an opening 985k, which is a cutout for disposing the detectors SE4, SE5 in the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 described later, is formed in a shape substantially identical to the outer shape of the detectors SE4, SE5 in rear view. This allows the detectors SE4, SE5 to be inserted from the rear side (opposite the front base 981) of the base portion 985a and disposed therein. Note that the structure of the detectors SE4, SE5 is the same as that of the detector SE3 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0412] In addition, the detection devices SE4 and SE5 are arranged such that the axial direction of the detection hole SE1a is set parallel to the extension direction of the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2, and the internal space of the detection hole SE1a is approximately aligned with the space of the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2.

[0413] This allows the game ball to pass through the detection hole SE1a of the detection device SE4, SE5 when it flows down from the upper side of the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2. This allows the game ball passing through the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 to be detected.

[0414] In addition, in the detection devices SE4 and SE5, the axial direction of the detection hole SE1a is formed parallel to the direction of gravity, so that the weight of the game ball can be easily utilized when sending the game ball to the detection hole SE1a. As a result, the game ball can be prevented from getting caught in the connection part between the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 and the detection hole SE1a.

[0415] The detection devices SE4 and SE5 are configured as devices for drawing a regular symbol (second symbol) when it is detected that a ball has passed through the detection hole SE1a.

[0416] The opening 985k is formed so as to communicate with the space of the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2. That is, the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 is formed using the detection device SE3. This makes it possible to prevent the length dimension of the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 in the direction of gravity from increasing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rear base 985 from becoming large in the direction of gravity.

[0417] The front base 981 is formed from a colored translucent (blue in this embodiment) resin material. The front base 981 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape larger than the rear base 985 when viewed from the front, and is formed mainly with a base plate 981a and a bulging portion 982 that bulges from the base plate 981a toward the player side (the opposite side of the rear base 985).

[0418] The base plate 981a is formed of a plate member that is approximately rectangular when viewed from the front, and is mainly formed with a plurality of insertion holes 981g that penetrate in the plate thickness direction at its outer peripheral edge, a first guide wall 981f that protrudes toward the rear base 985, and a through hole 981c that penetrates in the plate thickness direction on one side in the gravity direction of the bulge portion 982 (the lower side in the gravity direction).

[0419] Insertion hole 981g is a hole through which a screw (not shown) for fastening assembled ball throwing unit 970 to base plate 60 (see FIG. 15) is inserted, and is set to have an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the tip of the screw.

[0420] The first guide wall 981f is formed in a semicircular annular shape, and is formed as a pair in the short side direction with a bulging portion 982 (described later) sandwiched therebetween. The first guide wall 981f is formed such that an open portion of the semicircle faces approximately the center of the base plate 981a in the short side direction.

[0421] The through hole 981c is formed in a square shape with one side greater than the diameter of the game ball. The through hole 981c is also formed with a side wall portion 981b erected on the front side along the edge of the through hole 981c.

[0422] In addition, the through hole 981c is a part that communicates with the second winning port 640 of the above-mentioned winning port unit 930, and is formed at a position that overlaps with the rolling direction of the game ball that flows into the second winning port 640 when the winning port unit 930 and the ball throwing unit 970 are attached to the base plate 60.

[0423] The side wall portion 981b is formed with a dimension such that the erected tip surface abuts against the second ball throwing section 942c (see FIG. 18) of the winning opening unit 930 when the winning opening unit 930 and the ball throwing unit 970 are attached to the base plate 60. In addition, the side wall portion 981b is formed so that the rolling surface 981c1 on the lower inner surface is positioned lower than the end surface 943a1 (see FIG. 18) of the rolling section 943a, and is inclined downward toward the rear base 985 side.

[0424] The bulge portion 982 is formed in a dome shape bulging from the base plate 981a, and is set to a size that allows a game ball to be inserted inside it. It is formed with a ball throwing passage TR0 through which the game ball flowing in from the inlet 982d passes, and a first passage TR1 and a second passage TR2 branching off from the ball throwing passage TR0.

[0425] The bulge portion 982 is formed in a vertically elongated rectangle when viewed from the front, and mainly comprises an inlet 982d formed by cutting out the upper end, an upright wall 982a formed in a wall-like shape extending toward the rear base 985 side at approximately the center position left and right when viewed from the front, and recesses 982e to 982j formed as curved surfaces at multiple points in the direction of gravity that can send game balls toward the rear side.

[0426] In addition, the bulge portion 982 is provided with a ball throwing opening 982k drilled in the front-to-back direction on the underside of the upright wall 982a, an insertion opening 982l drilled in the front-to-back direction in a vertically elongated rectangular shape on both the left and right sides of the ball throwing opening 982k, and a rotation permitting opening 982m drilled in a shape that extends outward to the left and right from the upper end of the insertion opening 982l.

[0427] The inlet 982d is cut out to have a generally U-shape when viewed from the front. The inlet 982d is formed at a position where the inner edge of the inlet 982d overlaps with the rolling direction of the game ball that has flowed into the first winning hole 64 of the winning hole unit 930 when the winning hole unit 930 and the ball sending unit 970 are attached to the base plate 60.

[0428] The inlet 982d is provided with a second protrusion 982d1 at the upper edge that protrudes toward the opposite side to the rear base 985. The second protrusion 982d1 is formed in the shape of the inner edge of the first recessed portion 942g1 (see FIG. 18) of the winning opening unit 930 described above, and when the winning opening unit 930 and the ball throwing unit 970 are disposed on the base plate 60, the second protrusion 982d1 abuts against the inner edge of the first recessed portion 942g1.

[0429] Also, the distance dimension L14 (see FIG. 19(a)) from the second protrusion 982d1 to the lower end face of the inlet 982d is set to be larger than the distance dimension L15 (see FIG. 16(b)) from the inner edge of the first recessed portion 942g1 to the lower inner edge of the first ball throwing portion 942g. This makes it possible for the game ball sent to the first ball throwing portion 942g through the first winning port 64 to be less likely to be pinched between the inlet 982d (bulge 982) and the first ball throwing portion 942g when it flows into the inlet 982d.

[0430] The standing wall 982a is formed in a rectangular shape in a front view at a predetermined interval from the outer edge shape of the bulging portion 982. The standing wall 982a is formed below the inlet 982d and is provided with a contact portion 982a1 formed in a triangular shape on the upper side when viewed in the standing direction.

[0431] The horizontal distance between the upright wall 982a and the inner edge of the outer circumferential portion of the bulge portion 982 is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a first passage TR1 and a second passage TR2, which are spaces through which the game ball can pass, are formed between the opposing portions.

[0432] The first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2 are formed downstream of a distribution section 983 described later, and game balls passing through the distribution section 983 are sent to one of them. The distribution section 983 is set so that game balls flowing into the inlet 982d can be sent alternately to the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2. This makes it possible to prevent the sending of game balls flowing into the first winning port 64 from becoming monotonous. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

[0433] A bearing portion 982c is formed on the upper side of the erected wall 982a, protruding in an annular shape from the inner surface of the bulging portion 982 toward the rear base 985. The bearing portion 982c is a portion that supports the other end side of a shaft member 988a that axially supports a distribution portion 983 (described later), and has an inner diameter set to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the shaft member 988a. Thus, by inserting the shaft member 988a into the bearing portion 982c, the other end side of the shaft member 988a can be supported.

[0434] As described above, one end of the shaft member 988a is inserted into the bearing portion 985j of the rear base 985. Therefore, when combining the front base 981 and the rear base 985, one end of the shaft member 988a is inserted into the bearing portion 985j and the other end of the shaft member 988a is inserted into the bearing portion 982c, thereby allowing the shaft member 988a to be supported between the front base 981 and the rear base 985.

[0435] The contact portion 982a1 is formed on a rotation trajectory of a distribution portion 983, which will be described later, and the amount of rotational displacement of the distribution portion 983 is regulated by contacting the contact portion 982a1 with an action portion 983a of the distribution portion 983.

[0436] The recesses 982e and 982f are recessed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2 from the lower inner surface of the bulging portion 982. Further, inside the recesses 982e and 982f, a first branch passage BK1 or a second branch passage BK2 is formed as a space communicating with the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2.

[0437] The first branch passage BK1 is connected to an opening 985b of the rear base 985 when the front base 981 and the rear base 985 are combined. Therefore, the first branch passage BK1 is formed to be able to receive game balls flowing down the first passage TR1, and is also able to allow the received game balls to flow into the opening 985b of the rear base 985.

