Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest of a player.SOLUTION: A game machine capable of determining whether or not to change the difficulty of a game ball entering a predetermined starting area on the basis of the game ball's passage through a passing area includes a first path through which the game ball can flow down after passing through the passing area, a second path through which the game ball can flow down without passing through the passing area, a third path which is connected to the downstream end of the first path and the downstream end of the second path and can guide the game ball to the predetermined starting area, and a fourth path which is connected to at least the downstream end of the second path and does not guide the game ball to the predetermined starting area. A game ball that has entered the third path from the first or second path may reach a connecting position on the fourth path where it connects to the second path. The third path is provided with a stopper that prevents a game ball that has entered from the first or second path from reaching the connecting position of the fourth path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine, there has been known a machine that executes a so-called normal symbol lottery, in which it is determined whether or not a second start winning port (starting region), in which the difficulty level of the game ball can be changed, should be displaced to make it easier for the game ball to enter, as the game ball passes through a gate (passing region) (see Patent Document 1). In such a pachinko machine, when a predetermined lottery result is derived from the normal symbol lottery, it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning port, and a predetermined lottery based on the game ball entering the second start winning port (for example, a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a special game that is advantageous to the player) can be easily held, thereby increasing the interest of the player. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-12045 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although gaming machines such as those described above can increase the interest of players, in recent years, as the variety of gameplay has increased, there has been a desire for a gaming machine that can further increase the interest of players by changing the design regarding the entry of the game ball into the second starting winning port depending on the gameplay adopted.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows. (1) The present invention is a gaming machine comprising a gaming area through which gaming balls can flow down, and a passing area provided in the gaming area through which gaming balls can pass, and capable of determining whether or not to change the difficulty of the gaming balls entering a predetermined starting area based on the gaming balls passing through the passing area, the gaming machine comprising a first path through which gaming balls can flow down passing through the passing area, a second path through which gaming balls can flow down without passing through the passing area, a third path connected to the downstream end of the first path and the downstream end of the second path and capable of guiding the gaming balls to the predetermined starting area, and a fourth path connected to at least the downstream end of the second path and not guiding the gaming balls to the predetermined starting area, wherein a gaming ball that has entered the third path from the first path or the second path may reach a connecting position on the fourth path that connects to the second path, and the third path is provided with an inhibiting section that prevents a gaming ball that has entered from the first path or the second path from reaching the connecting position of the fourth path.

[0007] (2) The present invention also provides a gaming machine that includes a gaming area in which gaming balls can flow down, and a passing area that is provided in the gaming area and through which gaming balls can pass, and that can determine whether or not to change the difficulty of the gaming balls entering a predetermined starting area based on the gaming balls passing through the passing area, and includes a first path through which the gaming balls can flow down passing through the passing area, a second path through which the gaming balls can flow down without passing through the passing area, a third path that is connected to the downstream end of the first path and the downstream end of the second path and can guide the gaming balls to the predetermined starting area, and a second path that is connected to the downstream end of the first path and the downstream end of the second path and can guide the gaming balls to the predetermined starting area. and a fourth path connected to the downstream end of the path and not guiding the game ball to a predetermined starting area, the third path having an opening that opens upward and can receive game balls from the first path or the second path, and although a game ball that has entered the third path from the first path or the second path may reach a connecting position on the fourth path that connects to the second path, the fourth path is configured so that a game ball that has entered the third path until its upper end is positioned below the upper edge of the opening of the third path has difficulty reaching the connecting position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine with the front door open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view of the game board, special effects device, and set plate of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine, showing the state in which the lower attacker device and electric chute unit are attached. [Figure 6] A front view of the lower attacker device and electric tube unit. [Figure 7] A front view of the electric tube unit. [Figure 8] (A) is an enlarged perspective view of the electric tube unit, and (B) is an enlarged side view of the electric tube unit. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the state in which game balls flow down the internal space of the electric chute unit. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine, with the lower attacker device and electric chute unit removed. [Figure 11] This is an oblique view of the game board of a pachinko machine, with the lower attacker device and electric chute unit removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a game board of a pachinko machine, showing a state in which a light guide plate unit has been removed from the game board. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light guide plate unit of a pachinko machine. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view of a light guide plate unit of a pachinko machine. [Figure 16]1A is an enlarged front view of the game board of the pachinko machine, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged front view of the light guide plate unit of the pachinko machine. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of the game board and light guide plate unit of a pachinko machine, and 1C is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the game board and light guide plate unit of a pachinko machine. [Figure 18] 1A and 1B are enlarged front views of the game board and light guide plate unit of a pachinko machine. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board and special effects device of the pachinko machine. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a movable body of a pachinko machine. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board and special effects device of the pachinko machine. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board and special effects device of the pachinko machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the front-to-back (front and back), left-to-right (side), and top-to-bottom (flat bottom) directions of each component part provided in the pachinko machine P refer to the directions when the pachinko machine P is viewed from the front with each component part fixed to the pachinko machine P.

[0011] (External configuration of pachinko machine P) The gaming machine according to this embodiment is a pachinko machine P that uses gaming balls as a gaming medium. Although not shown, in general, in an amusement parlor where pachinko machines P are installed, a plurality of pachinko machines P are arranged side by side in an installation area of ​​gaming machines called an island, and a gaming ball lending device (not shown) for lending gaming balls is installed adjacent to each pachinko machine P. Furthermore, each pachinko machine P is connected to a corresponding gaming ball lending device. The game ball lending device can accept the insertion of banknotes and a storage medium (card) that stores the value information required for lending game balls. After inserting banknotes (or a card) into the game ball lending device, a player can receive game balls from the game ball lending device R by performing a predetermined operation on the pachinko machine P.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment comprises a machine frame F1, which is a rectangular frame body fixed to the island and has a hollow portion (not shown in particular), a main body frame F2, which is a rectangular frame body attached to the machine frame F1 by a hinge mechanism (not shown in particular) so that it can be opened and closed freely, and which also has a hollow portion (not shown in particular), and a door frame D, which is a rectangular frame body attached to the main body frame F2 by a hinge mechanism (not shown in particular) so that it can be opened and closed freely, and which has an opening (not shown in particular) formed on the front, and which constitutes the front door of the pachinko machine P. In addition, the main body frame F2 and the door frame D can be closed and integrated to open and close the machine frame F1 (i.e., the main body frame F2 and the door frame D are integrated to form a frame section that can open and close the machine frame F1, and this frame section opens and closes the machine frame F1).

[0013] Furthermore, the length from the upper edge to the lower edge of the main frame F2 (the height of the main frame F2) is slightly longer than the length from the upper edge to the lower edge of the door frame D (the height of the door frame D), and the length from the left edge to the right edge of the main frame F2 (the width of the main frame F2) is slightly longer than the length from the left edge to the right edge of the door frame D (the width of the door frame D). Therefore, when the door frame D is closed, the lower edge of the main frame F2 is located slightly lower than the lower edge of the door frame D, and the right edge of the main frame F2 is located slightly to the right of the right edge of the door frame D. In addition, the height and width of the door frame D and the main frame F2 may be the same, and when the door frame D is closed, the lower edge of the door frame D coincides with the lower edge of the main frame F2, and the right edge of the door frame D coincides with the right edge of the main frame F2. Furthermore, the door frame D and the main body frame F2 do not have to be configured as frames that can be opened and closed separately, as described above. For example, an outer frame (not shown) that can house the door frame D and the main body frame F2 and is attached to the machine casing F1 so as to be able to open and close freely may be provided, and the outer frame with the door frame D and the main body frame F2 housed therein may open and close the machine casing F1.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, a lower speaker SP2 is provided at the lower left of the machine frame F1. The hollow portion of the main body frame F2 houses a game board 110 made of a transparent acrylic plate, and a set board 100 arranged behind the game board 110 (see Fig. 4). The set board 100 is a box-shaped member with an opening penetrating in the front-to-rear direction. A control device for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine P (not shown) and a liquid crystal display device 200 for displaying images are attached to the rear portion of the set board 100, and a performance device 1 for performing performances associated with games is arranged above the opening on the front side of the set board 100 (see Fig. 3). The performance device 1 will be described in detail later.

