Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving falling manner of a game ball after the game ball attracted attention.SOLUTION: Since the game machine is configured such that a game ball flowing down through a second flow pathway component 335 disposed on an attractive side is allowed to be guided to a probability change detection sensor SE11, the degree of improvement of the attention to the game ball can be correlated with the passing of the game ball through the probability change detection sensor SE11. Thus, since it is possible to increase the possibility that the game ball having flowed down through the second flow pathway component 335 passes through the probability change detection sensor SE11, it is improved in a point that a game ball having attracted attention would provide a merit to be focused. In addition, this configuration allows the game ball flowing down the probability change detection sensor SE11 to easily guide the player's line of sight with more ease, so that the player can be made less likely to miss the game ball routed to the probability change detection sensor SE11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, there is a large winning component that can configure multiple types of flow paths for the game balls flowing toward the ball detection holes. The area near the ball detection holes is configured to be difficult to recognize by the decorative panel. Depending on the state of the large winning component, there is a gaming machine in which the game ball flows down at a position deviated from the decorative panel 302 or flows down in a manner hidden behind the decorative panel (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-described conventional gaming machine has a problem that there is room for improvement in the flow state of the game ball after attracting attention. The present invention has been made to solve the above-exemplified problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the flow state of the game ball after attracting attention.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes a path configuration means configured to allow a game ball to flow down, and a passage means configured to allow the game ball flowing down the path configuration means to pass through. The path configuration means includes a predetermined portion that constitutes an upstream side of the passage means, and the predetermined portion is disposed on a more prominent side than the passage means and is configured to guide the game ball to the passage means.

[0006] The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the path forming means includes a second predetermined portion that makes the game ball that has entered the path forming means less conspicuous than when it entered the path forming means, and the predetermined portion is disposed on a more conspicuous side than the second predetermined portion.

[0007] The gaming machine according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined portion includes sections where the flow rate of the game ball is different.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the gaming machine of claim 1, it is possible to improve the flow mode of the game ball after attracting attention.

[0009] According to the gaming machine of claim 2, in addition to the effect exhibited by the gaming machine of claim 1, before the game ball that has entered the path forming means flows down the predetermined portion, by reducing the attention at the second predetermined portion, it is possible to make the attention of the game ball when flowing down the predetermined portion more prominent.

[0010] According to the gaming machine of claim 3, in addition to the effect exhibited by the gaming machine of claim 1 or 2, it is possible to improve the effect of attracting the player's line of sight as compared with the case where there is no difference in the flow rate of the game ball.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 71, as a first embodiment, an embodiment in the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of the 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, with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in FIG. 1, the front side of the paper surface is defined as the front (front) side, and the back side of the paper surface is defined as the rear (back) side for explanation. Also, with respect to the pachinko machine 10 in the state shown in FIG. 1, the upper side is defined as the upper (up) side, the lower side is defined as the lower (down) side, the right side is defined as the right (right) side, and the left side is defined as the left (left) side for explanation. Further, the arrows U-D, L-R, F-B in the figure (see, for example, FIG. 2) indicate the vertical direction, horizontal direction, and front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10, respectively.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 whose outer shell is formed by a wooden frame combined in a substantially rectangular shape, and an inner frame 12 formed in substantially the same outer shape as the outer frame 11 and supported to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 11. On the outer frame 11, metal hinges 18 are attached at two upper and lower positions on the left side in the front view (see FIG. 1) to support the inner frame 12, and the inner frame 12 is supported to be openable and closable to the front side in front with the side where the hinge 18 is provided as the axis of opening and closing.

[0015] Inside the inner frame 12, a game board 13 (see FIG. 2) having a number of pins, winning openings 63, 64, etc. is detachably mounted from the back side. A pinball game is played by balls (game balls) flowing down the front surface of this game board 13. In addition, in the inner frame 12, a ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) that launches balls into 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, etc. are attached.

[0016] On the front side of the inner frame 12, a front frame 14 that covers the upper front part thereof and a lower dish unit 15 that covers the lower part thereof are provided. In order to support the front frame 14 and the lower dish unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached at two upper and lower positions on the left side in a front view (see FIG. 1), and the front frame 14 and the lower dish unit 15 are supported so as to be openable and closable to the front side with the side where the hinge 19 is provided as the axis of opening and closing. Note that the locking of the inner frame 12 and the locking of the front frame 14 are each released by inserting a dedicated key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a predetermined operation.

[0017] The front frame 14 is assembled with decorative resin parts, electrical parts, etc., and a window portion 14c having an opening formed in a substantially elliptical shape is provided at a substantially central portion thereof. On the back side of the front frame 14, a glass unit 16 having two plate glasses is disposed, and the front surface of the game board 13 is visible on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0018] On the front frame 14, an upper dish 17 for storing balls is formed in a substantially box shape that projects to the front side and has an open upper surface, and prize balls, lent balls, etc. are discharged into this upper dish 17. The bottom surface of the upper dish 17 is formed to have a downward slope on the right side in a front view (see FIG. 1), and the balls put into the upper dish 17 are guided to the ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) by this slope. In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the upper surface of the upper dish 17. This frame button 22 is operated by a player, for example, when changing the stage of an effect displayed by the third symbol display device 81 (see FIG. 2) or changing the content of a super reach effect.

[0019] On the front frame 14, light-emitting means such as various lamps are provided around it (for example, at the corner portions). These light-emitting means are controlled to change the light-emitting mode by lighting or flashing in response to changes in the gaming state during a big win or at a predetermined reach time, etc., and play a role in enhancing the production effect during the game. Around the periphery of the window portion 14c, decorative parts 29 to 33 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs are provided. In the pachinko machine 10, these decorative parts 29 to 33 function as production lamps such as big win lamps, and during a big win or a reach production, each of the decorative parts 29 to 33 lights up or flashes by lighting or flashing of the built-in LEDs, and it is notified that it is during a big win or during a reach just before a big win. Also, at the upper left part in the front view (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14, a display lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs is provided, which can display during the payout of prize balls and when an error occurs.

[0020] Also, below the lower side of the decorative part 32 on the right side, a small window 35 is formed by attaching a transparent resin from the back side so that the back side of the front frame 14 can be visually recognized, and a certificate or the like pasted in the pasting space K1 (see FIG. 2) on the front of the game board 13 is made visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Also, in the pachinko machine 10, in order to create a more magnificent atmosphere, a plating member 36 made of ABS resin plated around the decorative parts 29 to 33 is attached.

[0021] Below the window portion 14c, a ball rental operation unit 40 is disposed. The ball rental operation unit 40 is provided with a frequency display unit 41, a ball rental button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball rental operation unit 40 is operated with a bill, a card, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball rental unit) (not shown) disposed on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are rented out according to the operation. Specifically, the frequency display unit 41 is an area where balance information of a card or the like is displayed, and the built-in LED lights up and the balance is displayed numerically as the balance information. The ball rental button 42 is operated to obtain rented balls based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and as long as there is a balance on the card or the like, the rented balls are supplied to the upper tray 17. The return button 43 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. In a pachinko machine, so-called a cash machine, in which balls are directly rented out from a ball rental device or the like to the upper tray 17 without passing through the card unit, the ball rental operation unit 40 is not necessary. In this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 40 so that the component configuration is common. The pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine can be made common.

[0022] In the lower tray unit 15 located below the upper tray 17, a lower tray 50 for storing balls that could not be completely stored in the upper tray 17 is formed in a substantially box shape with an open upper surface on the left side thereof. On the right side of the lower tray 50, an operation handle 51 operated by a player to drive the balls into the front of the game board 13 is disposed.

[0023] Inside the operation handle 51, there are a touch sensor 51a for permitting the drive of the ball launch unit 112a, a launch stop switch 51b for stopping the launch of the ball during the period of the pressing operation, a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the rotation operation amount (rotation position) of the operation handle 51 by the change in electric resistance, and the like. When the operation handle 51 is rotationally operated clockwise by the player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes corresponding to the rotation operation amount, and the ball is launched with a strength (launch intensity) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, and thus the ball is driven into the front of the game board 13 with a jump amount corresponding to the operation of the player. Further, 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] At the front lower part of the lower tray 50, a ball removal lever 52 for operating when discharging the balls stored in the lower tray 50 downward is provided. This ball removal lever 52 is constantly biased in the right direction, and by sliding it leftward against the bias, the bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray 50 opens, and the balls naturally fall and are discharged from the bottom opening. The operation of this ball removal lever 52 is usually performed with a box (generally called a "senryo box") placed below the lower tray 50 to receive the balls discharged from the lower tray 50. The operation handle 51 is disposed to the right of the lower tray 50, and an ashtray (not shown) is attached to the left of the lower tray 50.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 13 is configured by assembling a base plate 60 machined into a substantially square shape in a front view, a number of nails for guiding the balls (shown below the center frame 86 and not shown in the upper half of the game area), a windmill (not shown), rails 61, 62, a general winning opening 63, a first winning opening 64, a second winning opening 140, a variable winning device 65, a through gate 67, a variable display device unit 80, etc., and the peripheral portion thereof is attached to the back side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 1).

[0026] The base plate 60 is formed of a light-transmissive resin material, enabling a player to visually recognize various structures disposed from the front side to the back side of the base plate 60. The general winning opening 63, the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 140, and the variable winning device 65 are disposed in through-holes formed in the base plate 60 by routing and fixed from the front side of the game board 13 with tapping screws or the like.

[0027] Note that the base plate 60 may be formed of a wooden plate member. In this case, outside the center frame 86, it is possible to shield various structures disposed from the front side to the back side of the base plate 60 from being visually recognized by the player.

[0028] The front central portion of the game board 13 can be visually recognized from the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window portion 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14. Hereinafter, the configuration of the game board 13 will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0029] An outer rail 62 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a substantially arc shape is planted on the front of the game board 13, and an arc-shaped inner rail 61 formed of a strip-shaped metal plate similar to the outer rail 62 is planted at a position inside the outer rail 62. The front outer periphery of the game board 13 is surrounded by the inner rail 61 and the outer rail 62, and the front and back are surrounded by the game board 13 and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1), so that a game area where the game is played by the behavior of the balls is formed on the front of the game board 13. The game area is an area (an area where winning openings and the like are disposed and the launched balls flow down) partitioned and formed by the two rails 61, 62 on the front of the game board 13 and a resin outer edge member 73 connecting between the rails.

[0030] The two rails 61 and 62 are provided to guide the balls 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 portion of the inner rail 61 (the upper left portion in FIG. 2), preventing a situation where a ball once guided to the upper part of the game board 13 returns into the ball guide passage again. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip portion of the outer rail 62 (the upper right portion in FIG. 2) at a position corresponding to the maximum flying portion of the ball. A ball launched with a momentum above a predetermined level hits the return rubber 69 and bounces back toward the central part while its momentum is attenuated.

[0031] On the lower left part of the front view of the game area (the lower left part in FIG. 2), first symbol display devices 37A and 37B including a plurality of LEDs as light emitting means and a 7-segment display are arranged. The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to make displays according to each control performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), mainly displaying the game state of the pachinko machine 10. In the present embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be selectively used according to whether a ball wins a prize at the first winning opening 64 or at the second winning opening 140. Specifically, when a ball wins a prize at the first winning opening 64, the first symbol display device 37A operates, while when a ball wins a prize at the second winning opening 140, the first symbol display device 37B operates.

[0032] Further, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B use the LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in the probability variable state, time limit state, or normal state by the lighting state, indicate whether it is in a variable state or not by the lighting state, indicate whether the stop symbol corresponds to a probability variable big win symbol, an ordinary big win symbol, or a losing symbol by the lighting state, indicate the number of reserved balls by the lighting state, and perform the display of the number of rounds during a big win and error display by the 7-segment display device. Note that the plurality of LEDs are configured such that the emission colors of the respective LEDs (for example, red, green, blue) are different, and various game states of the pachinko machine 10 can be suggested with a small number of LEDs by the combination of the emission colors.

[0033] In the pachinko machine 10, a lottery is conducted when a prize is won at the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 140. In the lottery of the pachinko machine 10, a determination of whether or not it is a big win (big win lottery) is made, and when it is determined to be a big win, the type of the big win is also determined. As the types of big wins determined here, a 15R sure-change big win, a 4R sure-change big win, and a 4R normal big win are prepared. On the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, not only is it shown whether the result of the lottery is a big win as the stopped symbol after the variation ends, but also a symbol corresponding to the type of the big win is shown when it is a big win.

[0034] Here, the "15R sure-change big win" is a sure-change big win in which the maximum number of rounds is 15 rounds and it shifts to a high-probability state after the big win, and the "4R sure-change big win" is a sure-change big win in which the maximum number of rounds is 4 rounds and it shifts to a high-probability state after the big win. Also, the "4R normal big win" is a big win in which, after the big win with a maximum number of rounds of 4 rounds, it shifts to a low-probability state and becomes a time-saving state for a predetermined number of variations (for example, 100 variation times).

[0035] Also, the "high-probability state" refers to a state in which the big win probability increases as an added value after the big win ends, that is, during so-called probability variation (during sure change). In other words, it is a game state in which it is easy to shift to a special game state. The high-probability state (during sure change) in the present embodiment includes a game state in which the big win probability increases for a predetermined number of variations (in the present embodiment, 100 variation times), and the hit probability of the second symbol described later increases and it is easy for the ball to win at the second winning opening 140. The "low-probability state" refers to a time when it is not during sure change, and it is a state in which the big win probability is normal, that is, a state in which the big win probability is lower than during sure change. Also, the time-saving state (during time saving) among the "low-probability states" refers to a game state in which the big win probability is normal and the hit probability of only the second symbol increases while the big win probability remains the same and it is easy for the ball to win at the second winning opening 140. On the other hand, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the normal state, it is a game state that is neither during sure change nor during time saving (a state in which neither the big win probability nor the hit probability of the second symbol increases).

[0036] In this embodiment, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through-hole of the probability variation detection sensor SE11 of the payout device 300, which will be described later, during the 100 fluctuation times of the game state after the jackpot game ends, the high-probability state is established when the jackpot game is the first round. If it is not determined that the game ball has passed through the through-hole of the probability variation detection sensor SE11, the time-shortened state is established during the 100 fluctuation times of the game state after the jackpot game ends.

[0037] During probability variation or time shortening, not only does the winning probability of the second symbol increase, but also the time when the electric accessory 140a (electric accessory) associated with the second winning port 140 is opened is changed, and a longer time is set compared to the normal state. When the electric accessory 140a is in the opened state (opened state), the ball is more likely to win the second winning port 140 compared to when the electric accessory 140a is in the closed state (closed state). Therefore, during probability variation or time shortening, the ball is more likely to win the second winning port 140, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is conducted can be increased.

[0038] Note that during probability variation or time shortening, instead of changing the opening time of the electric accessory 140a associated with the second winning port 140, or in addition to changing the opening time, a change may be made to increase the number of times the electric accessory 140a is opened per win compared to the normal state. Also, during probability variation or time shortening, the winning probability of the second symbol may not be changed, and at least one of the time when the electric accessory 140a associated with the second winning port 140 is opened and the number of times the electric accessory 140a is opened per win may be changed. Further, during probability variation or time shortening, the time when the electric accessory 140a associated with the second winning port 140 is opened and the number of times the electric accessory 140a is opened per win may not be changed, and only the winning probability of the second symbol may be changed to be higher compared to the normal state.

[0039] In the gaming area, a plurality of general winning openings 63 are provided, and when a ball wins, 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls. Also, a variable display device unit 80 is provided in the central portion of the gaming area. In the variable display device unit 80, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply abbreviated as "display device") that performs variable display of a third symbol while synchronizing with the variable display in the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, triggered by winning (starting winning) at the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 140, and a second symbol display device (not shown) composed of LEDs that perform variable display of the second symbol triggered by the passage of a ball through the through gate 67 are provided. Further, a center frame 86 is provided in the variable display device unit 80 so as to surround the outer periphery of the third symbol display device 81.

[0040] In this embodiment, the third symbol display device 81 is fastened and fixed to the back case 510 so as to fill the opening 511a of the back case 510 described later, and the center frame 86 is disposed so as to border the window portion of the base plate 60. That is, when viewed from the front, the center frame 86 appears to be disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the third symbol display device 81, but actually, the third symbol display device 81 and the center frame 86 are arranged separately front and back.

[0041] The third symbol display device 81 is composed of, for example, a large liquid crystal display with a 9-inch size, and the display content is controlled by a display control device 114 (see FIG. 4), so that, for example, three symbol rows of upper, middle, and lower are displayed. Each symbol row is composed of a plurality of symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols scroll horizontally for each symbol row so that the third symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 81. The third symbol display device 81 of this embodiment performs a decorative display corresponding to the display of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, while the display of the gaming state accompanying the control of the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B. Note that instead of the display device, the third symbol display device 81 may be configured using, for example, reels or the like.

[0042] When the ball passes through the through gate 67, the second symbol display device performs a variable display that alternately lights up the symbol "○" and the symbol "×" as display symbols (second symbols (not shown)) for a predetermined time. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the through gate 67, a winning lottery is conducted. If the result of the winning lottery is a win, in the second symbol display device, the symbol "○" is stopped and displayed after the variable display of the second symbol. If the result of the winning lottery is a miss, in the second symbol display device, the symbol "×" is stopped and displayed after the variable display of the third symbol.

[0043] The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that when the variable display in the second symbol display device stops at a predetermined symbol (in this embodiment, the symbol "○"), the electric accessory 140a associated with the second winning opening 140 is in an operating state (opened) for a predetermined time.

[0044] The time taken for the variable display of the second symbol is set to be shorter during probability increase or time shortening than during normal game states. As a result, during probability increase and time shortening, the variable display of the second symbol is performed in a shorter time, so that the winning lottery can be conducted more frequently than during normal times. Therefore, since the chance of winning in the winning lottery increases, the player can be given more opportunities for the electric accessory 140a of the second winning opening 140 to be in an open state. Thus, during probability increase and time shortening, the ball can be made likely to win at the second winning opening 140.

[0045] In addition, during probability increase or time shortening, if the ball is made likely to win at the second winning opening 140 by other methods such as increasing the winning probability, increasing the opening time or the number of opening times of the electric accessory 140a for each win, the time taken for the variable display of the second symbol may be made constant regardless of the game state. On the other hand, when the time taken for the variable display of the second symbol is set to be shorter during probability increase or time shortening than during normal times, the winning probability may be made constant regardless of the game state, or the opening time or the number of opening times of the electric accessory 140a for each win may be made constant regardless of the game state.

[0046] The through gate 67 is assembled to the game board 13 in the left and right regions of the variable display device unit 80 and is configured to allow a part of the balls launched onto the game board 13 to pass through. When a ball passes through the through gate 67, a winning lottery for the second symbol is conducted. After the winning lottery, variable display is performed on the second symbol display device. If the result of the winning lottery is a win, a "〇" symbol is displayed as the stopped symbol of the variable display, and if the result of the winning lottery is a loss, an "×" symbol is displayed as the stopped symbol of the variable display.

[0047] The total number of times a ball can pass through the through gate 67 is reserved up to a maximum of 4 times. The number of reserved balls is displayed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B described above and is also lit and displayed on a second symbol reserve lamp (not shown). Four second symbol reserve lamps are provided for the maximum number of reserved balls and are arranged symmetrically to the left and right below the third symbol display device 81.

[0048] In addition, although the variable display of the second symbol is performed by switching the lighting and non-lighting of a plurality of lamps in the second symbol display device as in this embodiment, it may also be performed using a part of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and the third symbol display device 81. Similarly, the lighting of the second symbol reserve lamp may be performed using a part of the third symbol display device 81. Also, the maximum number of reserved balls for the passage of a ball through the through gate 67 is not limited to 4 times, and may be set to 3 times or less, or 5 times or more (for example, 8 times). Also, the number of assembled through gates 67 is not limited to 2, and may be 1, for example. Also, the assembly position of the through gate 67 is not limited to the left and right of the variable display device unit 80, and may be below the variable display device unit 80, for example. Also, since the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, it may not be lit and displayed by the second symbol reserve lamp.

[0049] Below the variable display device unit 80, a first winning opening 64 into which a ball can win is provided. When a ball wins in the first winning opening 64, a first winning opening switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and based on the turning on of the first winning opening switch, a jackpot lottery is conducted by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display corresponding to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37A.

[0050] On the other hand, below the first winning opening 64 in a front view, a second winning opening 140 into which a ball can win is provided. When a ball wins in the second winning opening 140, a second winning opening switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and based on the turning on of the second winning opening switch, a jackpot lottery is conducted by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display corresponding to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37B.

[0051] Also, the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 140 each also serve as one of the winning openings from which five balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball wins. In the present embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball wins in the first winning opening 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball wins in the second winning opening 140 are configured to be the same. However, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball wins in the first winning opening 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball wins in the second winning opening 140 may be different numbers. For example, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball wins in the first winning opening 64 may be set to three, and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball wins in the second winning opening 140 may be set to five.

[0052] An electric accessory 140a is attached to the second winning opening 140. This electric accessory 140a is configured to be openable and closable. Normally, the electric accessory 140a is in a closed state (shrunk state), making it difficult for a ball to win in the second winning opening 140. On the other hand, when the symbol "○" is displayed on the second symbol display device as a result of the variable display of the second symbol triggered by the passage of a ball through the through gate 67, the electric accessory 140a is in an open state (expanded state), making it easy for a ball to win in the second winning opening 140.

[0053] As described above, during the probability variation and time reduction periods, the winning probability of the second symbol is higher and the time taken for the variable display of the second symbol is shorter compared to the normal period. Therefore, in the variable display of the second symbol, the symbol "○" is more likely to be displayed, and the number of times the electric accessory 140a enters the open state (expanded state) increases. Furthermore, during the probability variation and time reduction periods, the time for which the electric accessory 140a remains open is also longer than during the normal period. Thus, during the probability variation and time reduction periods, it is possible to create a state where it is easier for balls to win in the second winning opening 140 compared to the normal time.

[0054] Here, whether a ball wins in the first winning opening 64 or in the second winning opening 140, the probability of a big win is the same whether in the low-probability state or the high-probability state. However, as the type of big win selected when a big win occurs, the probability of a 15R probability variation big win is set higher when a ball wins in the second winning opening 140 than when a ball wins in the first winning opening 64. On the other hand, the first winning opening 64 does not have an electric accessory such as that in the second winning opening 140, and balls can always win.

[0055] Therefore, during normal times, the electric accessory associated with the second winning opening 140 is often in the closed state, making it difficult for balls to win in the second winning opening 140. So, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for a big win by shooting the ball so that it passes through the left side of the variable display device unit 80 towards the first winning opening 64 without an electric accessory (so-called "left shooting"), and obtaining more opportunities for the big win lottery by winning in the first winning opening 64.

[0056] On the other hand, during the probability variation and time reduction periods, by passing the ball through the through gate 67, the electric accessory 140a associated with the second winning opening 140 is likely to enter the open state, making it easy for balls to win in the second winning opening 140. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for a 15R probability variation big win by shooting the ball so that it passes through the right side of the variable display 80 towards the second winning opening 140 (so-called "right shooting"), passing the ball through the through gate 67 to open the electric accessory, and winning in the second winning opening 140.

[0057] In addition, since the structure of the pachinko machine 10 in this embodiment is symmetric about the left and right, it is possible to aim at the first winning opening 64 with a "right shot" or aim at the second winning opening 140 with a "left shot". Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment can eliminate the need to change the way of shooting the ball between "left shot" and "right shot" for the player according to the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in the probability variation state, the time-saving state, or the normal state). Thus, the annoyance of changing the way of shooting the ball can be eliminated.

[0058] A variable winning device 65 (see FIG. 2) is disposed below the first winning opening 64, and a specific winning opening 65a is provided in a substantially central portion thereof. In the pachinko machine 10, when the jackpot lottery conducted due to winning the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 140 results in a jackpot, after a predetermined time (fluctuation time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is lit so as to be the jackpot stop symbol, and the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device 81 to indicate the occurrence of the jackpot. Thereafter, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot) where it is easy for the ball to win. As this special game state, the specific winning opening 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds elapse or until 10 balls win).

[0059] This specific winning opening 65a is closed when the predetermined time has elapsed, and after the closure, the specific winning opening 65a is opened again for the predetermined time. The opening and closing operation of this specific winning opening 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds) at most. The state in which this opening and closing operation is being performed is a form of a special game state advantageous to the player, and a larger number of prize balls are paid out to the player as an impartation of game value (game value) than in the normal time.

[0060] Note that the special game state is not limited to the above-described form. A large opening that is opened and closed separately from the specific winning opening 65a is provided in the game area. When the LEDs corresponding to a big win light up in the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time. During the opening of the specific winning opening 65a, when a ball wins into the specific winning opening 65a, a game state may be formed as a special game state in which a large opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times. Also, the specific winning opening 65a is not limited to one, and one or a plurality (for example, three) may be arranged, and the arrangement position is not limited to the lower right side or the lower left side of the first winning opening 64. For example, it may be to the left of the variable display device unit 80.

[0061] At the lower right corner on the lower side of the game board 13, an attachment space K1 for attaching certificates, identification labels, etc. is provided, and the certificates, etc. attached to the attachment space K1 can be visually recognized through the small window 35 (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14.

[0062] The game board 13 is provided with an out port 71. Balls flowing down in the game area that do not win into any of the winning openings 63, 64, 65a, and 140 are guided through the out port 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown). The out ports 71 are arranged in a pair on the left and right of the specific winning opening 65a.

