Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving a ball delivery feeling.SOLUTION: A game machine is configured so that, a variable winning device B1000 can change a period until a game ball passes detection sensors B1230, B1250, so that, even when intervals in which, a game ball arrives at the variable winning device B1000 are equal intervals, the variable winning device B1000 can change the interval between the game balls, so that, by reducing an interval between specific two game balls, continuous passage of the game balls in detection sensors B1230, B1250 can be generated. Therefore, even when a game is performed in an above-mentioned normal shooting state, since a state in which, the game balls are delivered at a short interval, can be generated by intention, so that, a player can feel a ball delivery feeling.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 141

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Equipped with a container for storing items Gaming machines known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-205029 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional gaming machines described above, There is room for improvement in the operation of the operating means provided on the contained item. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, Operate the operating means appropriately The purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 comprises: The gaming machine is provided with a housing that houses an object to be housed and is configured to be relatively displaceable with respect to a predetermined frame member, and is equipped with: an operating means that is operable, arranged to be connected to the object housed in the housing, and configured to be able to transmit to the object that it has been operated; an informing means that is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine and is able to inform the front side of the gaming machine of information relating to the operation of the operating means; a control means that is connected to the object to be housed by a first electrical connection line and controls the informing means; and a power supply means that is connected to the object to be housed by a second electrical connection line, and the first electrical connection line, the second electrical connection line, and one or more other electrical connection lines are connected to the object to be housed, and at least the first electrical connection line and the second electrical connection line among the electrical connection lines are connected to the object to be housed. and when the first and second electrical connection lines are connected to the object and at least one of the other electrical connection lines is disconnected, information relating to the operation of the operating means can be notified, and the predetermined frame member is provided with a restricting means for restricting the relative displacement of the container with respect to the predetermined frame member toward the operating direction of the operating means when the container is displaced relative to the predetermined frame member to a predetermined position of relative displacement, and when the first and second electrical connection lines are connected to the object and at least one of the other electrical connection lines is disconnected, the container can be displaced relative to the predetermined frame member to a predetermined position of maximum relative displacement within a range in which the container can be displaced relative to the predetermined frame member. Possibly configured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the gaming machine of claim 1, Operate the operating means appropriately can. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board and the operating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board and operating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] 8(a) and 8(b) are cross-sectional views of the game board and the operation unit taken along line XIIa-XIIa in FIG. 7. [Figure 13] 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional views of the game board and the operation unit taken along line XIIIa-XIIIa in FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the game board and the operating unit taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 9. [Figure 15] 1A is a rear perspective view of the displacement regulation device, FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the displacement regulation device, and FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of the displacement regulation device. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] 1A is a rear view of the contact member, FIG. 1B is a front view of the guide member, and FIG. 1C is a front view of the operating member. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the game board and the operating unit. [Figure 21] 21(a) and 21(b) are cross-sectional views of the game board and the operating unit taken along line XXIa-XXIa in FIG. 20. [Figure 22]FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board and launch performance unit. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board and launch performance unit. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of the launch performance unit. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the launch performance unit. [Figure 26] 25. (a) is a side view of the first light irradiating device as seen in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 25, and (b) is a side view of the second light irradiating device as seen in the direction of arrow L in FIG. [Figure 27] 2. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the game board and the launch unit taken along line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the injection device. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the injection device. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the injection device. [Figure 31] FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. [Figure 33] FIG. [Figure 34] 34(a) is a plan view of the transmission arm member and the cover member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVa in FIG. 28, (b) is a side view of the transmission arm member and the cover member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVb in FIG. 34(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the transmission arm member and the cover member along line XXXIVc-XXXIVc in FIG. 34(b). [Figure 35] 35(a) is a plan view of the transmission arm member and the cover member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVa in FIG. 28, (b) is a side view of the transmission arm member and the cover member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVb in FIG. 35(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the transmission arm member and the cover member along the line XXXVc-XXXVc in FIG. 35(b). [Figure 36]36(a) is a plan view of the transmission arm member and the cover member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVa in FIG. 28, (b) is a side view of the transmission arm member and the cover member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIb in FIG. 36(a), and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the transmission arm member and the cover member along line XXXVIc-XXXVIc in FIG. 36(b). [Figure 37] 28. (a) is a plan view of the front transmitting member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG. 28, and (b) is a plan view of the rear transmitting member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIb in FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the injection device as seen in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG. 28. [Figure 39] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the injection device as seen in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG. 28. [Figure 40] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the injection device as seen in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG. 28. [Figure 41] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the injection device as seen in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG. 28. [Figure 42] 29(a) to 29(f) are plan views of the linear motion member, the collision member, the abutment member, and the front transmission member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG. 28. [Figure 43] 29(a) to 29(e) are plan views of the linear motion member, the collision member, the abutment member, and the front transmission member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG. 28. [Figure 44] 29(a) to 29(f) are plan views of the rear transmission member, the transmission arm member, and the cover member as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIb in FIG. 28. [Figure 45] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the injection device as seen in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG. 28. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the changes over time in the output state of the detection sensor, the arrangement of the linearly acting member, the arrangement of the collision member, the arrangement of the protrusion of the abutment member, and the arrangement of the cylindrical protrusion of the transmission arm member, associated with the rotation of the front transmission member and the rear transmission member. [Figure 47] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the zoom unit. [Figure 48] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the zoom unit. [Figure 49] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the zoom unit. [Figure 50] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the magnification / reduction unit. [Figure 51] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the zoom unit. [Figure 52] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the magnifying / reducing unit. [Figure 53] FIG. [Figure 54] FIG. [Figure 55] FIG. [Figure 56] FIG. [Figure 57] FIG. [Figure 58] (a) is a front oblique view of the expansion / contraction displacement member and the shielding design member, and (b) is a rear oblique view of the expansion / contraction displacement member and the shielding design member. [Figure 59] (a) is a front oblique view of the expansion / contraction displacement member and the shielding design member, and (b) is a rear oblique view of the expansion / contraction displacement member and the shielding design member. [Figure 60] FIG. [Figure 61] FIG. [Figure 62] FIG. [Figure 63] FIG. [Figure 64] FIG. [Figure 65] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the magnification / reduction unit. [Figure 66] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the magnification / reduction unit. [Figure 67] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the magnification / reduction unit. [Figure 68] FIG. [Figure 69] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the magnification / reduction unit. [Figure 70] FIG. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the magnification / reduction unit. [Figure 72] (a) and (b) are rear views of the performance component. [Figure 73] FIG. [Figure 74] 74(a) is a rear view of the performance component, and FIG. 74(b) is a top view of the performance component as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXIVb in FIG. 74(a). [Figure 75] 75(a) is a rear view of the effect member, and (b) is a top view of the effect member as viewed in the direction of arrow LXXVb in FIG. 75(a). [Figure 76] 76 is a cross-sectional view of the effect member taken along line LXXVI-LXXVI in FIG. 75. [Figure 77] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the displacement and rotation unit. [Figure 78] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the displacement and rotation unit. [Figure 79] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the displacement and rotation unit. [Figure 80] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the displacement and rotation unit. [Figure 81] FIG. [Figure 82] FIG. [Figure 83] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the displacement and rotation unit taken along line LXXXIII-LXXXIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 84] FIG. [Figure 85] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a path forming member of the wiring guide member. [Figure 86] 86(a) is a side view of the displacement and rotation unit as seen in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 77, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the displacement and rotation unit taken along line LXXXVIb-LXXXVIb in FIG. 86(a). [Figure 87] 87(a) is a side view of the displacement and rotation unit as seen in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 77, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the displacement and rotation unit taken along line LXXXVIIb-LXXXVIIb in FIG. 87(a). [Figure 88] 88(a) is a side view of the displacement and rotation unit as seen in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 77, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the displacement and rotation unit taken along line LXXXVIIIb-LXXXVIIIb in FIG. 88(a). [Figure 89] 89(a) is a side view of the displacement and rotation unit as seen in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 77, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the displacement and rotation unit taken along line LXXXIXb-LXXXIXb in FIG. 89(a). [Figure 90] FIG. [Figure 91] FIG. [Figure 92] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the center frame, the light guide plate effect means, and the decorative means. [Figure 93] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the center frame, the light guide plate effect means, and the decorative means. [Figure 94] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the center frame, the light guide plate effect means, and the decorative means. [Figure 95] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the center frame, the light guide plate effect means, and the decorative means. [Figure 96] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the game board and the operating unit taken along line XCVI-XCVI in FIG. 2. [Figure 97] 1. FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged front view of the first decorative member in range XCVII of FIG. [Figure 98] FIG. 10 is a front view of the game board in the second embodiment. [Figure 99] FIG. 11 is a front view of a zoom unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 100] FIG. [Figure 101] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the changes over time in the output state of the detection sensor, the arrangement of the linearly acting member, the arrangement of the collision member, the arrangement of the protrusion of the abutment member, and the arrangement of the cylindrical protrusion of the transmission arm member, associated with the rotation of the front transmission member and the rear transmission member in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 102]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the changes over time in the output state of the detection sensor, the arrangement of the linearly acting member, the arrangement of the collision member, the arrangement of the protrusion of the abutment member, and the arrangement of the cylindrical protrusion of the transmission arm member, accompanying the rotation of the front transmission member and the rear transmission member in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 103] 2. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the game board and launch unit in the sixth embodiment taken along a line corresponding to line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. [Figure 104] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the pachinko machine according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 105] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a board box according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 106] FIG. [Figure 107] FIG. 1(a) is a front view of the board box, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view of the board box. [Figure 108] FIG. [Figure 109] FIG. [Figure 110] 109(a) is a partially enlarged front view of the box cover as seen in the direction of arrow CXa in FIG. 108, and FIG. 109(b) is a partially enlarged rear view of the box cover as seen in the direction of arrow CXb in FIG. [Figure 111] FIG. 2(a) is a front perspective view of the box base, and FIG. 2(b) is a rear perspective view of the box base. [Figure 112] FIG. 2(a) is a front perspective view of the main control device, and FIG. 2(b) is a rear perspective view of the main control device. [Figure 113] This is a partially enlarged front perspective view of the main control device at part CXIII of Figure 112(a). [Figure 114] (a) is a front view of the main control unit as viewed in the direction of arrow CXIVa in Figure 112(a), (b) is a side view of the main control unit as viewed in the direction of arrow CXIVb in Figure 114(a), and (c) is a side view of the main control unit as viewed in the direction of arrow CXIVc in Figure 114(a). [Figure 115]1A is a partially enlarged front view of the board box when the key is operated to the OFF position, and FIG. 1B is a partially enlarged front view of the board box when the key is operated to the ON position. [Figure 116] 115(a) is a partially enlarged side view of the board box as viewed in the direction of arrow CXVIa in FIG. 115(a), and FIG. 115(b) is a partially enlarged side view of the board box as viewed in the direction of arrow CXVIb in FIG. 115(b). [Figure 117] 115(a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the board box taken along the line CXVIIa-CXVIIa in FIG. 115(a), and FIG. 115(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the board box taken along the line CXVIIb-CXVIIb