[0438] The second branch passage BK2 is connected to the opening 985c of the rear base 985 when the front base 981 and the rear base 985 are combined. Therefore, the second branch passage BK2 is formed to be able to receive the game balls flowing down the second passage TR2, and the received game balls can flow into the opening 985c of the rear base 985.

[0439] The ball guided to the first branch passage BK1 or the second branch passage BK2 is guided to a ball discharge passage (not shown). That is, the ball guided to the first branch passage BK1 or the second branch passage BK2 is discharged without giving any advantage to the player, like the ball that flows into the first outlet 71.

[0440] The profit given to the player by the ball guided to the first branch passage BK1 or the second branch passage BK2 can be changed in various ways. For example, it may be designed as a profit that a preset number of prize balls are paid out, or it may be designed as a profit that is obtained by detecting the ball in a detection device for drawing a normal pattern or a big win.

[0441] The recesses 982h and 982j are recessed in the extension direction of the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2 from the lower inner surface of the bulging portion 982. That is, the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2 are extended downward by the amount of the recesses 982h and 982j.

[0442] The first passage TR1 is connected to an opening 985e of the rear base 985 when the front base 981 and the rear base 985 are combined. Therefore, the first passage TR1 receives the game balls that have flowed into the inlet 982d, and allows the game balls to flow into the opening 985e of the rear base 985.

[0443] The second passage TR2 is connected to the opening 985f of the rear base 985 when the front base 981 and the rear base 985 are combined. Therefore, the second passage TR2 receives the game balls that have flowed into the inlet 982d, and allows the game balls to flow into the opening 985f of the rear base 985.

[0444] The ball throwing opening 982k is formed between the recesses 982h and 982j. In addition, a third branch passage BK3 that is a space that communicates with the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2 is formed inside the ball throwing opening 982k. Therefore, since the third branch passage BK3 that communicates with the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2 is formed between the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2, the sorting unit 980 can be made smaller.

[0445] The rolling surface 982g formed on the lower side of the third branch passage BK3 is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the front side. As a result, the third branch passage BK3 becomes a passage through which a game ball that has flowed down the back side of the front base 981 can pass to the front side of the front base 981 when the front base 981 and the back base 985 are combined.

[0446] In this embodiment, the third branch passage BK3 is formed to be capable of receiving a game ball flowing down the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2, and the received game ball is configured to flow to the front side through the ball throwing opening 982k and the ball throwing hole 941k (see Figure 16 (a)) and enter the second winning port 640.

[0447] The inclined portion 982b of the bulging portion 982 is formed on the lower side of the bulging portion 982, and extends downwardly and inclined toward the rear base 985. In addition, the inclined portion 982b is formed across the left-right width direction of the bulging portion 982 when the front base 981 and the rear base 985 are combined.

[0448] This allows game balls flowing down the first passage TR1, the second passage TR2, the first branch passage BK1 and the second branch passage BK2 to come into contact with the inclined portion 982b, thereby guiding the flowing game balls to the openings 985b-985f side (rear side) and making it easier for them to flow into the openings 985b-985f.

[0449] On the other hand, by bringing the game ball flowing down the third branch passage BK3 into contact with the rolling surface 982g, the game ball flowing down can be guided to the ball throwing opening 982k side (front side), making it easier for the game ball to flow into the ball throwing opening 982k.

[0450] The rolling surface 982g is not symmetrical in front view, but is asymmetrical with the left side being lower than the right side. This makes it easier to prevent the balls from lining up in the third branch passage BK3 when balls reach the third branch passage BK3 from the left and right at the same time, and the direction in which the balls are lined up (series direction) has a vertical component. This makes it easier to prevent ball clogging in the third branch passage BK3, and prevents the blade member 945 from becoming inoperable due to ball clogging.

[0451] The insertion opening 982l is an opening for inserting the extension portion 945d and the plate-shaped portion 945e of the feather member 945 into the rear side of the bulge portion 982 when the winning opening unit 930 and the ball throwing unit 970 are attached to the base member 60.

[0452] In other words, when the winning hole unit 930 is in an assembled state, the extension portion 945d and the plate-shaped portion 945e (see Figure 16 (b)), which are inserted into the third through hole 941i of the rear base 941 and protrude toward the rear side, are also inserted into the insertion opening 982l of the ball throwing unit 970, and with the extension portion 945d penetrating the insertion opening 982l, the plate-shaped portion 945e is positioned on the rear side of the bulge portion 982.

[0453] The rotation allowing opening 982m is an opening formed in a necessary range to avoid restricting the displacement of the extension portion 945d penetrating the bulging portion 982. By forming the rotation allowing opening 982m with a minimum size (a width smaller than the diameter of the game ball), it is possible to prevent the game ball from being sent to the front side through the rotation allowing opening 982m. Next, the displacement of the plate-shaped portion 945e accompanying the opening and closing operation of the wing member 945 will be described with reference to FIG. 21.

[0454] Figures 21(a) and 21(b) are cross-sectional views of the sorting unit 980 taken along line XXb-XXb in Figure 20(a). Figure 21(a) illustrates the wing member 945 (plate-shaped portion 945e) in the closed state, and Figure 21(b) illustrates the wing member 945 (plate-shaped portion 945e) in the open state.

[0455] 21(a), in the closed state of the blade member 945, the balls are retracted from the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2, and the balls flowing down the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 are guided to the openings 985e, 985f. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the balls flowing down the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 from being guided to the third branch passage BK3 side.

[0456] 21(b), when the blade member 945 is in the open state, the plate-shaped portion 945e enters the first passage TR1 and the second passage TR2, and the balls flowing down the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 are directed to the third branch passage BK3 side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the balls flowing down the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 from being guided to the openings 985e, 985f.

[0457] That is, the wing member 945 is configured to be able to switch between an open state and a closed state, thereby switching the guide direction of the balls flowing down the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2. In other words, the wing member 945 not only acts to switch the guide direction of the balls flowing down the region between the back base 941 and the front base 943 where the wing-shaped main body 945m (see FIG. 17) is arranged, but also acts to switch the guide direction of the balls flowing down the internal region of the sorting unit 980 where the plate-shaped portion 945e is arranged.

[0458] A case will be described where the blade member 945 opens and closes immediately after the ball reaches the upstream branch position BK0. The upstream branch position BK0 is set as a position immediately before the position where the flowing ball is subjected to the action of the blade member 945. When the blade member 945 opens and closes to the closed state immediately after the ball reaches the upstream branch position BK0 in the open state of the blade member 945, the ball is pushed into the third branch passage BK3 side by the plate-shaped portion 945e.

[0459] On the other hand, when the wing member 945 opens and closes toward the open state immediately after the ball reaches the upstream branch position BK0 when the wing member 945 is in the closed state, the ball is guided to the openings 985e, 985f, or to the first branch passage BK1 or the second branch passage BK2.

[0460] In this way, the operating direction side of the feather member 945 is not blocked, and a space is formed in the operating direction side large enough to guide the ball, making it easier to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which the ball gets stuck between the feather member 945 and the bulge portion 982.

[0461] If the ball is guided to the openings 985e, 985f, the ball can be detected by the detection device SE3 and can win the lottery for special pattern 1, and the player can receive the benefit of the payout of prize balls. However, if the ball is guided to the first branch passage BK1 or the second branch passage BK2, the player cannot win the lottery for special pattern 1, nor can the player receive the benefit of the payout of prize balls.

[0462] Therefore, if the ball reaches the upstream branch position BK0 when the feather member 945 is in the closed state, the player may be disadvantaged by the opening and closing operation of the feather member 945 immediately thereafter. Therefore, attention to the upstream branch position BK0 and the feather member 945 can be improved.

[0463] 21(b), the vane member 945 and the vane-like portion 945e are configured to have a symmetrical shape, so that it is possible to prevent any difference in the ease with which balls that flow down the first passage TR1 and balls that flow down the second passage TR2 can be picked up by the vane member 945. Note that, to prevent ball clogging when balls are guided simultaneously from the left and right, the shape of the rolling surface 982g as the rolling surface of the third branch passage BK3 is asymmetrical as described above.

[0464] 19 and 20, the explanation will be returned to. The distribution part 983 is set to a thickness slightly smaller than the dimension between the opposing front base 981 and the rear base 985, and is formed in a generally T-shape when viewed from the front. The distribution part 983 is mainly formed with an action part 983a on one side of the T-shape, an intermediate plate 983b protruding from a generally central position in the extension direction of the action part 983a, a through hole 983c penetrating the connecting part of the action part 983a and the intermediate plate 983b, a contact part 983d bulging out in a circular shape around the axis of the through hole 983c, and a wall part 983e formed by connecting the action part 983a and the intermediate plate 983b to the rear base 985 side.