[0015] 1, the door frame D is provided with a transparent plate 400 that covers the opening, an upper tray 600 and a receiving tray 700 that are located below the transparent plate 400 and are capable of receiving game balls, an operating handle 500 that is attached to the right of the receiving tray 700 and is used to operate the launching of game balls, and upper speakers SP1 that are attached to the upper left and right sides of the transparent plate 400. Also, on the outer periphery of the front door D, there is provided a performance lamp 230 that produces performance effects by emitting light in various colors and light patterns. Although not specifically shown, this performance lamp 230 is composed of an LED that can emit light in multiple colors.

[0016] In the pachinko machine P, when the main body frame F2 is closed relative to the machine frame F1 and the front door D is closed, the transparent plate 400 is positioned in front of the game board 110. This allows the game board 110 located behind to be viewed through the transparent plate 400, and also allows the performance gimmick device 1 and the display screen 210 of the liquid crystal display device 200 located further behind the game board 110 to be viewed through the transparent game board 110.

[0017] In addition, the upper tray 600 is configured to guide game balls dispensed by the game ball dispenser device and prize balls paid out from the pachinko machine P. The upper tray 600 is capable of holding a predetermined number of game balls, but when the upper tray 600 is filled with game balls, game balls to be dispensed or paid out thereafter are guided to the receiving tray 700. Furthermore, although not specifically shown, the bottom surface of the receiving tray 700 is provided with a discharge hole for discharging the stored game balls and an opening / closing plate that can open and close the discharge hole. Normally, the discharge hole is closed by the opening / closing plate, but by moving an opening / closing lever 800 (see FIG. 1) attached integrally with the opening / closing plate in the horizontal direction, the opening / closing plate also moves in the same direction, opening the discharge hole. This allows game balls to fall through the discharge hole and be discharged out of the receiving tray 700.

[0018] The operating handle 500 is used to launch game balls, and is formed so that it can be rotated by the player. Here, the upper tray 600 is equipped with a supply passage (not shown) that supplies game balls to a game ball launching device (not shown), and when the player rotates the operating handle 500 to perform the launching operation while the game balls on the upper tray 600 are being supplied from the supply passage to the launching device, the game balls are launched by a launching mechanism (not shown) with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating handle 500.

[0019] 3 and 4, a guide rail R consisting of a metal outer rail R1 and inner rail R2 is provided on the surface of the gaming board 110. The area partitioned into a substantially circular shape by this guide rail R forms the gaming area 120. In addition, a gaming ball launching passage is formed between the outer rail R1 and the inner rail R2 in the area on the left side of the gaming area 120, and a gaming ball launched from the launching mechanism moves up the launching passage along the outer rail R1 if the launch strength is sufficient, and is released into the gaming area 120 from the upper left of the gaming area 120.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the play area 120 is composed of a first play area 121, which is the area on the left side as seen from the player facing the pachinko machine P, and a second play area 122, which is the area on the right side as seen from the player facing the pachinko machine P. These two play areas 120 have different possibilities for game balls to enter depending on the firing strength of the launching device. Specifically, when the firing strength of the launching device is less than a predetermined strength (a strength that prevents the game ball launched by the launching device from reaching the highest point in the play area 120), the game ball enters the first play area 121. On the other hand, when the firing strength of the launching device is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength (a strength that allows the game ball launched by the launching device to reach the highest point in the play area 120), the game ball enters the second play area 122.

[0021] 3, provided within this gaming area 120 are a windmill and numerous nails for causing the gaming balls to flow randomly, a general winning opening 140 through which gaming balls can enter, a first starting winning opening 150 as a starting area, a case-shaped electric chute unit 175 through which gaming balls can enter, a lower attacker device 170 that is activated when a predetermined condition is met, and an outlet 190 that guides gaming balls out of the gaming area 120. Also provided within the electric chute unit 175 are a gate 130 through which gaming balls can pass, a second starting winning opening 160 as a starting area, a movable piece 161 for guiding gaming balls to the second starting winning opening 160, and an upper attacker device 171 that is activated when a predetermined condition is met (see FIG. 6). In addition, a display screen 210 of a liquid crystal display device 200 fixed to the set board 100 is located in the center of the game area 120, and the display screen 210 can be seen.

[0022] A plurality of general winning openings 140 are provided below the game area 120. The number and locations of the general winning openings 140 are not limited to those shown in the figure. When a game ball enters a general winning opening 140, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. The first start winning opening 150 is provided at the bottom center of the game area 120. In this embodiment, the first start winning opening 150 can receive game balls flowing down the first game area 121, but game balls flowing down the second game area 122 cannot enter the first start winning opening 150.

[0023] The electric chute unit 175 is located from the upper right side to the center right side of the play area 120 (inside the second play area 122) and is adapted to be attached to a notch 112 of the play board 110 described later (see Figures 10 to 12).

[0024] This electric tube unit 175 has a main body 176 that is made of a transparent synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (case shape). Main body 176 has a front plate (not shown) that is located on the front side when electric tube unit 175 is attached to cutout 112, and a back plate (not shown) that is located on the back side of the front plate and faces the front plate at a predetermined distance, and internal space S of main body 176 is formed by these front plate and back plate. In other words, the space sandwiched between the front plate and the back plate becomes internal space S of main body 176.

[0025] The upper end of the main body 176 is provided with a main body inlet 176i, which is the entrance for game balls into the internal space S, and the lower end of the main body 176 is provided with a main body outlet 176o, which is the exit for game balls from the internal space S (see Figure 6). As described above, the internal space S is provided with the gate 130, the second start winning port 160, the movable piece 161, and the upper attacker device 171 as components used in the progress of the game, and also has a plurality of flow-down passages through which the game balls can flow down (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Furthermore, a plurality of discharge ports 191 are also provided to discharge the game balls that have entered the internal space S outside the main body 176 (outside the internal space S) and guide them to the back side of the game board 110.

[0026] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, all game balls that are shot by a player and enter the second game area 122 enter the internal space S from the main body entrance 176i and flow down through the internal space S. The game balls flowing down through the internal space S, except for those that are discharged out of the internal space S from the discharge port 191, reach the main body exit 176o and are led out of the main body 176 (outside the internal space S) from the main body exit 176o. 6 and 12, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the lower attacker device 170 is attached to the game board 110 with its upper end connected to the lower end of the electric chute unit 175, and an entrance 170a to a lower special prize opening guide flow-down passage FA9 that guides game balls toward the lower special prize opening 180 described below is connected to the main body exit 176o. As a result, all game balls guided from the main body exit 176o to the outside of the main body 176 enter the lower special prize opening guide flow-down passage FA9 of the lower attacker device 170 from the entrance 170a, and flow down the lower special prize opening guide flow-down passage FA9 toward the lower special prize opening 180.

[0027] The structure of the internal space S of the main body 176 in the electric tube unit 175 will be described in detail below.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, an upper space US is provided at the top of the internal space S, which gradually expands downward from the main body entrance 176i, and a gate 130 through which game balls can pass is provided at approximately the center of the bottom of the upper space US. The gate 130 is an arch-shaped (U-shaped in plan view) member that protrudes from the back panel toward the front, has a passage hole (not specifically shown) that penetrates in the vertical direction, and is equipped with a gate sensor 130a that detects the passage of a game ball through the passage hole (see Figure 6).

[0029] In addition, as shown in Figure 6, the internal space S (below the upper space US) is provided with a central downflow passage FA1 that guides game balls that have passed through gate 130 downward, a left downflow passage FA2 that is formed adjacent to the central downflow passage FA1 across the left gate partition wall DW1 that extends downward from the lower left part of gate 130 and that guides game balls that have not passed through gate 130 downward, and a right downflow passage FA3 that is formed adjacent to the central downflow passage FA1 across the right gate partition wall DW2 that extends downward from the lower right part of gate 130 and that guides game balls that have not passed through gate 130 downward.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the central downflow passage FA1 is a downflow passage that extends vertically downward, and directly below the central downflow passage FA1, the first passage FA41 of the second start port guide downflow passage FA4, which will be described later, is connected. As shown in Figure 6, the left flow-down passage FA2 is a flow-down passage that branches in two directions, approximately vertically downward and to the lower left, and approximately vertically below the left flow-down passage FA2, the first passage FA41 and the second passage FA42 of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4 described later are connected to it, and below the left of the left flow-down passage FA2, the second start port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5 is connected to it, and is formed adjacent to the second passage FA42 of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4 across a guide flow-down passage partition wall DW3 provided along the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4, and guides the game balls downward. As shown in FIG. 6, the right downflow passage FA3 is a downflow passage that extends vertically downward, and a discharge port 191 is provided at the downstream end of the downflow passage FA3.