in FIG. 115(a). [Figure 118] 115(a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the board box taken along the line CXVIIIa-CXVIIIa in FIG. 115(a), and FIG. 115(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the board box taken along the line CXVIIIb-CXVIIIb in FIG. 115(a). [Figure 119] 116(a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along the section line CXIXa-CXIXa in FIG. 116(a), and FIG. 116(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the substrate box taken along the section line CXIXb-CXIXb in FIG. 116(a). [Figure 120] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 121] 121(a) is a partially enlarged rear view of the board box in the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 121(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the board box taken along the cutting line CXXIb-CXXIb in FIG. 121(a). [Figure 122] FIG. 13(a) is a front view of a board box in the ninth embodiment, and FIG. 13(b) is a schematic front view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 123] FIG. 20(a) is a front view of a board box in the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 20(b) is a schematic front view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 124] FIG. 22 is a front view of the game board in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 125] A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 126]A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 127] A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 128] An exploded front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 129] An exploded rear perspective view of the variable winning device. [Figure 130] A front view of the variable winning device. [Figure 131] A cross-sectional view of the variable winning device along line CXXXI-CXXXI in Figure 130. [Figure 132] (a) is a front view of the variable winning device, and (b) is a partial enlarged front view of the variable winning device in range CXXXIIb of Figure 132(a). [Figure 133] A cross-sectional view of the variable winning device along line CXXXIII-CXXXIII in Figure 132(a). [Figure 134] A top view of the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 135] A top view of the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 136] A top view of the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 137] 137(a) is a front view of the variable winning device, and FIG. 137(b) is a top view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CXXXVIIb in FIG. 137(a). [Figure 138] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along the line CXXXVIIIa-CXXXVIIIa in Figure 137(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along the line CXXXVIIIb-CXXXVIIIb in Figure 137(a). [Figure 139] A front view of the variable winning device. [Figure 140] 10(a) and 10(b) are schematic front views of the rolling surface, the upper right inclined surface, and the upper left inclined surface, which schematically show the movement trajectory of a rolling ball in the pre-ball entry area. [Figure 141] This is an enlarged partial front view of the game board showing the area around the variable winning device. [Figure 142](a) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the ROM in the main control unit, (b) is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the first winning type counter and the type of jackpot for special patterns, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the second winning random number counter and the winning type for normal patterns. [Figure 143] (a) is a diagram showing the opening and closing pattern of the first and second specific winning ports corresponding to the rounds, the number of payouts, and the gaming efficiency for the first operation pattern; (b) is a diagram showing the opening and closing pattern of the first and second specific winning ports corresponding to the rounds, the number of payouts, and the gaming efficiency for the second operation pattern; and (c) is a diagram showing the opening and closing pattern of the first and second specific winning ports corresponding to the rounds, the number of payouts, and the gaming efficiency for the third operation pattern. [Figure 144] FIG. 23 is a front view of the game board in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 145] A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 146] A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 147] A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 148] An exploded front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 149] An exploded rear perspective view of the variable winning device. [Figure 150] (a) is a front view of the variable winning device, (b) is a top view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CLb in Figure 150(a), and (c) is a rear view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CLc in Figure 150(b). [Figure 151] (a) is a front view of the variable winning device, (b) is a top view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CLIb in Figure 151(a), and (c) is a rear view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CLIc in Figure 151(b). [Figure 152](a) is a front view of the variable winning device, (b) is a top view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CLIIb in Figure 152(a), and (c) is a rear view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CLIIc in Figure 152(b). [Figure 153] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along line CLIIIIa-CLIIIa in Figure 150(a), (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along line CLIIIIb-CLIIIb in Figure 150(a), (c) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along line CLIIIIc-CLIIIc in Figure 151(a), and (d) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along line CLIIIId-CLIIId in Figure 152(a). [Fig. 154] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along the line CLIVa-CLIVa in Figure 151(a), (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along the line CLIVb-CLIVb in Figure 151(a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along the line CLIVc-CLIVc in Figure 151(a). [Figure 155] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along the CLVa-CLVa line in Figure 152(a), (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along the CLVb-CLVb line in Figure 152(a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along the CLVc-CLVc line in Figure 152(a). [Figure 156] 10(a) and 10(b) are front views of the first winning slot, the second winning slot, and the variable winning device. [Figure 157] A schematic diagram showing an example of the performance of the variable winning device in the first control example of the 12th embodiment. [Figure 158] A front view of the variable winning device in the 13th embodiment. [Figure 159] A top view of the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 160] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a second rotation member and a transmission member. [Figure 161] 159(a) and 159(b) are right side views of the second rotation member and the transmission member as viewed in the direction of the arrow CLXIa in FIG. 158. [Figure 162](a) to (c) are front views of the area before the ball enters the ball in the range CLXIIa of Figure 158. [Figure 163] FIG. 22 is a front view of the game board in the fourteenth embodiment. [Fig. 164] A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 165] A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 166] A front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 167] An exploded front oblique view of the variable winning device. [Figure 168] An exploded rear perspective view of the variable winning device. [Figure 169] A front view of the variable winning device. [Figure 170] A front view of the variable winning device. [Figure 171] A front view of the variable winning device. [Figure 172] A front view of the variable winning device in the 15th embodiment. [Figure 173] A rear view of the variable winning device. [Fig. 174] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the variable winning device taken along line CLXXIVa-CLXXIVa in Figure 173. [Figure 175] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along a line corresponding to the CLXXVa-CLXXVa line in Figure 172, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along a line corresponding to the CLXXVb-CLXXVb line in Figure 172, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along a line corresponding to the CLXXVc-CLXXVc line in Figure 172. [Figure 176] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along a line corresponding to the CLXXVa-CLXXVa line in Figure 172, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along a line corresponding to the CLXXVb-CLXXVb line in Figure 172, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device taken along a line corresponding to the CLXXVc-CLXXVc line in Figure 172. [Figure 177] A front view of the game board and variable winning device in the 