[0465] The through-hole 983c is a hole into which the shaft member 988a supported between the opposing front base 981 and the rear base 985 is inserted, and is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft member 988a. As a result, when the front base 981 and the rear base 985 are assembled, the shaft member 988a is inserted into the through-hole 983c of the distribution part 983, so that the distribution part 983 is disposed between the opposing front base 981 and the rear base 985 in a rotatable state.

[0466] The intermediate plate 983b is formed to extend radially outward from the through hole 983c, and when the displacement of the distribution part 983 is restricted by rotating in one direction or the other, the distance L17 (see FIG. 20(b)) from the tip of the intermediate plate 983b to the inside of the intermediate plate 983b is set to a dimension smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This restricts the throw of the game ball to either the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2.

[0467] In addition, the intermediate plate 983b can be switched from a state in which the throwing of the game ball is restricted to one side of the first passage TR1 to a state in which the throwing of the game ball is restricted to the other side of the second passage TR2 by rotating the distribution portion 983 around the through hole 983c.

[0468] The action portion 983a is formed extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the intermediate plate 983b in a front view. In addition, the action portion 983a is connected to the abutment portion 983d at a position lower than the connection position of the action portion 983a to the abutment portion 983d of the intermediate plate 983b. As a result, the game ball sent to the distribution portion 983 through the inlet 982d is placed in a state in which a load is applied to the action portion 983a side. As a result, the distribution portion 983 is rotationally displaced around the through hole 983c.

[0469] The wall portion 983e is connected to the action portion 983a and the intermediate plate 983b, and is formed in a substantially semicircular plate shape when viewed in the axial direction of the through hole 983c. The wall portion 983e is formed to protrude outward from the action portion 983a and the intermediate plate 983b in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 983c, and the thickness dimension is set smaller than the recessed dimension of the recess 985h of the back base 985 described above.

[0470] Therefore, in a state where the distribution section 983 is disposed between the opposing rear base 985 and the front base 981, the wall section 983e can be disposed inside the recessed section 985h. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball sent from the inlet 982d to the inside of the distribution unit 980 from being caught inside the recessed section 985h, thereby preventing the flow of the game ball from being hindered.

[0471] The wall portion 983e includes a housing portion 983e1 recessed toward the intermediate plate 983b at the radially outer end from the through hole 983c on the rear side of the intermediate plate 983b. The housing portion 983e1 is a portion that houses the magnetic body 988c formed in a cylindrical body inside, and is recessed in a circular shape with an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the magnetic body 988c. The housing portion 983e1 is recessed from the rear base 985 side toward the front base 981 side, and the magnetic body 988c is housed inside from the rear base 985 side.

[0472] The magnetic body 988c is formed of a magnet, and is disposed in a state where it repels the magnetic body 988b disposed on the rear base 985. As a result, the magnetic body 988c of the distribution unit 983 is subjected to a magnetic force from the magnetic body 988b disposed on the rear base 985, and can rotate about the through hole 983c as an axis, so that the extending direction of the action portion 983a can be tilted to one side or the other.

[0473] In addition, since the magnetic body 988c and the magnetic body 988b are arranged in a state where they are repelled by each other and the storage section 983e1 is recessed toward the front side, it is possible to prevent the magnetic body 988c inserted into the storage section 983e1 from slipping out of the storage section 983e1. In other words, since there is no need for a part for locking the magnetic body 988c inserted into the storage section 983e1, it is possible to simplify the structure of the sorting section 983 and to simplify the arrangement of the magnetic body 988c in the sorting section 983.

[0474] The magnetic force of the magnetic body 988b and the magnetic body 988c is set to a magnetic force smaller than the load of the game ball. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball sent inside the sorting unit 980 from being magnetically attracted to the magnetic body 988b and the magnetic body 988c and stagnating inside the sorting unit 980.

[0475] Next, a description will be given of the operation pattern of the feather members 945 driven by the drive unit 960. First, with reference to Fig. 21, the relationship between the time required for a ball that has entered the first winning hole 64 to flow down will be described.

[0476] After the ball enters the first winning hole 64 and reaches the ball sending passage TR0, the distribution section 983 is tilted to flow down to one side. This tilting operation overlaps with the contents explained as the operation of the seesaw member 762 in Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 8(b), so the explanation is omitted. In this embodiment, the magnetic force of the magnetic bodies 988b and 988c is designed to be large in order to ensure a sufficiently long time for the tilting operation. That is, in this embodiment, the tilting operation of the distribution section 983 (operation from the state shown in Fig. 8(a) to the state shown in Fig. 8(b)) is designed to take at least 0.8 seconds.

[0477] The passages are designed so that if a ball flows from the throwing passage TR0 to the first passage TR1 after the sorting unit 963 is tilted, it takes 0.4 seconds for the ball to be detected by the detection device SE4. Also, if a ball flows from the throwing passage TR0 to the second passage TR2 after the sorting unit 963 is tilted, it takes 0.2 seconds for the ball to be detected by the detection device SE5. That is, the vertical distance between the detection sensors SE4 and SE5 is set to a distance that requires 0.2 seconds at the ball's flow speed.

[0478] A pair of upstream branch positions BK0 are set on the left and right as positions just before the flowing ball is subjected to the action of the blade member 945. It is designed so that it takes 0.6 seconds for the ball to reach the upstream branch position BK0 after flowing from the ball throwing passage TR0 to the first passage TR1 side or the second passage TR2 side.

[0479] That is, it takes 0.2 seconds for the ball to reach the upstream branch position BK0 after it is detected by the detector SE4, and 0.4 seconds for the ball to reach the upstream branch position BK0 after it is detected by the detector SE5.

[0480] If the wing member 945 is in a closed state when the ball reaches the upstream branch position BK0, the ball passes through openings 985b, 985c or openings 985e, 985f, whereas if the wing member 945 is in an open state when the ball reaches the upstream branch position BK0, the ball is guided to the third branch passage BK3 and passes through the ball throwing opening 982k (see Figure 19(a)).

[0481] According to the flow path configuration as described above, if the operation pattern of the wing member 945 driven by the drive unit 960 is designed to be an operation pattern that ends in less than 0.6 seconds after the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5, even if multiple balls enter the first winning hole 64 with no gap between them, the normal pattern can immediately begin to change as soon as the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5.

[0482] For example, if multiple balls enter the first winning hole 64 without any gaps between them, and the previous ball flows to the first passage TR1 side and is detected by the detection device SE4, there is a gap of 0.8 seconds before the next ball flows to the second passage TR2 side, and even if the detection device SE5 is 0.2 seconds above the detection device SE4, a gap of 0.6 seconds is ensured. In other words, it takes 0.6 seconds from when the previous ball is detected by the detection device SE4 until the next ball is detected by the detection device SE5.

[0483] For example, if multiple balls enter the first winning hole 64 without any gaps between them, and the previous ball flows to the second passage TR2 side and is detected by the detection device SE5, there is a gap of 0.8 seconds before the next ball flows to the first passage TR1 side, and because the detection device SE4 is 0.2 seconds below the detection device SE5, a gap of 1.0 seconds is ensured. In other words, it takes 1.0 seconds from when the previous ball is detected by the detection device SE5 until the next ball is detected by the detection device SE4.

[0484] In this way, when multiple balls enter the first winning port 64 without any gap between them, regardless of whether the previous ball flows to the left or right, the interval at which the balls are detected by detection devices SE4, SE5 will be 0.6 seconds or more.

[0485] Based on this premise, the eleventh to fourteenth operation patterns described in this embodiment are designed to be completed in 0.5 seconds after the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5 (0.5 seconds are required until the display of the normal pattern variations ends), so that even if multiple balls enter the first winning hole 64 without any intervals between them, the normal pattern variations can be started immediately when the balls are detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a time delay from the detection of the ball by the detection devices SE4 and SE5 until the operation of the wing member 945 is executed.

[0486] Figures 22(a) to 22(d) are diagrams showing an example of detection of the passage of a ball by detection devices SE4 and SE5, and changes over time in the state of wing member 945. Note that Figure 22(a) illustrates changes over time in an eleventh actuation pattern, Figure 22(b) illustrates changes over time in a twelfth actuation pattern, Figure 22(c) illustrates changes over time in a thirteenth actuation pattern, and Figure 22(d) illustrates changes over time in a fourteenth actuation pattern.