[0031] The second starting port guide flow passage FA4 is a flow passage that guides the game ball toward the second starting winning port 160, and as shown in Figure 6, it has a first passage FA41 that extends downward to the left, and a second passage FA42 that extends downward from the downstream end of the first passage FA41.

[0032] The first passage FA41 is open upward and is formed to be able to receive (enter) game balls flowing down from above through the internal space S, and is connected directly below the central flow-down passage FA1 and directly below the left flow-down passage FA2 (see FIG. 6). In addition, within the first passage FA41, game balls flow downstream while rolling on a bottom surface FA41B (see FIG. 8(A)) of the first passage FA41. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the bottom surface FA41B of the first passage FA41 slopes downward toward the left and downward, and also slopes downward from the front side to the back side (from the front panel side to the back panel side). As a result, within the first passage FA41, game balls lean against the back panel and flow down the bottom surface FA41B toward the left and downward (toward the second passage FA42).

[0033] The second passage FA42 is formed to open upward and be able to receive game balls flowing down from above in the internal space S, and is connected to the left side of the left flow-down passage FA2 from directly below it (see FIG. 6). Game balls that have flowed down the first passage FA41 and game balls that have flowed down the left flow-down passage FA2 can enter this second passage FA42.

[0034] 7, the straight line W connecting the upper end DW31 of the guide flow-down passage partition wall DW3 and the lower end DW11 of the gate left partition wall DW1 forms the upper edge of the opening of the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 (first passage FA41, second passage FA42), and the lower side of the straight line W is the inside of the passage of the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4. The upper end DW31 of the guide flow-down passage partition wall DW3 is located lower than the lower end DW11 of the gate left partition wall DW1 (see FIG. 6), and the upper edge (straight line W) of the opening of the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 is inclined upward from the upper end DW31 of the guide flow-down passage partition wall DW3 to the upper right (see FIG. 7). Furthermore, as described above, the opening of the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 is connected to the downstream end of the central flow-down passage FA1 and the downstream end of the left flow-down passage FA2 adjacent to the left side of the central flow-down passage FA1, and the width of the upper edge (straight line W) of the opening is larger than the widths of the central flow-down passage FA1 and the left flow-down passage FA2 (the length from the right end of the central flow-down passage FA1 to the left end of the left flow-down passage FA2) (see Figure 7). When the upper end of the gaming ball is positioned below the straight line W, the gaming ball is positioned within the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4. Furthermore, as described above, the bottom surface FA41B of the first passage FA41 slopes downward from the front side to the back side, so that the height position between the front end and the back end of the bottom surface FA41B is highest at the front end and lowest at the back end, but the highest front end is formed so as to be lower than the lowest height position of the upper edge of the opening of the first passage FA41 (i.e., the height position of the upper end DW31 of the guide flow down passage partition wall DW3) (see Figure 7).

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the downstream end of the second passage FA42 is connected to a connecting flow-down passage FA6, which is a flow-down passage that extends downward to the right and guides the game balls downward to the right, and a second starting winning port 160 is provided to the right of the downstream end of this connecting flow-down passage FA6.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the second start winning port 160 is equipped with a start port flow-down passage FA7 through which game balls can flow down, a start port sensor 160a provided at the upstream end of the start port flow-down passage FA7 and capable of detecting the passage of game balls, and an outlet 191 provided at the downstream end of the start port flow-down passage FA7. As shown in FIG. 6, the connecting flow-down passage FA6 is provided with a passage opening FA6H of a predetermined width that opens downward, and is also provided with a movable piece 161 that can open and close the passage opening FA6H.

[0037] Here, the movable piece 161 is a member that can protrude and retract with respect to the back plate of the main body portion 176 . When the movable piece 161 is sunk into the back plate, the above-mentioned passage opening FA6H is in an exposed state (open state), and in this state, all game balls flowing down in the connecting flow-down passage FA6 fall and are released from the passage opening FA6H to the outside of the connecting flow-down passage FA6. Note that the game balls released from this passage opening FA6H to the outside of the connecting flow-down passage FA6 join the above-mentioned second start port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5 and flow down in the second start port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5. On the other hand, when the movable piece 161 protrudes from the back plate, the protruding movable piece 161 blocks the above-mentioned passage opening FA6H, and the upper surface of the movable piece 161 forms the bottom surface of the connecting flow-down passage FA6 (the surface on which the game ball rolls). As a result, the protruding movable piece 161 functions as a guide member that guides the game ball toward the second start winning opening 160, and in this state, the game ball flowing down the connecting flow-down passage FA6 does not fall out of the connecting flow-down passage FA6 from the above-mentioned passage opening FA6H, but rolls on the upper surface of the movable piece 161 and reaches the upstream end of the start opening flow-down passage FA7 at the second start winning opening 160, and is detected by the start opening sensor 160a.

[0038] The configuration of the second start winning opening 160 and the movable piece 161 is not particularly limited, and for example, the movable piece 161 may be configured as a pair of blade members that rotate left and right around an axis perpendicular to the back panel to open and close the second start winning opening 160 through which game balls can enter, or it may be configured as a lid member that rotates back and forth around a horizontal axis to open and close the second start winning opening 160 through which game balls can enter, or it may be configured as a shutter member that slides up and down to open and close the second start winning opening 160 through which game balls can enter.

[0039] Returning to the description of the second starting port non-guiding flow passage FA5 mentioned above. As shown in Figure 6, the second start port non-guiding flow passage FA5 is a flow passage that is arranged along the second start port guide flow passage FA4 and is formed adjacent to the second start port guide flow passage FA4 across the guide flow passage partition wall DW3 that forms the left wall of the second start port guide flow passage FA4. In addition, the second non-starting port guided flow-down passage FA5 is connected to the lower left of the above-mentioned left flow-down passage FA2 and is a passage that extends vertically downward (see Figure 6), and as described above, at a predetermined position in the second non-starting port guided flow-down passage FA5 between the passage opening FA6H and the downstream end, game balls released from the above-mentioned passage opening FA6H to the connecting flow-down passage FA6 can merge.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, an upper attacker device 171 is provided below the downstream end of the second starting port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, the upper attacker device 171 comprises an upper large prize opening 172 through which game balls can enter, an upper opening / closing plate 173 which is a member that can be protruded and retracted into the back panel of the main body 176 and opens and closes the upper large prize opening 172, an upper sensor 172a which detects game balls that have entered the upper large prize opening 172, and an outlet 191 which is located below the upper sensor 172a and which discharges game balls that have entered the upper large prize opening 172. In the normal state, the upper opening / closing plate 173 protrudes from the back plate, and in this state the upper large prize opening 172 is closed by the upper opening / closing plate 173, so that the game balls cannot enter the upper large prize opening 172. In contrast, during a predetermined round of play in a special game described below, the upper opening / closing plate 173 is retracted into the back plate, and in this state the upper large prize opening 172 is open, allowing game balls to enter the upper large prize opening 172. The game ball that enters the upper large prize opening 172 is detected by the upper sensor 172a. When a game ball enters the upper large prize opening 172 and is detected by the upper sensor 172a, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. 6, the upper opening / closing plate 173 is formed to slope downward to the right, and an exit guide flow path FA8 that guides gaming balls to the main body outlet 176o is connected to the right end of this upper opening / closing plate 173. Gaming balls that do not enter the upper special winning opening 172 flow down this exit guide flow path FA8 and reach the main body outlet 176o.

[0042] Next, the flow path of the gaming balls in the internal space S will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0043] As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, all game balls shot by the player and entering the second game area 122 are received by the main body entrance 176i, enter the internal space S, and flow down through the internal space S.

[0044] Although not shown, a plurality of game pins are provided above the gate 130 in the upper space US of the internal space S. The game balls flowing down the internal space S are changed in flow direction by coming into contact with the game pins, and enter the central flow-down passage FA1 through the gate 130, enter the left flow-down passage FA2 without passing through the gate 130, or enter the right flow-down passage FA3 without passing through the gate 130. Specifically, game balls flowing down approximately the center of the upper space US enter the central flow-down passage FA1, game balls flowing down the left part of the upper space US enter the left flow-down passage FA2, and game balls flowing down the right part of the upper space US enter the right flow-down passage FA3. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the arrangement of the game nails and the sizes of various components are adjusted so that approximately 90% of the game balls that enter the internal space S pass through the gate 130 and enter the central flow passage FA1, and the remaining approximately 10% do not pass through the gate 130 but enter the left flow passage FA2 or the right flow passage FA3.