[0063] The game board 13 is provided with a large number of nails for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the balls, and various members (effect devices) such as windmills are arranged (not shown).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, there are mainly provided control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is unitized by mounting a main board (main control device 110), an audio lamp control board (audio lamp control device 113), and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is unitized by mounting a payout control board (payout control device 111), a firing control board (firing control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115), and a card unit connection board 116.

[0065] The back pack unit 94 is unitized by a back pack 92 forming a protective cover portion and a payout unit 93. Further, on each control board, an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer in charge of each control, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generation circuit used when performing time counting or synchronization, etc. are mounted as necessary.

[0066] Note that the main control device 110, the audio lamp control device 113, the display control device 114, the payout control device 111, the firing control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are respectively housed in board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 include a box base and a box cover covering the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to house each control device and each board.

[0067] In addition, the substrate box 100 (main control device 110) and the substrate box 102 (payout control device 111 and launch control device 112) are connected in a non-openable manner (connected by a caulking structure) by a sealing unit (not shown) between the box base and the box cover. Further, a sealing tape (not shown) is attached across the connection part between the box base and the box cover. This sealing tape is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing tape to open the substrate boxes 100 and 102, or if an attempt is made to forcibly open the substrate boxes 100 and 102, it will be cut between the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or the sealing tape, it is possible to know whether the substrate boxes 100 and 102 have been opened.

[0068] The payout unit 93 includes a tank 130 that is located at the uppermost part of the back pack unit 94 and opens upward, a tank rail 131 that is connected below the tank 130 and gently slopes downward, a case rail 132 that is vertically connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 that is provided at the lowermost downstream part of the case rail 132 and pays out balls according to a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4). Balls supplied from the island equipment in the game hall are sequentially replenished in the tank 130, 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.

[0069] In addition, a state return switch 120 is provided in the payout control device 111, an operation knob 121 of a variable resistor is provided in the launch control device 112, and a RAM erase switch 122 is provided in the power supply device 115. The state return switch 120 is operated, for example, to eliminate a ball jam (return to the normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout motor 216 (see FIG. 4) section. 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 when it is desired to return the pachinko machine 10 to the initial state.

[0070] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0071] The main control device 110 is equipped with an MPU201 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic device. The MPU201 has a ROM202 that stores various control programs and fixed-value data executed by the MPU201, a RAM203 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data etc. when executing the control programs stored in the ROM202, and in addition, various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are built in. In the main control device 110, the MPU201 executes main processes of the pachinko machine 10 such as jackpot lottery, setting of displays in the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B and the third symbol display device 81, and lottery of the display result in the second symbol display device.

[0072] Note that, in order to instruct operations to sub-control devices such as the payout control device 111 and the voice lamp control device 113, various commands are transmitted from the main control device 110 to the sub-control device by the data transmission / reception circuit, but such commands are transmitted only in one direction from the main control device 110 to the sub-control device.

[0073] The RAM203 has, in addition to various areas, counters, and flags, a stack area where the contents of the internal registers of the MPU201 and the return destination addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU201 are stored, and a work area (working area) where various flags, counters, values of I / O, etc. are stored. Note that the RAM203 is configured such that backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 115 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off to hold (backup) data, and all the data stored in the RAM203 is backed up.

[0074] When the power supply is cut off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, the stack pointer and the values of each register at the time of the power cut-off (including the occurrence of a power outage; the same applies hereinafter) are stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power is turned on (including the power-on due to the restoration of power from a power outage; the same applies hereinafter), based on the information stored in the RAM 203, the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power cut-off. Writing to the RAM 203 is executed at the time of power cut-off by the main process (not shown), and the restoration of each value written to the RAM 203 is executed in the startup process (not shown) at the time of power-on. Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 201 is configured such that a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 is input at the time of power cut-off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. When the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 201, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) as a power outage time process is immediately executed.

[0075] An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 via a bus line 204 composed of an address bus and a data bus. Connected to the input / output port 205 are a payout control device 111, an audio lamp control device 113, first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, a second symbol display device, a second symbol hold lamp, a solenoid 209 including a large opening solenoid for driving the opening and closing plate 65b (see FIG. 11) of the specific winning opening 65a to open and close in the front side with the lower side as the axis, and solenoids for driving electric accessories. The MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0076] Also, connected to the input / output port 205 are various switches 208 including a switch group (not shown), a sensor group including a slide position detection sensor S and a rotation position detection sensor R (not shown), and a RAM erase switch circuit 253 provided in the power supply device 115, which will be described later. The MPU 201 executes various processes based on the signals output from the various switches 208 and the RAM erase signal SG2 output from the RAM erase switch circuit 253.

[0077] The payout control device 111 drives the payout motor 216 to perform payout control of prize balls and lent balls. The MPU 211, which is an arithmetic unit, has a ROM 212 that stores control programs, fixed-value data, etc. executed by the MPU 211, and a RAM 213 used as a work memory or the like.

[0078] Similar to the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, the RAM 213 of the payout control device 111 has a stack area where the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and the return destination addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (working area) where various flags, counters, values of I / O, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured such that backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 115 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and data can be held (backed up). All data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. Similar to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is also configured such that a power failure signal SG1 is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 252 when a power failure or the like occurs and the power is cut off. When the power failure signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, NMI interrupt processing (not shown) as power failure processing is immediately executed.

[0079] An input / output port 215 is connected to the MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 via a bus line 214 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device 110, the payout motor 216, the launch control device 112, etc. are respectively connected to the input / output port 215. Although not shown, a prize ball detection switch for detecting the paid-out prize balls is connected to the payout control device 111. The prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but not to the main control device 110.

[0080] When the main control device 110 gives an instruction to launch the ball, 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 operation of the operation handle 51. The ball launch unit 112a includes a launch solenoid and an electromagnet (not shown), and the launch solenoid and the electromagnet are permitted to be driven when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operation handle 51, and on the condition that the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the ball launch is off (not operated), the launch solenoid is excited corresponding to the amount of rotation operation (rotation position) of the operation handle 51, and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the operation amount of the operation handle 51.

[0081] The voice lamp control device 113 controls the output of voice from a voice output device (such as a speaker not shown) 226, the output of lighting and extinguishing of a lamp display device (the electric decoration parts 29 to 33, the display lamp 34, etc.) 227, and the setting of the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 performed by the display control device 114 such as a variable effect (variable display) and a preview effect. The MPU 221, which is an arithmetic device, has a ROM 222 that stores a control program, fixed value data, etc. executed by the MPU 221, and a RAM 223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0082] An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the voice lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device 110, the display control device 114, the voice output device 226, the lamp display device 227, other devices 228, the frame button 22, etc. are respectively connected to the input / output port 225. The other devices 228 include drive motors 631, 731, 782, 861.

[0083] The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 based on various commands (such as variable pattern commands and stop type commands) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode by commands (such as variable pattern commands for display and stop type commands for display). Further, the voice lamp control device 113 monitors the input from the frame button 22, and when the frame button 22 is operated by the player, it instructs the display control device 114 to change the stage displayed on the third symbol display device 81 or to change the production content during super reach. When the stage is changed, a background image change command including information about the changed stage is transmitted to the display control device 114 so as to display a background image corresponding to the changed stage on the third symbol display device 81. Here, the background 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 commands transmitted from this voice lamp control device 113.

[0084] Further, the voice lamp control device 113 receives a command (display command) representing the display content of the third symbol 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, from the voice output device 226, a voice corresponding to the display content in accordance with the display content of the third symbol display device 81, and also controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp display device 227 corresponding to the display content.

[0085] The display control device 114 is connected to the voice lamp control device 113 and the third symbol display device 81, and controls the display such as the variable effect of the third symbol on the third symbol display device 81 based on the command received from the voice lamp control device 113. Further, the display control device 114 appropriately transmits a display command for notifying the display content of the third symbol display device 81 to the voice lamp control device 113. The voice lamp control device 113 can match the display on the third symbol display device 81 with the voice output from the voice output device 226 by outputting voice from the voice output device 226 according to the display content indicated by this display command.

[0086] The power supply device 115 includes a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each part 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 erase switch circuit 253 provided with a RAM erase 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 to 114 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As an overview, the power supply unit 251 takes in an AC 24-volt voltage supplied from the outside, generates a 12-volt voltage for driving various switches such as various switches 208, solenoids such as solenoid 209, motors, etc., a 5-volt voltage for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies the 12-volt voltage, 5-volt voltage, and backup voltage to the control devices 110 to 114 and the like as necessary voltages.

[0087] 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 payout control device 111 when the power supply is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 252 monitors the voltage of the DC stabilized 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251. When this voltage becomes less than 22 volts, it determines that a power failure (power cut, power supply cut-off) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SG1 to the main control device 110 and the payout control device 111. By the output of the power failure signal SG1, the main control device 110 and the payout 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 5-volt voltage, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time for the execution of the NMI interrupt processing even after the voltage of the DC stabilized 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Therefore, the main control device 110 and the payout control device 111 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown).

[0088] The RAM erase switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM erase signal SG2 for clearing backup data to the main control device 110 when the RAM erase switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM erase signal SG2 at the time of power-on of the pachinko machine 10, it clears the backup data and transmits a payout initialization command for clearing the backup data to the payout control device 111 to the payout control device 111.

[0089] Next, the structure around the variable prize device 65 will be described. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the variable prize device 65 and the distribution device 300, and FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are front perspective views of the variable prize device 65. In FIG. 6(a), the closed state of the opening / closing plate 65b, which is closed to regulate the flow of balls into the specific winning opening 65a, is shown. In FIG. 6(b), the open state of the opening / closing plate 65b, which is opened to allow the flow of balls into the specific winning opening 65a, is shown. In the description of FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 2 is appropriately referred to.

[0090] The variable prize device 65 is configured such that in the open state of the opening / closing plate 65b (see Fig. 6(b)), when a ball lands on the opening / closing plate 65b, the upper surface of the opening / closing plate 65b slopes downward toward the back side in the open state of the opening / closing plate 65b so as to receive the ball and guide it to the specific winning opening 65a.

[0091] Since the electric accessory 140a is disposed above the left-right center of the opening / closing plate 65b (see Fig. 2), the balls landing on the opening / closing plate 65b are limited to the balls that escape from the electric accessory 140a and flow down. That is, the balls do not land on the opening / closing plate 65b at the left-right center, but mainly land on the portions outside the left and right of the electric accessory 140a. In other words, the placement of the balls landing on the opening / closing plate 65b is limited to the positions closer to the left and right outer sides of the opening / closing plate 65b.

[0092] However, this does not apply to the placement of the balls after landing on the opening / closing plate 65b. That is, depending on the way the balls flow after landing on the opening / closing plate 65b, the balls may be placed closer to the left-right center position of the opening / closing plate 65b.

[0093] In particular, in this embodiment, the front design member 141 that covers the electric accessory 140a from the front side (see Fig. 2) is curved to secure a space on the opening / closing plate 65b side (formed as a curved surface that protrudes downward as it goes from the lower end of the front end portion facing the glass unit 16 (see Fig. 1) toward the back side). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the degree to which the balls that bounce near the left-right center position of the opening / closing plate 65b collide with the front design member 141 and lose their momentum. As a result, the possibility of the balls being placed closer to the left-right center position of the opening / closing plate 65b can be increased.

[0094] Note that the center of the radius of curvature of the curved shape at the lower part of the front design member 141 may be arranged either in the front or the back. In this embodiment, by forming the radius of curvature in a horizontal view to be arranged at the lower front side, a larger space on the opening / closing plate 65b side can be secured. Also, by making the front design member 141 narrower toward the left and right ends as it goes downward, it is easier to secure a space between the opening / closing plate 65b on the left and right sides.

[0095] In the open state of the opening / closing plate 65b, the balls that land on the opening / closing plate 65b are guided to the specific winning opening 65a with almost no leakage. On the front side of the ball passage hole 163b of the detection sensor SE1, an inclined flow lower surface 163a1 that slopes downward toward the rear is disposed at a vertical position where it can guide the balls to the ball passage hole 163b.

[0096] The inclined flow lower surface 163a1 is formed to be one step lower than the left and right end portions of the lower surface portion 163a so that the balls that have rolled to the left and right outer sides by the lower surface portion 163a can roll over with less resistance. In order to reduce the flow-down resistance of the balls that land on the opening / closing plate 65b on the left and right outer sides of the inclined flow lower surface 163a1, guide plate portions 163a2 are formed on the left and right outer sides of the inclined flow lower surface 163a1.

[0097] The guide plate portion 163a2 is a plate-like portion that extends from the rear wall portion and the left and right inner wall portions of the receiving member 163 toward the front side and the left and right inner sides, and the front end surface is formed as an inclined surface whose arrangement is shifted rearward toward the left and right inner sides.

[0098] Thereby, when the balls that roll onto the opening / closing plate 65b come into contact with the front end surface of the guide plate portion 163a2, the flow-down of the balls can be guided along the inclination of the inclined surface, so that the balls can be guided to the inclined flow lower surface 163a1 with less resistance. Therefore, when the opening / closing plate 65b starts the closing operation with balls on it, even if the balls are arranged on the left and right outer sides of the inclined flow lower surface 163a1, the degree to which the closing operation of the opening / closing plate 65b is inhibited can be reduced.

[0099] That is, for example, the flow of the balls becomes poor and the closing of the opening / closing plate 65b is delayed, or the balls that are flowed rearward by the closing operation of the opening / closing plate 65b bounce back from the rear wall portion of the receiving member 163 and hit the opening / closing plate 65b again, giving a load in the direction (front side) to open the opening / closing plate 65b, so that the possibility of malfunction such as the opening / closing plate 65b opening unintentionally can be reduced.

[0100] When the opening / closing plate 65b moves from the open state to the closed state, the opening / closing plate 65b closes by rising. That is, the balls that have landed on the opening / closing plate 65b are guided (swallowed) to the specific winning opening 65a by the operation of the opening / closing plate 65b. Therefore, regardless of the left-right position of the balls on the opening / closing plate 65b, the balls on the opening / closing plate 65b are almost completely guided to the specific winning opening 65a without leakage.

[0101] At this time, if the arrangement of the balls on the opening / closing plate 65b is biased toward the left and right outer sides or the number of balls is large, the closing operation of the opening / closing plate 65b may be delayed. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the shapes of the lower surface portion 163a, the inclined flow lower surface 163a1, and the guide plate portion 163a2 of the receiving member 163 are devised, the rapidity of the closing operation of the opening / closing plate 65b can be maintained without retaining the flow of the balls guided to the specific winning opening 65a.

[0102] Also, instead of devising the shape of the receiving member 163, the rolling surface of the opening / closing plate 65b on which the balls ride in the open state is formed in a flat shape (see Fig. 6(b)). Therefore, the balls that have landed on the opening / closing plate 65b in the open state of the opening / closing plate 65b will once flow backward and then be flowed in the left-right direction by the action of the shape of the receiving member 163 and guided to the ball passage hole 163b of the detection sensor SE1. Thus, it is easy to avoid the occurrence of collisions between the balls on the opening / closing plate 65b.

[0103] That is, even if a plurality of balls land on the opening / closing plate 65b at the same time, the balls will once move backward in parallel. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the balls colliding with each other on the opening / closing plate 65b. Accordingly, compared with the case where the rolling surface of the opening / closing plate 65b has a shape with an inclined surface in the left-right direction like the lower surface portion 163a and a left-right flow is formed in the rolling balls, the possibility that the movement of the balls on the opening / closing plate 65b becomes irregular can be reduced. Thus, unintended operation failures can be prevented in advance.

[0104] In the receiving member 163, in the closed state of the opening / closing plate 65b, there are formed contact surfaces 163a3 that come into contact with the rotation tip portions at both the left and right ends of the opening / closing plate 65b to enhance the reproducibility of the arrangement of the opening / closing plate 65b. The contact surfaces 163a3 are formed as a pair on the left and right, and are formed to enable surface contact rather than point contact by a shape design adapted to the shape of the opening / closing plate 65b. Therefore, it is easy to stabilize the arrangement of the opening / closing plate 65b, and stress concentration can be avoided by receiving the load at the time of contact with the surface, so that the durability can be improved.

[0105] Also, below the contact surface 163a3, there is formed an auxiliary contact surface 163a4 that is formed in a surface shape that is substantially parallel with a slight gap from the opposed opening / closing plate 65b. The auxiliary contact surface 163a4 is provided as a fail-safe in case the contact between the contact surface 163a3 and the opening / closing plate 65b becomes poor for some reason.

[0106] In the present embodiment, a fixed member 161 that restricts the flow of the ball is disposed on the front side of the contact surface 163a3, and basically the ball is configured not to collide with the contact surface 163a3. However, for example, if the rotation tip portion of the opening / closing plate 65b that contacts the contact surface 163a3 is chipped, there is a possibility that the reproducibility of the arrangement of the opening / closing plate 65b in the closed state cannot be maintained.

[0107] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when normal contact between the opening / closing plate 65b and the contact surface 163a3 cannot be maintained, surface contact is caused between the front-rear width intermediate portion at the left and right ends of the opening / closing plate 65b and the auxiliary contact surface 163a4 to ensure the stability of the arrangement of the opening / closing plate 65b. Thereby, the reproducibility of the arrangement of the opening / closing plate 65b in the closed state can be improved.

[0108] In addition, the auxiliary abutting surface 163a4 may be configured to abut against the opening / closing plate 65b when the shape of the abutting surface portion 163a3 is normal. In this case, although there may be a disadvantage that a load is likely to accumulate because the abutting against the opening / closing plate 65b occurs when the shape of the abutting surface portion 163a3 is normal, the area for dispersing the load can be expanded, so the magnitude of the local load received by the abutting surface portion 163a3 due to the abutting against the opening / closing plate 65b can be reduced.

[0109] When the opening / closing plate 65b operates from the open state to the closed state, it can be configured to receive the game balls in the process of being received by the opening / closing plate 65b in a manner of pushing them into the opening / closing plate 65b according to the shape of the above-described front design member 141.

[0110] That is, when the ball abuts against the lower shape of the front design member 141 in the state of being received (for example, in the state of sliding horizontally while being sandwiched between the rotating tip of the opening / closing plate 65b and the opening frame portion of the specific winning opening 65a), it can be guided by the curved shape and caused to flow down inside the specific winning opening 65a. Thereby, it is possible to easily avoid the occurrence of a situation where the ball that has deviated from the opening / closing plate 65b falls on the front side of the third flow path forming portion 336, so it is possible to easily secure the visibility to the third flow path forming portion 336.

[0111] In the closed state of the opening / closing plate 65b, since the ball does not land on the opening / closing plate 65b, the arrangement of the balls flowing down on the front side of the opening / closing plate 65b in the closed state of the opening / closing plate 65b is limited to the left and right outer sides rather than the electric accessory 140a.

[0112] Therefore, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to limit the arrangement of the balls flowing down without being guided to the specific winning opening 65a in the closed state of the opening / closing plate 65b to the left and right outer side positions rather than the electric accessory 140a. Thereby, it is possible to secure the visibility at the left and right inner side positions rather than the left and right end portions of the electric accessory 140a below the electric accessory 140a.

[0113] Next, the configuration on the downstream side of the specific winning opening 65a (the side where the balls that have passed through the specific winning opening 65a flow) will be described. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the game board 13, and FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the game board 13. In FIGS. 7 and 8, a state in which components other than the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 140, and the variable winning device 65 among the components arranged on the base plate 60 are removed is illustrated.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 8, at a position behind the variable winning device 65 on the back side of the base plate 60, a collecting gutter 150 is arranged, which forms a path for the balls that have entered the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 140, and the general winning opening 63 (see FIG. 2) to flow into a ball discharge path (not shown).

[0115] The collecting gutter 150 has a groove-shaped portion that forms a flow path, and the front side portion facing the base plate 60 in the groove-shaped portion is open. By closing this open portion with the base plate 60, a path for the balls to flow into the ball discharge path is completed.

[0116] The collecting gutter 150 includes a first flow path portion 151 that forms a flow path for the balls that have entered the first winning opening 64, a second flow path portion 152 that forms a path for the balls that have entered the second winning opening 140, and a plurality of third flow path portions 153 that respectively form flow paths for the balls that have entered the general winning openings 63 arranged on both the left and right sides.

[0117] The first flow path portion 151 is configured as a flow path that slopes downward and to the left from a position behind the first winning opening 64, and the second flow path portion 152 is configured as a flow path that slopes downward and to the right from a position behind the second winning opening 140. The third flow path portion 153 is configured as a flow path that extends downward from the general winning opening 63.

[0118] Therefore, in a front view, while the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 140 are arranged at the left and right center positions of the game area, the flow of the balls entering the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 140 is directed from the left and right center positions to the left and right outer sides by the collecting gutter 150. As a result, a space can be provided below the first winning opening 64 and the second winning opening 140, and the variable winning device 65 and a distributing device 300 described later can be arranged using this space.

[0119] FIG. 9 is an exploded front perspective view of the base plate 60, the variable winning device 65, the collecting gutter 150, and the distributing device 300, and FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the base plate 60, the variable winning device 65, the collecting gutter 150, and the distributing device 300. In FIGS. 9 and 10, only the lower half of the base plate 60 is shown, and the illustration of the other parts is omitted. Also, the illustration of the other components assembled to the base plate 60 is omitted, and the background of the base plate 60 is visible. Further, in FIG. 9, for convenience of explanation, the center frame 86 is shown in a state of being assembled to the base plate 60.

[0120] The fixing of the variable winning device 65, the collecting gutter 150, and the distributing device 300 will be described. The variable winning device 65 is disposed in a through hole formed in the base plate 60 by routing and is fixed by tapping screws or the like from the front side of the game board 13. The collecting gutter 150 is disposed in a through hole formed in the base plate 60 by routing and is fixed by tapping screws or the like from the back side of the game board 13.

[0121] Then, for the distributing device 300, the insertion hole 311 is fastened and fixed to the variable winning device 65 at the upper part, and the insertion holes 331 are fastened and fixed to the collecting gutter 150 at the left and right parts. That is, unlike the variable winning device 65 and the collecting gutter 150 that are directly fixed to the base plate 60, the presence or absence of the distributing device 300 does not affect the completion of the game board 13.

[0122] In other words, the variable prize device 65 and the collective drain pipe 150 in the present embodiment can be directly reused whether the distribution device 300 is provided or not. Thereby, regardless of the presence or absence of the distribution device 300, the variable prize device 65 and the collective drain pipe 150 can be made common.

[0123] Next, the details of the variable prize device 65 and the distribution device 300 will be described. The variable prize device 65 is configured to be able to receive balls from the game area through a specific winning port 65a, and the distribution device 300 constitutes a flowing-down path through which the balls received by the variable prize device 65 flow. In the present embodiment, it is controlled so that the profit obtained by the player changes based on the detection result of the balls flowing through the flowing-down path of the distribution device 300. Details will be described later.

[0124] FIG. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of the variable prize device 65, and FIG. 12 is an exploded rear perspective view of the variable prize device 65. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the variable prize device 65 includes a fixed member 161 that is fixed from the front side of the game board 13 by tapping screws or the like, a front design member 162 that is disposed on the front side of the fixed member 161 and fastened and fixed to the fixed member 161, a receiving member 163 that is disposed on the back side of the fixed member 161, fastened and fixed to the fixed member 161, and configured to be able to receive balls that have passed through the specific winning port 65a, an intervening member 164 that is disposed on the back side of the receiving member 163, fastened and fixed to the receiving member 163, and intervenes as a connecting portion with the distribution device 300, and a state switching device 165 that is disposed on the back side of the receiving member 163, fastened and fixed to the receiving member 163, and configured to be able to switch the opening and closing state of the opening and closing plate 65b by the presence or absence of energization.

[0125] The fixed member 161 is formed of a light-transmissive resin material, and the shape of its front side is formed as a flat surface except for through holes for screw insertion, fastening positions with the front design member 162, and the specific winning port 65a. On the other hand, the shape of the back side of the fixed member 161 is a three-dimensional shape that protrudes backward inside a thin-walled portion that abuts on the base plate 60 in the outer peripheral portion in a surface contact manner.

[0126] In particular, the boundary portion 161a with the thin-walled portion is formed in a horizontally long substantially elliptical frame shape, and a through hole having a size capable of disposing the boundary portion 161a is formed through the base plate 60. That is, the boundary portion 161a is a portion inserted into the through hole of the base plate 60.

[0127] Inside the boundary portion 161a, a specific winning port 65a, a horizontally long plate-shaped portion that extends rearward in a horizontally long plate shape parallel to the lower edge of the specific winning port 65a slightly below the lower edge of the specific winning port 65a, and a vertically long plate-shaped portion that extends downward at an intermediate position of the horizontally long plate-shaped portion are provided, and an extended support plate 161b configured in a substantially T shape in a pair on the left and right is formed.

[0128] The extended support plate 161b functions to support both the range behind the specific winning port 65a and the flow-down path of the distribution device 300 described later. A protruding support portion 161c protruding from the horizontally long plate-shaped portion of the extended support plate 161b, a protruding support portion 161d protruding from the vertically long plate-shaped portion of the extended support plate 161b, and a protruding support portion 161e protruding from the upper surface of the lower edge portion of the boundary portion 161a have functions as portions for supporting the distribution device 300, but details will be described later.