[0487] Figures 22(a) to 22(d) explain the change over time in the state of the feather member 945 when the passing of a ball is detected by detection devices SE4 and SE5, and the second pattern is displayed in a variable manner (0.1 seconds) such that a "○" pattern is displayed on the second pattern display device 83 (see Figure 2).

[0488] As shown in Figure 22(a), in the 11th operation pattern, after the passage of the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5 and the normal pattern is displayed stationary (0.1 seconds later), the wing member 945 is put into an open state (also shown as "open" in the figure; the same applies in the subsequent figures), and the open state is maintained for 0.4 seconds.

[0489] As a result, when a ball that enters the first winning port 64 is detected by detection devices SE4, SE5, the feather member 945 is maintained in the open state both 0.2 seconds after it is detected by detection device SE4 and reaches the upstream branch position BK0, and 0.4 seconds after it is detected by detection device SE5 and reaches the upstream branch position BK0.

[0490] As a result, regardless of whether the ball that enters the first winning port 64 flows down the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2, the ball can be guided to the third branch passage BK3 side, making it easier to enter the second winning port 640. In other words, the number of drawings obtained based on the ball entering the first winning port 64 is greater for the special pattern 2 than for the special pattern 1.

[0491] As shown in Fig. 22(b), in the 12th operation pattern, after the passing of the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5 and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (0.1 seconds later), the wing member 945 is opened (also indicated as "open" in the figure; the same applies in the following figures) and the open state is maintained for 0.2 seconds. For the next 0.2 seconds, the wing member 945 is closed (also indicated as "closed" in the figure; the same applies in the following figures).

[0492] As a result, when a ball that enters the first winning port 64 is detected by detection devices SE4, SE5, the feather member 945 is maintained in an open state 0.2 seconds after it is detected by detection device SE4 and reaches the upstream branch position BK0, but the feather member 945 is closed 0.4 seconds after it is detected by detection device SE5 and reaches the upstream branch position BK0.

[0493] As a result, if a ball that enters the first winning opening 64 flows down the first passage TR1, the ball can be guided to the third branch passage BK3, making it easier for it to enter the second winning opening 640, but if the ball flows down the second passage TR2, the ball cannot be guided to the third branch passage BK3 and cannot enter the second winning opening 640, so the ball is detected by the detection device SE3 (see Figure 20(a)).

[0494] That is, the lottery based on the ball entering the first winning port 64 alternates between the lottery for special symbol 1 and the lottery for special symbol 2. When the ball flows down the first passage TR1, the lottery for special symbol 2 is won.

[0495] As shown in Fig. 22(c), in the 13th operation pattern, after the passing of the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5 and the normal symbol is displayed (0.1 seconds later), the wing member 945 is opened (also indicated as "open" in the figure, and the same applies in the following figures) 0.2 seconds later, and the open state is maintained for 0.2 seconds. After that, it is closed (also indicated as "closed" in the figure, and the same applies in the following figures).

[0496] As a result, when a ball that enters the first winning port 64 is detected by detection devices SE4, SE5, the feather member 945 is closed 0.2 seconds after it is detected by detection device SE4 and reaches the upstream branch position BK0, but the feather member 945 is maintained in an open state 0.4 seconds after it is detected by detection device SE5 and reaches the upstream branch position BK0.

[0497] As a result, if a ball that enters the first winning opening 64 flows down the first passage TR1, the ball cannot be guided to the third branch passage BK3 and cannot enter the second winning opening 640, so the ball is detected by the detection device SE3 (see Figure 20 (a)).However, if the ball flows down the second passage TR2, the ball can be guided to the third branch passage BK3, making it easier to enter the second winning opening 640.

[0498] That is, the lottery based on the ball entering the first winning port 64 alternates between the lottery for special symbol 1 and the lottery for special symbol 2. When the ball flows down the second passage TR1, the lottery for special symbol 2 is won.

[0499] As shown in Figure 22(d), in the 14th operation pattern, after the passage of the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5 and the normal pattern is displayed stationary (0.1 seconds later), the wing member 945 is put into the open state (also shown as "open" in the figure; the same applies in the subsequent figures) just before 0.4 seconds have elapsed, and is then put into the closed state (also shown as "closed" in the figure; the same applies in the subsequent figures) immediately thereafter.

[0500] As a result, when a ball that enters the first winning port 64 is detected by detection devices SE4, SE5, the wing member 945 is maintained in a closed state both 0.2 seconds after it is detected by detection device SE4 and reaches the upstream branch position BK0, and 0.4 seconds after it is detected by detection device SE5 and reaches the upstream branch position BK0.

[0501] As a result, regardless of whether the ball that enters the first winning opening 64 flows down the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2, the ball cannot be guided to the third branch passage BK3 side, and it is not possible to easily make the ball enter the second winning opening 640. In other words, the number of drawings that are obtained based on the ball entering the first winning opening 64 is greater for the special pattern 1 than for the special pattern 2.

[0502] As shown in Figures 22(a) to 22(d), by changing the operation pattern of the feather member 945, the lottery that is won when the ball enters the first winning slot 64 can be switched between a lottery for special pattern 1 or a lottery for special pattern 2.

[0503] That is, when the wing member 945 operates in the eleventh operating pattern, the special symbol 2 can be drawn consecutively. Also, when the wing member 945 operates in the fourteenth operating pattern, the special symbol 1 can be drawn consecutively.

[0504] When the wing member 945 operates in the 12th or 13th operating pattern, the special symbols obtained by the balls flowing down the first passage TR1 and the balls flowing down the second passage TR2 are different, and the special symbols 1 and 2 are obtained alternately.

[0505] Here, if the profit a player can get from a jackpot resulting from the drawing of special pattern 1 is different from the profit a player can get from a jackpot resulting from the drawing of special pattern 2, the player will pay close attention to whether the jackpot resulted from the drawing of special pattern 1 or special pattern 2.

[0506] Conventionally, in gaming machines in which balls are distributed to the left and right by the distribution unit 983, a ball blown to one side (usually the left side) by the distribution unit 983 can win a lottery for special pattern 1, and a ball blown to the other side (usually the right side) can win a lottery for special pattern 2.

[0507] Therefore, if it was possible to confirm whether the ball was being swept to the left or right by the sorting unit 983, even if one took one's eyes off the ball, one could grasp whether the upcoming drawing would be for special symbol 1 or special symbol 2. In this case, the attention paid to the path of the ball's flow downstream of the sorting unit 983 would decrease, resulting in a problem that the game area cannot be effectively used as a performance area.

[0508] In contrast, in this embodiment, in the 12th operation pattern, a ball flowing down the first passage TR1 can win a lottery for special symbol 2, and in the 13th operation pattern, a ball flowing down the second passage TR2 can win a lottery for special symbol 2. Therefore, just by checking whether the ball is flowed to the left or right by the distribution unit 983, it is not possible to know whether the ball can win a lottery for special symbol 1 or special symbol 2.

[0509] That is, unless it is confirmed whether the ball is picked up by the plate-shaped portion 945e of the feather member 945 downstream of the distribution portion 983, or whether the ball passes through the ball sending hole 941k (see FIG. 18) and flows forward to enter the second winning port 640, it is impossible to know whether the ball will win the lottery for the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2. This can improve the attention to the flow path of the ball downstream of the distribution portion 983, and the play area can be effectively used as a performance area.

[0510] In addition, in each operating pattern, the relationship between the ball that enters the first winning opening 64 and the feather member 945 has been mainly explained. However, since the feather-shaped main body 945m of the feather member 945 is positioned further forward than the rear base 941 (see Figure 15), if a ball flowing down the front side of the rear base 941 reaches the feather member 945 at the right time when the feather member 945 is in the open state, it is natural that the ball will be guided to the second winning opening 640.

[0511] 23 is a cross-sectional view of the game board 13 taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 16(a), and FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b) are partial cross-sectional views of the winning port unit 930 and the ball throwing unit 970 taken along line XXIVa-XXIVa in FIG. 23. As shown in FIG.

[0512] Figure 24(a) illustrates a closed state of the wing member 945, and Figure 24(b) illustrates an open state of the wing member 945. Note that Figure 22 will be referred to as appropriate in the description of Figures 23 and 24.

[0513] As shown in FIG. 23, the rolling plate portion 941l and the ball throwing hole 941k are positioned closer to the front than the ball throwing opening 982k of the sorting unit 980, so that the ball guided to the third branch passage BK3 in the internal flow path of the sorting unit 980 flows down toward the front.