[0045] The game ball that enters the central flow-down passage FA1 flows downward along the central flow-down passage FA1 and enters the first passage FA41 of the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 connected directly below (at the lower end of) the central flow-down passage FA1. Here, the gate 130 is provided with a gate left partition wall DW1 extending downward from the lower left end, and a gate right partition wall DW2 extending downward from the lower right end, so that the game ball that enters the central flow-down passage FA1 can reliably enter the first passage FA41 from a position directly below the central flow-down passage FA1 without any deviation in the left-right direction.

[0046] In addition, the game ball that enters the left flow-down passage FA2 flows downward along the left flow-down passage FA2, and if it heads vertically downward, it enters the first passage FA41 of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4 connected to directly below (the lower end of) the left flow-down passage FA2, and if it heads more left than vertically downward due to contact with various components, it enters the second passage FA42 of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4. As mentioned above, to the lower left of the left flow-down passage FA2, there is provided a second start port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5 adjacent to the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4, separated by a guide flow-down passage partition wall DW3 provided along the second passage FA42 of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4. However, it is configured so that game balls heading further to the left than vertically below the left flow-down passage FA2 will almost never enter the second start port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5 directly. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, almost all of the game balls flowing down the left flow-down passage FA2 are guided to the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 (the first passage FA41A or the second passage FA42 A).

[0047] In addition, the game ball that enters the right flow passage FA3 flows downward through the left flow passage FA3, and when it reaches the discharge outlet 191 provided at the downstream end, it is discharged from the discharge outlet 191 out of the internal space S and guided to the back side of the game board 110.

[0048] Furthermore, a gaming ball that has entered the first passage FA41 of the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 flows down the first passage FA41 toward the lower left and enters the second passage FA42. A gaming ball that has entered the second passage FA42 flows down the second passage FA42 toward the lower left and enters the connecting flow-down passage FA6.

[0049] At this time, if the movable piece 161 is protruding from the back plate and the movable piece 161 is blocking the passage opening FA6H of the connecting flow-down passage FA6, the gaming ball will roll on the upper surface of the movable piece 161 and reach the upstream end of the start port flow-down passage FA7 in the second start winning port 160. Then, after being detected by the start port sensor 160a, the gaming ball flows downward along the start port flow-down passage FA7, and when it reaches the discharge port 191 provided at the downstream end, it is discharged from the discharge port 191 to the outside of the internal space S and is guided to the back side of the gaming board 110.

[0050] On the other hand, when the gaming ball enters the connecting flow-down passage FA6, if the movable piece 161 is sunk into the back plate and the passage opening FA6H is open, the gaming ball falls from the passage opening FA6H and is released outside the connecting flow-down passage FA6. Then, the gaming ball enters the second start port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5.

[0051] The game ball that has entered the second start port unguided flow-down passage FA5 flows downward through the second start port unguided flow-down passage FA5 and then reaches the upper attacker device 171.

[0052] At this time, if the upper opening / closing plate 173 of the upper attacker device 171 is protruding from the back plate and the upper opening / closing plate 173 is closing the upper large prize opening 172, the gaming ball cannot enter the upper large prize opening 172, but rolls on the upper surface of the upper opening / closing plate 173, flows down to the lower right, and enters the exit guide flow down passage FA8. The gaming ball then flows down the exit guide flow down passage FA8 and, when it reaches the main body outlet 176o provided at the downstream end, enters the lower large prize opening guide flow down passage FA9 (see Figure 6) of the lower attacker device 170 from the main body outlet 176o through the entrance 170a, and flows down the lower large prize opening guide flow down passage FA9 towards the lower large prize opening 180.

[0053] On the other hand, when the gaming ball reaches the upper attacker device 171, if the upper opening / closing plate 173 of the upper attacker device 171 is retracted into the back plate and the upper large winning opening 172 is open, the gaming ball will enter the upper large winning opening 172. Then, after being detected by the upper sensor 172a, the gaming ball reaches the discharge opening 191 provided below the upper sensor 172a, and is discharged from the discharge opening 191 to the outside of the internal space S and guided to the back side of the gaming board 110.

[0054] As described above, in the electric chute unit 175 of the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the bottom surface FA41B of the first passage FA41 of the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 slopes downward from the front side to the back side (see Figure 8), so even if, for example, a game ball that has flowed down the central flow-down passage FA1 or the left flow-down passage FA2 comes into contact with the bottom surface FA41B of the first passage FA41 with force, the game ball can be made to easily bounce from the bottom surface FA41B toward the back panel, making it possible to minimize the possibility of the game ball bouncing significantly in the downstream direction of the first passage FA41 (so-called game ball wildness). This makes it possible to prevent, as much as possible, a situation in which, for example, a game ball that has flowed down the central flow passage FA1 or the left flow passage FA2 becomes uncontrollable and does not enter the second passage FA42, but instead goes beyond the second passage FA42 and enters the adjacent second start opening non-guided flow passage FA5, and it is possible to almost reliably guide a game ball that has passed through the gate 130 and flowed down the central flow passage FA1 or the left flow passage FA, to the second passage FA42, and when the movable piece 161 is in a protruding state, to reach the second start winning opening 16.

[0055] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 (first passage FA41, second passage FA42) opens upward, and when the game ball enters the first passage FA41 or second passage FA42 of the second starting port guide flow-down passage FA4 until the upper end of the game ball is positioned below the upper edge of this opening (the straight line W connecting the upper end DW31 of the guide flow-down passage partition wall DW3 and the lower end DW11 of the gate left partition wall DW1), the game ball that entered the second passage FA42 continues to flow downward, and even if the game ball that entered the first passage FA41 hits the bottom surface FA41B with force, it enters the second passage FA42 without bouncing significantly as described above. That is, if the upper end of a gaming ball that has flowed down the central flow-down passage FA1 or the left flow-down passage FA2 is positioned below the upper edge of the opening of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4, it will almost never enter the second passage FA42 and go beyond the second passage FA42 into the adjacent second start port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5 without entering the second passage FA42. This makes it possible to almost certainly guide a gaming ball that has passed through the gate 130 and flowed down the central flow-down passage FA1 or the left flow-down passage FA to the second passage FA42, and when the movable piece 161 is in a protruding state, to reach the second start winning port 16.

[0056] In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the width of the upper edge of the opening of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4 (straight line W (see Figure 7)) is larger than the width of the central flow-down passage FA1 and the left flow-down passage FA2 (the length from the right end of the central flow-down passage FA1 to the left end of the left flow-down passage FA2).By making the entrance to the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4, which guides game balls to the second start winning port 160, as large as possible, game balls that have flowed down multiple flow-down passages can be guided into the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4, making it possible for most of the game balls that have entered the second game area 122 to enter the second start winning port 160.

[0057] In recent years, for example, pachinko machines have been seen in which the main game progresses through a normal game that is executed based on the passage of a game ball through gate 130. In such pachinko machines, when movable piece 161 protrudes from the back panel and a game ball can be inserted into second start winning hole 160, in order to ensure that the game progresses appropriately without causing any disadvantage to the player, a board structure design is required that ensures that game balls enter second start winning hole 160 during this state. To achieve this, for example, a structure may be used in which all game balls that enter second game area 122 are guided to second start winning hole 160. However, if all game balls are guided to the second start winning opening 160, the number of game balls that enter the second start winning opening 160 during the above-mentioned state will increase, and the number of prize balls paid out based on these balls will also increase, which could lead to excessive gambling. Also, if all game balls enter the second start winning opening 160 simply by firing the game balls, the game could become simple and could reduce the player's interest. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, a second start port non-guiding flow passage FA5 is provided adjacent to the second start port guide flow passage FA4, so that the game ball does not reach the second start winning port 160, and the second start port non-guiding flow passage FA5 is connected to the downstream end of the left flow passage FA2. As a result, although the possibility is quite low, there may occur cases where game balls that have flowed down the left flow passage FA2 or game balls that have entered the second start port guide flow passage FA4 enter the second start port non-guiding flow passage FA5, and it is possible to prevent as much as possible a situation in which all game balls enter the second start winning port 160, which in turn prevents the tendency for gambling from becoming too high and prevents a decline in the player's interest. Furthermore, by providing the second start port non-guiding flow passage FA5 as described above, even if, for example, when a special game is being played and the upper large prize opening 172 is open, balls become clogged in the second start port guiding flow passage FA4 and game balls from the central flow passage FA1 or the left flow passage FA2 cannot flow down the second start port guiding flow passage FA4, game balls that have entered the internal space S of the electric chute unit 175 can be allowed to escape from the left flow passage FA2 to the second start port non-guiding flow passage FA5, making it possible for the game balls to enter the upper large prize opening 172.