16th embodiment. [Figure 178] A top view of the variable winning device in the 17th embodiment. [Figure 179] (a) is a front view of the transmission rotor, (b) is a side view of the transmission rotor as viewed in the direction of arrow CLXXIXb in Figure 179(a), (c) is an expanded view of the circumferential surface of the transmission rotor, and (d) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the rotation direction of the transmission rotor and the state of the first guide plate and the second guide plate. [Figure 180] A front view of the variable winning device. [Figure 181] (a) is a diagram showing the changes over time of the first guide plate and the second guide plate in the fourth operation pattern, and (b) is a diagram showing the changes over time of the first guide plate and the second guide plate in the fifth operation pattern. [Figure 182] A front view of the variable winning device in the 19th embodiment. [Figure 183] (a) and (b) are partial front views of the variable winning device in the 20th embodiment in the range corresponding to the range CLXIIa in Figure 158, and (c) is a partial top view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CLXXXIIIc in Figure 183(a). [Figure 184] A partial front view of the game board in the 21st embodiment. [Figure 185] (a) is a top view of the variable winning device in the 22nd embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device along the line CLXXXVb-CLXXXVb in Figure 185(a), and (c) is a partial side view of the variable winning device as viewed in the direction of the arrow CLXXXVc in Figure 185(b). [Figure 186] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the ROM in the MPU of the main control device in the third control example in the 22nd embodiment. [Figure 187] 10(a) to 10(c) are schematic diagrams showing the contents of the first winning random number table. [Figure 188] (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing the contents of the small win type selection table. [Figure 189]This is a diagram showing the changes over time of the first guide plate and the second guide plate at the time of the small win A and the changes over time of the first guide plate and the second guide plate at the time of the small win B. [Figure 190] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the first winning type counter and the big winning type for the special symbol. [Figure 191] (a) is a diagram showing the time-counting changes of a specific winning port in the eighth operation pattern, and (b) is a diagram showing the time-counting changes of a specific winning port in the ninth operation pattern. [Figure 192] 10 is a flowchart showing a main process. [Figure 193] (a) and (b) are top views of the variable winning device in the 23rd embodiment. [Figure 194] A right side view of the variable winning device. [Figure 195] A front view of the variable winning device. [Figure 196] A front view of the variable winning device. [Figure 197] 10 is a top view of the transmission hole of the first guide plate, the linear motion member, and the rotary member. FIG. [Figure 198] (a) is a front view of the variable prize-winning device, (b) is a partial enlarged top view of the variable prize-winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CXCVIIIb in Figure 198(a), (c) is a front view of the variable prize-winning device, and (d) is a partial enlarged top view of the variable prize-winning device as viewed in the direction of arrow CXCVIIId in Figure 198(c). [Figure 199] (a) is an expanded view of the circumferential surface of the transmission rotor in the 24th embodiment, (b) is a partial expanded view of the first performance section B24760, and (c) is a partial expanded view of the second performance section B24770. [Figure 200] 25(a) and 25(b) are right side views of the electric accessory in the 25th embodiment. [Figure 201] 201(a) is a right side view of the transmission member as viewed from the rotation axis direction, and FIG. 201(b) is a front view of the transmission member as viewed in the direction of arrow CCIb in FIG. 201(a). [Figure 202](a) to (c) are front views of the electric device and the second winning slot. [Figure 203] A front view of the variable winning device in the 26th embodiment. [Figure 204] A front view of the variable winning device in the 27th embodiment. [Figure 205] A front view of the game board in the 28th embodiment. [Figure 206] FIG. [Figure 207] FIG. [Figure 208] FIG. [Figure 209] FIG. [Figure 210] FIG. [Figure 211] FIG. [Figure 212] FIG. [Figure 213] 211. (a) is a side view of the lower frame as seen in the direction of arrow CCXIIIa in FIG. 211, and (b) is a side view of the lower frame as seen in the direction of arrow CCXIIIb in FIG. [Figure 214] 211 is a cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along line CCXIV-CCXIV in FIG. 210. [Figure 215] 211 is a cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along line CCXIV-CCXIV in FIG. 210. [Figure 216] 212 is a cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along line CCXVI-CCXVI in FIG. 211. [Figure 217] 210. (a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower frame at the CCXVIIa portion in FIG. 214, and (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along the line CCXVIIb-CCXVIIb in FIG. [Figure 218] A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower frame showing the transition of the ball sorting operation by the sorting member, corresponding to the cross section taken along line CCXIV-CCXIV in Figure 210. [Figure 219]A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower frame showing the transition of the ball sorting operation by the sorting member, corresponding to the cross section taken along line CCXIV-CCXIV in Figure 210. [Figure 220] A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower frame showing the transition of the ball sorting operation by the sorting member, corresponding to the cross section taken along line CCXIV-CCXIV in Figure 210. [Figure 221] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of a lower frame according to the twenty-ninth embodiment. [Figure 222] FIG. [Figure 223] FIG. [Figure 224] FIG. [Figure 225] FIG. [Figure 226] FIG. [Figure 227] FIG. [Figure 228] 226. (a) is a side view of the lower frame as seen in the direction of arrow CCXXVIIIa in FIG. 226, and (b) is a side view of the lower frame as seen in the direction of arrow CCXXVIIIb in FIG. [Figure 229] 229 is a cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along line CCXXIX-CCXXIX in FIG. 225. [Figure 230] 229 is a cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along line CCXXIX-CCXXIX in FIG. 225. [Figure 231] FIG. 228 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along line CCXXXI-CCXXXI in FIG. 227. [Figure 232] This is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along line CCXXXII-CCXXXII in Figure 227. [Figure 233] This is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the lower frame showing the transition of the ball sorting operation by the sorting member, and corresponds to the cross section taken along line CCXXIX-CCXXIX in Figure 225. [Figure 234]This is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the lower frame showing the transition of the ball sorting operation by the sorting member, and corresponds to the cross section taken along line CCXXIX-CCXXIX in Figure 225. [Figure 235] This is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the lower frame showing the transition of the ball sorting operation by the sorting member, and corresponds to the cross section taken along line CCXXIX-CCXXIX in Figure 225. [Figure 236] FIG. 235(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower frame taken along line CCXXXVI-CCXXXVI in FIG. 235(b). [Figure 237] FIG. 30 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower frame in the 30th embodiment. [Figure 238] FIG. [Figure 239] FIG. 30 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower frame in the 30th embodiment. [Figure 240] FIG. [Figure 241] (a) is a top view of the dish member in the 31st embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the dish member along the line CCXLIb-CCXLIb in Figure 241(a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the dish member along the line CCXLIc-CCXLIc in Figure 241(a). [Figure 242] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the lower frame in the 32nd embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CCXXXII-CCXXXII in Figure 227, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the lower frame in the 33rd embodiment, corresponding to the cross section along line CCXXXII-CCXXXII in Figure 227. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 97, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 will be described as a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of a game board 13 of the pachinko machine 10, and Fig. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