[0129] Inside the boundary portion 161a, a symmetric protruding portion 161f protruding in a symmetric shape below the left and right center positions of the specific winning port 65a has a function of coming into contact with the balls flowing down the distribution device 300 and guiding the flow-down of the balls.

[0130] A plurality of through holes 161g for inserting fastening screws screwed into the front design member 162 are arranged inside and outside the boundary portion 161a. A plurality of fastened portions 161h having female screw portions for screwing in fastening screws inserted into the receiving member 163 are arranged inside the boundary portion 161a.

[0131] The fastened part 161i having a female screw part for screwing in a fastening screw inserted through the intervening member 164 is disposed outside the boundary part 161a at the break (left - right center position) of the boundary part 161a. That is, it is disposed at the connecting part (see FIG. 9) of the through - hole for inserting the boundary part 161a and the through - hole for inserting the second winning port 140 and the electric component 140a inside the through - hole formed in the base plate 60.

[0132] The front design member 162 is formed of a light - transmissive resin material, and the front side is formed in a flat shape so as to make the distance from the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1) uniform. The balls can flow down within the range on the back side of the front design member 162 and on the front side of the fixed member 161.

[0133] On the back side of the front design member 162, a plurality of fastened parts 162a having female screw parts formed at positions corresponding to the through - holes 161g of the fixed member 161 and capable of screwing in the fastening screws inserted through the through - holes 161g, and a plurality of extended parts 162b, 162c extending on the back side in a shape covering the fastened parts 162a from above are provided.

[0134] Since the extended parts 162b, 162c can prevent the balls flowing down between the fixed member 161 and the front design member 162 from directly colliding with the fastened parts 162a, the durability of the fastened parts 162a can be improved.

[0135] Furthermore, by forming the upper surfaces of the extended parts 162b, 162c as inclined surfaces, the flow - down path of the balls can be restricted. That is, by forming the upper surfaces of the extended parts 162b (two positions on the left - right center side) extending near the left - right edge parts of the specific winning port 65a as inclined surfaces descending toward the left - right outside, it is possible to suppress the balls on the extended parts 162b from flowing toward the specific winning port 65a side. That is, the balls on the extended parts 162b will fall downward along the left - right outside of the extended parts 162b and then flow down along the inner rail 61 (see FIG. 2) toward the out - port 71.

[0136] In addition, since the upper surfaces of the extended portions 162c (at two locations on the left and right ends) extending to both the left and right ends are formed as inclined surfaces that slope downward toward the left and right inner sides, the flow-down path of the balls flowing on the extended portion 162c can be combined with the flow-down path of the balls on the extended portion 162b. As a result, compared with the number of balls flowing down, the range where the flowing-down balls are arranged can be narrowed (the arrangement density of the balls can be increased), and a portion where the visibility of the balls is not obstructed (a space where the flow-down path is not formed) can be ensured.

[0137] Note that the previous design member 162 shown in FIG. 11 is described as plain, and it is assumed that the visibility from the back side is good, but it is not necessary to configure the previous design member 162 as plain. For example, a sticker with a pattern or character may be attached and decorated on the front side of the previous design member 162, or a groove may be dug in the previous design member 162 with a geometric pattern, and the geometric pattern may be made to float and be visible by irradiating light on the groove. Further, after plain or the above-described decoration is added, the previous design member 162 may be configured to be non-transmissive.

[0138] The receiving member 163 is formed in a horizontally long frame shape (or box shape) with the front side open from a light-transmissive resin material, and includes the above-described guide plate portion 163a2, the contact surface portion 163a3, the auxiliary contact surface 163a4, the lower surface portion 163a that forms a flow-down surface inside the frame, a ball passage hole 163b disposed as a through-hole through which the balls flowing down the lower surface portion 163a can pass, a plurality of insertion holes 163c through which fastening screws inserted from the back side are inserted and fastened and fixed to the fastened portion 161h of the fixed member 161, a pair of fastened portions 163d disposed on the left and right center sides and serving as female screw portions into which the fastening screws inserted through the intervening member 164 are screwed, and a plurality of fastened portions 163e having female screw portions into which the fastening screws inserted through the state switching device 165 are screwed.

[0139] The lower face part 163a is formed as left and right inclined faces that descend and incline toward the left and right outer sides with the left and right central parts as vertices, and is provided with an inclined flow lower face 163a1 that descends and inclines rearward at a position one step lower from the left and right outer ends of the left and right inclined faces, so that a ball flowing down the rear end part of the inclined flow lower face 163a1 is arranged to be able to pass through the ball passage hole 163b with little resistance.

[0140] The ball passage hole 163b is a detection hole formed in a detection sensor SE1 engaged with the back side of the receiving member 163. That is, the detection sensor SE1 detects that a ball has passed through the ball passage hole 163b.

[0141] The intervening member 164 is formed of a light-transmissive resin material, and includes a main body part 164a having a light refraction surface that descends and inclines rearward, a pair of insertion holes 164b formed through the upper part of the main body part 164a through which fastening screws screwing into the fastened part 163d of the receiving member 163 can be inserted, a light-emitting substrate 164c on which an LED is arranged and disposed above the insertion holes 164b, a pair of fastened parts 164d formed to have female screw parts into which fastening screws inserted into the distributing device 300 can be screwed at both left and right end parts on the lower end side of the main body part 164a, and an insertion hole 164e formed through the upper part of the main body part 164a through which fastening screws screwing into the fastened part 161i of the fixed member 161 can be inserted.

[0142] The light-emitting substrate 164c is arranged in a posture in which the surface on which the LED is arranged faces obliquely forward and upward, and in the assembled state, it is arranged directly above the specific winning port 65a (see FIG. 6) and directly below the second winning port 140 when viewed from the front. From such an arrangement, the light from the light-emitting substrate 164c easily enters the field of view of a player who hopes for a ball to enter the second winning port 140 or the specific winning port 65a and stares at that location with a line of sight obliquely rearward and downward.

[0143] Therefore, by controlling to turn on the LED of the light-emitting substrate 164c when a ball entering the second winning port 140 or the specific winning port 65a is detected, it is possible to easily let the player grasp whether a ball has entered the second winning port 140 or the specific winning port 65a.

[0144] From the above configuration, the intervening member 164 is fastened and fixed to both the member to be fixed 161 and the receiving member 163. As a result, compared with the case where only the fastening and fixing between the member to be fixed 161 and the receiving member 163 are performed, the member to be fixed 161 and the receiving member 163 can be firmly fixed. In addition, since the arrangement of the distribution device 300 connected and fixed to the member to be fixed 161 and the receiving member 163 via the intervening member 164 can be stabilized, relative displacement between the member to be fixed 161 and the receiving member 163 and the distribution device 300 can be suppressed.

[0145] The state switching device 165 has a plurality of insertion portions 165a through which fastening screws screwed into the fastened portion 163e of the receiving member 163 are inserted, and a lower case portion 165b formed in a box shape with a deep bottom that has a plurality of openings for wiring and heat dissipation and is open at the upper side, an electromagnetic solenoid 165c housed in the lower case portion 165b, a slide portion 165d engaged with the tip of the plunger of the electromagnetic solenoid 165c and slidingly displaced together with the plunger, a rotating portion 165e rotatably supported by the lower case portion 165b in such a manner that the rotating tip portion protrudes from the front end portion of the lower case portion 165b, and rotates along with the sliding displacement of the slide portion 165d, and an upper lid portion 165g fastened and fixed to the lower case portion 165b by fastening screws inserted through a plurality of insertion holes 165f.

[0146] The rotating tip of the rotating portion 165e is recessed so that a rod-shaped portion can be engaged, and a transmission protrusion 65c protruding rightward from the right end portion of the opening / closing plate 65b enters and engages with this recessed portion. The transmission protrusion 65c is arranged at a position eccentric from a metal shaft rod portion 65d that forms the rotation axis of the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing plate 65b. By configuring in this way, along with the rotation of the rotating portion 165e, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing plate 65b can be caused.

[0147] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are exploded front perspective views of the distribution device 300. In FIG. 13, a perspective view of the distribution device 300 seen from above is shown, and in FIG. 14, a perspective view of the distribution device 300 seen from below is shown.

[0148] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the distribution device 300 includes an upper member 310 having a pair of insertion holes 311 formed therethrough so that fastening screws screwed into the fastened portion 164d of the intervening member 164 can be inserted therethrough, a middle member 330 fastened to the upper member 310 in the vertical direction and having a pair of insertion holes 331 formed therethrough so that fastening screws screwed into the female screw portion of the collecting trough 150 can be inserted therethrough, a substrate 350 accommodated between the middle member 330 and the upper member 310 and having a light emitting means 351 such as an LED disposed on the front side thereof, a state switching device 360 accommodated at a position between the middle member 330 and the upper member 310 and configured to be capable of switching states depending on the presence or absence of energization, a slide displacement member 370 disposed below the middle member 330 and sliding back and forth between a front position and a rear position in accordance with the switching of the state of the state switching device 360, and a lower member 380 disposed below the middle member 330 so as to sandwich the slide displacement member 370 therebetween and having an insertion hole 381 formed therethrough so that fastening screws screwed into the female screw portion of the collecting trough 150 can be inserted therethrough.

[0149] Before explaining the details of the configuration of each part, an outline of the function of the distribution device 300 will be explained. The distribution device 300 is a device that constitutes a flow-down path through which the balls that have passed through the ball passage hole 163b (see FIG. 12) of the detection sensor SE1 flow down.

[0150] The balls that have passed through the ball passage hole 163b flow down in the order of the inside of the upper member 310, the flow path forming parts 334, 335, 336 formed between the upper member 310 and the middle member 330, and the inside of the lower member 380, and the balls that have flowed down from the lower member 380 are discharged to a ball discharge path (not shown).

[0151] The balls flowing down inside the distribution device 300 are configured to be visible to the player, and the flow-down mode thereof has an effect related to the game benefit of not only a mere production effect that entertains the player's eyes but also causing a change in the benefit obtained by the player.

[0152] The difference in the flow pattern of the balls flowing inside the distribution device 300 is mainly caused by the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370. That is, due to the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370 when the balls flow from the middle member 330 toward the lower member 380, there is a difference in which part of the lower member 380 the balls pass through.

[0153] Therefore, the player's line of sight naturally tends to gather at the location where the balls flow from the middle member 330 toward the lower member 380 (the location where the slide displacement member 370 is arranged, as will be described later). Thus, in this embodiment, a device has been devised on the premise of the concentration of the line of sight.

[0154] Next, the details of the configuration of each part of the distribution device 300 will be described. The upper member 310 is a thin-walled member in the shape of a U as viewed from above, formed of a light-transmissive resin material, and includes the above-described insertion hole 311, a pair of openings 312 formed to penetrate therethrough so as to be able to receive the balls, a pair of colored (red in this embodiment) transparent seal members 313 attached as marks, a pair of upper surface portions 314 extending forward along the outer peripheral portion from the lower edge of the opening 312, a plurality of insertion tube portions 315 in which through holes through which fastening screws screwed into the middle member 330 can be inserted are formed, a fastened portion 316 having female threads into which the fastening screws inserted through the middle member 330 can be screwed, a pair of longitudinally long protruding portions 317 protruding downward from the lower surface of the upper member 310 and arranged side by side in the left-right direction, a pair of left-right inward protruding portions 318 which are longitudinally long portions protruding downward from the lower surface of the upper member 310 and arranged between the pair of longitudinally long protruding portions 317, a pair of left-right outward protruding portions 319 which are longitudinally long portions protruding downward from the lower surface of the upper member 310 and arranged outside the left and right of the pair of longitudinally long protruding portions 317, and a housing recess 320 formed as a recess of a size capable of arranging the upper part of the substrate 350.

[0155] The opening 312 is a passage-shaped part (tunnel-shaped part) that receives the balls that have passed through the ball passage hole 163b of the variable winning device 65 and allows them to flow downward. The upper front edge part is shaped such that it is cut with an inclined surface so as to be flush with the back surface of the plate of the inclination detection sensor SE1 (see FIG. 12). Thereby, the upper front edge part of the opening 312 can be brought into contact with the back surface of the plate of the detection sensor SE1.

[0156] Further, the opening 312 is formed with an opening degree such that it does not enter the inside of the opening of the ball passage hole 163b when viewed in the opening direction of the ball passage hole 163b. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the flow-down resistance when guiding the balls that have passed through the ball passage hole 163b to the opening 312.

[0157] The seal member 313 functions as a member that attracts the attention of the player by being brightly visible when receiving the light irradiated from the light emitting means 351 of the substrate 350. Details will be described later.

[0158] The upper surface part 314 is a thin plate part in which an inclination is formed in accordance with the flow-down path of the balls below the upper member 310. The first upper surface part 314a arranged on the front side of the opening 312 is formed so as to have a downward inclination toward the front side, and the second upper surface part 314b connected to the front end part of the first upper surface part 314a and arranged on the left and right inner sides is formed so as to have a downward inclination toward the left and right inner sides. And by configuring the left and right intervals of the left and right second upper surface parts 314b to be longer on the front side, it is possible to secure the visual field of the player who visually recognizes the balls through between the second upper surface parts 314b.

[0159] The insertion cylinder part 315 has a counterbore for receiving the screw head of the fastening screw formed on the upper surface side. Therefore, although the configuration is such that the fastening screw is inserted from above, it is easy to avoid the player from visually recognizing the screw head of the fastening screw.

[0160] The insertion cylinder part 315 is arranged at a position corresponding to the fastened part 332d having a female screw part formed on the middle member 330. In particular, the fastened part 332d corresponding to the left insertion cylinder part 315 also serves as a support part for supporting the rotating part 363. Details will be described later.

[0161] The fastening screw screwed into the fastened part 316 is arranged with the screw part facing upward and the screw head facing downward. Therefore, while the fastened part 316 is arranged on the front side, the screw head is made less conspicuous to the player viewing from diagonally above. Thereby, while firmly fixing the upper member 310 and the middle member 330, it is possible to avoid the appearance of the distributing device 300 being deteriorated by the fastening screw.

[0162] The reason why the fastened part 316 is formed only on the right side is that since the insertion cylinder parts 315 are arranged at two positions on the rear side, one fastening position on the front side is sufficient, and if it is unnecessary even though the screw head faces downward and is less conspicuous, omitting the arrangement makes the appearance of the distributing device 300 better. The arrangement of the fastened part 316 is not limited to this. For example, it may be arranged on the left side, or a pair of left and right may be arranged.

[0163] The arrangement of the fastened part 316 is set as a position that avoids the flow-down path of the balls and minimizes the deterioration of the appearance of the distributing device 300. Details will be described later.

[0164] The lower surface parts of the front and rear long protruding parts 317, the left and right inner protruding parts 318, and the left and right outer protruding parts 319 formed in each pair are formed as curved surfaces that descend as they move away from that location, with the same location as a reference. These curved surfaces have different shapes for the front and rear long protruding parts 317, the left and right inner protruding parts 318, and the left and right outer protruding parts 319, and there is an intention to control the flow-down state of the balls due to this difference in shape.

[0165] The middle member 330 includes the pair of insertion holes 331 described above, a rear frame-shaped portion 332 formed in a frame shape (substantially box shape) having a lower bottom portion at the rear side, a pair of front frame-shaped portions 333 formed in a frame shape (substantially box shape) having a lower bottom portion at the front side, a pair of first flow path forming portions 334 recessed on the left and right outer sides of the front frame-shaped portion 333 to form a flow-down path for the balls, a pair of second flow path forming portions 335 connected to the front end portions of the first flow path forming portions 334 to form a flow-down path for the balls and recessed on the front side of the front frame-shaped portion 333, and a pair of third flow path forming portions 336 connected to the left and right inner end portions of the second flow path forming portions 335 to form a flow-down path for the balls and recessed on the left and right inner sides of the front frame-shaped portion 333.

[0166] Further, the middle member 330 includes a discharge hole 337 formed in a left-right long shape and penetrating the lower bottom at the rear side of the rear end portion of the third flow path forming portion 336 and functioning as a discharge path for the balls, a partition plate portion 338 formed in a long plate shape in the front-rear direction so as to partition the discharge hole 337 and the third flow path forming portion 336 left and right, and a pair of alignment protruding portions 339 protruding as left-right long rectangular convex portions from the lower side surface at the rear end portion of the third flow path forming portion 336.

[0167] Unlike the front portion that forms the flow-down path for the balls, the rear frame-shaped portion 332 is not configured to form a flow-down path for the balls and is mainly configured as a portion that supports the substrate 350 and the state switching device 360. The rear frame-shaped portion 332 includes an arrangement through hole 332a formed to penetrate vertically at the front end portion of the left-right central portion and configured to be able to arrange the slide displacement member 370, a guide hole 332b formed to penetrate the lower bottom as a left-right long through hole and guiding the slide displacement of the guided portion 362c of the state switching device 360, a plurality of fastened portions 332c having female screw portions formed so that fastening screws inserted into the lower member 380 can be screwed in, and a cylindrical fastened portion 332d having a female screw portion at the upper tip into which a fastening screw inserted into the insertion cylinder portion 315 of the upper member 310 can be screwed.

[0168] Since the front frame-like portion 333 is subjected to light diffusion processing on the front and back surfaces of the inner side of the frame and the lower bottom portion, the visibility of the back side of the front frame-like portion 333 will be reduced. The front frame-like portion 333 is formed in a frame shape that is substantially square when viewed from above, and is provided with an insertion hole 333a formed as a seat hole through which a fastening screw screwed into the fastened portion 316 of the upper member 310 can be inserted.

[0169] The first flow path forming portion 334, the second flow path forming portion 335, and the third flow path forming portion 336 are respectively parts that constitute the flow-down path of the balls. Although they are designed such that the flow-down direction of the balls, the inclination angle, etc. are different, the details will be described later.

[0170] Note that the open portion 335a where the front side is open at the connection position between the second flow path forming portion 335 and the third flow path forming portion 336 is a gap for allowing the symmetric protruding portion 161f (see FIG. 12) of the variable winning device 65 to enter. That is, the symmetric protruding portion 161f is arranged to enter the inside of the flow path through the open portion 335a so as to be able to contact the balls flowing down the distributing device 300.

[0171] The discharge holes 337 are formed in a pair on the left and right, partitioned by the partition plate portion 338, and are formed to be large enough for the balls to be discharged through at least two paths. That is, it is formed with a left-right length that is at least twice the diameter of the balls. In this embodiment, since a plurality of detection sensors SE1 are arranged side by side on the lower member 380 disposed below the discharge holes 337, the shape of the discharge holes 337 may be designed in accordance with the arrangement of the ball through holes of the detection sensors SE1.

[0172] In addition to the function of partitioning the third flow path forming portion 336 as described above, the partition plate portion 338 serves as a guide portion for guiding the displacement of the slide displacement member 370, but the details will be described later. The alignment protruding portion 339 is fitted with the protruding portion 383a of the lower member 380 and is a portion for avoiding misalignment between the middle member 330 and the lower member 380, but the details will be described later.

[0173] The substrate 350 is formed in an inverted T shape where the lower side portion 353 is longer in the left-right direction than the upper side portion 352, and is provided with an indented portion 354 for alignment at the lower end portion on the left end side of the lower side portion 353.

[0174] The indented portion 354 engages with a corresponding portion of the internal shape of the middle member 330 to position it in the left-right direction. The lower side portion 353, which is long in the left-right direction, is supported so as to be sandwiched from the front and rear by the rear frame-shaped portion 332 of the middle member 330 to position it in the front-rear direction. The upper side portion 352 is housed in the housing recess 320 of the upper member 310 to prevent it from falling upward, and thus the arrangement is fixed. The details will be described later together with the intention of arranging the light-emitting means 351.

[0175] The state switching device 360 is a device housed in the rear frame-shaped portion 332 of the middle member 330, and includes an electromagnetic solenoid 361, a slide portion 362 that is engaged with the tip of a plunger supported by the electromagnetic solenoid 361 to linearly displace in the left-right direction and slides together with the plunger, and a rotating portion 363 that is rotatably supported by being inserted through the left fastening portion 332d and rotates with the slide displacement of the slide portion 362.

[0176] The slide portion 362 includes an indented portion 362a that is indented to be able to receive the disk portion 361a at the tip of the plunger of the electromagnetic solenoid 361 from above, an overhanging portion 362b that protrudes rightward from the right side surface, and a guided portion 362c that protrudes downward from the front-rear center portion of the lower side surface and is formed with an oval cross-section that is long in the left-right direction.

[0177] Since the disk portion 361a supports the slide portion 362 from above in the formation direction of the indented portion 362a, it is possible to prevent the slide portion 362 from falling upward. Therefore, the arrangement of the slide portion 362 can be maintained between the disk portion 361a and the lower bottom portion of the middle member 330 without fixing the slide portion 362 to the disk portion 361a with an adhesive or the like.

[0178] The guided portion 362c is a part that is inserted into the guide hole 332b of the middle member 330 to avoid the displacement direction of the slide portion 362 from deviating from the left - right direction. In particular, in this embodiment, since it is formed to be long in the left - right direction, the posture of the slide portion 362 can be maintained by the engagement between the guided portion 362c and the guide hole 332b. Note that the cross - sectional shape of the guided portion 362c is not necessarily limited to this, and for example, it may be circular or rectangular.

[0179] The rotating portion 363 is formed in a substantially L - shape in a top view, and has a support cylinder portion 363a formed in a vertically long cylindrical shape at the connecting portion of the L - shape and having a through - hole large enough to insert the fastened portion 332d of the middle member 330, an upper cylinder portion 363b protruding upward in a cylindrical shape from the short - side tip of the L - shape and inserted into the through - hole of the protruding portion 362b, and a lower cylinder portion 363c protruding downward in a cylindrical shape from the long - side tip of the L - shape and inserted into the recessed portion 378 of the slide displacement member 370.

[0180] With the above configuration, the rotating portion 363 is configured to be rotatable about the support cylinder portion 363a as a central axis. The displacement of this rotating portion 363 is caused by a change in the state of the electromagnetic solenoid 361. That is, when the solenoid 361 is energized, the plunger slides and displaces, and the slide portion 362 displaces in the left - right direction. Then, the upper cylinder portion 363b inserted into the through - hole of the protruding portion 362b displaces, and accordingly, the lower cylinder portion 363c displaces, and as a result, the slide displacement member 370 is displaced.

[0181] The slide displacement member 370 is a member supported so as to slide in the front - rear direction at the vertical position between the middle member 330 and the lower member 380, and includes a thin plate portion 371 sandwiched and supported from above and below by the lower bottom portion of the rear - side frame - shaped portion 332 of the middle member 330 and the lower member 380, a pair of upper protruding portions 376 protruding upward from the thin plate portion 371, and a recessed portion 378 formed by recessing at the protruding end of the protruding portion protruding upward at the left - right center on the rear side of the upper protruding portions 376 and formed to be able to receive the lower cylinder portion 363c of the rotating portion 363.

[0182] The thin plate portion 371 includes a pair of supported holes 371a formed to penetrate through on the left and right sides in the rear half portion, a recessed portion 372 recessed in a front-rear elongated shape with a left-right width shorter than the arrangement interval of the upward projecting portions 376 from the front-side end portions in the left and right central portions, a pair of lower projecting strips 373 projecting downward in a strip shape along the edge of the recessed portion 372, a plurality of upper and lower projecting strips 374 projecting in both the up and down directions in a strip shape along the left and right edge portions in the rear half portion, and a cylindrical projecting portion 375 projecting downward from the rear end portion and inserted into the guide long hole 386 of the lower member 380.

[0183] The lower projecting strips 373 and the upper and lower projecting strips 374 are portions assumed to face and slide with the middle member 330 or the lower member 380 arranged on the upper and lower sides, and are strips for reducing the contact area with the middle member 330 and the lower member 380 as compared with contact in a plane. By reducing the contact area, the displacement resistance of the slide displacement member 370 can be reduced, so that it is possible to prevent the displacement speed of the slide displacement member 370 from becoming slow.

[0184] The upward projecting portion 376 is a columnar portion having a substantially trapezoidal shape in a front view, and is arranged so as to enter above the lower bottom portion of the rear frame-shaped portion 332 through the arrangement through hole 332a. The width length of the gap inside the left and right of the upward projecting portion 376 is designed to be slightly longer than the left and right thicknesses of the partition plate portion 338 of the middle member 330. With this configuration, the displacement of the upward projecting portion 376 can be guided by the partition plate portion 338.

[0185] In other words, the upward projecting portion 376 is arranged so as to sandwich the partition plate portion 338 in the gap inside the left and right, and is configured such that displacement in the left and right directions is suppressed by contact with the partition plate portion 338. Thereby, the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 can be guided well, and the displacement direction of the slide displacement member 370 can be maintained in the front-rear direction.

[0186] The recessed portion 378 is formed as a long hole elongated in the left and right directions so as to be able to correspond to the displacement of the lower cylindrical portion 363c of the rotating portion 363 required to cause the front-rear displacement of the slide displacement member 370.

[0187] The protruding portion where the recessed portion 378 is formed is configured to enter above the lower bottom portion of the rear frame-shaped portion 332 through the placement through-hole 332a, so that the lower cylindrical portion 363c of the rotating portion 363 can be easily inserted into the recessed portion 378.

[0188] In this way, the shape of the placement through-hole 332a is designed as a through-hole whose inner side includes the entire range where the upper protruding portion 376 to be inserted and the protruding portion where the recessed portion 378 is formed are arranged.