[0514] This ball appears to be approaching the player from the player's point of view, and is therefore visually perceived in a manner that is clearly different from balls that appear to be moving away from the player by flowing downward in the play area or backwards, such as balls that enter the first winning hole 64 or the third receiving portion 944a.

[0515] This allows the player to play by focusing on the ball that appears to be approaching him / her, and the player can easily notice the occurrence of an event in which a ball that has entered the first winning port 64 escapes from the internal flow path of the distribution unit 980 and flows toward the second winning port 640.

[0516] Therefore, it is possible to easily avoid a situation in which the ball enters the second winning port 640 without the player noticing, and the lottery for the special symbol 2 is executed without the player noticing.

[0517] In addition, balls flowing down the front side of the sorting unit 980 (the front side of the rear base 941) may act to block the player's line of sight. Therefore, it is possible to easily reduce the visibility of the balls as they flow down the internal path of the sorting unit 980, so that the game balls that are guided to the third branch passage BK3 and appear to be approaching the player's side can be made even more noticeable.

[0518] Furthermore, since ball throwing hole 941k is located on the back side of front base 943, if front base 943 is formed from an opaque resin material, the visibility of ball throwing hole 941k and the ball guided through ball throwing hole 941k to the front side can be reduced.

[0519] In this case, the ball entering the first winning hole 64 can be easily seen, but it can be difficult to grasp that the ball will flow down the ball sending hole 941k to the front side, so it is easy for a ball that has entered the first winning hole 64 to enter the second winning hole 640 without the player noticing, and a lottery for special pattern 2 is then executed.

[0520] 23, a detection device SE6 capable of detecting the passage of a ball is disposed downstream (back side) of the second winning opening 640. The detection device SE6 is a device for detecting the passage of a game ball and has a similar configuration to the detection device SE3, and a detection hole SE1a with an inner diameter slightly larger than the game ball is formed through the detection device SE6 in the thickness direction.

[0521] The lottery that can be won by the ball passing through detection device SE3 is a lottery for special pattern 1, while the lottery that can be won by the ball passing through detection device SE6 is a lottery for special pattern 2.

[0522] In which of the eleventh to fourteenth operation patterns (see FIG. 22), the wing members 945 will move is preset based on the first hit type selection table 202b (see FIG. 13).

[0523] In this embodiment, if the jackpot type is jackpot A, a, or b, the subsequent operation pattern of the feather member 945 is set to the 11th operation pattern. If the jackpot type is jackpot B or C, the subsequent operation pattern of the feather member 945 is set to the 12th operation pattern. If the jackpot type is jackpot c, the subsequent operation pattern of the feather member 945 is set to the 13th operation pattern. In periods other than the duration of the 11th to 13th operation patterns, the operation pattern of the feather member 945 is set to the 14th operation pattern.

[0524] This allows the operation pattern to determine whether the ball can win a drawing for special symbol 1 or a drawing for special symbol 2 for the same event of the ball entering the first winning opening 64 and being distributed to the left and right. This therefore increases the attention to the path of the ball that entered the first winning opening 64, and attracts the player's gaze.

[0525] In addition to the pattern shown in Figure 22, a long-open operation pattern is also provided for the feather member 945, in which the feather member 945 opens for a long period of time (approximately 2 seconds) from the moment the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4, SE5 or the normal winning openings (through gates) 66, 67 (see Figure 2).

[0526] When the vane member 945 is operated in the long open operation pattern, the ball that flows down the front side of the base plate 60 (see FIG. 15) can be easily picked up by the vane-shaped main body 945m (see FIG. 17). In addition, the ball that enters the first winning hole 64 can be easily guided to the third branch passage BK3 side (see FIG. 21(b)).

[0527] In this way, it is easy to configure a state in which the ball picked up by the feather-shaped main body 945m repeatedly enters the second winning opening 640. In addition, it is easy to configure the ball that once enters the first winning opening 64 to be guided to the third branch passage BK3 side by the plate-shaped portion 945e (see FIG. 21(b)) so that it finally enters the second winning opening 640. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with a game mode in which the lottery for the special symbol 1 is avoided and the lottery for the special symbol 2 is repeatedly won.

[0528] As shown in Figure 24 (b), when the wing member 945 is in the open state, a ball P21 placed on the wing-shaped main body 945m on the front side of the rear base 941 and a ball P22 placed on the plate-shaped portion 945e on the rear side of the rear base 941 can be guided simultaneously at different front and rear positions (separate positions).

[0529] Therefore, even if the wing member 945 changes to the closed state in this state, it is possible to prevent the balls P21 and P22 from colliding with each other. This makes it possible to avoid malfunctions in which the balls interfere with the opening and closing operation of the wing member 945, preventing the opening and closing operation from being completed.

[0530] Furthermore, since the ball P22 on the plate-shaped portion 945e can be placed on it, the number of balls that can be guided simultaneously in the open state of the wing member 945 can be increased compared to the number of balls P21 that can be placed on the wing-shaped main body 945m at the same time (in this embodiment, one on each side).

[0531] For example, in a game mode in which all balls are launched toward the feather members 945, when the feather members 945 are in an open state, only one ball can be placed on the feather-shaped main body 945m of one side of the feather members 945 at a time, and it is difficult to place multiple balls on them at the same time.

[0532] On the other hand, in a game mode in which some of the balls are shot toward the feather members 945 and the remaining balls are shot toward the first winning port 64, the balls can be placed on the plate-shaped portion 945e regardless of whether or not there is a ball on the feather-shaped main body 945m, so it is easy for balls to be placed on the feather members 945 on one side at the same time.

[0533] In other words, the number of balls that can be placed on the feather member 945 at the same time can be changed depending on whether the game mode is one in which all balls are launched toward the feather member 945 or one in which some of the balls are launched toward the first winning port 64 in addition to the feather member 945.

[0534] Ball P22, which reaches feather member 945 via first winning opening 64, and ball P21, which reaches feather member 945 without passing through first winning opening 64, flow in different directions before arriving, and therefore flow at different speeds after arriving, so that even balls that arrive at the same time look different.

[0535] That is, the ball P22 flows vertically downward through the first passage TR1 or the second passage TR2 and reaches the plate-shaped portion 945e of the blade member 945, while the ball P21 flows downward in a direction having a velocity component that faces from the left-right outer side to the left-right inner side of the guide portion 941g1 (see Figure 16(a)).

[0536] Therefore, compared to ball P22, ball P21 flows faster inwardly to the left and right after reaching wing member 945 because the left-right velocity component is larger. Therefore, even if balls P21 and P22 reach wing member 945 at the same time, the time during which balls P21 and P22 overlap in a front view can be shortened, and the visibility of the balls rolling on wing member 945 can be improved.

[0537] Depending on the timing at which ball P22 rolls on the upper surface of rolling plate portion 941l and passes through ball throwing hole 941k to the front side of rear base 941, it may collide with ball P21 (their paths may merge).

[0538] Here, the vertical position of the upper surface height at the rotation base end side of the feather member 945 is located lower than the vertical position of the lower edge of the ball throwing hole 941k. This makes it possible to vertically shift the vertical position where the ball rolling on the rolling plate portion 941l flies into the front side of the rear base 941 and the vertical position where the ball rolling on the feather-shaped main body 945m flies into the space between the pair of feather members 945.

[0539] Therefore, when balls collide with each other, the vertical positions of the balls can be shifted, and multiple balls can be made to flow down in order by relying on their own weight. This helps prevent balls from clogging.

[0540] In addition, in the long-open operation pattern of the feather member 945, as can be seen from the fact that the duration of the opening exceeds 0.6 seconds, when, for example, multiple balls enter the first winning port 64 with no gap between them, a waiting time occurs before the normal pattern begins to change (the change of the normal pattern may be put on hold).

[0541] Therefore, unlike the case where the timing at which the ball is detected by detection devices SE4, SE5 and the timing of opening and closing of wing member 945 are set to correspond to the time it takes for the ball to flow downstream, as explained in Figure 22, it becomes difficult to match the position of the ball with the opening and closing of wing member 945.

[0542] Therefore, not all balls can be guided toward the second winning opening 640, and there is a possibility that some of the balls that enter the first winning opening 64 will reach the upstream branch position BK0 at the time when the wing member 945 is in the closed state (see Figure 21 (a)).

[0543] On the other hand, in the long-open operation pattern, by setting the time during which the wing member 945 is maintained in the closed state (operation waiting time, post-operation waiting time) to a short time (e.g., 0.1 seconds), it is possible to minimize the probability of the wing member 945 reaching the upstream branch position BK0 at the timing when it is in the closed state (see Figure 21(a)).