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

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, pachinko machine 10 comprises outer frame 11, an outer shell formed by wooden frames assembled into a substantially rectangular shape, and inner frame 12, which is formed to have substantially the same external shape as outer frame 11 and is supported so as to be able to open and close relative to outer frame 11. Metal hinges 18 are attached to outer frame 11 at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), in order to support inner frame 12, and inner frame 12 is supported so as to be able to open and close towards the front, with the side where hinges 18 are provided serving as the axis for opening and closing.

[0015] A game board 13 (see FIG. 2) having numerous nails and winning holes 63, 64, etc., is detachably attached to the back side of the inner frame 12. A pinball game is played by balls (game balls) flowing down the front of the game board 13. Attached to the inner frame 12 are a ball launching unit 112a (see FIG. 4) that launches balls into the front area of ​​the game board 13, a launching rail (not shown) that guides the balls launched from the ball launching unit 112a to the front area of ​​the game board 13, and the like.

[0016] On the front side of the inner frame 12, there is a front frame 14 that covers the upper front side, and a lower tray unit 15 that covers the lower side. To support the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15, metal hinges 19 are attached at two locations, top and bottom, on the left side when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and the front frame 14 and the lower tray unit 15 are supported so that they can be opened and closed toward the front, with the side where the hinges 19 are installed serving as the opening and closing axis. The locks on the inner frame 12 and the front frame 14 can be unlocked by inserting a dedicated key into the keyhole 21 of the cylinder lock 20 and performing a specified operation.

[0017] The front frame 14 is fitted with decorative resin parts, electrical parts, etc., and has a window 14c formed as a roughly oval opening in the approximate center. A glass unit 16 having two glass plates is disposed on the back side of the front frame 14, and the front of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 16.

[0018] In the front frame 14, an upper tray 17 for storing balls is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top that protrudes toward the front, and prize balls, loan balls, etc. are discharged onto this upper tray 17. The bottom of the upper tray 17 is formed to slope downward to the right when viewed from the front (see Figure 1), and this slope guides balls dropped into the upper tray 17 to the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 4). In addition, a frame button 22 is provided on the top surface of the upper tray 17. This frame button 22 is operated by the player, for example, to change the stage of the effect displayed on the third pattern display device 81 (see Figure 2) or to change the content of the super reach effect.

[0019] The front frame 14 is provided with various light-emitting devices such as lamps around its periphery (e.g., corners). These light-emitting devices change their light-emitting modes by lighting or blinking in response to changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or a predetermined reach is reached, thereby enhancing the presentation effects during play. The periphery of the window 14c is provided with illumination units 29-33 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs. In the pachinko machine 10, these illumination units 29-33 function as presentation lamps, such as jackpot lamps. When a jackpot is hit or a reach presentation is being performed, the built-in LEDs cause each illumination unit 29-33 to light up or blink, thereby indicating that a jackpot is being achieved or that the player is in a reach phase just before a jackpot. Furthermore, the upper left corner of the front frame 14, as viewed from the front (see Figure 1), is provided with an indicator lamp 34 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs, which can indicate when prize balls are being paid out and when an error has occurred.

[0020] Additionally, a small window 35 is formed by attaching transparent resin to the underside of the right-side illumination unit 32 from the backside so that the backside of the front frame 14 can be seen, and certificate stamps and the like affixed to the attachment space K1 (see Figure 2) on the front of the game board 13 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Additionally, in the pachinko machine 10, a plated member 36 made of chrome-plated ABS resin is attached to the area around the illumination units 29 to 33 to create a more dazzling appearance.

[0021] A ball dispensing operation unit 40 is disposed below the window 14c. The ball dispensing operation unit 40 is provided with a power display unit 41, a ball dispensing button 42, and a return button 43. When the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball dispensing unit) (not shown) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10, balls are dispensed in accordance with the operation. Specifically, the power display unit 41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc. is displayed, and an internal LED lights up to display the remaining balance numerically as the remaining balance information. The ball dispensing button 42 is operated to obtain dispensed balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and dispensed balls are supplied to the upper tray 17 as long as there is a remaining balance on the card, etc. The return button 43 is operated to request the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. In addition, in pachinko machines where balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispensing device to the upper tray 17 without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 40 is not necessary, but in this case, a decorative sticker or the like may be added to the installation part of the ball dispensing operation unit 40 to make the parts configuration common. It is possible to standardize pachinko machines that use card units and cash machines.