[0189] The lower member 380 includes the above-described insertion hole 381, a plate-shaped portion 382 formed in a long and thin plate shape in the left-right direction, and a sensor holding frame portion 389 formed in a frame shape that enables a plurality (four in this embodiment) of detection sensors SE1 to be arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower side of the plate-shaped portion 382.

[0190] The sensor holding frame portion 389 is formed in a frame shape in which a back side surface for inserting the detection sensor SE1 and upper and lower side surfaces through which a ball passing through the through-hole of the detection sensor SE1 passes are formed with openings, and other portions are closed.

[0191] The plate-shaped portion 382 is formed with through-holes at positions corresponding to the through-holes of the detection sensors SE1, similar to the case where the sensor holding frame portion 389 is formed with through-holes in the vertical direction. A ridge portion 383 protruding upward in a ridge shape that is long in the front-rear direction is formed at an intermediate position between the two detection sensors SE1 on the left and right inner sides. A pair of protruding portions 383a protruding from the front end portion of the ridge portion 383 to the left and right. A pair of guide protruding portions 384 protruding at positions where they can be inserted into the supported holes 371a of the slide displacement member 370 at a position behind the ridge portion 383. A pair of guide ridges 385 formed as ridges that are long in the front-rear direction at both positions on the left and right outer sides of the guide protruding portions 384. A guide long hole 386 extending in the same straight line as the ridge portion 383 in a top view. A curved surface portion 387 formed in a curved surface shape protruding rearward on the front side surface. An insertion hole 388 formed so as to allow a fastening screw screwed into the fastened portion 332c of the middle member 330 to pass through.

[0192] The protruding strip portion 383 is formed as a strip having a left - right thickness slightly shorter than the left - right gap width of the recessed portion 372 of the slide displacement member 370, and the slide displacement member 370 is arranged so as to sandwich the protruding strip portion 383 with the recessed portion 372. That is, the protruding strip portion 383 functions as a guiding portion for guiding the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 in the front - rear direction.

[0193] The protruding portion 383a is designed such that the left - right inner ends are at the same positions as the left - right outer ends of the alignment protruding portion 339 of the middle member 330. That is, the left - right outer ends of the alignment protruding portion 339 abut against the left - right inner ends of the pair of protruding portions 383a, and by being fitted together, the left - right direction position of the middle member 330 with respect to the lower member 380 can be appropriately determined. At the same time, by bringing the back side of the front frame portion of the lower member 380 (the portion connecting the protruding strip portion 383 and the protruding portion 383a on the front end side) into contact with the front side of the alignment protruding portion 339, the front - rear direction position of the middle member 330 with respect to the lower member 380 can be appropriately determined.

[0194] Thereby, it is possible to easily avoid a displacement occurring between the third flow path forming portion 336 as a component of the middle member 330 and the detection sensor SE1 as a component of the lower member 380.

[0195] The guiding protruding portion 384 is formed in an oblong shape that is long in the left - right direction, is inserted into the supported hole 371a of the slide displacement member 370, and restricts the displacement of the slide displacement member 370. That is, the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 is restricted to the displacement within the range where the guiding protruding portion 384 is arranged inside the supported hole 371a.

[0196] Thereby, it is possible to prevent a collision between the slide displacement member 370 and the protruding strip portion 383. Therefore, for example, compared with a configuration in which the front - end position of the forward displacement is determined at the position where the slide displacement member 370 and the protruding strip portion 383 collide, the durability of the protruding strip portion 383 can be improved. As a result, the guiding effect by the protruding strip portion 383 can continue to be exerted for a long time.

[0197] Note that even if the protruding guide portion 384 is damaged, it is not a part that immediately affects the operation of the slide displacement member 370, and it functions as a part for preventing collision with the protruding strip portion 383. Therefore, usually, it is designed with a strength that can maintain use during the set period (for example, 3 years) without damage to the protruding guide portion 384. However, after the protruding guide portion 384 is damaged, the strength of the protruding guide portion 384 and the protruding strip portion 383 may be designed assuming that they will be used in a state where the protruding strip portion 383 and the slide displacement member 370 collide. That is, the lifespan of the protruding guide portion 384 may be set to less than the set period (for example, 2 years), and the remaining period may be designed to withstand with the strength of the protruding strip portion 383. In this case, the degree of freedom in setting the resin material used for the lower member 380 and the degree of freedom in shape can be improved.

[0198] The guide protrusion 385 is arranged with a gap width slightly longer than the left - right width of the thin plate portion 371 of the slide displacement member 370, and is formed so that the thin plate portion 371 can be arranged in the gap. The displacement of the slide displacement member 370 is restricted by the displacement on the left - right inner sides of the guide protrusion 385. Thereby, the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 in the front - rear direction can be made to cause a small displacement in the left - right direction.

[0199] The guide long hole 386 is a long hole formed with a left - right width through which the cylindrical protrusion 375 of the slide displacement member 370 can be inserted. The direction of displacement of the slide displacement member 370 is restricted in the front - rear direction by guiding the cylindrical protrusion 375 in the guide long hole 386.

[0200] The curved surface portion 387 is a contact surface for guiding the flow - down of the ball flowing down below the middle member 330. In this embodiment, it will guide the flow - down of the ball that has entered the inlet 71, but the details will be described later.

[0201] The fastening screw is inserted into the insertion hole 388 with the screw head facing downward. This can avoid the fastening screw from being prominently visible. Also, the insertion hole 388 is arranged on the left - right outer side and the back side rather than in the range where a plurality of detection sensors SE1 are arranged. Thereby, the possibility that the fastening screw inserted into the insertion hole 388 blocks the visual field of seeing the sphere passing through the vicinity of the detection sensor SE1 or the through - hole of the detection sensor SE1 can be reduced.

[0202] As described above, the slide displacement member 370 is guided by a plurality of parts, that is, the guide protrusion 385 for the thin plate part 371, the guide protruding part 384 for the supported hole 371a, the protruding part 383 for the recessed part 372 and the lower protruding part 373, the guide long hole 386 for the cylindrical protrusion 375, the partition plate part 338 for the upper protruding part 376, etc., and is displaced in the front - rear direction. Thereby, the load during guiding can be shared at a plurality of positions, so that the local application of the load can be avoided, and the damage of the slide displacement member 370 and the guiding part for guiding the slide displacement member 370 can be avoided.

[0203] As can be seen from here, the slide displacement member 370 is not guided by a single member, but is guided by at least a plurality of members, that is, the middle member 330 and the lower member 380. That is, the slide displacement member 370 is guided such that a pair of upper protruding parts 376 are guided by the partition plate part 338 of the middle member 330, and the recessed part 372 is guided by the protruding part 383 of the lower member 380.

[0204] Therefore, if the assembly of the middle member 330 and the lower member 380 is defective and the misalignment is large, the movement of the slide displacement member 370 will be inhibited. Here, the middle member 330 and the lower member 380 are preferably arranged such that the misalignment is kept small as a part that continuously constitutes the flow - down path of the sphere. Since the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 is good, it can be guaranteed that the misalignment is small.

[0205] In other words, if the misalignment of the lower member 380 with respect to the middle member 330 becomes excessively large, the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 will not be performed well. Therefore, by detecting that the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 is defective, it is possible to control so as to execute an error notification assuming that the relative arrangement of the middle member 330 and the lower member 380 may be defective.

[0206] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game from continuing in a state where the relative arrangement of the middle member 330 and the lower member 380 is defective, so that the possibility that the player suffers unexpected disadvantages can be reduced.

[0207] Next, the details of the internal structure of the distribution device 300 will be described. Here, mainly, the configuration related to the flow-down of the balls inside the distribution device 300 and the configuration that enters the ball flow-down path side will be described.

[0208] FIG. 15 is a front view of the receiving member 163 and the distribution device 300, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 65 and the distribution device 300 taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15, FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 65 and the distribution device 300 taken along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 15, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device 65 and the distribution device 300 taken along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 15.

[0209] In FIGS. 15 to 18, when illustrated, the opening / closing plate 65b is illustrated in a closed state, and the slide displacement member 370 is illustrated in a state of being arranged at the front side position. First, the details of the flow-down path of the balls flowing down inside the distribution device 300 will be described.

[0210] When the opening / closing plate 65b is in the open state (see Fig. 6(b)), the ball that lands on the opening / closing plate 65b rolls on the lower surface portion 163a of the receiving member 163 and is guided to the ball passage hole 163b. The ball that has passed through the ball passage hole 163b passes through the opening 312 of the upper member 310 and is guided to the first flow path forming portion 334 of the middle member 330. The first flow path forming portion 334, the subsequent second flow path forming portion 335, and the subsequent third flow path forming portion 336 are all configured as inclined flow paths that slope downward, and the connected flow paths are formed in a spiral shape where the angle between them is 90 degrees in top view.

[0211] That is, the first flow path forming portion 334 is formed as an inclined flow path that allows the ball to flow downward on the front side in the front-rear direction, the second flow path forming portion 335 is formed as an inclined flow path that allows the ball to flow downward in the left-right direction rotated 90 degrees with respect to the flow direction of the ball flowing down the first flow path forming portion 334, and the third flow path forming portion 336 is formed as an inclined flow path that allows the ball to flow downward on the rear side in the front-rear direction rotated 90 degrees in the same direction as the previous rotation direction with respect to the flow direction of the ball flowing down the second flow path forming portion 335.

[0212] In this way, by forming the flow-down path in a spiral shape with a right-angled bending angle, it is possible to reduce the degree to which the flow-down speed of the ball increases as it moves toward the downstream side. More specifically, the ball flowing down the first flow path forming portion 334 accelerates toward the front side, and since the flow-down direction in the subsequent second flow path forming portion 335 has no front-rear direction component, it is possible to realize a flow-down mode that suppresses the influence received from the acceleration in the first flow path forming portion 334. Furthermore, in the third flow path forming portion 336 following the second flow path forming portion 335, the flow is downward toward the rear, which is opposite to the acceleration direction in the first flow path forming portion 334, so it is possible to realize a flow-down mode that suppresses the influence received from the acceleration in the front-rear direction.

[0213] Therefore, for example, unlike a flow-down mode that always flows in the same direction (e.g., the left direction), it is easy to avoid the situation where the flow-down speed of the ball becomes excessive on the downstream side. In other words, it is easy to make the flow-down speed of the ball uniform throughout the flow path, it is possible to maintain a high level of the player's attention to the ball, and it is easy to avoid the occurrence of a situation where the player loses sight of the ball, achieving the effect.

[0214] Also, for example, it is possible not to form the second flow path component 335. However, forming the second flow path component 335 can more easily prevent the balls from jamming and reverse flow. When the second flow path component 335 is not formed (when the length of the second flow path component 335 in the left-right direction is 0), that is, when the first flow path component 334 and the third flow path component 336 are connected, at the connection point, it is necessary to reverse the flow direction of the balls by 180 degrees from the flow in the front side to the flow in the rear. In this case, since the switching angle of the flow direction of the balls is large and it is particularly necessary to reverse the velocity direction back and forth, it is difficult to make the balls flow smoothly, and the balls are likely to stay, jam, and reverse flow, which may cause problems.

[0215] On the contrary, as in this embodiment, if the switching angle of the flow direction is 90 degrees or less (in this embodiment, 90 degrees), the velocity direction of the balls does not reverse, so the balls can flow smoothly, and it is easy to avoid the balls from staying, jamming, and reverse flow.

[0216] The channel shape at the connection end of each of the channel components 334 to 336 will be described. At the connection end between the second channel component 335 and the third channel component 336, the above-described symmetric protruding portion 161f is disposed as a portion that guides the flow of the balls in a manner that bends the flow direction of the balls.

[0217] The symmetric protruding portion 161f is formed such that the portion disposed on the downstream side of the ball is recessed from the path of the ball more than the portion disposed on the upstream side of the ball. For example, the left-right width of the symmetric protruding portion 161f disposed opposite is formed longer than the left-right width of the partition plate portion 338 disposed adjacent to each other. Also, the rear end portions of the left and right end sides of the symmetric protruding portion 161f disposed opposite are disposed on the front side more than the channel side surface of the second channel component 335 near the open portion 335a (see FIG. 17).

[0218] Thereby, when the balls collide with the symmetric protruding portion 161f, it is possible to prevent the balls from being excessively decelerated or reverse flow of the balls from occurring.

[0219] Also, at the connection end of the second flow path component 335 and the first flow path component 334, side wall portions 334a that are curved and formed at the front left and right ends of the middle member 330 are formed as portions that guide the flow of the balls in a manner that bends the flow direction of the balls.

[0220] Also, at the upstream end of the first flow path component 334, a curved protrusion 334b that protrudes upward from the flow bottom surface portion of the first flow path component 334 in a curved surface shape (see FIG. 16) where the arrangement descends toward the front side is formed as a portion that guides the flow of the balls in a manner that bends the flow direction of the balls.

[0221] That is, the balls that have passed through the opening 312 roll over the curved protrusion 334b, flow down the first flow path component 334, and the flow direction is switched by contacting the side wall portion 334a during the flow, then flow down the second flow path component 335, and the flow direction is switched by contacting the symmetric protruding portion 161f during the flow, then flow down the third flow path component 336, and reach the discharge hole 337.

[0222] The side wall portion 334a is engaged with the protruding support portion 161d of the member to be fixed 161 and is formed in a shape that allows alignment. That is, the side wall portion 334a is supported so as to be sandwiched between the left and right protruding support portions 161d, and the lateral displacement is restricted, so that the lateral alignment between the variable prize device 65 and the distribution device 300 can be achieved.

[0223] The longitudinal inclination angles and the ratio of the lengths of the respective flow path components 334 to 336 will be described. Regarding the longitudinal inclination angle, the first flow path component 334 has an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal of about 7 degrees, the second flow path component 335 has an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal of about 5 degrees, and the third flow path component 336 has an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal of about 5 degrees. That is, the inclination angle is set to be the largest in the first flow path component 334, and the second flow path component 335 and the third flow path component 336 are set to a common inclination angle that is slightly gentler.

[0224] Regarding the length, each of the flow path components 334 to 336 is formed such that the front frame-shaped portion 333 formed in a square outer shape in top view serves as the inner side surface, and a large square having the same center as the center of the square formed by the front frame-shaped portion 333 serves as the outer side surface. Here, in the present embodiment, the length of one side of the front frame-shaped portion 333 is set to 21 mm, and the length of one side of the above-mentioned large square is set to 45 mm, so that a flow path with a width of 12 mm is formed around.

[0225] Therefore, with respect to a ball having a diameter of 11 mm that is normally used, since the clearance with the flow path is 1 mm in total on both sides of the ball, the ball will flow down with almost no displacement in the width direction. Considering that the distance between the base plate 60 (see FIG. 2) and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1) is defined to be about 19 mm, it can be said that this is a small clearance, and the displacement of the flowing-down ball can be suppressed.

[0226] Among the portions constituting the ends of each of the flow path components 334 to 336 arranged on the square surrounding the square-shaped front frame-shaped portion 333, only the curved protrusion 334b constituting the upstream end of the first flow path component 334 is arranged inside (front side) of the vertex of the square. Therefore, the first flow path component 334 is shorter than the second flow path component 335 and the third flow path component 336.

[0227] Judging from the measured values in top view, the flow paths formed by the second flow path component 335 and the third flow path component 336 are of substantially the same length (33 mm between the centers of the balls), and that length is about 1.5 times the length of the flow path formed by the first flow path component 334 (22 mm between the centers of the balls).

[0228] From the longitudinal inclination angles and the ratio of the lengths of each of the above-mentioned flow path components 334 to 336, it can be explained that the time required for the ball to pass through each of the flow path components 334 to 336 is not constant. That is, the time required to pass through the first flow path component 334 with the maximum inclination angle and the shortest flow path length is shorter than the time required to pass through the second flow path component 335 and the third flow path component 336 with the inclination angle relaxed and the path length 1.5 times.

[0229] In this embodiment, by configuring in this way, when passing through the ball passage hole 163b of the detection sensor SE1, the arrangement moves to the back side, and a part is hidden by the non-transmissive resin portion of the detection sensor SE1, so that the visibility of the ball deteriorates. From this state, the ball can be displaced to the front side at an early stage, brought closer to the player, and the state can be switched to a state where the visibility of the ball is high. As a result, it is possible to easily avoid a situation where the player loses sight of the ball that has passed through the ball passage hole 163b.

[0230] Furthermore, in a state where the visibility of the ball is high, by slowing down the flow rate of the ball, it is not necessary for the player to quickly move the line of sight directed at the ball, and the gaming burden (eye fatigue due to eye movement) of the player who pays attention to the ball can be reduced.

[0231] When paying attention to the ball flowing down the second flow path component 335 and the third flow path component 336 with high visibility in this way, compared with the case where the ball flows down in the left-right direction along the second flow path component 335, when the ball flows down in the front-rear direction along the third flow path component 336, the displacement amount of the ball in the front view is smaller. Therefore, the gaming burden on the player who pays attention to the ball can be minimized when paying attention to the ball flowing down the third flow path component 336.

[0232] In other words, since the length and the inclination angle are the same, the time required for the ball to pass through the second flow path component 335 and the time required for the ball to pass through the third flow path component 336 are the same. However, since the displacement amount of the ball in the front view is different, as a result, the apparent flow rate of the ball (the displacement speed of the ball in the front view) is slower for the ball flowing down the third flow path component 336 than for the ball flowing down the second flow path component 335.

[0233] At the rear end of the third flow path component 336 where the gaming burden is minimized and it is easy to draw attention to the balls, the flow path of the balls changes only once, and in other parts, the flow path of the balls is made common in each of the flow path components 334 to 336. Therefore, the player's line of sight naturally tends to concentrate on the rear end of the third flow path component 336, and in this way, the gaming burden on the player who concentrates the line of sight can be effectively reduced.

[0234] Also, in order to ensure the field of view of the player who pays attention to the rear end of the third flow path component 336, in this embodiment, since the opening 335a is formed on the front side surface of the second flow path component 335 (see FIG. 17), it is possible to avoid the flesh part of the second flow path component 335 from obstructing the line of sight toward the third flow path component 336.

[0235] Furthermore, the symmetric protruding part 161f disposed inside the opening 335a is formed only with the parts necessary for contact and guidance with the flowing-down balls, and the formation of the shaped parts is omitted on the upper and lower sides thereof. In other words, the symmetric protruding part 161f is formed as a thin plate-like part in the vertical direction, and spaces are secured on the upper and lower sides thereof (see FIG. 18). Therefore, compared with the case where the symmetric protruding part 161f is formed with a thickness in the vertical direction, the possibility that the line of sight toward the rear end of the third flow path component 336 is obstructed by the symmetric protruding part 161f can be reduced, and the visibility can be improved.

[0236] Also, it is configured such that the balls that deviate from the opening / closing plate 65b and head toward the out-port 71 gather toward the field of view side centered on the rear end of the third flow path component 336 (see FIG. 5). In particular, in this embodiment, the balls that enter the out-port 71 flow down below the third flow path component 336, contact the curved surface part 387 of the lower member 380, and are discharged downward.

[0237] Therefore, assuming the line of sight that visually recognizes the balls flowing down the third flow path component 336 from the diagonally upper front side, the balls that enter the out-port 71 flow down the back side of the third flow path component 336. Therefore, since the balls flowing down the third flow path component 336 and the balls that enter the out-port 71 are visually recognized overlapping each other front and back, the total number of balls that enter the field of view that focuses on the rear end of the third flow path component 336 increases.

[0238] In other words, regardless of whether the ball enters the specific winning opening 65a and flows down the third flow path component 336 or does not enter the specific winning opening 65a but enters the out opening 71, the ball enters the field of view that focuses on the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336.

[0239] Therefore, regardless of the ease with which the ball heads toward the specific winning opening 65a, that is, regardless of the nail structure (so-called quality of the gauge) implanted in the base plate 60, most of the launched balls (balls excluding those that have entered the other winning openings 63, 64, and 140) gather at a position overlapping in the front-rear direction with the position where the rear end portion (the portion where the player's attention gathers) of the third flow path component 336 is arranged. As a result, the flowing balls can efficiently guide the line of sight to the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336.

[0240] As described above, the visibility at the position closer to the front side has been improved. On top of that, in the present embodiment, the visibility at the position closer to the rear side is configured to be reduced except for the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336.

[0241] For example, on the inner surface of the front frame-shaped portion 333 of the middle member 330, a light diffusion processing surface 333b having a shape imitating a prism and causing an action of light diffusion is formed. In FIG. 17, the portion visually recognized as serrated is the light diffusion processing surface 333b, which is formed over substantially the entire inner periphery of the inner surface and vertically.

[0242] When the action of light diffusion occurs, the light is diffused in a plurality of directions, so that the entire surface is visually recognized as shining. Thus, while the surface can be made to shine brilliantly for an effect, the line of sight is blocked by the light, and the visibility of the back side becomes poor. According to the present embodiment, the visibility becomes poor when the light is irradiated from the light emitting means 351 of the substrate 350, and conversely, when the light is not irradiated, the visibility can be improved at least as compared with the state where the light is irradiated.

[0243] On the other hand, when there is an object blocking the light, the shadow of the object is visually recognized as a black dot, making it easier to identify the position.

[0244] A processed surface similar to the light diffusion processed surface 333b is also formed in other parts. For example, it is the light diffusion processed surface 319a formed on the back side of the left and right outward protruding portions 319, the light diffusion processed surface 332e formed on the back side of the front frame portion of the rear frame-shaped portion 332, etc. (see Fig. 17).

[0245] Also, as the processed surface formed in a similar shape, there is a plate-shaped portion extending to the back side of the second upper surface portion 314b of the upper member 310, and a light diffusion processed surface 314c formed on the upper surface side of the portion that covers the front frame-shaped portion 333 of the middle member 330 in the assembled state, and examples include the light diffusion processed surface 340 formed across the entire lower surface of the portion in front of the rear frame-shaped portion 332 of the middle member 330.

[0246] With these configurations, in this embodiment, light diffusion processed surfaces are formed on the back side, lower surface side, inner surface of the vortex, and upper surface of the vortex of the flow paths formed in a spiral shape from each of the flow path components 334 to 336, aiming to achieve the effect of changing the visibility due to light irradiation.

[0247] In a state where the light diffusion processed surface is not irradiated with light, from the front side, with the player's line of sight focusing on the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336, the ball that has changed direction in the left - right direction from the third flow path component 336 can be hidden by the front frame-shaped portion 333, and it can be made immediately difficult to see.

[0248] Furthermore, even when trying to see the ball that has fallen after passing through the detection sensor SE1 held by the sensor holding frame portion 389 with the player's line of sight looking at the ball flowing down the third flow path component 336 from an obliquely upward direction, since the line of sight will pass through the light diffusion processed surface 340, when the light diffusion processed surface 340 is irradiated with light, it becomes difficult to identify the ball after it has passed through the detection sensor SE1 and fallen.

[0249] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 is controlled such that the profit obtained by the player changes depending on how the ball flows down.

[0250] Therefore, in order to understand how the balls flow down from the rear end of the third flow path component 336, it is necessary to check the behavior of the balls at the rear end of the third flow path component 336. Thus, the attention paid to the rear end of the third flow path component 336 can be further improved.

[0251] On the other hand, when light is irradiated from the light emitting means 351, it is possible to form a state in which the shadow of the ball is easily visible as a black dot. In this way, by switching the presence or absence of light irradiation according to the situation, the visibility of the ball can be switched between good and bad. Also, depending on the presence or absence of the ball in front of the black dot, it is possible to form a situation where the black dot is hidden by the ball and a situation where the black dot is visible without being hidden by the ball.

[0252] As described above, the light diffusion processing surfaces 319a, 332e, 333b, and 340 are formed near each of the flow path components 334 to 336, and consistently, they are formed on the side surfaces that do not contact the balls flowing down through the flow paths formed by the flow path components 334 to 336.

[0253] As a result, it is possible to avoid the light diffusion processing surfaces 319a, 332e, 333b, and 340 from being worn down by contact with the balls. Therefore, the shapes of the light diffusion processing surfaces 319a, 332e, 333b, and 340 can be maintained over a long period of time, and the light diffusion effect can be maintained.

[0254] Furthermore, by preventing the balls from contacting the light diffusion processing surfaces 319a, 332e, 333b, and 340, it is possible to avoid the flow of the balls from being inhibited or the balls from being decelerated. In addition, by ensuring the visibility inside the flow path, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the visibility of the balls even while the balls are flowing down through the flow paths formed by the flow path components 334 to 336.

[0255] Incidentally, the light diffusion processing surfaces 319a, 332e, 333b, and 340 may be intentionally formed on the flow path side. In this case, depending on the setting of the size of the prism, it is possible to achieve both the effect of causing the light diffusion effect and the effect of decelerating the balls by the collision with the balls.

[0256] In the front frame-like portion 333 of the middle member 330, the formation of the light diffusion processed surface 333b is omitted at the fastening position with the fastened portion 316 due to the difficulty of processing, and there is a possibility that the visibility may be maintained high without any countermeasures. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the visibility is reduced by the fastening screw.

[0257] That is, by utilizing the fact that the fastening screw screwed into the fastened portion 316 is made of metal and is non-transmissive, it is possible to conceal the areas where it is difficult to form the light diffusion processed surface 333b. When the front frame-like portion 333 is irradiated with light, the light diffusion processed surface 333b shines brightly, and in the portion where the formation of the light diffusion processed surface 333b is omitted, the fastening screw reflects and shines light. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the visibility of the back side of the front frame-like portion 333 in the line of sight from the front side, including the portions where the formation of the light diffusion processed surface 333b is omitted.