[0058] In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the gate 130, second start winning opening 160, movable piece 161, and upper attacker device 171, which are components used in gameplay, are unitized and configured as an electric chute unit 175. This allows the above components to be installed simply by attaching the electric chute unit 175 to the game board 100, making the assembly of the pachinko machine P simple and efficient. Furthermore, because the electric chute unit 175 is equipped with only generic components that can be used in pachinko machines with various play styles, the same electric chute unit 175 can be used in other pachinko machines with different play styles. This also facilitates recycling, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, for example, if one wishes to change the structure of the second start winning opening 160 or the like without changing the lower attacker device 170, the lower attacker device 170 can be used as is, and only the design of the electric chute unit 175 needs to be changed, enabling efficient pachinko machine design.

[0059] Although the bottom surface FA41B of the first passage FA41 is inclined downward from the front side to the rear side (from the front panel side to the rear panel side), this is not limited to this and may be inclined upward from the front side to the rear side. In this case, the same effects as those described above can be achieved.

[0060] Furthermore, the above components (gate 130, second start winning opening 160, movable piece 161, upper attacker device 171) were unitized into the electric chute unit 175, but this is not limited to this, and each component may be made into a separate body and attached to the game board 110 separately to achieve the same structure as the electric chute unit 175. In this case, the same effects as those described above are achieved.

[0061] Furthermore, the electric chute unit 175 is arranged to be provided in the second play area 122, but is not limited to this and may be arranged in the first play area 121. In this case, the same effects as those described above are also achieved.

[0062] Below, we will return to the explanation of other configurations of the gaming area 120 and the game of the pachinko machine P. When a game ball enters first start winning slot 150 or second start winning slot 160, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and a jackpot lottery is held to determine whether a special game will be played in which upper large winning slot 172 or lower large winning slot 180, which will be described later, will be opened. If a jackpot is won, the special game will be played. There are multiple types of special games, each of which differs in the number of times or duration that upper large winning slot 172 or lower large winning slot 180 will be opened, the game state to which the player transitions after the special game ends, and so on, and which special game will be played is determined by a special symbol lottery that selects one special symbol from multiple types of special symbols.

[0063] Here, as shown in Figure 3, in the lower left part of the game board 11 and outside the game area 120, there are provided a first special pattern display device 300, a second special pattern display device 310, a normal pattern display device 320, a first special pattern reserve display device 330, a second special pattern reserve display device 340, and a normal pattern reserve display device 350 as devices for displaying various statuses of the game. When a gaming ball enters the first start winning slot 150, the first special pattern display device 300 displays a variable special pattern for a predetermined time, and when a gaming ball enters the second start winning slot 160, the second special pattern display device 310 displays a variable special pattern for a predetermined time. During this time, the display screen 210 of the liquid crystal display device 200 displays a variable special pattern, which is a pattern for a special effect. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the variable display of the first special pattern display device 300 or the second special pattern display device 310 stops, and a special pattern indicating the result of the jackpot lottery is displayed. If a jackpot is won, a special pattern associated with the type of special game (hereinafter also referred to as a jackpot pattern) is displayed as a variable special pattern, and if a loss occurs, a special pattern associated with the loss (hereinafter also referred to as a loss pattern) is displayed as a variable special pattern. In addition, in the variable presentation executed by the liquid crystal display device 200, if a jackpot is won, a presentation symbol is displayed in a stopped state to notify the player of the jackpot, and if a loss occurs, a presentation symbol is displayed in a stopped state to notify the player of the jackpot. When a jackpot symbol is displayed in a stopped state, a special game of a type associated with the jackpot symbol is executed.

[0064] Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start winning slot 150 or the second start winning slot 160 while the first special pattern display device 300 or the second special pattern display device 310 is displaying a variable special pattern, or while a special game is being played, this fact is stored (reserved), and the number of stored numbers (reserved numbers) based on the game ball entering the first start winning slot 150 is displayed on the first special pattern reserve display device 330, and the number of reserved numbers based on the game ball entering the second start winning slot 160 is displayed on the second special pattern reserve display device 340. For example, the number of reserved numbers is notified by the number of lit lamps. Then, when the variable special pattern display ends or the special game ends, a lottery for a jackpot and a lottery for a special pattern are held based on the reserved numbers. Up to a predetermined number of items can be reserved (for example, four), and when a jackpot lottery and a special pattern lottery are held based on the reserved items, the number of reserved items is reduced, and accordingly, the display on the first special pattern reserved display device 330 and the second special pattern reserved display device 340 is also reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, when a gaming ball passes through the gate 130, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to protrude the above-mentioned movable piece 161. This lottery is held as a normal pattern lottery to determine one normal pattern from a plurality of normal patterns respectively associated with the protrusion (win) and non-protrusion (lose) of the movable piece 161. If the result of the lottery is a win, the movable piece 161 protrudes for a predetermined time, and the gaming ball can enter the second start winning hole 160.

[0066] Furthermore, when a gaming ball passes through the gate 130, the normal symbol display device 320 displays a variable normal symbol for a predetermined time. Then, after the variable time has elapsed, the variable display of the normal symbol display device 320 stops, and a normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed statically. That is, in the case of a win, a normal symbol associated with the win is displayed statically, and in the case of a loss, a predetermined symbol associated with a loss is displayed statically. When the normal symbol associated with a win is displayed statically, the movable piece 161 protrudes. When the movable piece 161 protrudes, the gaming ball can enter the second start winning opening 160, increasing the chances of winning a jackpot, and creating a more advantageous state than when the movable piece 161 is not protruding (when it is submerged).

[0067] Here, when a gaming ball passes through the gate 130 while the normal symbol display device 320 is displaying a variable normal symbol, up to a predetermined number (for example, four) are reserved in the same manner as above, and the number of reserved balls is displayed on the normal symbol reservation display device 350. Then, when the variable normal symbol display has finished, a lottery for a normal symbol is performed based on the reserved number, and the display on the normal symbol reservation display device 350 is reduced.

[0068] In addition, whether the result of the regular lottery is a win or a loss, the movable piece 161 is made to protrude, and if the result is a win, the movable piece 161 is made to protrude for a period of time during which it is possible to cause the game ball to enter the second start winning port 160 (the movable piece 161 is made to operate in a so-called long operating mode), while if the result is a loss, the movable piece 161 is made to protrude for a period of time during which it is almost impossible to cause the game ball to enter the second start winning port 160 (the movable piece 161 is made to operate in a so-called short operating mode).

[0069] 3, the lower attacker device 170 is provided at the lower right of the second game area 122. This lower attacker device 170 is provided with an entrance 170a that can receive game balls from the main body exit 176a, a lower large prize opening guide flow-down passage FA9 that guides game balls received at the entrance 170a toward a lower large prize opening 180 described below, the lower large prize opening 180 into which game balls can enter, a lower opening / closing plate 181 that is a member that can be protruded into and retracted from a back plate (not specifically shown) provided on the back of the lower attacker device 170 and opens and closes the lower large prize opening 180, a lower sensor 180a that detects game balls that have entered the lower large prize opening 180, and an outlet 191 that is provided below the lower sensor 180a and discharges game balls that have entered the lower large prize opening 180. In the normal state, the lower opening / closing plate 181 protrudes from the back plate, and in this state the lower large prize opening 180 is closed by the lower opening / closing plate 181, so that the game ball cannot enter the lower large prize opening 180. In contrast, during a predetermined round of play in a special game, the lower opening / closing plate 181 is retracted into the back plate, and in this state the lower large prize opening 180 is open, allowing game balls to enter the lower large prize opening 180. The game ball that enters the lower large prize opening 180 is detected by the lower sensor 180a. When a game ball enters the lower large prize opening 180, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

[0070] 3, the outlet 190 is provided at the bottom of the game area 120, and receives game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 140, the first starting winning opening 150, the second starting winning opening 160, the upper large winning opening 172, and the lower large winning opening 180. The game balls received in the outlet 190 are then guided to the back side of the game board 110 and collected. In addition, game balls that enter the general prize opening 140, the first start prize opening 150, the second start prize opening 160, the upper large prize opening 172, and the lower large prize opening 180 are also guided to the back side of the game board 110 and collected.