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

[0023] The operating handle 51 contains a touch sensor 51a for permitting the operation of the ball launching unit 112a, a launch stop switch 51b that stops the launch of balls while the switch is pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51 by changes in electrical resistance. When the operating handle 51 is rotated clockwise by a player, the touch sensor 51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes corresponding to the amount of rotation, launching the ball with a strength (launch strength) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, thereby hitting the ball toward the front of the game board 13 at a distance corresponding to the player's operation. When the operating handle 51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor 51a and the launch stop switch 51b are off.

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

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the game board 13 is constructed by assembling a number of nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) for guiding balls to a base plate 60 cut into an approximately square shape when viewed from the front, as well as rails 61, 62, a general winning port 63, a first winning port 64, a second winning port 640, a variable winning device 65, a through gate 67, a variable display device unit 80, etc., and the peripheral portion of the board is attached to the back side (or front side) of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1).

[0026] The base plate 60 is formed from a wooden plate member. The general winning opening 63, the first winning opening 64, the second winning opening 640, and the variable display unit 80 are arranged in through holes (see, for example, FIG. 5) formed in the base plate 60 by router processing, and are fixed from the front side of the game board 13 with tapping screws or the like. The base plate 60 may be made from a light-transmitting resin material. In this case, it becomes possible for the player to see the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60 from the front side.

[0027] The central front portion of the game board 13 can be seen from the front side of the inner frame 12 through a window portion 14c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 14. The configuration of the game board 13 will be described below mainly with reference to FIG.

[0028] An outer rail 62 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a generally arcuate shape is set up on the front of the gaming board 13, and an inner rail 61, also formed from a strip-shaped metal plate like the outer rail 62, is set up inside the outer rail 62. The outer periphery of the front of the gaming board 13 is surrounded by the inner rail 61 and outer rail 62, and the front and back are surrounded by the gaming board 13 and the glass unit 16 (see FIG. 1), so that a gaming area where games are played based on the behavior of the ball is formed in front of the gaming board 13. The gaming area is an area (an area where winning slots and the like are arranged and where shot balls flow down) defined in front of the gaming board 13 by the two rails 61, 62 and the resin outer edge member 73 connecting the rails.

[0029] The two rails 61, 62 are provided to guide the ball launched from the ball launching unit 112a (see Figure 4) to the top of the game board 13. A ball return prevention member 68 is attached to the tip (upper left in Figure 2) of the inner rail 61, preventing a ball that has been guided to the top of the game board 13 from returning into the ball guide passage. A return rubber 69 is attached to the tip (upper right in Figure 2) of the outer rail 62 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight point of the ball, and a ball launched with more than a predetermined force hits the return rubber 69 and bounces back toward the center while its force is reduced.

[0030] First symbol display devices 37A and 37B, each equipped with a plurality of LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means, are disposed in the lower left portion of the game area as viewed from the front (lower left portion of FIG. 2). The first symbol display devices 37A and 37B display information according to the controls performed by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and primarily display the game status of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B are configured to be selectively used depending on whether the ball has entered the first winning slot 64 or the second winning slot 640. Specifically, when the ball has entered the first winning slot 64, the first symbol display device 37A is activated, and when the ball has entered the second winning slot 640, the first symbol display device 37B is activated.

[0031] Furthermore, the first symbol display devices 37A, 37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a probability variable, time-saving, or normal mode, whether it is fluctuating, whether the stopped symbol corresponds to a probability variable jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a missing symbol, and the number of reserved balls, and also display the number of rounds during a jackpot and errors using a 7-segment display device. The multiple LEDs are configured to emit different colors (e.g., red, green, blue), and the various game states of the pachinko machine 10 can be indicated using a small number of LEDs by combining different colors.

[0032] In this pachinko machine 10, a lottery is held when a prize is won in the first prize slot 64 or the second prize slot 640. In the lottery, the pachinko machine 10 determines whether or not a jackpot has been won (jackpot lottery), and if a jackpot has been determined, it also determines the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be determined here include a 15R variable jackpot, a 4R variable jackpot, and a 15R regular jackpot. The first symbol display devices 37A, 37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stopped symbol after the variation has ended, but also display a symbol corresponding to the type of jackpot if a jackpot has been won.

[0033] Here, a "15R probability variable jackpot" refers to a probability variable jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and a "4R probability variable jackpot" refers to a probability variable jackpot that transitions to a high probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 4. Also, a "15R normal jackpot" refers to a jackpot that transitions to a low probability state after a jackpot with a maximum number of rounds of 15, and is in a time-saving state for a predetermined number of variations (for example, 100 variations).

[0034] Furthermore, the "high probability state" refers to a state in which the probability of a subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value after a jackpot, i.e., during a so-called probability fluctuation (probability change state). In other words, it refers to a game state in which a transition to a special game state is likely. In this embodiment, the high probability state (probability change state) includes a game state in which the probability of a second symbol (described later) is increased, making it more likely for a ball to enter the second winning slot 640. The "low probability state" refers to a state when the probability change state is not in a probability change state, in which the jackpot probability is normal, i.e., a state in which the jackpot probability is lower than during a probability change state. Furthermore, the time-saving state (time-saving state) within the "low probability state" refers to a game state in which the jackpot probability is normal, and the jackpot probability remains the same, but only the probability of a second symbol is increased, making it more likely for a ball to enter the second winning slot 640. On the other hand, the pachinko machine 10 is in a normal state when it is neither in a probability change state nor a time-saving state (a state in which neither the jackpot probability nor the probability of a second symbol is increased).