[0258] The light diffusion processed surface 332e of the middle member 330 is formed on the back side of each flow path component 334 to 336. For this purpose, in addition to shining brightly, it can function to conceal the substrate 350 and the state switching device 360 disposed on the back side. In particular, since the state switching device 360 is disposed on the back side of the substrate 350 (see FIG. 17), it is easy to prevent the substrate 350 from serving as a concealment and the state switching device 360 from being visually recognized by the player.

[0259] The substrate 350 is housed in a form supported from below by the rear frame-like portion 332 of the middle member 330, but is disposed with a gap from the lower bottom portion of the rear frame-like portion 332 at the left and right central portions, and the slide displacement member 370 is disposed in the gap (see FIG. 18). That is, the substrate 350 is disposed at a position sandwiching the slide displacement member 370 between the lower bottom portion of the rear frame-like portion 332.

[0260] Specifically, the substrate 350 is supported such that the lower portion 353 is sandwiched from the front and rear by the rear frame-shaped portion 332 at the left and right end portions (see FIG. 17). At this support location, the lower bottom portion of the rear frame-shaped portion 332 is provided with a thick portion 332f having a thickness (see FIG. 16). In the vicinity of the left and right center positions, a gap is generated due to the absence of this thickness, and the slide displacement member 370 can be disposed in this gap (see FIG. 18).

[0261] As shown in FIG. 18, the upper portion 352 of the substrate 350 enters the inside of the accommodation recess 320 of the upper member 310 and is disposed opposite to the light diffusion processed surface 164f formed on the intervening member 164 in the front-rear direction.

[0262] Therefore, when light is irradiated from the light emitting means 351 disposed on the upper portion 352, the light diffusion processed surface 164f of the intervening member 164 can exhibit a brilliant lighting effect, and furthermore, the visibility of the range on the back side of the intervening member 164 can be reduced.

[0263] Here, the light emitting means 351 disposed on the upper portion 352 irradiates light near the lower end portion of the light diffusion processed surface 164f. Since the light diffusion processed surface 164f has a cross-sectional shape portion imitating a prism formed along the entire surface in the vertical direction, the light irradiated from the light emitting means 351 is visually recognized as light having a wide vertical width. Therefore, it can be made to appear to emit light across the upper and lower parts of the specific winning opening 65a from the perspective of the player.

[0264] In the view from the front side, the light diffusion processed surface 164f is disposed at the left and right center side positions of the receiving member 163. However, even if it is disposed on the back side of the detection sensor SE1, the detection sensor SE1 will obstruct the view and cannot be visually recognized well. Therefore, if it is formed within the arrangement gap of at least a pair of detection sensors SE1, a sufficient effect can be achieved.

[0265] Note that the lower portion 353 of the substrate 350 is provided with a seal member 313 and is arranged to irradiate light toward the portion where the balls flow down below it. Details will be described later.

[0266] Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the switching of the flow-down path of the balls that have passed through the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 and its significance will be described. In the description of FIGS. 19 and 20, FIGS. 15 to 18 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0267] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the variable prize device 65 and the distribution device 300 taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 15, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the variable prize device 65 and the distribution device 300 taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 15. In FIGS. 19 and 20, when illustrated, the opening / closing plate 65b is shown in a closed state, and the slide displacement member 370 is shown in a state of being disposed at the rear position.

[0268] Here, the four left and right detection sensors SE1 supported by the sensor holding frame portion 389, the flow-down of the balls to each detection sensor SE1, and the functions of each detection sensor SE1 will be described.

[0269] The four detection sensors SE1 are arranged in two sets symmetrically left and right, and include a sure-win detection sensor SE11 and a normal detection sensor SE12 that have common functions. The sure-win detection sensor SE11 is arranged on the inner side in the left-right direction, and the normal detection sensor SE12 is arranged on the outer side in the left-right direction.

[0270] The functions of these four detection sensors SE1 are different from those of the detection sensor SE1 arranged behind the opening / closing plate 65b. The detection sensor SE1 arranged behind the opening / closing plate 65b is a ball-in detection sensor that causes the payout of prize balls. That is, when it is detected that the balls that have entered the specific winning port 65a have entered the detection sensor SE1 behind, a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 10 for one detection) of prize balls are paid out to the player side by the payout control device 111 (see FIG. 4).

[0271] On the other hand, the detection sensor SE1 supported by the sensor holding frame portion 389 is not a detection sensor that causes the payout of prize balls, but functions as a detection sensor for changing the game state after the end of the big win game by detecting the entry of balls.

[0272] Note that, as will be described later, in this embodiment, the detection sensor SE1 disposed in the sensor holding frame portion 389 is used to switch whether or not to shift to the probability-variable state, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the detection sensor SE1 may function as an entry ball sensor for switching whether or not to win the jackpot next time.

[0273] When the slide displacement member 370 is disposed at the front position (see FIGS. 17 and 18), the slide displacement member 370 is disposed such that the thin plate portion 371 covers the upper side of the probability-variable detection sensor SE11, and the passage of the ball through the through hole of the probability-variable detection sensor SE11 is prevented. Therefore, the ball passing through the rear end portion of the third flow path component portion 336 is guided to the through hole of the normal detection sensor SE12 so as to be guided by the upward protruding portion 376 of the slide displacement member.

[0274] Since the front side surface 376a of the upward protruding portion 376 facing the ball is formed in an arc shape with the flow path side being concave, the flowing ball can be smoothly flowed toward the through hole of the normal detection sensor SE12.

[0275] On the other hand, when the slide displacement member 370 is disposed at the rear position (see FIGS. 19 and 20), the slide displacement member 370 retreats rearward from above the probability-variable detection sensor SE11, and the passage of the ball through the through hole of the probability-variable detection sensor SE11 is allowed.

[0276] That is, which detection sensor SE1 the ball passes through corresponds to the arrangement (front position or rear position) of the slide displacement member 370. When it is detected that the ball has passed through the through hole of the probability-variable detection sensor SE11 during the jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game is controlled to be the probability-variable state. In other words, when it is not detected that the ball has passed through the through hole of the probability-variable detection sensor SE11 and the ball has passed only through the through hole of the normal detection sensor SE12, the game state after the jackpot game is controlled to be the normal state (or the time-limited state).

[0277] Here, in this embodiment, as described above, a jackpot type including a probability-variable jackpot and a normal jackpot is prepared. To achieve this, in this embodiment, different operation patterns are prepared as the operation patterns of the slide displacement member 370 for each jackpot type.

[0278] In other words, the slide displacement member 370 is controlled to operate in an operation pattern such that the ball easily passes through the through-hole of the probability-variable detection sensor SE11 in the case of a probability-variable jackpot, and in the case of a normal jackpot, the ball hardly passes through the through-hole of the probability-variable detection sensor SE11 and is controlled to operate in an operation pattern such that it easily passes through the through-hole of the normal detection sensor SE12. Details of the control will be described later.

[0279] In this way, the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370 is directly related to the profit obtained by the player, and the player's attention will naturally be focused on the arrangement. On the other hand, there have been quite a few cases of fraudulent acts attempting to illegally switch the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370, and countermeasures against this are highly regarded.

[0280] On the premise, the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370 is switched according to whether the electromagnetic solenoid 361 of the state switching device 360 is energized. That is, when the electromagnetic solenoid 361 is not energized, the plunger and slide portion 362 of the electromagnetic solenoid 361 are arranged on the right side by a biasing spring (not shown), and the lower cylindrical portion 363c of the rotating portion 363 is arranged on the front side, so that the slide displacement member 370 is maintained at the front position.

[0281] On the other hand, when the electromagnetic solenoid 361 is energized, the plunger and slide portion 362 of the electromagnetic solenoid 361 are moved to the left by the electromagnetic force, and the lower cylindrical portion 363c of the rotating portion 363 (see FIG. 13, the portion inserted into the recessed portion 378 of the slide displacement member 370) is displaced to the back side, so that the slide displacement member 370 is maintained at the rear position. This is the normal operation mode, and the energization of the electromagnetic solenoid 361 and the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370 correspond one-to-one.

[0282] A person who commits the above-mentioned improper act may, for example, insert a thin metal wire such as a piano wire into the inside of the distribution device 300 through a ball ejection opening or a gap between the outer frame 11 and the front frame 14 (see FIG. 1), press the thin metal wire against the slide displacement member 370, and push the slide displacement member 370 inward so as to illegally create a state in which a ball can enter the accurate change detection sensor SE11.

[0283] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370, since the thin plate portion 371 is arranged below the lower bottom portion of the third flow path forming portion 336 (see FIG. 18), when pressing the thin metal wire against the slide displacement member 370 through the third flow path forming portion 336, it is difficult to press against the front end portion of the thin plate portion 371, and it will be pressed against the upward protruding portion 376. Since the front side surface 376a of the upward protruding portion 376 has a curved surface shape that escapes the load to the left and right outer sides as described above, even if the thin metal wire is pressed, the load can be escaped to the left and right outer sides, and it is easy to avoid the situation where the slide displacement member 370 is illegally displaced to the rear position.

[0284] In addition, in addition to the path to reach the slide displacement member 370 not being a straight line but being wound in a spiral shape, the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370 itself is also far (about 10 cm) from the front side surface to the back side of the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to reach the slide displacement member 370 with the thin metal wire in the first place.

[0285] From these configurations, there is also an effect that the design freedom of the configuration of the state switching device 360 can be improved. That is, conventionally, in response to the above-mentioned improper act, in many cases, the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370 is configured to be maintained by a mechanical device (displacement restriction) of the mechanism that transmits the driving force. In that case, the configuration of the state switching device 360 was restricted. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by configuring it so that it is difficult to apply a load to the slide displacement member 370 in the first place, the conditions required for the state switching device 360 can be partially omitted, and the design freedom of the state switching device 360 can be increased.

[0286] Also, when applying a pressing load to the slide displacement member 370 with a thin metal wire that crawls through the third flow path component 336, since this thin metal wire itself will impede the flow of the balls trying to flow down through the third flow path component 336, it can be made difficult for the balls to reach the probability variation detection sensor SE11.

[0287] As described above, since the profit obtained by the player varies greatly depending on whether the ball passes through the through-hole of the probability variation detection sensor SE11 or the through-hole of the normal detection sensor SE12, it is desirable to avoid mis-entering balls as much as possible.

[0288] In conventional models, it was normal to be configured to restrict the entry of balls into the normal detection sensor SE12 when the entry of balls into the probability variation detection sensor SE11 was allowed. However, in the present embodiment, in a state where the entry of balls into the probability variation detection sensor SE11 is allowed (see FIGS. 19 and 20), there is no movable member configured to restrict the entry of balls into the normal detection sensor SE12, and it is configured to allow balls to enter the normal detection sensor SE12 as well.

[0289] Even with such a configuration, if at least one of the 10 balls passes through the through-hole of the probability variation detection sensor SE11 when the 10 balls flow down, the probability variation state after the big win game will be ensured. In the present embodiment, from such a concept, by omitting the arrangement of the movable member that opens and closes the normal detection sensor SE12, the material cost can be reduced, and the product cost can be reduced. Also, as a result of not arranging the movable member, there are beneficial effects such as eliminating the need for maintenance associated with the failure or malfunction of the movable member, and being able to extend the service life of the pachinko machine beyond the life of the movable member.

[0290] On the other hand, as a device separate from the movable member, as a device for guiding the ball to the detection sensor SE1 on the appropriate side, the flow path shape and the arrangement and shape of the fixed protruding portions 317, 318, and 319 are devised. That is, a mechanism is designed to prevent more balls than expected from flowing to the normal detection sensor SE12 in a state where the slide displacement member 370 is arranged at the rear position, by means of the shape of the portion fixed and arranged inside the flow path (that is, the protruding portions 317, 318, and 319). This will be described below.

[0291] First, the device of the flow path shape will be described. The lower bottom surface 336a of the third flow path component 336 is formed as an inclined surface that descends at an angle of 5 degrees with respect to the horizontal toward the center side in the lateral direction (the partition plate portion 338 side) in the short direction (see Fig. 15).

[0292] This inclination angle is set so that the inclination in the longitudinal direction of the second flow path component 335 is the same in terms of angle and direction. Therefore, when the ball flows from the second flow path component 335 into the third flow path component 336, the bounce of the ball (the bounce in the direction away from the partition plate portion 338) can be reduced.

[0293] Due to this inclination in the short direction, the arrangement of the balls flowing down the third flow path component 336 can be shifted toward the partition plate portion 338 side. Therefore, when the balls flow down from the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 toward the detection sensor SE1 side, they can be arranged on the side closer to the partition plate portion 338. Thus, in a state where the slide displacement member 370 is arranged at the rear position, the possibility of the balls accidentally passing through the through-hole of the normal detection sensor SE12 (the detection sensor SE1 arranged away from the partition plate portion 338) can be reduced.

[0294] Moreover, regardless of the inclination in the short side direction of the lower bottom surface 336a, the flow path formed by each of the flow path components 334 to 336 has a left-right direction path formed only by the second flow path component 335, and its inclination direction is toward the left-right center side (the partition plate portion 338 side). Therefore, the left-right direction speed will be generated inward in the left and right directions. This can also reduce the possibility of the ball accidentally passing through the through hole of the normal detection sensor SE12 (the detection sensor SE1 arranged away from the partition plate portion 338).

[0295] Next, the arrangement and shape design of the fixed protruding portions 317, 318, and 319 will be described. The ball that has flowed down the third flow path component 336 is first closely arranged with the left and right inner protruding portions 318. The left and right inner protruding portions 318 are the smallest protruding portions among the protruding portions 317, 318, and 319, but are arranged on the front side of the center of the detection sensor SE1 and on the front side of the upper protruding portion 376 of the slide displacement member 370. Therefore, the ball that passes through the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 while sliding on the partition plate portion 338 comes into contact with the left and right inner protruding portions 318 without leakage.

[0296] The protruding tip surface of the left and right inner protruding portions 318 is configured as a downwardly concave curved surface in a front view (see FIG. 15), and is formed to expand outward and downward in the left and right directions and downward on the rear end side of the protruding portion compared to the front end side of the protruding portion, and the front and rear end portions are connected by a concave curved surface (see FIG. 17). Therefore, the ball that passes through the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 and contacts the left and right inner protruding portions 318 receives a load in a direction in which a left-right outward component and a downward component are mixed and flows down.

[0297] On the other hand, since the left and right inner protruding portions 318 are formed in a small size, the flow-down direction of the ball is not determined to be downward or left-right outward only by the load received from the left and right inner protruding portions 318, and it only functions as an impetus. And since the left and right inner protruding portions 318 are arranged upstream of the slide displacement member 370, the above-mentioned impetus occurs regardless of the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370.

[0298] The flow of the ball after contacting the left and right inward protruding portions 318 will be described by considering different cases. When the slide displacement member 370 is disposed at the front position, the ball rolls on the thin plate portion 371 of the slide displacement member 370 while contacting the upward protruding portion 376 and the front and rear long protruding portions 317 (see FIG. 18), and flows toward the normal detection sensor SE12 side.

[0299] The protruding end portions of the front and rear long protruding portions 317 have the same use as the upward protruding portion 376. That is, since they are formed as curved surfaces for switching the flow direction of the ball, the radius of curvature of the curved surface is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the front side surface 376a of the upward protruding portion 376. As a guideline, the upward protruding portion 376 constitutes a curved surface starting from the left and right inner sides and ending at a position behind the center position of the through hole of the accurate change detection sensor SE11 in a top view (see FIG. 17). On the other hand, the front and rear long protruding portions 317 constitute a curved surface starting from the ceiling surface of the flow path and ending at a position close to the end position (rear end position) of the front side surface 376a at the front position of the slide displacement member 370 in a left and right direction view (see FIG. 18).

[0300] Here, the upper surface of the thin plate portion 371 is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the left and right outer sides. The ball that is urged toward the left and right outer sides by contacting the left and right inward protruding portions 318 will flow downward in the left and right outer directions taking advantage of that momentum, so that the flow of the ball can be formed smoothly.

[0301] Furthermore, left and right outward protruding portions 319 are formed above the ball flowing downward in the left and right outer directions. By suppressing the ball bounce, the flow of the ball can also be formed smoothly. Since the purpose of the left and right outward protruding portions 319 is not to switch the flow direction of the ball but to suppress the ball bounce, its shape is significantly different from that of the front and rear long protruding portions 317, and the protruding end portion is formed as a curved surface with a large radius of curvature extending from above the accurate change detection sensor SE11 to above the normal detection sensor SE12.

[0302] Particularly, in the present embodiment, since the left and right outward protruding portions 319 are disposed on the front side of the center of the opening of the detection sensor SE1 (i.e., the center of the flow path) (see FIG. 19), when the left and right outward protruding portions 319 and the ball come into contact in the vertical direction, the center of the ball is likely to be disposed on the rear side of the thickness center of the left and right outward protruding portions 319. Therefore, when the left and right outward protruding portions 319 and the ball come into contact in the vertical direction, a load having a backward component can be easily applied to the ball, so that the ball can be prevented from flowing backward to the front side.

[0303] From these configurations, it is easy to prevent ball jamming or backflow of the balls when a plurality of balls flow down.

[0304] In a state where the slide displacement member 370 is disposed at the rear position, since the thin plate portion 371 and the upward protruding portion 376 are retracted behind the front and rear long protruding portion 317, the balls come into contact with the front and rear long protruding portion 317 and flow.

[0305] The front and rear long protruding portion 317 is formed such that the surface shape of the protruding end portion (curved surface) has a shape in which the normal line passes through the center of the third flow path component 336, and the thickness center is disposed directly behind the center position of the through hole of the position change detection sensor SE11. Therefore, it is easy to apply a load with a suppressed lateral component to the contacting ball. Since the protruding tip of the front and rear long protruding portion 317 has a concave curved surface shape (see FIG. 20), this load functions as a load for flowing the ball obliquely downward to the front.

[0306] Therefore, the balls that could not reach the right side due to the momentum from the left and right inward protruding portions 318 receive a load obliquely downward to the front due to the load from the front and rear long protruding portion 317 and flow toward the position change detection sensor SE11 side.

[0307] Here, depending on the point of contact during the collision with the longitudinal protrusion 317 at the front and rear, there is a concern that the ball may bounce back to the front side (a reverse flow may occur). However, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the ball is urged diagonally downward to the left and right by contacting the left and right inner protrusions 318, even if the ball bounces back to the front side, the ball only collides with the rear end of the bottom portion of the third flow path forming portion 336 (see FIG. 20) or the rear side surface of the front frame-shaped portion 333 (see FIG. 19), and it is possible to easily avoid the situation where the ball reverses the third flow path forming portion 336.

[0308] What is unique in the present embodiment is that even when the slide displacement member 370 is disposed at the rear position and the ball flows toward the probability change detection sensor SE11 side, the same displacement toward the left and right outer sides due to the load from the left and right inner protrusions 318 occurs on the ball as when the slide displacement member 370 is disposed at the front position and the ball flows toward the normal detection sensor SE12 side. This application will be described later.

[0309] The slide displacement member 370 is configured to be slidably displaceable between the front position and the rear position. When the slide displacement member 370 performs a closing operation (an operation from the rear position toward the front position) while the ball is flowing down the third flow path forming portion 336 toward the slide displacement member 370, there is a possibility of applying a forward load to the ball, and there is a possibility of applying a load in the direction (forward) that causes the ball to reverse the third flow path forming portion 336.

[0310] To prevent this, it is preferable to control the displacement operation of the slide displacement member 370. For example, if the control is performed so that the closing operation is completed before the ball reaches the slide displacement member 370, the possibility of the ball colliding with the operating slide displacement member 370 can be eliminated, and the possibility of the ball reversing can be reduced.

[0311] Further, by forming the front surface of the upper protrusion 376 of the slide displacement member 370 as a curved surface facing the left and right outer sides, or by arranging the left and right inner protrusions 318 so as to surely collide with the ball, an action of guiding the ball that has reached the rear end portion of the third flow path forming portion 336 to the left and right outer sides can be generated. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult for the ball to reverse.

[0312] Further, the opening operation of the slide displacement member 370 (the operation from the front position to the rear position) is not an operation in the direction against the ball, but an operation toward the side away from the ball. Therefore, for example, even when the operation is executed while the ball is on the thin plate portion 371 of the slide displacement member 370, it is difficult to generate a load that pushes the ball back to the front side. Therefore, regarding the opening operation, it is considered that it is not easy to cause the backflow of the ball even if it is controlled to be executed at an arbitrary timing without considering the arrangement of the balls.

[0313] When the ball rolls on the thin plate portion 371 while rolling forward on the upper surface of the slide displacement member 370 (at the stage before flowing to the left and right outer sides), the opening operation of the slide displacement member 370 applies a load to the ball in the direction of suppressing rotation (the direction of rotating backward), so that the rotation of the ball can be stopped, the flow of the ball can be stopped, and it is easy to shift to free fall.

[0314] Therefore, when the slide displacement member 370 performs the opening operation while the ball is rolling on the thin plate portion 371, it is easy to avoid the ball being guided to the normal detection sensor SE12 by the momentum of the previous rolling, and it is easy to guide the ball to the probability change detection sensor SE11.

[0315] Regarding the appearance of the distribution device 300 in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment including the above-described distribution device 300 as viewed from the player's line of sight, an explanation will be given. Hereinafter, as an example, cases will be described separately in a state where the angle of the line of sight with respect to the horizontal direction is different.

[0316] FIG. 21 is a front view of the variable winning device 65 and the distribution device 300, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the variable winning device 65 and the distribution device 300 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXII in FIG. 16, and FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the variable winning device 65 and the distribution device 300 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXIII in FIG. 16.

[0317] As a premise, a player operating the pachinko machine 10 can play the game in a preferred posture except for grasping and rotating the operation handle 51 (see FIG. 1). For example, the player can play the game while sufficiently distancing their head from the pachinko machine 10 and looking inside the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1) with a line of sight in a horizontal direction or a direction that slopes downward by about 5 degrees from the horizontal (see FIG. 22). Alternatively, the player can play the game while bringing their head closer to the pachinko machine 10 and looking inside the glass unit 16 with a line of sight in a direction that slopes downward by about 30 degrees from the horizontal (see FIG. 23). Generally, the former can secure a wider field of view but it is difficult to notice fine details, while the latter has a narrower field of view but it is easier to notice fine details within that field of view.

[0318] FIG. 21 is shown as a reference, and hereinafter, the description will mainly be made while comparing FIGS. 22 and 23. For convenience, in FIGS. 21 to 23, the open state of the opening / closing plate 65b is shown.

[0319] In FIG. 21, the light-emitting means 351 is shown by imaginary lines. Although the light-emitting means 351 is arranged symmetrically (see FIG. 13), only the left half is shown for easy understanding. Since the function of the light-emitting means 351 arranged at the uppermost part has been described above, here, the three light-emitting means 351 in the left half arranged in the lower side part 353 will be described.

[0320] First, the upper light-emitting means 351 irradiates light toward the seal member 313. Since the seal member 313 is formed to be red transparent as described above, when the light-emitting means 351 irradiates light, the periphery of the seal member 313 is illuminated red. Thereby, the attention of the player to the seal member 313 and its periphery can be improved. Since the seal member 313 is arranged directly above the third flow path forming part 336 (see FIG. 18), the third flow path forming part 336 can be made noticeable.

[0321] Note that on the front side of the upper light-emitting means 351, the formation of the light diffusion processed surface 332e is omitted (see FIG. 18). Thereby, it is possible to avoid the light from the light-emitting means 351 being visually recognized as being extended in the vertical direction by the light diffusion processed surface 332e, and the periphery of the seal member 313 can be intensively illuminated.

[0322] Note that the light emission control is not limited in any way. For example, during a jackpot game, in a situation where it is desired to draw attention to the balls flowing down the third flow path component 336, by controlling to irradiate the seal member 313 with light, the seal member 313 can be made noticeable, and the line of sight can be naturally guided to the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 disposed below it.

[0323] Next, the light-emitting means 351 arranged side by side on the lower side corresponds to directly above the probability variable detection sensor SE11 and the normal detection sensor SE12, respectively. That is, when a ball enters the probability variable detection sensor SE11, the control of this light-emitting means 351 is to cause the light-emitting means 351 arranged directly above the probability variable detection sensor SE11 to emit light, while when a ball enters the normal detection sensor SE12, the control is to cause the light-emitting means 351 arranged directly above the normal detection sensor SE12 to emit light, so that the passing position of the ball can be notified to the player.

[0324] The light emitted from these light-emitting means 351 arranged side by side on the lower side is directed toward the light diffusion processed surface. That is, the light-emitting means 351 on the left and right center sides is arranged to face the light diffusion processed surface 332e (see FIG. 18), and the light-emitting means 351 on the left and right outer sides is arranged to face the light diffusion processed surface 319a (see FIG. 17). The light diffusion processed surfaces 319a and 332e are formed over the upper and lower portions of each part.

[0325] Therefore, the position where the light from the light-emitting means 351 is visible is not limited to the height position of the LED of the light-emitting means 351, but is formed as a range that spreads vertically (visible as a strip-shaped light extending vertically). Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, even if the angle of the player's line of sight changes, the visibility of the light from the light-emitting means 351 can be improved.

[0326] The angle of the downward slope from the horizontal in FIG. 22 (5 degrees) is the same as the inclination angle of the third flow path forming portion 336. Therefore, in FIG. 22, the outer shape of the slide displacement member 370 disposed at the rear end portion of the third flow path forming portion 336 can be visually recognized. However, since the slide displacement member 370 is displaced in the front-rear direction, it is difficult to grasp the change due to the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 in this visual field.