[0544] The ball P22 rolling on the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 945e arrives at intervals of at least 1.8 seconds due to the operation of the distribution portion 983. In other words, the ball is configured so that multiple balls do not land on the ball at the same time.

[0545] On the other hand, there is no restriction on the interval at which ball P21 reaches feather-shaped main body 945m, and multiple balls may reach feather-shaped main body 945m at the same time. Therefore, it is preferable to form feather-shaped main body 945m stronger than plate-shaped portion 945e.

[0546] In this embodiment, the blade-shaped body 945m is made thicker than the plate-shaped portion 945e, making it stronger. Also, the blade-shaped body 945m is supported directly by the shaft member 945a, which makes it possible to suppress changes in posture and bending in the front-rear direction due to the weight of the ball.

[0547] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0548] By extending the plate-shaped portion 945e from the feather-shaped main body 945m of the feather member 945 arranged on the front side of the base plate 60 to the rear side, it is possible to act on game balls flowing down inside the distribution unit 980 arranged inside the base plate 60.

[0549] In other words, the feather member 945 can switch between a state in which it is easy to guide a game ball flowing down the front side of the base plate 60 toward the second winning opening 640 and a state in which it prevents the game ball from flowing down toward the second winning opening 640, and can also switch between a state in which it is easy to guide a game ball that has entered the first winning opening 64 toward the second winning opening 640 and a state in which it prevents the game ball from flowing down toward the second winning opening 640.

[0550] Furthermore, a rear base 941 functioning as a partition plate is disposed between the ball rolling on the upper surface of the feather-shaped main body 945m and the ball rolling on the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 945e, thereby making it possible to prevent the balls from colliding with each other at any position.

[0551] This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which a ball rolling on the vane-shaped main body 945m collides with a ball rolling on the plate-shaped portion 945e, causing the ball to fall out of the vane member 945 (to the side opposite to the side guided to the second winning opening 640).

[0552] In addition, at the position where the ball that entered the first winning opening 64 branches off to the flow path on the second winning opening 640 side (for example, the third branch passage BK3), the flow direction of the ball has a front-rear direction component. This makes it possible to highlight the area closely related to the flow of the ball down to the second winning opening 640.

[0553] In addition, it is possible to create a case where it is possible to manage the detection devices SE4 and SE5 so that the ball is not detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5 from the time the ball is detected by the detection devices SE4 and SE5 until the variable display of the normal pattern ends. This allows the wing member 945, which is controlled by the detection of the ball, to act in a timely manner on the ball that has passed the detection devices SE4 and SE5.

[0554] Since the timing when the ball is sent to the first passage TR1 and the timing when the ball is sent to the second passage TR2 are at least 0.8 seconds apart, the balls do not enter the third branch passage BK3 from the left and right at the same time, and in addition, the rolling surface 982g is formed asymmetrically, which makes it easier to prevent ball clogging in the third branch passage BK3. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of the blade member 945 caused by ball clogging, even if the joining position of the ball flow path is close to the blade member 945.

[0555] In addition, the speed of the balls rolling on the upper surface of the wing member 945 on the front side of the base plate 60 is configured to be different from the speed of the balls rolling on the upper surface of the wing member 945 inside the base plate 60. This makes it possible to prevent the front and rear balls from continuously overlapping each other, and makes it easier to grasp the number of balls rolling on the upper surface of the wing member 945.

[0556] In addition, regarding the number of balls that can be placed on the feather member 945, while the feather-shaped main body 945m can simultaneously carry multiple balls, the number of balls that can be placed on the plate-shaped portion 945e is limited to 1. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the feather member 945 by making the feather-shaped main body 945m stronger than the plate-shaped portion 945e.

[0557] In addition, by preparing multiple operation patterns of the electric roler 640a, it is possible to create different patterns of winning the lottery for the special symbols. For example, when the ball repeatedly enters the first winning slot 64, it is possible to switch between a pattern in which the lottery for the special symbol 1 is repeatedly won, a pattern in which the lottery for the special symbol 1 and the lottery for the special symbol 2 are alternately won, and a pattern in which the lottery for the special symbol 2 is repeatedly won.

[0558] Also, in a pattern where the drawing of special symbol 1 and the drawing of special symbol 2 are alternately obtained, a pattern can be formed in which the game ball on the left or right corresponds to the drawing of special symbol 2. This makes it possible to improve the attention to the area downstream of the distribution unit 983, since simply checking whether the ball has flowed to the left or right becomes insufficient information.

[0559] In addition, when right-hand play is recommended as a pattern for winning the lottery for the special symbols, if the ball accidentally enters the first winning slot 64, it is possible to switch between a pattern in which it is easy to win the lottery for special symbol 1 and a pattern in which there is a high probability of avoiding winning the lottery for special symbol 1.

[0560] Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 25. In the first embodiment, a case was described in which a ball passes through a normal winning port (through gate) 765 when it flows down one of the paths allocated by the path configuration device 700, but in the path configuration device 3700 of the third embodiment, a normal winning port (through gate) 3765 is provided that can detect the passage of a ball when it flows down the other path. Note that the same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0561] 25 is a partial front view of the game board 13 in the third embodiment. In the path configuration device 3700, of the paths distributed to the left and right by the distribution member 760, a normal winning port (through gate) 3765 is disposed on the left path.

[0562] The normal winning opening (through gate) 3765 is disposed so that the left-right distance from the seesaw member 762 is the same as the left-right distance between the seesaw member 762 and the normal winning opening (through gate) 765.

[0563] Since a normal symbol lottery can be won not only when the game ball that enters the first winning port 64 flows to the right but also when it flows to the left, the frequency with which the electric role device 640a operates can be increased.

[0564] In the above first embodiment, a case was described in which the number of times the ball passes through the normal winning port (through gate) 66, 67, 765 is reserved up to a maximum of four times. In this case, the electric device 640a can be easily operated continuously without interruption of the reservation, and there is an advantage that the right-hand hit game can be smoothly executed.

[0565] In contrast, in this embodiment, the number of passes through the normal winning port (through gate) 66, 67, 765, 3765 is reserved up to a maximum of one time. The operating pattern selected by the lottery for the normal symbol when the number of reserved balls is 0 is configured to be different from the operating pattern selected by the lottery for the normal symbol when the number of reserved balls is 1. Since the state in which the number of reserved balls is full (one ball) is more likely to occur than when the number of reserved balls is four, differences in operating patterns occur frequently.

[0566] In this embodiment, as an example, in a special state, when the number of reserved balls of normal patterns is 0, the second operation pattern is likely to be selected, and when the number of reserved balls of normal patterns is 1, the first operation pattern is likely to be selected.

[0567] On this premise, when balls enter the first winning port 64 consecutively (see Figures 8 and 9), it becomes easier to maintain the electric device 640a in the entered state at the time when the third ball P3 reaches the moving plate member 641.

[0568] In other words, ball P1 is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, and before the reference time Td1 has elapsed from that detection, ball P2 is detected at the normal winning opening (through gate) 3765, so the operation pattern selected in the lottery for the normal pattern upon detection of ball P2 is likely to be the first operation pattern.

[0569] Therefore, the electric device 640a is maintained in the entered state before the ball P3 reaches the movable plate member 641, so that both balls P1 and P2 can be guided to the second ball throwing section 736 from the state shown in Figure 8(a).

[0570] In Fig. 8(a), the case where the ball P1 flows to the right side is described, but even if the inclination of the seesaw member 762 is reversed and the ball P1 flows to the left side, the operation pattern selected by the lottery for the normal symbol by the detection of the ball P2 is likely to be the first operation pattern. Therefore, since the electric role object 640a is maintained in the entering state before the ball P2 reaches the moving plate member 641, the ball P2 can be guided to the second ball sending section 736.

[0571] In this embodiment, the number of reserved balls of the normal pattern is one as an example, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, as in the first embodiment, the number of reserved balls of the normal pattern may be set to four.

[0572] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26. In the first embodiment, the moving plate member 641 includes a right guide section 643 for guiding a game ball that has entered the first winning opening 64, and a left guide section 645 for guiding a game ball that has not entered the first winning opening 64, and the guide sections 643, 645 are partitioned. However, the path configuration device 4700 of the fourth embodiment is configured so that a game ball that has not entered the first winning opening 64 can be guided to the right guide section 643. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0573] Fig. 26 is a partial front view of the game board 13 in the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 26, a moving plate member 4641 that slides in the front-rear direction by switching the state of the electric role 4640a between a retreated state and an advanced state includes a right guide portion 643 and an upstream guide portion 4645 that extends from the left end of the right guide portion 643 to the upper left along the inclination of the inclined surface 643a of the right guide portion 643.