[0035] During the probability variation or time-saving mode, not only does the probability of winning the second symbol increase, but the time for which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is opened is also changed and set to a longer time than during normal play. When the electric device 640a is in an open state (open state), the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640 than when the electric device 640a is in a closed state (closed state). Therefore, during the probability variation or time-saving mode, the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0036] The change between the open state and the closed state of the electric device 640a is caused by the opening and closing action of an opening / closing plate that has a rotation axis at its lower end and rotates to tilt or stand up toward the game area. When the electric device 640a is in the open state, the opening / closing plate is configured to easily guide the ball along the top surface of the opening / closing plate to the second winning opening 640, and when the electric device 640a is in the closed state, the opening / closing plate blocks the gap between the game area and the second winning opening 640, making it difficult for the ball to enter the second winning opening 640.

[0037] During a probability variation or a time-saving period, instead of changing the opening time of the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640, or in addition to changing the opening time, a change may be made to increase the number of times the electric device 640a opens per hit compared to normal times. Also, during a probability variation or a time-saving period, the probability of winning the second symbol may not be changed, but at least one of the time during which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is opened and the number of times the electric device 640a opens per hit may be changed. Also, during a probability variation or a time-saving period, the time during which the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is opened and the number of times the electric device 640a opens per hit may not be changed, but only the probability of winning the second symbol may be changed to be higher compared to normal times.

[0038] The game area is provided with a plurality of general winning slots 63, through which 5 to 15 balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the slot. A variable display unit 80 is also provided in a position (behind the window of the base plate 60) that is visible through the center of the game area. The variable display unit 80 is provided with a third symbol display device 81, which is comprised of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as "display device") that displays a variable third symbol in synchronization with the variable display of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, triggered by a winning (initial winning) in the first winning slot 64 and the second winning slot 640, and a second symbol display device (not shown) that is comprised of an LED that displays a variable second symbol in response to a ball passing through the through gate 67. A center frame 86 is also provided on the base plate 60, surrounding the third symbol display device 81 in a front view.

[0039] The third symbol display device 81 is configured with a large liquid crystal display (LCD) of approximately 9 to 19 inches in size, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 114 (see FIG. 4), thereby displaying, for example, three symbol rows: top, middle, and bottom. Each symbol row is composed of multiple symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols are scrolled horizontally for each symbol row, so that the third symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device 81. While the game status display associated with the control of the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4) is performed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the third symbol display device 81 of this embodiment performs decorative display corresponding to the display of the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B. Note that the third symbol display device 81 may be configured using, for example, reels instead of a display device.

[0040] The second symbol display device performs a variable display in which a "circle" symbol and an "x" symbol are alternately lit for a predetermined time as a display symbol (second symbol (not shown)) each time the ball passes through the through gate 67. In the pachinko machine 10, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the through gate 67, a winning lottery is held. If the result of the winning lottery is a winning lottery, the second symbol display device displays a static "circle" symbol after the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner. If the result of the winning lottery is a losing lottery, the second symbol display device displays a static "x" symbol after the third symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

[0041] The pachinko machine 10 is configured so that when the variable display on the second pattern display device stops at a predetermined pattern (in this embodiment, a "circle" pattern), the electric device 640a attached to the second winning slot 640 is activated (opened) for a predetermined period of time.

[0042] The time required for the second symbol to change is set to be shorter during a probability variation or time-saving mode than during a normal game state. As a result, the second symbol changes and changes over a shorter period of time during a probability variation or time-saving mode, allowing for more winning lotteries than during normal game states. This increases the chances of winning in the winning lottery, giving players more opportunities to open the electric device 640a of the second winning slot 640. Therefore, during a probability variation or time-saving mode, it is possible to create a state in which the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640.

[0043] Note that, if the state is such that the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640 during a probability variation or time-saving period by other methods, such as increasing the probability of winning or increasing the opening time or number of times that the electric device 640a opens for one win, the time it takes for the variable display of the second symbol may be kept constant regardless of the gaming state. On the other hand, if the time it takes for the variable display of the second symbol to be set shorter during a probability variation or time-saving period than during normal play, the probability of winning may be kept constant regardless of the gaming state, and the opening time or number of times that the electric device 640a opens for one win may be kept constant regardless of the gaming state.

[0044] The through gate 67 is attached to the game board 13 in the area to the right of the variable display unit 80, and is configured to allow a portion of the ball shot to the game board 13 to pass through. When the ball passes through the through gate 67, a lottery for a second symbol is held. After the lottery for a second symbol is held, a variable display is performed on the second symbol display device, and if the result of the lottery for a second symbol is a win, a "○" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol of the variable display, and if the result of the lottery for a second symbol is a loss, an "X" symbol is displayed as the stopping symbol of the variable display.

[0045] The number of times that a ball passes through the through gate 67 can be reserved up to a maximum of four times in total, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and is also displayed by lighting the second symbol reservation lamp (not shown). Four second symbol reservation lamps are provided, the number being the maximum number of reserved balls, and are arranged symmetrically below the third symbol display device 81.

[0046] In addition, the variable display of the second symbol may be performed by switching on and off a plurality of lamps in the second symbol display device as in this embodiment, or may be performed using a part of the first symbol display device 37A, 37B and the third symbol display device 81. Similarly, the lighting of the second symbol reservation lamp may be performed by a part of the third symbol display device 81.