[0327] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23, in the direction of view at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal, the vertical width of the visual field at the rear end portion of the third flow path forming portion 336 is narrowed. Therefore, compared with the direction of view in FIG. 22, the difficulty of confirming the switching of the flowing state of the balls at the rear end portion of the third flow path forming portion 336 becomes higher. However, in this visual field, it is easy to grasp the displacement of the upward protruding portion 376 when the slide displacement member 370 is displaced in the front-rear direction.

[0328] In addition, since the through hole 332a for arranging the middle member 330 is formed as an opening having a minimum size sufficient to pass through the upward protruding portion 376 of the slide displacement member 370, it is possible to hide the state switching device 360 (see FIG. 17) disposed inside the rear side frame-shaped portion 332 so that it is difficult to visually recognize.

[0329] During an actual big win game, a plurality of balls are guided to the specific winning opening 65a during a round game and flow down through each of the flow path forming portions 334 to 336 in order. When a plurality of balls are simultaneously arranged in each of the flow path forming portions 334 to 336, the line of sight directed to the balls on the back side may be blocked by the balls on the front side.

[0330] For example, when a plurality of balls are arranged in the third flow path component 336, those balls are arranged at the same position in FIG. 22. Therefore, the balls on the front side hide the balls on the back side.

[0331] Also, when the balls flow toward the normal detection sensor SE12, they will flow from the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 to the left and right outer directions. Since the visibility decreases due to the light diffusing surface 333b of the front frame-shaped portion 333 after deviating from the third flow path component 336 in the left and right directions, it is preferable to grasp the movement of the balls during the process of deviating from the third flow path component 336 in the left and right directions. When there are balls (balls slightly deviated in the left and right directions from the third flow path component 336) flowing from the downstream end position (position of the ball P1) of the second flow path component 335 to the upstream end position (position of the ball P2) of the third flow path component 336, those balls hide the balls during the process of deviating from the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 in the left and right directions.

[0332] In other words, it is possible to determine whether the balls have flowed to the probability change detection sensor SE11 or the normal detection sensor SE12 by visually checking whether the downward flow direction of the balls has switched to the left and right outer sides at the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336, and it is only necessary to pay attention to the inside and the periphery of the right edge of the third flow path component 336. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, at the connection position between the third flow path component 336 and the second flow path component 335 on the upstream side in the direction of the line of sight, it is configured such that the balls can flow through a path including the inside and the periphery of the right edge of the third flow path component 336 (movement from the position of the ball P1 to the position of the ball P2). Therefore, depending on the arrangement of the balls flowing on the upstream side, a situation may occur where it is impossible to determine whether the balls have flowed to the probability change detection sensor SE11 or the normal detection sensor SE12.

[0333] Also, in the line of sight of FIG. 23, the balls flowing through the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 and the balls flowing through the second flow path component 335 are clearly separated in the vertical arrangement, so it is easy to avoid the situation where the upstream balls block the view. On the other hand, since the vertical width of the flow path visible at the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 is narrow, the area of the balls that can be visually recognized in the direction view becomes small.

[0334] In particular, as described above, the ball that has passed through the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336, regardless of the arrangement of the slide displacement member 370, once flows downward diagonally to the right and then, the flow path toward the probability change detection sensor SE11 or the flow path toward the normal detection sensor SE12 is switched. Therefore, as compared with the case where the flow path of the ball is switched depending on whether the ball flows straight down or the flow direction of the ball is switched to the right, the area of the ball visually recognized at the switching position becomes smaller.

[0335] As another mode of switching, it is assumed that the switching position is arranged more upstream, as in the case where the flow path of the ball is switched depending on whether the ball flows straight down or is switched to the right. For example, when the left and right inward protruding portions 318 are not formed and the ball flowing toward the probability change detection sensor SE11 flows straight down from the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336, the switching position is at least a position behind the center line of the third flow path component 336.

[0336] On the other hand, when the switching position is displaced to the right of the center line of the third flow path component 336 as in the present embodiment, the ball falls below the lower bottom portion of the third flow path component 336 (it falls by the vertical difference between the upper surface of the lower bottom portion of the third flow path component 336 and the upper side surface of the thin plate portion 371 of the slide displacement member 370, see FIG. 18). In addition to the effect that a part of the ball is hidden by the third flow path component 336 itself, the ball is displaced to the left and right outside the range where the ball is visually recognized through the third flow path component 336, so that a part of the ball is hidden by the front frame-shaped portion 333.

[0337] Therefore, the area of the ball that has passed through the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 and is visible from the player's line of sight becomes smaller, making it difficult to grasp through which flow path the ball has flowed. As a result, the attention paid to the ball flowing near the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336 can be further improved.

[0338] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the plurality of perspective views (see FIGS. 22 and 23) described as the perspective view for identifying the flow direction of the balls flowing down the rear end portion of the third flow path component 336, advantages and disadvantages are set in any of them. Thus, no matter which way the distribution device 300 is visually recognized, the player is not required to play a one-sided game, but the player can adjust and select a preferred visual recognition method, and the game mode can have a width, so it is possible to avoid a situation where the player gets bored with the game.

[0339] Ensuring the player's field of view can be realized by various methods. In the present embodiment, in particular, since a gap is formed between the second upper surface portions 314b of the upper member 310, a state can be achieved in which the roof portion of the third flow path component 336 is removed, so that the third flow path component 336 can be easily visually recognized.

[0340] Regarding the perspective views of FIGS. 22 and 23, the visibility on the front side of the distribution device 300 will be described. Although not shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, since the fixed member 161 and the front design member 162 (see FIG. 5) are arranged on the front side of the distribution device 300, the light transmitted through the thickness of the member is reduced, so the field of view is blocked.

[0341] To the extent that the range blocked by the front design member 162 becomes narrower, the perspective view of FIG. 23 may be easier to visually recognize the balls flowing inside the distribution device 300 compared to the perspective view of FIG. 22.

[0342] The fixed member 161 and the front design member 162 are basically formed in a flat shape as described above and are configured so that light refraction hardly occurs (see FIG. 12). Thus, it is possible to avoid the visibility of the distribution device 300 from deteriorating.

[0343] Functionally, even for parts that cannot be formed into a flat shape, they are formed so as to have a small impact on visibility. For example, the protruding support portions 161c to 161e for positioning and engaging the distribution device 300 are arranged outside the line of sight of the player looking at the flow path components 334 to 336 (upper rear, left and right outer sides, left and right lower sides) so as not to block the line of sight of the player facing obliquely downward.

[0344] Also, for example, the symmetric protruding portion 161f is formed at the center height of the ball and is formed thin with the minimum thickness required for strength (see Fig. 18). Thereby, even if the symmetric protruding portion 161f is arranged between the ball and the player's eyes, it is possible to prevent the entire ball from being hidden, so that the visibility of the ball flowing down the flow path components 334 to 336 can be ensured.

[0345] Between the fixed member 161 and the front design member 162, the balls that have escaped from the specific winning opening 65a flow down and flow toward the out port 71. The influence on the field of view by the balls flowing toward the out port 71 will be described.

[0346] In Figs. 22 and 23, an example of the arrangement of the balls flowing toward the out port 71 in the open state of the opening and closing plate 65b is shown. While the opening and closing plate 65b is open, the balls flowing down from above the opening and closing plate 65b will ride on the opening and closing plate 65b and be guided toward the specific winning opening 65a side. Therefore, the balls flowing toward the out port 71 will be the balls that have escaped to the left and right of the opening and closing plate 65b. These balls flow down between the extending portion 162b and the extending portion 162c, are guided by the inner rail 61, and flow toward the out port 71.

[0347] As shown in Figs. 22 and 23, from the player's line of sight, the arrangement of the balls flowing on the inner rail 61 is below each of the flow path components 334 to 336. Therefore, it is easy to avoid the reduction in the visibility of the balls flowing down each of the flow path components 334 to 336 due to the balls flowing on the inner rail 61.

[0348] On the one hand, the flow of the balls flowing down the inner rail 61 is in a mode of flowing gently at a gentle angle toward the center side in the left - right direction of the game area, similar to the flow of the balls flowing down the second flow path component 335. Therefore, similar to the balls flowing down the second flow path component 335, it has the effect of guiding the player's line of sight to the center position in the left - right direction of the game area. This effect guides the player's line of sight to the out - port 71 and also to the third flow path component 336. That is, since the left - right direction positions of the out - port 71 and the third flow path component 336 are set to similar positions (the center position in the left - right direction), by moving the line of sight up and down, the player's line of sight is guided to a state where both the out - port 71 and the third flow path component 336 can be visually recognized.

[0349] Therefore, regardless of whether the balls launched toward the game area can efficiently enter the specific winning port 65a easily (whether the wasted balls during the big - win game are few) or whether the balls flowing down between the extended part 162b and the extended part 162c frequently occur (whether the wasted balls during the big - win game frequently occur), the flowing balls can have the effect of guiding the player's line of sight to the third flow path component 336.

[0350] That is, when the balls enter the specific winning port 65a, the player's line of sight can be guided to the third flow path component 336 in the state of flowing down the second flow path component 335, and when the balls miss the specific winning port 65a, the player's line of sight can be guided to the third flow path component 336 in the state of flowing down the inner rail 61.

[0351] Normally, the balls heading toward the out - port 71 do not have any effect in the game as wasted balls. However, in this embodiment, by configuring as described above, the balls heading toward the out - port 71 can be given the role of guiding the player's line of sight to the third flow path component 336.

[0352] Note that in the closed state of the opening - closing plate 65b, there is a possibility that the balls flow on the front side of the opening - closing plate 65b and pass through the front side of the second flow path component 335, thereby reducing the visibility of the second flow path component 335.

[0353] On the other hand, according to the configuration of the present embodiment in which the second winning opening 140 and the electric accessory 140a are disposed above the left and right center positions of the specific winning opening 65a, and the third flow path component 336 is disposed below the left and right center positions of the specific winning opening 65a, the second winning opening 140 and the electric accessory 140a can prevent the balls from flowing down, so that the balls can be prevented from flowing down the front side of the third flow path component 336. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which the visibility of the third flow path component 336 and the periphery of its rear end portion is reduced by the balls flowing down the front side of the opening / closing plate 65b.

[0354] In the present embodiment, the time until the balls that have entered the specific winning opening 65a reach the slide displacement member 370 can be ensured by the formation lengths of the flow path components 334 to 336. However, an increase in the required layout space, which is likely to occur as an adverse effect, is being avoided. That is, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the layout interval between the specific winning opening 65a of the variable winning device 65 and the slide displacement member 370 as a guide for the layout of the third flow path component 336 is formed to be short in the line of sight of the player.

[0355] Moreover, since the slide displacement member 370 is disposed behind the lower side of the specific winning opening 65a (see FIG. 18), as shown in FIG. 23, in the line of sight directed obliquely downward to the rear side, which frequently occurs as the line of sight of the player, it is visually recognized that the outer shape of the slide displacement member 370 is disposed so as to bite into the outer shape of the specific winning opening 65a.

[0356] In addition, the flow-down paths of the balls that have entered the specific winning opening 65a configured to be long in the left and right directions and have passed through the ball passage holes 163b of the detection sensors SE1 disposed at both left and right end portions thereof are collected below the left and right center sides of the specific winning opening 65a via the left and right symmetric flow path components 334 to 336. Thereby, the time until the balls reach the slide displacement member 370 can be shortened as compared with the case where the balls flow down in the left and right directions across the left and right widths of the specific winning opening 65a. In addition, since the structure required as the flow-down path of the balls can be made to have a shorter left and right length toward the lower side, it can be easily disposed near the lower edge portion of the curved inner rail 61.

[0357] In particular, in this embodiment, the design concept is to arrange the specific winning port 65a in the vicinity of the out port 71. Instead of the structure in which the ball flows down directly below from the left and right inner ends of the second flow path component 335, by adopting the structure in which the ball is made to flow backward by the third flow path component 336 from the left and right inner ends of the second flow path component 335, the out port 71 (the opening disposed on the front side (upstream side) of the curved surface portion 387) can be formed at a position directly below the second flow path component 335. As a result, the vertical distance between the specific winning port 65a and the out port 71 is shortened.

[0358] In this way, by being able to shorten the vertical arrangement width and the left - right width of the specific winning port 65a and the slide displacement member 370 in the player's line of sight, in the design of the game area where the size in the front view is restricted by a certain standard, the vertical width of the range occupied by the specific winning port 65a and the slide displacement member 370 can be shortened, so that the degree of freedom in the design of the game area can be improved.

[0359] For example, as in this embodiment, since the arrangement of the specific winning port 65a can be disposed near the lower end of the game area, the variable winning device 65 can be effectively utilized in the left - right symmetric game area.

[0360] Next, an example of the flow - down of the ball after entering the distribution device 300 and the operation pattern of the movable accessories (variable winning device 65, slide displacement member 370) considering the flow - down will be described.

[0361] First, on the premise that the ball passing through the opening 312 flows down through the first flow path component 334, the second flow path component 335, and the third flow path component 336 in sequence (see FIGS. 16 and 17). The time required for the ball to pass through each of the flow path components 334 - 336 can be arbitrarily set, but in this embodiment, it is designed so that the ball passes through each of the flow path components 334 - 336 in about 0.3 seconds.

[0362] That is, it is configured such that it takes 0.3 seconds to pass through the first flow path component 334, 0.3 seconds to pass through the second flow path component 335, and 0.3 seconds to pass through the third flow path component 336 after the ball enters the specific winning port 65a.

[0363] Therefore, even if the ball enters the specific winning port 65a immediately after the opening / closing plate 65b of the variable winning device 65 is opened, it is configured such that the ball will not reach the detection sensor SE1 disposed at the rear end of the third flow path component 336 within 0.9 seconds. As a result, within 0.9 seconds after the opening / closing plate 65b is opened, regardless of the position of the slide displacement member 370, the ball cannot pass through the probability change detection sensor SE11 or the normal detection sensor SE12, so the operation pattern of the slide displacement member 370 can be designed without fear of the ball accidentally winning.

[0364] Therefore, for example, it is possible to eliminate the control (control that causes unnaturalness in the operation of the opening / closing plate) of releasing the opening / closing plate for a short time at the start of the round game R in order to prevent the ball from accidentally winning the V winning sensor, which is commonly seen in pachinko machines equipped with a V probability change attacker. As a result, the operation mode of the opening / closing plate that opens and closes the specific winning port becomes a natural operation, and an environment where players can enjoy the game with confidence can be provided.

[0365] Also, in the pachinko machine equipped with a V probability change attacker in the above example, the ball that enters immediately after the V probability change attacker is opened was likely to cause an accidental win. However, in the variable winning device 65 of this case, as will be described later, the ball that enters immediately after the opening causes a favorable effect (for example, the effect of hiding the operation of the slide displacement member 370) instead. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the contrivance of preventing the ball from entering immediately after the opening.

[0366] Note that the time required for the ball to pass can be arbitrarily set according to the length, inclination, shape of the inner wall of the flow path (such as smooth or uneven shape, etc.) of each of the flow path components 334 to 336.

[0367] Referring to FIG. 24, the content of the ROM 202 (see FIG. 4) in the first control example of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 24(a) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the ROM 202 in the main control device 110, FIG. 24(b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the correspondence between the first hit type counter C2 and the jackpot type in the special symbol, and FIG. 24(c) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the correspondence between the second hit random number counter C4 and the hit in the normal symbol.

[0368] As shown in FIG. 24(a), in the ROM 202 of the main control device 110, at least the first hit random number table 202a, the first hit type selection table 202b, the second hit random number table 202c, and the variation pattern selection table 202d are stored as part of the above-mentioned fixed value data.

[0369] The first hit random number table 202a is a data table in which the jackpot determination value of the first hit random number counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) is stored. When the value of the first hit random number counter obtained based on the start winning prize matches any of the determination values defined in the first hit random number table 202a, it is determined that the special symbol is a jackpot.

[0370] The first hit type selection table 202b (see FIG. 24(b)) is a data table in which the determination value for determining the jackpot type is stored, and the determination value of the first hit type counter C2 is defined in association with each jackpot type and the type of the winning opening that triggered the lottery of the special symbol. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the special symbol is a jackpot, the value of the first hit type counter C2 obtained based on the start winning prize is compared with the first hit type selection table 202b, and the jackpot type corresponding to the value of the first hit type counter C2 is selected.

[0371] Specifically, when a jackpot is hit in the lottery for the special symbol 1 (lottery based on the ball entry into the first winning opening 64), when the value of the first jackpot type counter C2 is in the range of "0 to 9", jackpot A1 is defined to be associated (see 202b1 in Fig. 24(b)).

[0372] When it becomes jackpot A1, a 4-round jackpot game is executed with the first operation pattern of the variable winning device 65 (details will be described later), and the slide displacement member 370 is controlled to be displaced with the operation pattern X (details will be described later).

[0373] When the value of the first jackpot type counter C2 is in the range of "10 to 19", jackpot A2 is defined to be associated (see 202b2 in Fig. 24(b)).

[0374] When it becomes jackpot A2, a 4-round jackpot game is executed with the first operation pattern of the variable winning device 65 (details will be described later), and the slide displacement member 370 is controlled to be displaced with the operation pattern Y (details will be described later).

[0375] When the value of the first jackpot type counter C2 is in the range of "20 to 39", jackpot B1 is defined to be associated (see 202b3 in Fig. 24(b)).

[0376] When it becomes jackpot B1, a 4-round jackpot game is executed with the second operation pattern of the variable winning device 65 (details will be described later), and the slide displacement member 370 is controlled to be displaced with the operation pattern X (details will be described later).

[0377] When the value of the first jackpot type counter C2 is in the range of "40 to 49", jackpot B2 is defined to be associated (see 202b4 in Fig. 24(b)).

[0378] When it becomes jackpot B2, a 4-round jackpot game is executed with the second operation pattern of the variable winning device 65 (details will be described later), and the slide displacement member 370 is controlled to be displaced with the operation pattern Y (details will be described later).

[0379] When the value of the first hit type counter C2 is in the range of "50 to 79", the big win C1 is associated and defined (see 202b5 in Fig. 24(b)).

[0380] When it becomes the big win C1, a 4-round big win game is executed in the third operation pattern of the variable winning device 65 (details will be described later), and the slide displacement member 370 is controlled to be displaced in the operation pattern X (details will be described later).

[0381] When the value of the first hit type counter C2 is in the range of "80 to 99", the big win C2 is associated and defined (see 202b6 in Fig. 24(b)).

[0382] When it becomes the big win C2, a 4-round big win game is executed in the third operation pattern of the variable winning device 65 (details will be described later), and the slide displacement member 370 is controlled to be displaced in the operation pattern Y (details will be described later).

[0383] As described above, when a big win occurs in the lottery of the special symbol 1 (lottery based on the ball entry into the first winning port 64), in any case, a 4-round big win game is selected. Therefore, a large number of prize balls cannot be expected compared to the case where a big win occurs in the lottery of the special symbol 2 described later. On the other hand, since the 4-round big win game ends in a shorter time compared to the 15-round big win game, the shooting of balls aiming for the subsequent big win can be started earlier.

[0384] On the other hand, when a big win occurs in the lottery of the special symbol 2 (lottery based on the ball entry into the second winning port 140), when the value of the first hit type counter C2 is in the range of "0 to 99", the big win a is associated and defined (see 202b7 in Fig. 24(b)).

[0385] When a big win a occurs, a 15-round big win game is executed in the third operation pattern of the variable winning device 65 (details will be described later), and the slide displacement member 370 is controlled to be displaced in the operation pattern X (details will be described later).

[0386] As described above, when a big win occurs in the lottery of the special symbol 2 (the lottery based on the ball entry into the second winning port 140), in any case, a 15-round big win game is selected. Therefore, since a large number of paid-out prize balls can be obtained when winning a big win in the lottery of the special symbol 2 compared to winning a big win in the lottery of the special symbol 1, the motivation for the player to play a game (a game in which the ball is launched so as to enter the second winning port 140) for performing the lottery of the special symbol 2 can be enhanced.

[0387] Also, since the operation pattern of the slide displacement member 370 is fixed in the operation pattern X, even if the visibility of the slide displacement member 370 is not ensured, the possibility of increasing the disadvantage to the player is small. Therefore, although there is a disadvantage that the visibility to the slide displacement member 370 is slightly deteriorated, when there is a third operation pattern that has an advantage that the ball entry into the specific winning port 65a is likely to occur, by setting the operation pattern of the variable winning device 65 for the big win in the lottery of the special symbol 2 to the third operation pattern, the influence of the disadvantage can be reduced, and only the advantage of being able to shorten the time required for the big win game can be emphasized.

[0388] That is, the possibility of the big win game in the lottery of the special symbol 2 being prolonged can be reduced, so that a big win game that is pleasant for the player (with good time efficiency of the payout of the prize balls) can be realized.

[0389] Note that the setting of the big win type of the special symbol 2 is not limited to this. For example, as the big win type of the special symbol 2, a big win type in which the slide displacement member 370 is displacement-controlled in the operation pattern Y may be provided. Also, this big win type may be provided at a small ratio (for example, about 20%).

[0390] This can improve the player's attention to the slide displacement member 370, thus preventing the player from playing the jackpot game casually. That is, the displacement operation of the slide displacement member 370 can be made visible to the player, causing the player to feel alternately happy and worried at the timing of the displacement operation, and enhancing the player's interest.

[0391] As described above, during the certain change of the special symbol, the hit probability of the normal symbol increases, the variation time of the normal symbol becomes shorter (3 seconds), and when the normal symbol hits, the opening time of the electric accessory 140a becomes longer (1 second × 2 times). Therefore, it becomes easier to let the ball enter the second winning opening 140, and the lottery of the special symbol 2 becomes easier. Accordingly, once the state of the special symbol can be shifted to the certain change state, it is easy for the special symbol to hit the jackpot, and when it hits the jackpot, it is easy for the special symbol to be a jackpot a (a jackpot with a good profit balance). Thus, the state of the certain change of the special symbol is likely to be repeated, and it becomes easy for the player to obtain a large number of prize balls. As a result, the game can be played while strongly expecting the player to shift to the state of the certain change of the special symbol, and the player's interest in the game can be improved.

[0392] The second hit random number table 202c (see FIG. 24(c)) is a data table in which the hit determination value of the normal symbol is stored. Specifically, in the normal state of the normal symbol, "5 to 28" is defined as the determination value for the normal symbol to hit (see 202c1 in FIG. 24(c)). Also, in the high probability state of the normal symbol, "5 to 204" is defined as the determination value for the normal symbol to hit (see 202c2 in FIG. 24(c)). In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, based on the value of the second hit random number counter C4 obtained when the ball passes through the normal winning opening 67 and the second hit random number table 202c, it is determined whether the normal symbol hits. The variation pattern selection table 202d is a data table in which the determination value of the variation type counter for determining the display mode of the variation pattern is defined for each display mode.

[0393] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the time change of the operation pattern of the opening / closing plate 65b of the variable winning device 65 in the first round for each jackpot type and the operation pattern of the slide displacement member 370 of the distributing device 300.

[0394] When the MPU 201 (see FIG. 4) determines a jackpot in the determination per special drawing, after the end of the special drawing variable display (symbol variable effect), it starts the control of the jackpot game (of the determined type). Hereinafter, the operation control of the opening / closing plate 65b of the variable winning device 65 and the slide displacement member 370 of the distributing device 300, which are performed when a jackpot game is given, will be described. In the description of FIG. 25, FIG. 24 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0395] Note that in this control example, the driving mode differs only in the first round depending on the jackpot type, and the driving mode is common after the second round. Therefore, the driving mode in the first round for each jackpot type will be described separately.

[0396] In the case of jackpot A1 or jackpot A2, the MPU 201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c (see FIG. 11) so that the opening / closing plate 65b operates based on the first operation pattern. When the special drawing variable display (symbol variable effect) ends, the MPU 201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c to hold the opening / closing plate 65b in the closed state until a predetermined opening time OP (10 seconds) elapses by a timer means (not shown), and after the elapse of the opening time OP, starts the round game R of the first round.

[0397] That is, when the timer means starts measuring the first operation time T1 (maximum 30 seconds), the opening / closing plate 65b is displaced from the closed state to an open state in which a ball can enter the specific winning opening 65a. The first open state is maintained for 0.2 seconds. In the first operation pattern, the electromagnetic solenoid 165c is driven and controlled so that this 0.2-second opening operation is executed at 1.0-second intervals, causing the opening / closing plate 65b to operate for a long time.

[0398] Note that the first opening time is set to be longer than the period during which at least one game ball can enter the specific winning opening 65a when continuously firing game balls, and shorter than the period required for the specified number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls to enter the specific winning opening 65a.

[0399] Then, in the round game R of the first round, when the round end condition (elapse of the round game time (30 seconds which is the maximum value of the first operating time T1) or winning of the specified number (10 in this embodiment) of pachinko balls) is satisfied, the electromagnetic solenoid 165c is driven and controlled to displace the opening / closing plate 65b to the closed state to close the specific winning opening 65a, and the round game R of the first round ends.