[0071] 2, the display screen 210 of the liquid crystal display device 200 is disposed approximately in the center of the gaming area 120. In addition to displaying a background image on the display screen 210, the display screen 210 is configured to display the above-mentioned effect symbols (dummy symbols) in a variable manner as part of the variable effect. Then, the result of the lottery for the special symbols is notified to the player according to the stop display mode of each effect symbol.

[0072] (Game board 110) The game board 110 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below. As described above, the game board 110 is made of a transparent acrylic plate having a predetermined thickness and a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is provided with holes of various sizes that penetrate from the front to the back (see FIG. 13).

[0073] Specifically, a hole 111 (hereinafter also referred to as the first hole 111) that is substantially oval in front view is formed in the approximate center of the gaming board 110 (see FIG. 13). As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first hole 111 is configured to accommodate a light guide plate 116 (described below) and a display screen 210 of a liquid crystal display device 200 that are disposed behind the gaming board 110 (see FIG. 2), and the light guide plate 116 and the display screen 210 can be viewed through this first hole 111. In addition, a notch 112 that is substantially rectangular in front view is connected to the right of the first hole 111. The above-mentioned electric chute unit 175 can be attached to the notch 112 from the front side of the gaming board 110 (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 17).

[0074] A second hole 113, which is smaller than the first hole 111 and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, is formed below the first hole 111. The second hole 113 is designed so that the above-mentioned lower attacker device 170 can be attached from the front side of the game board 110 (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 17).

[0075] In addition to the first hole 111, the notch 112, and the second hole 113, the game board 110 is provided with a number of holes, including holes that form the first starting hole 150 and the general winning hole 140 mentioned above, as well as holes for attaching various components and devices such as the guide rail R to the game board 110.

[0076] The gaming board 110 is also provided with positioning holes 114, which are holes that penetrate from the front to the back and are used to determine the attachment position of a light guide plate unit 115 (described later) on the gaming board 110. The positioning holes 114 include a left positioning hole 114L located in the upper left corner of the gaming board 110 and a right positioning hole 114R located in the upper right corner of the gaming board 110.

[0077] 13 and 16(A), the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning hole 114R each have a generally egg-shaped elongated hole shape that gradually widens from top to bottom, and has an upper generally semicircular portion (hereinafter also referred to as a first semicircle r1) and a lower generally semicircular portion (hereinafter also referred to as a second semicircle r2). The diameter ra of the first semicircle r1 is shorter than the diameter rb of the second semicircle r2, and therefore the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning hole 114R each have a tapered shape that narrows from the second semicircle r2 to the first semicircle r1.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 16, the second semicircular r2 portion of the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning hole 114R constitutes the insertion portion 114a into which the positioning protrusion 117c of the light guide plate unit 115 described later is inserted, and the first semicircular r1 portion constitutes the positioning portion 114b that abuts the positioning protrusion 117c inserted into the insertion portion 114a to position the light guide plate unit 115 at the attachment position on the game board 110.

[0079] (Light guide plate unit 115) The light guide plate unit 115 is one of the structures attached to the game board 110, and is mainly composed of a light guide plate portion 116 and a light guide plate support portion 117, as shown in FIGS.

[0080] The light guide plate unit 116 consists of a light guide plate that is approximately rectangular when viewed from the front, and is configured so that when light is irradiated from the side by a light source such as an LED (not shown), this light is reflected by grooves etc. provided within the light guide plate unit 116, causing specific characters, logos, letters etc. to be displayed on the surface of the light guide plate unit 116.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 14 , the light guide plate support portion 117 supports the light guide plate portion 116 and is generally U-shaped in front view. The light guide plate support portion 117 is composed of a first light guide plate support portion 117a and a second light guide plate support portion 117b. The first light guide plate support portion 117a supports the left side and lower portion of the light guide plate portion 116, and the second light guide plate support portion 117b supports the left side and upper portion of the light guide plate portion 116. The second light guide plate support portion 117b is provided with positioning protrusions 117c at positions corresponding to the positioning holes 114 provided in the gaming board 110. The positioning protrusions 117c include a left positioning protrusion 117cL that is inserted into the left positioning hole 114L of the gaming board 110 and a right positioning protrusion 117cR that is inserted into the right positioning hole 114R of the gaming board 110. When the light guide plate unit 115 is attached to the game board 110, the left positioning protrusion 117cL is inserted into the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning protrusion 117cR is inserted into the right positioning hole 114R at the same time.

[0082] The left positioning protrusion 117cL has a boss shape that protrudes from the surface of the light guide plate support portion 117 toward the front side (see FIGS. 12, 14, and 16(B)). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16(B), a tip surface 117c2 at the tip portion 117c1 of the left positioning protrusion 117cL is circular, and its diameter rc is approximately the same as the diameter ra of the first semicircle r1 of the corresponding left positioning hole 114L. Furthermore, the overall length of the left positioning protrusion 117cL (the distance from the surface of the second light guide plate support portion 117b to the tip surface 117c2 of the left positioning protrusion 117cL) is approximately the same as the thickness of the gaming board 110. Therefore, when the left positioning protrusion 117cL is inserted into the left positioning hole 114L, the tip surface 117c2 and the surface of the gaming board 110 are flush with each other (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Although not specifically shown, the right positioning protrusion 117cR has the same configuration as the left positioning protrusion 116cL.

[0083] (Attaching the light guide plate unit 115 to the game board 110) Next, the attachment of the light guide plate unit 115 to the gaming board 110 configured as described above will be described.

[0084] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the electric chute unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170 are attached to the game board 110, and then the light guide plate unit 115 is attached. The electric chute unit 175 is attached by fitting it into the above-mentioned cutout portion 112 from the front side of the gaming board 110. The lower attacker device 170 is attached by fitting it into the above-mentioned second hole 113 from the front side of the gaming board 110. When attached to the gaming board 110, the electric chute unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170 protrude from the gaming board 110 in the front and rear directions, respectively.

[0085] Then, after the lower attacker device 170 and the electric chute unit 175 are attached to the gaming board 110, the light guide plate unit 115 is attached to the gaming board 110. The light guide plate unit 115 is attached to the back surface of the gaming board 110. When attaching the light guide plate unit 115 to the gaming board 110, the left positioning protrusion 117cL and the right positioning protrusion 117cR provided on the second light guide plate support portion 117b of the light guide plate unit 115 are inserted into the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning hole 114R provided in the gaming board 110, respectively.

[0086] As shown in Figure 17, when inserting the left positioning protrusion 117cL and the right positioning protrusion 117cR into the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning hole 114R, first, the upper part of the light guide plate unit 115 is lowered (closer to the game board 110) and the lower part of the light guide plate unit 115 is lifted (away from the game board 110), and then the tip 117c1 of the left positioning protrusion 117cL and the tip 117c1 of the right positioning protrusion 117cR are inserted into the insertion portion 114a (part of the second semicircle r2) of the left positioning hole 114L and the insertion portion 114a (part of the second semicircle r2) of the right positioning hole 114R, respectively. The insertion portion 114a of the left positioning hole 114L and the insertion portion 114a of the right positioning hole 114R are formed larger than the tip end 117c1 of the left positioning protrusion 117cL and the tip end 117c1 of the right positioning protrusion 117cR, respectively, and can be easily inserted. At this time, the light guide plate portion 116 is positioned so as not to come into contact with the electric chute unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170 attached to the game board 110.