[0574] Upstream guide portion 4645 has inclined surface 4645a for rolling the balls that slopes downward to the right, and the angle of inclination is the same as the angle of inclination of right guide portion 643 (about 5 degrees with respect to the horizontal).

[0575] In this embodiment, an opening having a size that allows the passage of a ball rolling on the upper surface of the moving plate member 4641 is formed in the left and right inner wall portions of the bending member 740. That is, an opening similar to the opening 744 (see FIG. 7(a)) is formed penetrating the left and right inner wall portions of the bending member 740 (the wall portion on the left side of the right guide portion 643).

[0576] This makes it possible to provide a path for the ball that rolls through the upstream guide portion 4645 and reaches the right side guide portion 643 as an inflow path into the first ball sending path KR1, in addition to the path for the ball that has passed through the first winning opening 64.

[0577] As shown in Figure 26, when a ball rolls from the upstream guide portion 4645 through the right guide portion 643, depending on the operation timing of the movable plate member 4641, the ball may be received by the recovery hole 752 or by the second ball sending portion 736.

[0578] That is, when the electric device 4640a is switched to the retracted state while the ball is placed on the first ball throwing path KR1, the ball flows down toward the recovery hole 752. On the other hand, if the electric device 4640a is still in the entered state while the ball is placed on KR1, the ball passes through the right guide portion 643 to the right and flows down toward the second ball throwing portion 736. That is, the ball rolling to the right on the upper surface of the solid male plate member 4641 can be made to flow down toward the recovery hole 752 or the second ball throwing portion 736.

[0579] The moving plate member 4641 is inclined downward to the right, but when a ball hit with the right hand passes above the bending member 740 to the left and reaches the moving plate member 4641, there is a possibility that the momentum to the left will cause the ball to pass through the moving plate member 4641 in a leftward direction.

[0580] In contrast, in this embodiment, the protruding edge 734b of the first ball sending portion 734 is disposed so as to protrude upward from the left end of the moving plate member 4641. That is, the ball that is about to pass through the left end of the moving plate member 4641 can be made to collide with the protruding edge 734b, and the ball can be made to bounce back, making it easier to create a state in which the ball rolls to the right on the upper surface of the moving plate member 4641.

[0581] Furthermore, the greater the repulsive force of the ball's rebound in the rightward direction, the shorter the time it takes for the ball to reach the right end of the movable plate member 4641. That is, the protruding edge portion 734b not only prevents the ball from dropping off the left end of the movable plate member 4641, but also makes it easier for the ball to reach the right end of the movable plate member 4641 while the movable plate member 4641 is maintained in the advanced state.

[0582] The left end of the moving plate member 4641 is disposed above the ball passing hole 734a. Therefore, when the electric role object 4640a is in the entering state, if the ball advances to the left on the upper surface of the moving plate member 4641 and the moving plate member 4641 changes to the retracted state just before reaching the left end, the ball will fly leftward in a parabola, and although there is a low probability, the ball can be made to enter the ball passing hole 734a of the first ball throwing section 734.

[0583] The present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above form in any way, and it can be easily inferred that various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0584] In each of the above embodiments, a part or all of the configuration in one embodiment may be combined with or substituted for a part or all of the configuration in another embodiment to form another embodiment.

[0585] In the above embodiments, the case where the ball that entered the first winning opening 64 is guided to the second winning opening 640 side by the movable electric device 640a or the feather member 945 has been described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a nail may be arranged in the flow path of the ball that entered the first winning opening 64 to increase the randomness of the ball's flow, and the ball may be guided to the second winning opening 640 side with some probability by colliding with the nail.

[0586] In the above embodiments, the operation of the electric role 640a or the feather member 945 is determined by lottery of normal symbols, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, it may be controlled to operate in a certain pattern from the power-on of the pachinko machine 10. In this case, the attention to the electric role 640a or the feather member 945 can be improved.

[0587] In addition, when the electric role 640a or the feather member 945 operates constantly, the through gate 765 and the detection devices SE4 and SE5 may still be arranged. For example, when the passage of the ball is detected, the third symbol display device 81, the sound device, the LED, etc. may be controlled to notify the player that the ball has passed. In this case, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand that it is time for the ball to flow down near the electric role 640a or the feather member 945.

[0588] In the above embodiments, the case where the lottery for the normal symbol can be reserved has been described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, even if the lottery for the normal symbol is not reserved and the passage of a ball is detected at the normal winning hole 66 or the like during the fluctuation of the normal symbol, the lottery for the normal symbol may not be performed.

[0589] In the above embodiments, the seesaw member 762 or the distributor 983 is disposed at the branching point of the ball's flow path, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a nail may be disposed at the branching point, or a protruding part formed of a resin material may be disposed at the branching point. The ball's flow path can be branched by colliding with these. In this case, not only can the balls flow down alternately, but also the balls can flow down continuously on one side (timing).

[0590] In the above embodiments, the operation time of the electric role 640a or the wing member 945 is set to a short time of about 0.5 to 3 seconds, but is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the electric role 640a may be set to be maintained in an in-state or the wing member 945 may be set to be maintained in an open state for a time longer than 3 seconds (for example, 5 seconds) with a probability of about 10% in the lottery of normal symbols in a normal state.

[0591] When the machine is operated in the long opening operation pattern, the ball that entered the first winning opening 64 can be easily guided to the second winning opening 640 by the electric device 640a or the blade member 945. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the ball that entered the first winning opening 64 among the balls that were shot when the machine was operated in the long opening operation pattern (a limited number of balls considering the shooting interval of 100 balls per minute as the upper limit) is not guided to the second winning opening 640.

[0592] When the electric role 640a or the feather member 945 is operating in the long opening operation pattern, it is advantageous for the player to shoot a ball toward the electric role 640a or the feather member 945 because it is easier to win the lottery for the special pattern 2. Therefore, before the electric role 640a or the feather member 945 starts to operate in the long opening operation pattern, the third pattern display device 81, a sound device, an LED, or other means may be used to notify the player in advance to shoot a ball toward the electric role 640a or the feather member 945.

[0593] The notification can be changed depending on the arrangement of the electric device 640a or the feather member 945, but in the first embodiment, it is preferable to notify to hit to the right, as this makes it easier for the ball to reach the electric device 640.

[0594] On the other hand, in the second embodiment, there is no difference in the ease with which the ball reaches the feather member 945 whether it is shot from the left or the right, but it is preferable to notify the player of a left shot in order to continue the previous shot state. Note that for a player who plays a right shot from the normal state, a notification may be given to encourage the player to continue the shot.

[0595] In the above first embodiment, a case has been described in which a lottery for special symbol 1 can be won by detecting passage with the sensor SE, and a lottery for special symbol 2 can be won by detecting the ball passing through the second winning opening 640 and the ball being detected by the switch downstream, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a lottery for special symbol 1 can be won when passage is detected by the left sensor SE and when the ball is detected by the switch downstream of the second winning opening 640, and a lottery for special symbol 2 can be won when passage is detected by the right sensor SE.

[0596] In this case, when the ball is swept to the right by the seesaw member 762, the player's profit will be greater if the ball passes through the first ball sending path KR1 when the electric device 640a is in the retracted state.

[0597] In the above first embodiment, the case where the rotational motion (left and right tilting motion) of the seesaw member 762 is completed in a time shorter than 0.5 seconds has been described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the operation resistance may be increased by reducing the clearance of the rotating shaft, and the time required for the rotational motion of the seesaw member 762 may be set to 1.0 seconds or more. In this case, even if consecutive balls enter the first winning hole 64, the next ball is swept to the left by the seesaw member 762 after the variable display due to the detection of the ball at the normal winning hole (through gate) 765 ends.

[0598] In the above first embodiment, the guide portion 742 is disposed at the left-right center of the flow path formed inside the upper protruding portion 741, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the guide portions 742 may be configured to be arranged in parallel on the left and right. In this case, the protruding tip surfaces of each of the guide portions 742 are formed to be inclined toward the base side as they approach the opposing surfaces, thereby effectively preventing the ball that comes into contact with the two guide portions 742 and is guided (folded back toward the back side) from being misaligned in the left-right direction.

[0599] In the first embodiment, the normal winning hole (through gate) 765 and the bending member 740 are connected by a resin path, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a path that guides the ball may be configured with nails. In this case, the flow speed of the ball can be varied.