[0400] The 0.2 - second opening time in the first operating pattern is set to limit the number of balls entering one side of the left and right of the specific winning opening 65a to 1 during the opening of the opening / closing plate 65b. It is the setting of the opening time to prevent a plurality of balls from continuously entering one side of the left and right of the specific winning opening 65a (hereinafter also referred to as "entering with consecutive balls"), and it is not intended to limit the number of balls entering the specific winning opening 65a to 1. That is, even with a 0.2 - second opening time, one ball can reach each of the left and right sides of the specific winning opening 65a, and it is possible for the balls to enter the specific winning opening 65a at the same time.

[0401] In the case of the big win A1, the MPU201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 361 (see FIG. 17) so that the slide displacement member 370 operates based on the operating pattern X. The drive control of the electromagnetic solenoid 361 is set based on the drive control of the opening / closing plate 65b. In this embodiment, simultaneously with the displacement of the opening / closing plate 65b to the open state, the slide displacement member 370 is driven and controlled to displace from the front position to the rear position.

[0402] Therefore, the balls that have entered the specific winning opening 65a pass through each of the flow path components 334 to 336 (see FIG. 19), pass through the front side of the slide displacement member 370, and pass through the probability - change detection sensor SE11 (see FIG. 20).

[0403] At this time, since the number of balls arranged in each of the flow path components 334 to 336 on the left and right sides is limited to one, the visibility of other balls is not reduced. Therefore, the player can easily visually recognize the situation where the ball passes through the probability change detection sensor SE11.

[0404] In the case of the big win A2, the MPU 201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 361 (see FIG. 17) so that the slide displacement member 370 operates based on the operation pattern Y. The drive control of the electromagnetic solenoid 361 is set based on the drive control of the opening and closing plate 65b. In the present embodiment, simultaneously with the displacement of the opening and closing plate 65b to the open state, the slide displacement member 370 is driven and controlled to displace from the front position to the rear position, and after 0.8 seconds, the slide displacement member 370 is driven and controlled to displace from the rear position to the front position.

[0405] As described above, since the time required for the ball to pass through each of the flow path components 334 to 336 (see FIG. 17) is set to about 0.9 seconds, the slide displacement member 370 is displaced to the front position before the ball reaches the slide displacement member 370.

[0406] Therefore, the ball that has entered the specific winning opening 65a passes through each of the flow path components 334 to 336 (see FIG. 17), passes above the slide displacement member 370, and passes through the normal detection sensor SE12 (see FIG. 17).

[0407] At this time, since the number of balls arranged in each of the flow path components 334 to 336 on the left and right sides is limited to one, the visibility of other balls is not reduced. Therefore, the player can easily visually recognize the situation where the ball passes through the normal detection sensor SE12.

[0408] The 0.8 seconds as the displacement start time of the slide displacement member 370 is set based on the idea that it is shorter than the time required for the ball to pass through each of the flow path components 334 to 336 and the idea that it is longer than the time required for the ball to reach the third flow path component 336.

[0409] That is, according to the present embodiment, since the ball passes through the second flow path component 335 in about 0.6 seconds after entering the specific winning opening 65a and reaches the third flow path component 336, even if the ball enters the specific winning opening 65a near the end of the 0.2 - second opening time of the opening - closing plate 65b, the ball can displace the slide displacement member 370 after reaching the third flow path component 336.

[0410] Therefore, as long as a ball enters the specific winning opening 65a, regardless of the ball - entry timing, the operation of the slide displacement member 370 can be hidden by the ball arranged in the third flow path component 336 (see Fig. 22). As a result, it is possible to avoid the displacement operation of the slide displacement member 370 from being conspicuous, and the attention to the balls flowing down through the respective flow path components 334 - 336 as the balls entering the probability - change detection sensor SE11 or the normal detection sensor SE12 can be improved.

[0411] Note that the displacement start time of the slide displacement member 370 is not limited to 0.8 seconds. For example, it may be set to 0.4 seconds. In this case, since the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 can be caused before the ball reaches the third flow path component 336, the possibility of the line of sight of the ball being blocked is low, and the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 can be visually recognized by the player.

[0412] However, even in this case, since the second flow path component 335 is disposed close to the front plate portion of the fixed member 161 and is disposed on the front side of the slide displacement member 370, the player's line of sight is likely to gather on the ball flowing down through the second flow path component 335. That is, by attracting attention to the ball flowing down through the second flow path component 335 (for example, by displaying "Pay attention to the flowing ball!" etc. on the third symbol display device 81), it is easy to avoid the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 from being visually recognized by the player.

[0413] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since each flow path component 334 to 336 is configured to be divided at the left - right center, if the ball enters the specific winning port 65a from one of the left or right sides, by paying attention to the rear of the third flow path component 336 on the side where no ball has entered, the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 can be visually recognized without being blocked by the flowing - down ball (see Fig. 22).

[0414] In this way, in the case of jackpot A1 and A2, since the number of balls arranged in each of the left - right flow path components 334 to 336 on one side is limited to one, the attention to the ball can be improved, and it is possible to easily allow the player to visually recognize whether the ball passes through the probability - change detection sensor SE11 or the normal detection sensor SE12.

[0415] In the case of jackpot B1 or jackpot B2, the MPU201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c (see Fig. 11) so that the opening - closing plate 65b operates based on the second operation pattern. When the special figure variable display (symbol variable effect) ends, the MPU201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c to hold the opening - closing plate 65b in the closed state until a predetermined opening time OP (10 seconds) elapses by a timer means (not shown), and after the elapse of the opening time OP, the first - round round game R is started.

[0416] That is, the first operation time T1 (maximum 30 seconds) is measured by the timer means, and the opening - closing plate 65b is displaced from the closed state to an open state in which a ball can enter the specific winning port 65a. The first open state is maintained for 1.0 second. In the second operation pattern, the electromagnetic solenoid 165c is driven and controlled so that this 1.0 - second opening operation is executed at 1.0 - second intervals, causing the opening - closing plate 65b to operate for a long time.

[0417] Note that the first opening time is set to be longer than the period during which at least one game ball can enter the specific winning port 65a when continuously firing game balls, and shorter than the period required for a specified number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls to enter the specific winning port 65a.

[0418] Then, in the first-round round game R, when the round end condition (elapse of the round game time (30 seconds which is the maximum value of the first operating time T1) or winning of a specified number (10 in this embodiment) of pachinko balls) is satisfied, the electromagnetic solenoid 165c is driven and controlled to displace the opening / closing plate 65b to the closed state to close the specified winning opening 65a, and the first-round round game R ends.

[0419] The 1.0-second opening time in the second operating pattern is set as the time during which a plurality of balls can enter on either the left or right side of the specified winning opening 65a while the opening / closing plate 65b is open. It is the setting of the opening time to allow a plurality of balls to enter continuously on either the left or right side of the specified winning opening 65a (hereinafter, also referred to as "entering with consecutive balls").

[0420] In this control example, since the ball firing interval is set at 0.6 seconds, even if the ball flow-down interval does not change from the time of firing, two balls can enter the specified winning opening 65a while the opening / closing plate 65b opens once every 1.0 second. On the other hand, since the opening interval of the opening / closing plate 65b is restricted to once every 1.0 second, it is possible to regulate that the next ball enters the flow path components 334 to 336 before the two balls pass through the flow path components 334 to 336.

[0421] In the case of the big win B1, the MPU 201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 361 (see FIG. 17) so that the slide displacement member 370 operates based on the above-described operating pattern X. Also, in the case of the big win B2, the MPU 201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 361 so that the slide displacement member 370 operates based on the operating pattern Y. Therefore, the balls that have passed through the flow path components 334 to 336 in the case of the big win B1 pass through the probability-variable detection sensor SE11, and the balls that have passed through the flow path components 334 to 336 in the case of the big win B2 pass through the normal detection sensor SE12.

[0422] At this time, the appearance of each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left and right sides is different depending on whether there is one ball or two (or more) balls arranged in each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left and right sides. When there is one ball arranged in each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left and right sides, similar to the case of the big wins A1 and A2, the visibility of other balls is not reduced, so the player can easily visually recognize the situation where the ball passes through the probability change detection sensor SE11.

[0423] On the other hand, when there are two (or more) balls arranged in each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left and right sides, the visibility of the downstream ball may be reduced because the upstream ball is arranged on the line of sight of the player looking at the downstream ball. Therefore, it is possible to improve the attention of the player who wants to know whether the ball passes through the probability change detection sensor SE11 or the normal detection sensor SE12 to the balls flowing down through each flow path component 334 to 336.

[0424] In the case of the big win C1, the big win C2, or the big win a, the MPU201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c (see FIG. 11) so that the opening and closing plate 65b operates based on the third operation pattern. When the special figure variable display (symbol variable effect) ends, the MPU201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c to hold the opening and closing plate 65b in the closed state until the predetermined opening time OP (10 seconds) elapses by the timer means (not shown), and starts the round game R of the first round after the elapse of the opening time OP.

[0425] That is, when the timer means starts measuring the first operation time T1 (maximum 30 seconds), the opening and closing plate 65b is displaced from the closed state to an open state in which the ball can enter the specific winning opening 65a, and the opening and closing plate 65b is allowed to operate for a long time up to the limit of the first operation time T1.

[0426] Then, in the first-round round game R, when the round end condition (elapse of the round game time (30 seconds, which is the maximum value of the first operating time T1) or winning of a specified number (10 in this embodiment) of pachinko balls) is satisfied, the electromagnetic solenoid 165c is driven and controlled to displace the opening / closing plate 65b to the closed state and close the specific winning opening 65a, and the first-round round game R ends.

[0427] In this control example, since the opening / closing plate 65b maintains the open state during the first-round round game R, a situation may occur where a plurality of balls enter the left and right sides of the specific winning opening 65a in a continuous manner. On the other hand, since the opening interval of the opening / closing plate 65b is not restricted, unlike the second operating pattern, it is also possible for the next ball to enter each of the flow path components 334 to 336 before two balls pass through each of the flow path components 334 to 336. Therefore, compared with the second operating pattern, in the third operating pattern, a situation is more likely to occur in which the visibility of the balls arranged on the downstream side of each of the flow path components 334 to 336 is reduced by the balls arranged on the upstream side.

[0428] In the case of the big win C1 or the big win a, the MPU 201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 361 (see FIG. 17) so that the slide displacement member 370 operates based on the above-described operating pattern X. In the case of the big win C2, the MPU 201 drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 361 so that the slide displacement member 370 operates based on the operating pattern Y. Therefore, the balls that have passed through each of the flow path components 334 to 336 in the case of the big win C1 or the big win a pass through the probability-variable detection sensor SE11, and the balls that have passed through each of the flow path components 334 to 336 in the case of the big win C2 pass through the normal detection sensor SE12.

[0429] In this way, regardless of whether the balls pass through the probability-variable detection sensor SE11 or the normal detection sensor SE12, the control mode is to maintain the opening / closing plate 65b in the open state. However, since the time required for the balls to reach the slide displacement member 370 is managed by the structure, the possibility of malfunction of the slide displacement member 370 due to ball jamming can be eliminated.

[0430] At this time, the appearance of each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left and right sides is different depending on whether there is one ball or two balls arranged in each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left and right sides. When there is one ball arranged in each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left and right sides, similar to the case of big wins A1 and A2, the visibility of the other balls is not reduced, so the player can easily visually recognize the situation where the ball passes through the probability variation detection sensor SE11.

[0431] On the other hand, when there are two balls arranged in each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left and right sides, the visibility of the downstream ball may be reduced because the upstream ball is arranged on the line of sight of the player looking at the downstream ball. Therefore, it is possible to improve the attention of the player who wants to know whether the ball passes through the probability variation detection sensor SE11 or the normal detection sensor SE12 to the balls flowing down in each flow path component 334 to 336.

[0432] In the third operation pattern, since there is no restriction on the timing at which the ball can enter the specific winning opening 65a in the round game R of the first round, the arrangement of the balls in each flow path component 334 to 336 is likely to be disordered compared to the second operation pattern. Therefore, the visibility of the detection sensor SE1 is likely to decrease.

[0433] On the other hand, the fact that there is no restriction on the timing at which the ball can enter the specific winning opening 65a has the effect of enabling the round game R to proceed earlier. That is, it is easy to satisfy the winning of the specified number of balls as the round end condition (the elapse of the round game time (30 seconds which is the maximum value of the first operation time T1) or the winning of the specified number of (10 in this embodiment) pachinko balls), and it is possible to avoid the big win game from being delayed.

[0434] In particular, for the big win of the special symbol 2, since the slide displacement member 370 is driven and controlled in the operation pattern X with a 100% probability, if the ball enters the specific winning opening 65a, it is promised that the ball will pass through the probability variation detection sensor SE11. In this case, the attention of the player to the detection sensor SE and the slide displacement member 370 is low in the first place.

[0435] Therefore, even if the visibility of the detection sensor SE1 deteriorates, the disadvantage felt by the player is small. In the third operation pattern, while deliberately not allowing the visibility of the detection sensor SE1 to deteriorate, priority is given to avoiding the prolongation of the jackpot game, thereby achieving the progress of the jackpot game in a short time and improving the player's interest in the jackpot game.

[0436] Regardless of the jackpot type, when the first-round round game R ends, the timer means drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c to hold the opening / closing plate 65b in the closed state until the first inter-round interval time Int1 (2.0 seconds) elapses, and starts the second-round round game R after the elapse of the first inter-round interval time Int1.

[0437] In the second round, similar to the start of the first round, the timer means starts measuring the first operation time T1 (maximum 30 seconds) and drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c to displace the opening / closing plate 65b from the closed state to the open state to open the specific winning opening 65a, causing the opening / closing plate 65b to perform a long operation. After the second round, since the slide displacement member 370 is always maintained at the front position, the balls that enter the specific winning opening 65a usually pass through the normal detection sensor SE12 and are discharged (see FIG. 17).

[0438] Then, when the round end condition (elapse of the round game time (30 seconds, which is the maximum value of the first operation time T1) or winning of a specified number of pachinko balls) is satisfied in the second-round round game R, the electromagnetic solenoid 165c is driven and controlled to displace the opening / closing plate 65b to the closed state to close the specific winning opening 65a, and the second-round round game R ends.

[0439] Thereafter, in the same manner as in the second round, between each round game R, a first interval time Int1 between rounds is interposed, and the round games R from the third round to the final round (the fourth round) are repeated. The opening / closing plate 65b is displaced between the closed state and the open state, and the electromagnetic solenoid 165c is driven and controlled to open and close the specific winning opening 65a.

[0440] When the round game R of the final round ends, the timer means drives and controls the electromagnetic solenoid 165c to hold the opening / closing plate 65b in the closed state until the first interval time Int1 between rounds and the ending time ED (11 seconds) have elapsed, and the jackpot game ends as the time elapses.

[0441] In this control example, the case where the displacement operation of the short opening of the opening / closing plate 65b and the drive control of the slide displacement member 370 are executed only in the first round has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, it may be executed in all rounds, or it may be executed in rounds other than the first round (for example, the third round, the eighth round, the twelfth round, etc.).

[0442] Thus, according to this control example, by the difference in the opening patterns (the first operation pattern to the third operation pattern) of the opening / closing plate 65b, the ball entry mode into the opening / closing plate 65b can be changed, and the visibility of the detection sensors SE1 arranged on the downstream sides of the respective flow path components 334 to 336 and the third flow path component 336 can be made different. Thereby, it is possible to generate the will to devise the ball launching mode in the player who pays attention to the passage of the ball of the detection sensor SE1 arranged on the downstream side of the third flow path component 336.

[0443] For example, the visibility of the detection sensor SE1 may decrease when a plurality of balls are simultaneously arranged in each of the flow path components 334 to 336. Therefore, if necessary (for example, in the jackpot type of the second operation pattern or the third operation pattern), the firing interval of the balls can be intentionally widened to suppress the decrease in the visibility of the detection sensor SE1. In the first operation pattern, since the entry of balls into the specific winning opening 65a is restricted, the decrease in the visibility of the detection sensor SE1 can be avoided regardless of the firing mode.

[0444] On the other hand, if the firing interval of the balls is widened, the period until the specified number of balls enter the specific winning opening 65a is extended, so there is a possibility that the round game R will be prolonged. That is, the player can be allowed to select the way of playing the round game R between a game mode that prioritizes the visibility of the detection sensor SE1 and a game mode that prioritizes avoiding the prolongation of the round game R.

[0445] For example, in order to visually recognize the displacement of the slide displacement member 370, after the start of the round game R, a slight period (for example, 1.0 second) may be left to cause the entry of balls into the specific winning opening 65a. In this case, since the situation where the balls are arranged in the third flow path component 336 at the timing when the displacement of the slide displacement member 370 occurs (the timing when 0.8 seconds have elapsed since the start of the round game R in the case of the operation pattern Y) can be avoided, it is possible to avoid the displacement operation of the slide displacement member 370 being blocked by the balls.

[0446] On the other hand, if a period is left until the balls are fired, the period until the specified number of balls enter the specific winning opening 65a is extended, so there is a possibility that the round game R will be prolonged. That is, the player can be allowed to select the way of playing the round game R between a game mode that prioritizes the visibility of the detection sensor SE1 and a game mode that prioritizes avoiding the prolongation of the round game R.

[0447] For example, according to the present embodiment, each flow path component 334 to 336 and the slide displacement member 370 are configured symmetrically left and right, and balls can be entered through the specific winning port 65a from either the left or the right side.

[0448] That is, for example, regarding the firing modes such as widening the firing interval of the balls described above or leaving a period until ball firing, maintain the entry of balls on the left side, and play the game so as to fire the balls in an arbitrary firing mode for the entry of balls on the right side, and the same effects as described above can be achieved.

[0449] Specifically, as a firing mode for dividing the firing of balls toward the specific winning port 65a left and right, at least the first ball can be fired to the right, a certain numbered ball (for example, the second ball) can be fired to the left, and the remaining balls can be divided and fired to the right.

[0450] In this case, without paying attention to the balls flowing down the right flow path as each flow path component 334 to 336, by paying attention to the balls flowing down the left flow path, it is possible to visually confirm whether the balls flowing down the left flow path pass through the probability variation detection sensor SE11 while avoiding the line of sight being blocked by other balls. In addition, in this case, since balls are continuously fired toward the right side portion of the specific winning port 65a, it is possible to avoid an extension of the period until the specified number of balls enter the specific winning port 65a, and it is possible to avoid the round game R from being delayed.

[0451] Note that the division of the firing of balls left and right is not for the purpose of making the number of balls entering the left flow path one. In particular, it is sufficient if the number of balls arranged in each flow path component 334 to 336 on the left side can be limited to one in about 0.9 seconds until a certain numbered ball passes through the left flow path, and in other periods, the balls can be divided and entered into the left and right flow paths arbitrarily.

[0452] Accordingly, even when the opening width above the specific winning opening 65a is not long as in the present embodiment (for example, when the ball entry path is limited to a small number of paths due to the arrangement of the electric accessory 140a and the nail arrangement (see FIG. 2)), it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the balls heading toward the specific winning opening 65a collide with each other and one of them spills to the left and right outer sides of the specific winning opening 65a. In FIG. 2, the nail arrangement is asymmetric left and right, but a symmetric nail arrangement left and right may also be used.

[0453] Next, the structure of the operation unit 500 fastened and fixed to the back side of the game board 13 will be described. The operation unit 500 is a unit fastened and fixed to the base plate 60 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 13 from the back side.

[0454] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the operation unit 500, and FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the operation unit 500. In FIG. 27, the illustration of the liquid crystal display device (variable display device unit 80) disposed in the opening 511a of the back case 510 is omitted, and the inside is illustrated so as to be visible through the opening 511a. Also, in the description of FIGS. 26 and 27, reference is appropriately made to FIG. 2.

[0455] The operation unit 500 includes a back case 510 formed in a box shape with the front side open, having a bottom wall portion 511 and an outer wall portion 512 standing from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion 511. The back case 510 is formed in a rectangular frame shape in a front view by forming a rectangular opening 511a in the center of the bottom wall portion 511. The opening 511a is formed to have a size corresponding to the outer shape (outer edge) of the display area of the third symbol display device 81 (that is, a size capable of partitioning the display area of the third symbol display device 81 in a front view).

[0456] The back case 510 is provided with a support plate portion 513 that extends as a flat plate along the back surface of the game board 13 (for example, arranged in parallel) at the front end portion of the outer wall portion 512 and supports the game board 13 in an assembled state (see FIG. 2).

[0457] The support plate portion 513 is provided with a positioning convex portion 513a that protrudes toward the front side in a shape that can be fitted into a fitting recess (not shown) formed in the base plate 60 of the game board 13, and a plurality of insertion holes 513b that are formed so as to allow fastening screws fastened to the base plate 60 to pass through.

[0458] By fitting the positioning convex portion 513a into the fitting recess of the base plate 60, the back case 510 is positioned with respect to the base plate 60. By inserting the fastening screws through the insertion holes 513b and screwing them into the base plate 60, the game board 13 and the operation unit 500 can be integrally fixed, so that the rigidity of the entire game board 13 and operation unit 500 can be improved.

[0459] Note that the shape of the positioning convex portion 513a is not limited in any way, and various modes are exemplified. For example, a convex portion having an outer shape slightly smaller than the inner shape (circular or oval in this embodiment) of the fitting recess of the base plate 60 may be used, or a protrusion having a shape (even smaller outer shape) that increases the fitting gap may be used in consideration of the workability during assembly. Also, when the inner shape of the fitting recess is formed in a rectangular shape, it is naturally assumed that the shape of the positioning convex portion 513a will also be rectangular to correspond to it.

[0460] The operation unit 500 is disposed on the back side of the game board 13, and various light-emitting means and various operation units are disposed inside. That is, the operation unit 500 includes a back case 510, a first operation unit 600 disposed in the inner right portion of the back case 510, a second operation unit 700 disposed in the inner lower portion of the back case 510, and a third operation unit 800 disposed in the inner upper portion of the back case 510. Note that on the inner left portion of the back case 510, a substrate having light-emitting means such as an LED and a diffusion decorative plate LB1 formed of a light-transmissive material and disposed so as to cover the substrate from the front side and having a light diffusion process formed over the entire surface are disposed.

[0461] Specifically, the first operation unit 600 is disposed on the right side of the opening 511a, the second operation unit 700 is disposed below the opening 511a, and the third operation unit 800 is disposed above the opening 511a, respectively on the bottom wall portion 511 of the back case 510. First, an overview of the operation control of the operation unit 500 will be described.

[0462] FIGS. 28 to 35 are front views of the operation unit 500 showing an example of the operation of the operation unit 500. In FIG. 28, the operation units 600 to 800 in the production standby state are illustrated. In FIG. 29, a state in which the first operation unit 600 has changed from the production standby state to the protruding state of the operation units 600 to 800 is illustrated. In FIG. 30, a state in which the second operation unit 700 has changed from the production standby state to the protruding state of the operation units 600 to 800 is illustrated.

[0463] Note that in FIG. 30, the second operation unit 700 is illustrated in a state where the surface facing the front side of the covering member 787 is different from that of the second operation unit 700 illustrated in FIG. 29.

[0464] In FIGS. 28 to 35, the inner shape of the center frame 86 is illustrated by an imaginary line. Inside this, the third symbol display device 81 disposed on the back side can be clearly visible, but outside the center frame 86, although the base plate 60 is composed of a transparent resin member, the nails, various winning holes 63, 64, 65a, 140, etc. and the through gate 67, etc. (see FIG. 2) disposed on the base plate 60 are likely to block the view. Therefore, for example, in a state of being disposed outside the center frame 86 as shown in FIG. 28, the visibility of the operation units 600 to 800 in the front view is likely to decrease.

[0465] Incidentally, due to the relationship of conforming to the configuration of the operation unit 500, the frame shape of the center frame 86 is different from that of the center frame 86 shown in FIG. 2, but its role is the same. Also, on the front side of the third operation unit 800, the inner frame shape of the center frame 86 has a curved shape that protrudes downward, but it does not curve downward to the outer frame of the center frame 86. On the inner frame side of the center frame 86, a circular transparent decorative thin plate is formed to protrude so as to cover the third operation unit 800 from the front side. Therefore, the role of rolling the ball placed on the upper side of the center frame 86 to both the left and right sides is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the upper part of the frame (the upper part of the outer frame) of the actual center frame 86 is arranged so as to straddle the upper side of the third operation unit 800 left and right.

[0466] In FIGS. 31 and 32, the state in which the third operation unit 800 changes from the production standby state to the protruding state of each of the operation units 600 to 800 is illustrated. In FIG. 31, the first decorative member 870 faces the front side and the individual combined state of the third operation unit 800 is illustrated. In FIG. 32, the second decorative member 880 faces the front side and the series combined state of the third operation unit 800 is illustrated.

[0467] The displacement for switching between the state of FIG. 31 and the state of FIG. 32 occurs in a displacement mode that combines a linear displacement and a rotational displacement. Therefore, if it is executed in the production standby state of the third operation unit 800, the surrounding decorative members and the decorative members 870 and 880 will collide and malfunction will occur. Therefore, it is executed in the protruding state of the third operation unit 800.

[0468] In other words, in the present embodiment, on the premise that the third operation unit 800 is in the protruding state (or a state in which the downward displacement is sufficient to avoid the collision of the decorative members 870 and 880 from the production standby state) and the displacement of the decorative members 870 and 880 is allowed in the virtual circle 800F (see FIG. 32), the voice lamp control device 113 (see FIG. 4) is controlled to execute an inversion displacement (switching rotation operation), but the details will be described later.