[0087] Then, after each tip portion 117c1 is inserted into each insertion portion 114a, the upper portion of the light guide plate unit 115 is lowered and, with the lower portion of the light guide plate unit 115 kept raised, the light guide plate unit 115 is moved until the left positioning protrusion 117cL and the right positioning protrusion 117cR move inside the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning hole 114R and abut against the tip (upper end) of each positioning portion 114b. In other words, the light guide plate unit 115 is moved toward the top of the game board 110 (the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 18(A)). Here, since each positioning portion 114b in the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning hole 114R is located above each insertion portion 114a, when each tip portion 117c1 of the left positioning protrusion 117cL and the right positioning protrusion 117cR moves from each insertion portion 114a toward each positioning portion 114b, it moves away from the electric chute unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170 provided on the game board 110. In other words, the direction from each insertion portion 114a toward each positioning portion 114b is different from the direction from each insertion portion 114a toward the electric chute unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170.

[0088] Furthermore, since the diameter ra of the first semicircle r1 constituting each positioning portion 114b is substantially the same as the diameter of the tip surface 117c2 of each positioning protrusion 117c, when each positioning protrusion 117c abuts against the tip of each positioning portion 114b, each positioning protrusion 117c becomes fitted into each positioning portion 114b. Then, by lowering the lower part of the lifted light guide plate unit 115 (bringing it closer to the gaming board 110), the light guide plate unit 115 overlaps the gaming board 110. Although not particularly shown, in the above-mentioned state, the positions of screw holes provided on the light guide plate unit 115 and the gaming board 110 for fixing the light guide plate unit 115 to the gaming board 110 are aligned, and the light guide plate unit 115 can be fixed (attached) to the gaming board 110 by threading a screw or the like into the screw hole. In other words, the position where each positioning protrusion 117c abuts against the tip of each positioning portion 114b corresponds to the mounting position of the light guide plate unit 115 on the game board 110, and by abutting each positioning protrusion 117c against the tip of each positioning portion 114b, the light guide plate unit 115 is positioned at the above-mentioned mounting position (a temporary positioning is achieved before the light guide plate unit 115 is fixed to the game board 110 with screws or the like).

[0089] As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the positioning holes 114 (left positioning hole 114L, right positioning hole 114R) are provided in the game board 110, and the positioning protrusions 117c (left positioning protrusion 117cL, right positioning protrusion 117cR) are provided in the light guide plate unit 115. The positioning holes 114 have an insertion portion 114a formed by the second semicircle r2 and a positioning portion 114b formed by the first semicircle r1 having a diameter smaller than that of the second semicircle. When the light guide plate unit 115 is attached to the game board 110, the insertion portion 114a of the positioning holes 114 is positioned. Since the light guide plate unit 115 is positioned at the attachment position on the gaming board 110 by inserting the protrusion 117c and moving the positioning protrusion 117c until it abuts against the positioning portion 114b (moving it in a direction away from the electric chute unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170 attached to the gaming board 110), the light guide plate unit 115 can be easily positioned at the predetermined attachment position while minimizing the risk of the light guide plate unit 115 coming into contact with other structures or devices attached to the gaming board 110 when attached to the gaming board 110. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the attachment efficiency of the light guide plate unit 115 and damage to the light guide plate unit 115 due to contact with other structures or devices, and reduces the occurrence of defective products and the number of times parts need to be replaced when assembling the pachinko machine P.

[0090] Furthermore, since the diameter rb of the second semicircle r2 constituting the insertion portion 114a is larger than the diameter rc of the tip surface 117c2 at the tip portion 117c1 of the positioning protrusion 117c, it becomes easy to insert the tip portion 117c1 of the positioning protrusion 117c into the insertion portion 114a even if the light guide plate unit 115 is roughly aligned with the game board 110. This allows the light guide plate unit 115 to be attached to the game board 110 efficiently, and the assembly efficiency of the pachinko machine P can be improved.

[0091] Furthermore, since the diameter ra of the first semicircle r1 constituting the positioning portion 114b is substantially the same as the diameter of the tip surface 117c2 at the tip portion 117c1 of the positioning protrusion 117c, the positioned light guide plate unit 115 is less likely to come off the gaming board 110. This allows the light guide plate unit 115 to be fixed to the gaming board 110 by screws or the like to be efficiently performed, and the assembly efficiency of the pachinko machine P can be improved.

[0092] In this embodiment, two positioning holes 114, a left positioning hole 114L and a right positioning hole 114R, are provided in the game board 110, and two positioning protrusions 117c, a left positioning protrusion 117cL and a right positioning protrusion 117cR, are provided in the light guide plate unit 115, and the left positioning protrusion 117cL is inserted into the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning protrusion 117cR is inserted into the right positioning hole 114R. However, the number and positions of the positioning holes 114 and the positioning protrusions 117c are not limited to this. For example, three or more positioning holes 114 and positioning protrusions 117c may be provided, for example, by providing a center positioning hole between the left positioning hole 114L and the right positioning hole 114R and providing a center positioning protrusion that fits into the center positioning hole between the left positioning protrusion 117cL and the right positioning protrusion 117cR. Furthermore, for example, the positioning holes 114 and the positioning protrusions 117c may be provided on the left side, right side, bottom, etc. of the game board 110 and the light guide plate unit 115 instead of on the top.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 117c has a boss shape, but the shape of the positioning protrusion 117c is not limited to this and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, a conical shape, etc., as long as it can be inserted into the positioning hole 114. Furthermore, the positioning hole 114 is a through hole, but it is not limited to this and may be a non-through hole. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction from each insertion section 114a to each positioning section 114b is a direction away from the electric tube unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170, but this is not limited to this as long as it is different from the direction from each insertion section 114a to the electric tube unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170, and for example, it may be a direction perpendicular to the direction from each insertion section 114a to the electric tube unit 175 and the lower attacker device 170.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, a positioning hole 114 is provided on the game board 110 and a positioning protrusion 117c is provided on the light guide plate unit 115, but this is not limited to this, and for example, a positioning protrusion 117c may be provided on the game board 110 and a positioning hole 114 may be provided on the light guide plate unit 115.

[0095] Furthermore, the mounting structure of this embodiment can be employed for purposes other than mounting the gaming board 110 and the light guide plate unit 115. For example, the above mounting structure may be employed when mounting a predetermined member other than the light guide plate unit 115 to the gaming board 110, or when mounting a predetermined member other than the gaming board 110. Also, in a slot machine where games are played using gaming medals, the above mounting structure may be employed when mounting another member to a predetermined member.

[0096] (Performance equipment 1) Next, the prop device 1 will be described in detail. The performance prop device 1 is disposed above the play area 120, on the rear side of the play board 110 and the light guide plate section 116 (light guide plate unit 115) (see FIG. 3), and the performance prop device 1 can be seen through the light guide plate section 116. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the performance prop device 1 has a movable body 10 and a moving mechanism 14 for moving the movable body 10. The movable body 10 has a first movable body 11, a second movable body 12, and a third movable body 13, and various performances are executed by these moving in a predetermined manner.

[0097] (Movable body 10 (first movable body 11, second movable body 12, third movable body 13)) As described above, the movable body 10 includes the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13. Since the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 all have the same configuration, the specific configuration will be described below using the first movable body 11 as an example, and descriptions of the second movable body 12 and the third movable body 13 will be omitted.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 20, the first movable body 11 has a cover portion 11a, a first light guide plate portion 11b, a substrate portion 11c, a sheet portion 11d, a second light guide plate portion 11e, and a base portion 11f.

[0099] The cover portion 11a is configured from a cover body having a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape. A rear surface 11a1 of the cover portion 11a (the surface that faces the base portion 11f when the cover portion 11a is attached to the base portion 11f) is open, and a front surface 11a2, which is the surface opposite the rear surface 11a1, has an opening 11a3 that is substantially spade-shaped in front view, as shown in Figures 19 and 20. A plurality of lenses 11a4 are provided on the outer periphery of the front surface 11a2, and light from LEDs 11c1 provided on the substrate portion 11c, which will be described later, is irradiated onto the lenses 11a4, causing the outer periphery of the cover portion 11a to emit light.

[0100] The first light guide plate 11b is a light guide plate having a substantially elliptical shape in a front view and is disposed on the rear surface of the cover 11a. Although not shown, when light is irradiated from the side of the first light guide plate 11b by an LED 11c1 provided on the front side (the cover 11a side) of the substrate 11c, the light is reflected by grooves or the like provided in the first light guide plate 11b, causing a specific pattern to be displayed on the surface of the first light guide plate 11b. The first light guide plate 11b is formed slightly larger than the opening 11a3 of the cover 11a, so that when the first light guide plate 11b is disposed on the rear surface of the cover 11a, it closes the opening 11a3. The specific pattern displayed on the surface of the first light guide plate 11b is visible through the opening 11a3.