[0600] In the above first embodiment, the first inclined groove 755 and the second inclined groove 757 are formed as parallel linear grooves, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the first inclined groove 755 and the second inclined groove 757 may be non-parallel. They may also be formed in a curved path. In the case of a curved path, the guide surface below the sphere may be curved like a metal rail, or may be curved in a meandering manner back and forth.

[0601] In the above first embodiment, a case has been described in which the left guide portion 645 is disposed on the front side of the covering plate portion 711 when the moving plate member 641 is in the advanced state, and the ball can roll on its upper surface. In this case, a protrusion extending in a direction intersecting the ball's rolling path may be provided on the front side of the covering plate portion 711. This allows the ball rolling on the upper surface of the left guide portion 645 to collide with the protrusion, thereby slowing down the ball.

[0602] In the above first embodiment, the balls sent to the right by the right guide portion 643 are received by the second ball throwing portion 736 without leakage, but this is not necessarily limited to the above. For example, the right guide portion 643 may be extended to an upper position of the second ball throwing portion 736, and the general winning port 63 may be disposed to the right of the second ball throwing portion 736.

[0603] In this case, if the moving plate member 641 changes to the retracted state when the ball is placed vertically above the second ball throwing section 736, the ball will be received by the second ball throwing section 736, but if the moving plate member 641 is still maintained in the entered state when the ball is placed vertically above the second ball throwing section 736, the ball will pass through the second ball throwing section 736 to the right and be received by the general winning opening 63.

[0604] In other words, when the ball is swept to the right by the right-side guiding section 643, it is not possible to tell whether the ball is being guided to the second ball throwing section 736 or to the general winning port 63, which can improve attention to the ball.

[0605] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the case where the operation pattern of the electric role 640a corresponding to the big win type is controlled by one is described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a plurality of operation patterns corresponding to the big win type are preset, and when the ball passing through the normal winning port (through gate) 765 is detected, which operation pattern is controlled by is selected by probability, and the operation of the electric role 640a is executed by the selected operation pattern.

[0606] In the above first embodiment, the case where the operation pattern of the electric role 640a in the high probability state is set to the first operation pattern or the second operation pattern has been described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the operation pattern of the electric role 640a in the high probability state may include the fourth operation pattern. In this case, it is possible to make it difficult to determine whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state.

[0607] In the first embodiment, the ball that enters the first winning opening 64 flows downstream via the seesaw member 762, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the formation of the seesaw member 762 and the left flow path may be omitted. In other words, the flow path may be formed only from the first winning opening 64 and the right path.

[0608] In this case, it becomes difficult to eliminate the case where consecutive balls enter the first winning port 64; however, for example, a rotating body that rotates at a constant speed on a front-to-rear axis on the flow path from the center frame 86 to the first winning port 64 and has a recessed portion capable of accommodating a ball at a predetermined position on the outer circumference can be arranged, and the ball can be configured so that it will be accepted by the first winning port 64 only when the ball accommodated in the recessed portion reaches above the first winning port 64 due to the rotation of the rotating body, thereby preventing consecutive balls from entering the first winning port 64.

[0609] In other words, since the rotating body can prevent balls from entering the first winning opening 64 at any timing, the interval between balls entering the first winning opening 64 can be determined by the rotational speed of the rotating body.

[0610] In the above first embodiment, the ball that enters the first winning opening 64 rides on the right guide section 643 and flows down the opposite side to the left guide section 645, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the right guide section 643 may be configured to have a downward inclination toward the left guide section 645, and the ball that enters the first winning opening 64 may flow from the right guide section 643 to the left guide section 645 and be guided to the first ball throwing section 734.

[0611] In this case, if the movable plate member 641 is maintained in the entered state for a sufficiently long time, the ball placed on the first ball throwing path KR1 can be guided to the first ball throwing section 734, and the special pattern 2 can be drawn.

[0612] On the other hand, if the movable plate member 641 is inserted too far, the ball will fall between the first ball sending section 734 and the bending member 740, but an receiving opening may be placed at this position to receive the ball and give the player a specified benefit.

[0613] The benefit when the ball enters the receiving hole may be a payout of a prize ball, a lottery for special symbol 1 or special symbol 2, a lottery for a normal symbol, a falling lottery (a lottery that changes the game state from a high probability state to a low probability state), or other benefits. In any case, it is possible to improve the attention to the ball rolling on the upper surface of the moving plate member 641.

[0614] The plate may be extended so as to incline upward from the right end of the right guide portion 643 to the right, so that the dropped ball can be received on the right side of the bending member 740. In this case, when the ball rolling on the upper surface of the moving plate member 641 from the right side of the bending member 740 reaches the first ball throwing path KR1, the moving plate member 641 operates to be in a retracted state while the ball is positioned on the first ball throwing path KR1, whereby the ball falls on the first ball throwing path KR1 and is detected by the sensor SE, making it possible to win the lottery for the special symbol 1.

[0615] In the above first embodiment, the case where the normal winning gate (through gate) 66 is arranged on the left side of the game area has been described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the arrangement of the normal winning gate (through gate) 66 arranged on the left side may be omitted. In this case, the winning of the lottery of the normal pattern by hitting from the left is limited to the normal winning gate (through gate) 765, and the winning of the lottery of the normal pattern by hitting from the right is limited to the normal winning gate (through gate) 67,765.

[0616] In other words, by firing the ball by hitting it from the left, the operation of the electric reel 640a can be limited to operation based on the lottery of normal symbols at the normal winning opening (through gate) 765, so that when the electric reel 640a operates in the first or second operation pattern, it is easier to avoid a situation in which the electric reel 640a is not guided by the right-side guide portion 643 and is detected by the sensor SE.

[0617] On the other hand, shooting the ball with a right hit makes it easier to win a lottery with a normal pattern, so it is easier to increase the game efficiency. In other words, the player can choose whether to play in a way that reduces the game efficiency but makes it easier to avoid the occurrence of a situation where the ball is detected by the sensor SE, or to play in a way that increases the game efficiency but slightly increases the possibility of the ball being detected by the sensor SE.

[0618] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the moving plate member 641 extends outward from the bending member 740, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the formation of the left guide portion 645 may be omitted. In this case, the second ball throwing portion 736 may function as the second winning hole 640.

[0619] In the above first embodiment, the case where the ball is guided to the right guide portion 643 from the path formed by the sorting member 760 has been described, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the ball may be guided to the right guide portion 643 from the front side of the base plate 60. In this case, a plate portion is extended to the left from the left end portion of the right guide portion 643 at the same inclination, and an opening is formed on the left side surface of the bending member 740 so that the ball rolling on the upper surface of the plate portion can enter the inside of the bending member 740.

[0620] In the above first embodiment, the case where the paths of the balls rolling in different directions on the left and right sides on the upper surface of the moving plate member 641 join downstream has been described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a detection device that detects the passage of the ball may be disposed at the lower end side of the first inclined groove 755, and the lottery for the special symbol 2 may be won when the ball is detected by the detection device, or a detection device that detects the passage of the ball may be disposed behind the second ball sending section 736, and the lottery for the special symbol 2 may be won when the ball is detected by the detection device.

[0621] In other words, by omitting the formation of the second inclined groove 757, a position for detecting a ball rolling on the upper surface of the left guide portion 645 and a position for detecting a ball rolling on the upper surface of the right guide portion 643 may be provided separately.

[0622] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the case where the paths of the balls that rolled on the upper surface of the blade member 945 at different positions in the front and rear join downstream has been described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a ball passage hole may be formed at the rear of the third branch passage BK3, a detection device may be disposed downst...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising: a game ball launching device that launches game balls; game area configuration means that configures a game area in which the game balls launched by the game ball launching device flow down; detection means that is disposed in the game area and detects the passage of the game balls; and operation means that can be controlled based on the detection of the passage of the game balls by the detection means. The operation means is configured to be displaceable between a first position and a second position in the operation control, and includes a first component part through which game balls can flow down when the first component part is located at the first position, and a second component part different from the first component part, and is configured to be able to make the flow-down behavior of the game balls in the first component part different from the flow-down behavior of the game balls in the second component part at least in a predetermined state that can be caused by being located at the first position by the operation control, The gaming machine is configured so that a gaming ball that has flowed down the first component part can flow down the second component part, The operating means is a gaming machine characterized in that the first component and the second component are formed from the same member, and the forming position of the first component and the forming position of the second component are offset at least in the left-right direction.

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