[0469] In FIG. 33, the third operation unit 800 in the protruding state and the second operation unit 700 in the intermediate effect state slightly displaced downward from the protruding state are shown. In FIG. 34, a state in which the first operation unit 600 is displaced to the intermediate effect state from the state of FIG. 33 is shown. In FIG. 35, a state in which the third operation unit 800 is displaced to the effect standby state and the first operation unit 600 is displaced to the protruding state from the state of FIG. 33 is shown.

[0470] As shown in FIGS. 28 to 35, the displacement locus of the third operation unit 800 partially overlaps with the displacement locus of the first operation unit 600 or the displacement locus of the second operation unit 700 when viewed from the front. Therefore, for example, when the third operation unit 800 is in the protruding state (see FIG. 31), if the first operation unit 600 or the second operation unit 700 changes its state from the effect standby state, there is a possibility of collision.

[0471] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the state change of the first operation unit 600 from the effect standby state is controllably executed on the condition that the third operation unit 800 is in the effect standby state, or the state change of the third operation unit 800 from the effect standby state is controllably executed on the condition that the first operation unit 600 is in the effect standby state, so that the first operation unit 600 and the third operation unit 800 can be prevented from overlapping when viewed from the front. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the first operation unit 600 and the third operation unit 800 can be improved (the front and rear positions can be allowed to overlap).

[0472] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the state change of the second operation unit 700 to the protruding state is controllably executed on the condition that the first operation unit 600 and the third operation unit 800 are in the effect standby state, or the arrangement of the second operation unit 700 is set to the intermediate effect state (see FIG. 33) when the third operation unit 800 is in the protruding state, so that the second operation unit 700 can be prevented from overlapping with the other operation units 600 and 800 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging each operation unit 600 to 800 can be improved (the front and rear positions can be allowed to overlap).

[0473] In particular, as the visual recognition state of the second operation unit 700, a plurality of states are configured, including a state where it is visually recognized in an overhanging state closer to the opening 511a and a state where it is visually recognized in a state of being disposed close to the third operation unit 800 while slightly retreating from the opening 511a, thereby improving the function of the second operation unit 700 as an effect device.

[0474] As shown in FIGS. 28 to 35, the first operation unit 600 performs a displacement operation on the right side of the third symbol display device 81. The second decorative rotating member 660 of the first operation unit 600 includes a box-shaped member 661 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The box-shaped member 661 includes a first effect surface 661a that faces obliquely leftward in the effect standby state, a second effect surface 661b formed on the back side of the first effect surface 661a, and a third effect surface 661c as a surface adjacent to the first effect surface 661a and the second effect surface 661b. Each of the effect surfaces 661a to 661c is optionally decorated with a figure, pattern, character, or the like.

[0475] In the effect standby state of the first operation unit 600, although the second decorative rotating member 660 is disposed at a location where the visibility from the front side is likely to be reduced due to the arrangement of the center frame 86 on the right side of the third symbol display device 81, since the first effect surface 661a is oriented obliquely toward the player (a posture in which the front surface with reference to the arrow F - B is inclined 45 degrees toward the arrow L side), the visibility of the first effect surface 661a can be improved in the player's line of sight for visually recognizing the second decorative rotating member 660 in an oblique direction through the gap between the center frame 86 and the third symbol display device 81 from inside the frame of the opening between the center frame 86 and the third symbol display device 81.

[0476] On the other hand, in the protruding state of the first operation unit 600, the second decorative rotating member 660 protrudes in front of the front surface of the third symbol display device 81 and faces the player who can view the inside of the frame of the center frame 86 directly. In this case, since the second decorative rotating member 660 is in a posture with the second effect surface 661b facing directly forward, the visibility of the second effect surface 661b in the line of sight of the player who views the second decorative rotating member 660 can be improved.

[0477] In this way, the second decorative rotating member 660 is configured to be able to switch the effect surfaces 661a to 661c to be viewed by the player according to the arrangement, and is configured to be able to switch the posture according to the arrangement for the purpose of improving the visibility of each of the effect surfaces 661a to 661c to be viewed by the player.

[0478] In other words, it is designed not only to have a planar posture change parallel to the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1), but also to have an angular change intended for the relationship with the line of sight of the player. That is, the closer the arrangement is to the center side of the frame of the center frame 86, the more the line of sight of the player becomes in the front-rear direction and is likely to face directly, so the visibility can be improved when the effect surface faces the front direction (the direction of arrow F). On the other hand, the closer the arrangement is to the vicinity of the frame of the center frame 86, the more the line of sight of the player is likely to be oblique, so the visibility can be improved by making the effect surface oblique to face that line of sight directly.

[0479] As the second decorative rotating member 660 is displaced, the protruding decorative part 652b is displaced in conjunction. The protruding decorative part 652b is decorated with graphics, patterns, etc. on the front surface of the plate, and in the effect standby state (see FIG. 28) and the intermediate effect state (see FIG. 34) of the first operation unit 600, it is arranged at the upper right corner of the back case 510 and hidden so as not to be viewed by the player.

[0480] On the other hand, the protruding decorative part 652b is configured to be visible to the player by being arranged inside the frame of the center frame 86 so as to overlap with the right edge of the display area of the third symbol display device 81 in the front view in the protruding state (see FIG. 28) of the first operation unit 600.

[0481] In this state, the right end of the outer shape of the protruding decoration part 652b is located to the right of the right edge of the third symbol display device 81. Therefore, by utilizing the decoration on the front surface of the plate of the protruding decoration part 652b, it is possible to perform a display effect that makes the player have an illusion as if the display area of the third symbol display device 81 is enlarged.

[0482] More specifically, the right edge of the area where the display of the third symbol display device 81 can be visually recognized is defined by the first operation unit 600. In the effect standby state of the first operation unit 600, the left edge of the first effect surface 661a of the second decoration rotating member 660 and the right end RE1 of the area where the display of the third symbol display device 81 can be visually recognized generally coincide.

[0483] On the other hand, in the protruding state of the first operation unit 600, the protruding decoration part 652b is arranged so as to exceed the right end RE1 to the right side. Therefore, by associating or matching the display of the third symbol display device 81 with the decoration on the front surface of the plate of the protruding decoration part 652b, it is possible to make the player visually recognize as if the display area of the third symbol display device 81 is enlarged beyond the right end RE1. As a result, an unexpected effect can be realized.

[0484] As an example of matching the above-mentioned display and decoration, for example, an example where a polka dot pattern is displayed on the third symbol display device 81 and the decoration on the front surface of the plate of the protruding decoration part 652b is the same polka dot pattern, or an example where a certain number is written on the front surface of the plate of the protruding decoration part 652b in the same font as the font of the number (for example, the number for notifying the success or failure of the lottery) that is variably displayed on the third symbol display device 81 is exemplified.

[0485] As an example of associating the above-mentioned display and decoration, for example, an example where six out of the seven colors that make up the rainbow color are displayed on the third symbol display device 81 and the front surface of the plate of the protruding decoration part 652b is colored with the remaining one color, or an example where a wooden stick arranged so that its right end coincides with the right end RE1 is displayed on the third symbol display device 81 and a decoration imitating a flame is made on the front surface of the plate of the protruding decoration part 652b, so as to associate ignition in the protruding state of the first operation unit 600 is exemplified.

[0486] Note that the presentation mode of the protruding decoration part 652b is not limited to one type, and a plurality of types of presentation modes can be configured by controlling the brightness of the protruding decoration part 652b. The light-emitting means for changing the brightness of the protruding decoration part 652b will be described later.

[0487] In addition, by disposing a small liquid crystal device having a display surface on the front side instead of the protruding decoration part 652b, the display of the liquid crystal device can be changed in a plurality of types, so that it is possible to avoid the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 being restricted when expanding the display area beyond the right end RE1 of the area.

[0488] In addition, the object related to the decoration of the protruding decoration part 652b is not limited to display, and various modes are exemplified. For example, the decoration of the protruding decoration part 652b may be related to the decoration (first decoration, second decoration) formed on the member (for example, the covering member 787) of the second operation unit 700, or the decoration of the protruding decoration part 652b may be related to the decoration (decoration of the first covering part 875, decoration of the second covering part 885) formed on the member (for example, the first decoration member 870, the second decoration member 880) of the third operation unit 800.

[0489] FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the first operation unit 600, and FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the first operation unit 600. The first operation unit 600 is configured with a complex displacement mode in which the second decoration rotating member 660 rotates while changing its posture. In addition, the protruding decoration part 652b of the first decoration rotating member 650 is relatively displaced with respect to the second decoration rotating member 660, so that different appearances before and after the displacement can be visually recognized by the player.

[0490] FIG. 38 is an exploded front perspective view of the first operation unit 600, and FIG. 39 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first operation unit 600.

[0491] As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the first operation unit 600 includes a fixed member 610 fastened and fixed to the rear case 510, a rotating member 620 rotatably supported by the fixed member 610, a drive transmission device 630 for transmitting a driving force for rotating the rotating member 620, a supported member 640 with one end rotatably supported at the rotating tip of the rotating member 620, a first decorative rotating member 650 rotatably disposed at the other end of the supported member 640, a second decorative rotating member 660 rotatably supported by the first decorative rotating member 650, and a decorative fixing member 670 fixed to the front side of the lower half of the fixed member 610.

[0492] The fixed member 610 includes a base member 611 disposed opposite to the bottom wall portion 511 of the rear case 510 in the front-rear direction, and a front cover member 612 disposed on the front side of the base member 611 and fastened and fixed to the base member 611 while creating a space therebetween.

[0493] The front cover member 612 includes a transmission arrangement portion 613 for arranging the drive transmission device 630, a fixing portion 614 for fixing the decorative fixing member 670 on the front side of the transmission arrangement portion 613, a support fastening portion 615 for rotatably supporting the rotating member 620 inside the fixing portion 614, and a guide long hole 616 formed as a long hole for guiding the other end of the supported member 640.

[0494] The guide long hole 616 is formed in a unique shape with a mixture of a straight portion and a curved portion, and its details and functions will be described later.

[0495] The rotating member 620 includes a main body portion 621 formed in a long plate shape, a cylindrical portion 622 disposed at one end (lower end) of the main body portion 621 and externally fitted and supported by the support fastening portion 615 of the fixed member 610, a transmission long hole 623 formed in the middle portion of the main body portion 621 as a long hole extending in the linear direction, a circular through hole 624 formed as a circular hole in the other end (upper end) of the main body portion 621 in a drilling direction parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 622, and a gear tooth portion 625 formed in a gear tooth shape along a part of a circle centered on the circular through hole 624.

[0496] Around the cylindrical portion 622, a torsion spring SP1 is wound. The torsion spring SP1 is configured such that one arm portion abuts against the side wall of the main body portion 621 and the other arm portion abuts against the protruding piece of the front lid member 612, and a biasing force is generated in the direction of raising the rotating member 620 (clockwise direction in a front view).

[0497] In the shaft support of the cylindrical portion 622, with the support fastening portion 615 inserted through the cylindrical portion 622, a fastening screw is screwed into the female screw portion formed at the tip of the support fastening portion 615. As a result, the rotating member 620 is non - detachable shaft - supported by the support fastening portion 615.

[0498] The transmission long hole 623 functions as a guide hole through which the cylindrical portion 634a of the drive transmission device 630 is inserted, and the circular through - hole 624 functions as an insertion hole through which the cylindrical portion 642 of the supported member 640 is rotatably inserted and fixed. Details will be described later.

[0499] The drive transmission device 630 includes a drive motor 631 fastened and fixed to the front side of the front lid member 612, a drive gear 632 fixed to a drive shaft protruding to the back side through the through - hole 613a of the front lid member 612, a transmission gear 633 pivotally supported by the cylindrical portion 613b of the front lid member 612 in a meshed state with the drive gear 632, and a transmission gear cam 634 pivotally supported by the cylindrical portion 613c of the front lid member 612 in a meshed state with the transmission gear 633.

[0500] Note that with the cylindrical portions 613b and 613c inserted through the transmission gear 633 and the transmission gear cam 634, a fastening screw is screwed into the female screw portion formed at the tip of the cylindrical portions 613b and 613c. As a result, the transmission gear 633 and the transmission gear cam 634 are non - detachable shaft - supported by the front lid member 612.

[0501] The front cover member 612 is formed with an arcuate hole 613d that penetrates along an arc centered on the cylindrical portion 613c. A cylindrical portion 634a that protrudes cylindrically forward at the eccentric position of the transmission gear cam 634 is inserted into the arcuate hole 613d.

[0502] The transmission gear cam 634 is a rotating member having a gear portion that meshes with the transmission gear 633, and includes the above-described cylindrical portion 634a and an extending portion 634b that extends plate-like in the outer diameter direction from the angular position including the cylindrical portion 634a.

[0503] The cylindrical portion 634a is inserted into the arcuate hole 613d and is inserted into the transmission elongated hole 623 of the rotating member 620 on the front side thereof. Here, the width lengths of the arcuate hole 613d and the transmission elongated hole 623 are designed to be slightly longer than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 634a. Thereby, the sliding resistance when the cylindrical portion 634a slides in the arcuate hole 613d and the transmission elongated hole 623 can be reduced.

[0504] The extending portion 634b is configured to be able to enter the detection groove of the photocoupler type detection sensor KS1 that is fastened and fixed to the front cover member 612. Thereby, by reading the change in the output of the detection sensor KS1, the voice lamp control device 113 (see FIG. 4) is configured to be able to grasp the posture of the transmission gear cam 634.

[0505] The supported member 640 includes a long main body portion 641, a cylindrical portion 642 that protrudes with a cylindrical cross-section and can be inserted into the circular through-hole 624 of the rotating member 620 from the back side of the main body portion 641, a cylindrical portion 643 that protrudes in parallel with the cylindrical portion 642, an intermediate gear 644 that is formed to be able to mesh with the gear tooth portion 625 of the rotating member 620 while being pivotally supported by the cylindrical portion 643, a bottomed cylindrical portion 645 that is formed in a large-diameter cylindrical shape having a perforated bottom on the back side of the intermediate gear 644, and an extending support portion 646 that extends forward at the end opposite to the end where the bottomed cylindrical portion 645 is disposed.

[0506] With the above configuration, as the rotating member 620 rotates and displaces, a driving force can be transmitted by meshing between the gear teeth 625 and the intermediate gear 644.

[0507] Note that with the cylindrical portions 642 and 643 inserted through the rotating member 620 and the intermediate gear 644, fastening screws are screwed into the female screw portions formed at the tip ends of the cylindrical portions 642 and 643. As a result, the rotating member 620 and the intermediate gear 644 are pivotally supported by the main body portion 641 of the supported member 640 in a non-detachable manner.

[0508] The bottomed cylindrical portion 645 has a back side of the bottom portion disposed close to the front side edge portion of the front cover member 612, and an opening 645a formed in the peripheral surface thereof such that the intermediate gear 644 and the gear teeth 654a of the first decorative rotating member 650 can be meshed on the front side of the bottom portion, and an insertion hole 645b formed in a circular shape centered on the cylindrical center and through which the cylindrical support portion 651a can be inserted. Details of the shape will be described later.

[0509] The extending support portion 646 functions as a support portion for pivotally supporting the second decorative rotating member 660 rotatably, and details thereof will be described later.

[0510] The first decorative rotating member 650 includes a main body member 651 forming orthogonal rotating shafts, a front rotating member 652 pivotally supported between the main body member 651 and the bottomed cylindrical portion 645, a decorative substrate 653 fixed to the back side of the decorative portion 652b of the front rotating member 652 and having a light emitting means such as an LED disposed on the front side, a rear rotating member 654 coaxially with the front rotating member 652 and fastened and fixed to the rear side, a wiring receiving member 655 fastened and fixed to the main body member 651 from the front side and forming a cylindrical space as a wiring passage, a front decorative portion 656 disposed on the front side of the wiring receiving member 655 and fastened and fixed by screwing a fastening screw inserted through the main body member 651 from the back side, and a rotation member 657 perpendicular to the axis pivotally supported by being externally fitted to the cylindrical portion formed by the wiring receiving member 655 and the main body member 651.

[0511] The main body member 651 is provided with a cylindrical support portion 651a extending cylindrically on the back side. A pair of female screw portions 651b are formed at the diameter position of the tip of the cylindrical support portion 651a, and it is provided with a notch portion 651c that is cut so as to reduce the wall portion on one side of the plane passing through the female screw portions 651b.

[0512] The cylindrical support portion 651a is formed to have a thickness through which electrical wiring can be inserted, and the notch portion 651c functions as an opening for securing an entrance for the electrical wiring.

[0513] The cylindrical support portion 651a is inserted in order from the base end side through the central hole of the front rotating member 652, the central hole of the rear rotating member 654, the insertion hole 645b of the bottomed cylindrical portion 645, the stepped ring-shaped collar C1, and the guide long hole 616 of the front cover member 612. A fastening screw inserted through the dish-shaped lid portion C2 is screwed into the female screw portion 651b at the tip thereof, thereby being fastened and fixed.

[0514] That is, the above-described cylindrical support portion 651a, front rotating member 652, rear rotating member 654, bottomed cylindrical portion 645, collar C1, and dish-shaped lid portion C2 are supported coaxially with respect to the axis O1 extending in the front-rear direction and are configured to be displaceable along the guide long hole 616.

[0515] The dish-shaped lid portion C2 has an opening C2a formed in a part of the circumferential portion. In the assembled state, this opening C2a is disposed opposite to the notch portion 651c of the main body member 651, thereby forming a passage for the electrical wiring.

[0516] Part of this electrical wiring passes through the inside of the member 657 that rotates perpendicular to the axis, is guided inside the second decorative rotating member 660, and terminals are connected to the connectors disposed on the electrical decoration substrate 662. Also, the other wiring passes through the gap formed between the main body member 651 and the wiring receiving member 655 (the gap formed on the side opposite to the upper side, i.e., the side where the main body member 651 is disposed opposite to the upper and lower sides of the semi-cylindrical portion 655a), is guided behind the protruding decorative portion 652b, and terminals are connected to the connectors of the electrical decoration substrate 653.

[0517] The rear rotating member 654 has gear teeth 654a formed along the circumferential portion of the rear end portion, and the gear teeth 654a and the intermediate gear 644 are formed to be engageable. Note that the gear teeth 654a are formed along a part of the circumference, rather than over the entire circumference, as an arrangement sufficient for the operation described later.

[0518] The front rotating member 652 includes gear teeth 652a formed as a bevel gear and a protruding decorative portion 652b that protrudes radially outward. An electrical decoration substrate 653 is fastened and fixed to the rear side of the protruding decorative portion 652b, and it is possible to execute an effect of lighting or flashing the protruding decorative portion 652b with light from a light emitting means disposed on the electrical decoration substrate 653.

[0519] Since the front rotating member 652 is fastened and fixed to the rear rotating member 654, the rear rotating member 654 and the front rotating member 652 rotate integrally.

[0520] The shaft perpendicular rotating member 657 is rotatably supported by a circular cylindrical portion formed by a semi-cylindrical portion 651d of the main body member 651 and a semi-cylindrical portion 655a of the wiring receiving member 655, and includes gear teeth 657a formed as a bevel gear that can mesh with the gear teeth 652a of the front rotating member 652.

[0521] With this configuration, the shaft perpendicular rotating member 657 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the front rotating member 652. That is, the front rotating member 652, the rear rotating member 654, and the shaft perpendicular rotating member 657 are interlocked, but the details of the operation will be described later. Note that the gear teeth 652a and 657a are formed along a part of the circumference, rather than over the entire circumference, as an arrangement sufficient for the operation described later.

[0522] The second decorative rotating member 660 includes a box-shaped member 661 fastened and fixed to the shaft perpendicular rotating member 657, an electrical decoration substrate 662 fixed to the box-shaped member 661 inside the box-shaped member 661, and a wiring fixing plate 663 disposed between the box-shaped member 661 and the shaft perpendicular rotating member 657 and fastened and fixed to the tip portions of the semi-cylindrical portions 651d and 655a.

[0523] In this embodiment, as the box-shaped member 661 described later rotates, the electrical decoration substrate 662 also rotates and displaces. Therefore, when the electrical decoration substrate 662 is guided by the connector, the electrical wiring passing between the semi-cylindrical portions 651d and 655a may be twisted or the arrangement may become disordered. However, the function of the wiring fixing plate 663 having through holes for temporarily fixing the wiring avoids the twisting of the wiring and the disordered arrangement.

[0524] In this embodiment, since the electrical wiring is fixed to the electrical decoration substrate 662, it is inevitable that the electrical wiring is twisted. On the other hand, the rotational displacement of the second decorative rotating member 660 does not occur with a rotation of one or more rotations, but is a rotational displacement that reverses at a rotation angle of 135 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where an excessive load is applied to the electrical wiring or the electrical wiring is broken.

[0525] The second decorative rotating member 660 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis (the rotation axis formed by the semi-cylindrical portions 651d and 655a) parallel to the longest side of the rectangular side surface having the longest side.

[0526] The member 657 that rotates at a right angle to the axis functions such that the wiring fixing plate 663 functions as a retaining means and is supported by the semi-cylindrical portions 651d and 655a in a non-detachable manner. Since the second decorative rotating member 660 is fastened and fixed to the member 657 that rotates at a right angle to the axis, it is possible to avoid a situation where the second decorative rotating member 660 detaches from the semi-cylindrical portions 651d and 655a.

[0527] The electrical decoration substrate 662 is disposed such that the thickness direction of the plate coincides with the thickness direction of the box-shaped member 661. On the side surface in the thickness direction of the electrical decoration substrate 662, the first effect surface 661a is illuminated by light-emitting means such as LEDs disposed on the front side and having an optical axis in the thickness direction, the second effect surface 661b is illuminated by light-emitting means such as LEDs disposed on the back side and having an optical axis in the thickness direction, and the third effect surface 661c is illuminated by light-emitting means such as LEDs disposed on the back side (the side that illuminates the second effect surface 661b) and having an optical axis in the width direction.

[0528] In this way, the light-emitting means disposed on the lighting decoration substrate 662 functions to illuminate each of the effect surfaces 661a to 661c individually. However, since the LEDs that illuminate the third effect surface 661c are disposed on the back side (the side that illuminates the second effect surface 661b), when the LEDs that illuminate the third effect surface 661c (the surface facing upward) are caused to emit light in a state where the second effect surface 661b is disposed on the front side (the protruding state of the first operation unit 600), the second effect surface 661b can be illuminated by the light traveling at an angle from the optical axis of the LEDs.

[0529] That is, unlike the case where LEDs are disposed behind the lighting decoration substrate 662, it is possible to avoid the light being hidden by the lighting decoration substrate 662, so that the second effect surface 661b can also be illuminated by the light that illuminates the third effect surface 661c. As a result, it is possible to increase the types of effect modes for illuminating the second effect surface 661b or to improve the brightness of the second effect surface 661b during the light-emitting effect.

[0530] The decorative fixing member 670 is made of a light-transmissive resin material, and has a lighting decoration substrate 671 on which decorative characters and figures are formed so as to be visible to the player, and irradiates light obliquely leftward in front from the back side thereof. The decorative fixing member 670 is fixed on the right side of the third symbol display device 81, and the player's line of sight with respect to the decorative fixing member 670 is always a line of sight inclined obliquely to the right side. That is, by inclining the direction of the light irradiated from the lighting decoration substrate 671 to the left side, it is possible to irradiate light to the side where the player's eyes are likely to be located.

[0531] The lower edge portion and the right edge portion of the decorative fixing member 670 are formed to project upward on the back side, and a front-rear gap is formed between the upper edge portion and the left edge portion and the front cover member 612. This front-rear gap functions as a gap through which the rotating member 620 passes when it undergoes a tilting displacement.

[0532] FIG. 40 is a front view of the first operation unit 600 in the production standby state, FIG. 41 is a rear view of the first operation unit 600 in the production standby state, and FIG. 42 is a side view of the first operation unit 600 viewed in the direction of arrow XLII in FIG. 40. In addition, in order to facilitate the understanding of the shape, the illustration of the base member 611 (see FIG. 38) and the fastening screws is omitted.

[0533] In the production standby state, the displacement start direction SD1 of the cylindrical portion 634a of the drive transmission device 630 is configured to be along (for example, parallel to) the longitudinal direction of the transmission long hole 623. Thereby, the displacement resistance when the cylindrical portion 634a starts to displace while sliding in the transmission long hole 623 can be reduced. That is, at the start of displacement, inertia assistance cannot be obtained compared to during displacement, and the driving force that needs to be generated by the drive motor 631 tends to be large. However, by configuring to reduce the displacement resistance as in the present embodiment, the burden on the drive motor 631 at the start of displacement can be reduced.

[0534] Also, the same applies to the dis...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising a first displacement member, a second displacement member, and a driving means, and configured so that the first displacement member can be displaced relative to the second displacement member in accordance with the displacement of the second displacement member, a surface that can be viewed in a predetermined area when viewed in a predetermined direction can be changed between a first surface and a second surface by the relative displacement of the first displacement member; the driving means is configured to generate a driving force that causes the second displacement member to be displaced, the relative displacement and the change in the visible surface are configured to be caused by the driving force; The gaming machine includes: when the driving means is in a predetermined driving state, the second displacement member is displaced, the first displacement member is relatively displaced, and the visible surface is changed, the predetermined driving state can be continued after the visible surface is changed, A gaming machine characterized in that it is possible to configure a predetermined situation in which a predetermined portion of the first surface is located further forward of the gaming machine than a predetermined position that is distant from the second surface and corresponds to the second surface, and a specific situation in which the predetermined portion is located further rearward of the gaming machine than the predetermined position.

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