[0101] The substrate 11c is made of a substrate on which a plurality of LEDs are provided for irradiating light onto the first light guide plate 11b and the second light guide plate 11c (described later), and is disposed on the back surface of the first light guide plate 11b. The outer periphery of the substrate 11c has substantially the same shape as the cover 11a. Furthermore, a plurality of LEDs 11c1 for irradiating light onto the first light guide plate 11b are provided on the front side of the substrate 11c, and a plurality of LEDs 11c2 for irradiating light onto the second light guide plate 11e are provided on the opposite side, the back side of the substrate 11c. The LEDs 11c1 provided on the front side are LEDs (so-called full-color LEDs) capable of emitting light in different chromatic colors such as red, green, and blue (so-called full-color), whereas the LEDs 11c2 provided on the back side are LEDs capable of emitting only achromatic white light. The LED 11c2 on the rear side may also be a full-color LED, and the LED 11c1 on the front side may also be an LED that can emit only white light. Also, the substrate portion 11c is formed with an opening 11c3 that is substantially the same shape and size as the spade-shaped opening formed in the cover portion 11a.

[0102] The sheet 11d is made of a plastic sheet formed into a substantially oval shape in a front view (substantially the same shape as the first light guide plate 11b), and is placed on the back surface of the substrate 11c. Although not shown, a predetermined character or the like is drawn on the surface (front surface) of the sheet 11d. The sheet 11d is formed slightly larger than the opening 11c3 of the substrate 11c, so that when the sheet 11d is placed on the back surface of the substrate 11c, it covers the opening 11c3. The predetermined character or the like drawn on the surface of the sheet 11d can be seen through the opening 11a3 of the cover 11a, the first light guide plate 11b, and the opening 11c3 of the substrate 11c.

[0103] The second light guide plate portion 11e is made of a light guide plate that is substantially elliptical in front view (substantially the same shape as the first light guide plate portion 11b and the sheet portion 11d), and is disposed on the back surface of the sheet portion 11d. Although not specifically shown, when light is irradiated from the side of the second light guide plate section 11e by the LED 11c2 provided on the back side (sheet section 11d side) of the substrate section 11c, this light is reflected by grooves etc. provided in the second light guide plate section 11e, causing the surface (front) of the second light guide plate section 11e to emit light, and the light emitted from this surface illuminates a specified character etc. drawn on the sheet section 11d.

[0104] When the predetermined character or the like drawn on the sheet portion 11d is illuminated by light emitted from the surface of the second light guide plate portion 11e and the LED 11c1 provided on the front side of the substrate portion 11c is not emitting light, the above-mentioned specific pattern is not displayed (is not visible) on the surface of the first light guide plate portion 11b, and only the predetermined character or the like drawn on the sheet portion 11d is visible. On the other hand, when the LED 11c2 provided on the back side of the substrate portion 11c is not emitting light (no light is emitted from the surface of the second light guide plate portion 11e) and the LED 11c1 provided on the front side of the substrate portion 11c is emitting light, only the above-mentioned specific pattern displayed on the surface of the first light guide plate portion 11b is visible, and the predetermined character or the like drawn on the sheet portion 11d is not visible. The second light guide plate portion 11e has substantially the same shape and size as the sheet portion 11c.

[0105] The base 11f is made of a plastic plate and is disposed on the back surface of the second light guide plate 11e. The base 11f serves as the base of the first movable body 11. The cover 11a and the base 11f are fixed together with the first light guide plate 11b, the substrate 11c, the sheet 11d, and the second light guide plate 11e sandwiched (overlapped) between them, thereby attaching the cover 11a, the first light guide plate 11b, the substrate 11c, the sheet 11d, and the second light guide plate 11e to the base 11f. The outer periphery of the base 11f has substantially the same shape and size as the cover 11a.

[0106] (Movable mechanism 14) The movable mechanism 14 causes the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 to rotate, descend, ascend, and the like. As shown in Fig. 21, the movable body mechanism 14 has a plurality of arms 14a, 14b, and 14c that support the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13, respectively, a base plate 14d that supports the arms 14a, 14b, and 14c, and a solenoid (not shown) for moving the arms 14a, 14b, and 14c. The solenoid moves the arms 14a, 14b, and 14c, causing the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 to perform predetermined movements.

[0107] When the prop device 1 is not in operation, the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 are arranged side by side, with a part of the second movable body 12 and a part of the third movable body 13 overlapping behind the first movable body 11, and stay in a predetermined position (hereinafter also referred to as the initial position) at the top of the play area 120 (see Figures 2 and 3). Also, when the prop device 1 stays in the initial position, the part of the surface of the light guide plate 116 arranged on the front side of the prop device 1 that overlaps with the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 lights up, and letters, predetermined characters, etc. are displayed in this part. In other words, when the prop device 1 is staying in its initial position, letters, predetermined characters, etc. are displayed on the surface of the light guide plate section 116 in the areas that overlap with the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13, making the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 difficult to see (see Figure 22).

[0108] Furthermore, when the prop device 1 is activated, the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 rotate, rise, fall, and other movements are performed by the moving mechanism 14. When the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 descend to a predetermined position (hereinafter also referred to as the operating position) approximately in the center of the play area 120, the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 combine to perform a specific movement to form a single symbol mark (for example, the hollyhock crest, etc.). When this symbol mark is formed, the portions of the surface of the light guide plate 116 that overlap with the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 do not emit light, and no letters, predetermined characters, etc. are displayed in these portions. In other words, when the prop device 1 is in the operating position and forming the symbol mark, letters, specified characters, etc. are not displayed in the areas on the surface of the light guide plate section 116 that overlap with the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13, so that the first movable body 11, the second movable body 12, and the third movable body 13 can be seen.

[0109] In addition, the gate 130 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the passing area of ​​the present invention. The second start winning port 160 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the predetermined start area of ​​the present invention. The pachinko machine P in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention. The central flow-down passage FA1 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the first path of the present invention. The left flow-down passage FA2 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the second path of the present invention. The second start port guide flow-down passage FA4 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the third path of the present invention. The second start port non-guiding flow-down passage FA5 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the fourth path of the present invention. The downstream end of the left flow-down passage FA2 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the connecting position of the present invention. The bottom surface FA41B of the first path FA41 of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the inhibiting portion of the present invention. The opening of the second start port guide flow-down passage FA4 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the opening of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] P Pachinko machine 110 Game Board 175 Electric Tube Unit 176 Main body FA1 Central downstream passage FA2 Left downstream passage FA3 Right downstream passage FA4 Second starting port guide passage FA5 Second starting gate unguided downflow passage

Claims

1. a game area in which game balls can flow down; A passing area is provided in the game area and allows the game ball to pass through; A gaming machine that can determine whether to change the difficulty of a gaming ball entering a predetermined starting area based on the gaming ball passing through a passing area, a first path through which the game ball can flow down after passing through the passage area; A second path through which the game ball can flow down without passing through the passage area; a third path connected to the downstream end of the first path and the downstream end of the second path and capable of guiding the game ball to a predetermined starting area; A fourth path is connected to at least the downstream end of the second path and does not guide the game ball to a predetermined starting area. A game ball that has entered the third path from the first path or the second path may reach a connecting position on the fourth path that connects to the second path, A gaming machine characterized in that the third path is provided with a deterrent section that prevents a gaming ball that has entered from the first path or the second path from reaching a connecting position of the fourth path.

2. a game area in which game balls can flow down; A passing area is provided in the game area and allows the game ball to pass through; A gaming machine that can determine whether to change the difficulty of a gaming ball entering a predetermined starting area based on the gaming ball passing through a passing area, a first path through which the game ball can flow down after passing through the passage area; A second path through which the game ball can flow down without passing through the passage area; a third path connected to the downstream end of the first path and the downstream end of the second path and capable of guiding the game ball to a predetermined starting area; A fourth path is connected to at least the downstream end of the second path and does not guide the game ball to a predetermined starting area. The third path has an opening that opens upward and can receive game balls from the first path or the second path, A gaming machine characterized in that although a gaming ball that has entered the third path from the first path or the second path may reach a connecting position on the fourth path that connects to the second path, a gaming ball that has entered the third path until its upper end is positioned below the upper edge of the opening of the third path has difficulty reaching the connecting position.

Images