[0047] Furthermore, the maximum number of balls that can be retained for passing through the through gate 67 is not limited to four, but may be set to three or less, or five or more (e.g., eight). Furthermore, the number of through gates 67 that can be installed is not limited to one, but may be, for example, two.

[0048] In addition, the installation position of the through gate 67 is not limited to the right side of the variable display unit 80, but may be, for example, on the left, right, or bottom of the variable display unit 80. In addition, since the number of reserved balls is displayed by the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol reserved lamp may not be illuminated.

[0049] A first winning hole 64, into which a ball can win, is disposed below the variable display unit 80. When a ball wins in this first winning hole 64, a first winning hole switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on, and when the first winning hole switch is turned on, a lottery for a jackpot is held in the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37A.

[0050] Meanwhile, a second winning opening 640 into which a ball can enter is disposed on the lower right side of the through gate 67 as viewed from the front. When a ball enters this second winning opening 640, a second winning opening switch (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 13 is turned on. When the second winning opening switch is turned on, a lottery for a jackpot is conducted by the main control device 110 (see FIG. 4), and a display according to the lottery result is shown on the first symbol display device 37B. Note that the location of the second winning opening 640 is not limited to this. For example, it may be below the first winning opening 64 as viewed from the front, or it may be to the left of the center of the game area.

[0051] Furthermore, each of the first winning slot 64 and the second winning slot 640 is also one of the winning slots from which five balls are paid out as prize balls when a ball enters the slot. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 is the same as the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 640, but the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 may be different; for example, the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 may be three, and the number of prize balls paid out when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 may be five.

[0052] An electric device 640a is attached to the second winning opening 640. This electric device 640a is configured to be able to open and close, and is normally in a closed state (reduced state), making it difficult for the ball to win into the second winning opening 640. On the other hand, when a "○" symbol is displayed on the second symbol display device as a result of the variable display of the second symbol, which is triggered by the passage of the ball through the through gate 67, the electric device 640a is in an open state (expanded state), making it easier for the ball to win into the second winning opening 640.

[0053] As mentioned above, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, the probability of winning the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time it takes for the second symbol to change is shorter, so the "○" symbol is more likely to appear in the change display of the second symbol, and the number of times that the electric device 640a is in the open state (expanded state) increases. Furthermore, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, the time that the electric device 640a is open is longer than during normal play. Therefore, during the probability variation and time-saving mode, it is possible to create an environment in which the ball is more likely to enter the second winning slot 640 than during normal play.

[0054] Here, the probability of winning a jackpot when a ball enters the first winning slot 64 and when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 is the same in both low and high probability states. However, the probability of a 15R probability jackpot being selected as the type of jackpot when a jackpot occurs is set higher when a ball enters the second winning slot 640 than when a ball enters the first winning slot 64. On the other hand, the first winning slot 64 does not have the electric device 640a that the second winning slot 640 has, and the ball is always able to win a prize.

[0055] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the electric device 640a associated with the second winning slot 640 is often in a closed state, making it difficult to win at the second winning slot 640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for the first winning slot 64, which does not have the electric device 640a, by firing the ball so that it passes to the left of the variable display device unit 80 (the so-called "left shot"), thereby gaining more opportunities to win the jackpot by winning at the first winning slot 64.

[0056] On the other hand, during the special rate or time-saving period, passing the ball through the through gate 67 tends to open the electric device 640a attached to the second winning slot 640, making it easier to win at the second winning slot 640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the ball towards the second winning slot 640 so that it passes to the right of the variable display device 80 (the so-called "right hit"), pass through the through gate 67 to open the electric device 640a, and aim for the ball to win at the second winning slot 640, resulting in a 15R special rate jackpot.

[0057] Unlike the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, if the configuration of the game board 13 is symmetrical, it is possible to aim for the first winning slot 64 by "hitting to the right" and for the second winning slot 640 by "hitting to the left." Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment does not require the player to change the way the ball is shot between "hitting to the left" and "hitting to the right" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the hassle of changing the way the ball is shot.

[0058] On the other hand, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is configured so that a "right hit" cannot aim at the first winning slot 64, and a ball shot by a "left hit" does not pass through the through gate 67. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment can request the player to change the way the ball is shot between "left hit" and "right hit" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine 10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time-saving mode, or a normal mode). Therefore, adding a game feature that changes the way the ball is shot can prevent the game from becoming sluggish.

[0059] A variable winning device 65 (see FIG. 2) is disposed to the right of the first winning opening 64, and a specific winning opening 65a is disposed in its approximate center. In the pachinko machine 10, when a jackpot lottery held due to a winning entry into the first winning opening 64 or the second winning opening 640 results in a jackpot, after a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device 37A or the first symbol display device 37B is illuminated to display a jackpot stop symbol, and the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device 81, indicating the occurrence of a jackpot. The game state then transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which balls are more likely to win. In this special game state, the specific winning opening 65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed or until 10 balls have won).

[0060] This specific winning opening 65a is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed, and after that closure, the specific winning opening 65a is opened again for a predetermined time. The opening and closing operation of this specific winning opening 65a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds). The state in which this opening and closing operation is being performed is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player is paid out a larger number of prize balls than usual as an added gaming value (game value).

[0061] The special game state is not limited to the above-described form. A large opening that opens and closes separately from the specific winning opening 65a may be provided in the game area, and when an LED corresponding to a jackpot is lit in the first symbol display device 37A, 37B, the specific winning opening 65a is opened for a predetermined time. While the specific winning opening 65a is open, a ball entering the specific winning opening 65a triggers the large opening provided separately from the specific winning opening 65a to open for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, thereby forming a special game state. The number of specific winning openings 65a is not limited to one, and one or more (e.g., three) may be provided. The location of the opening is not limited to the right of the first winning opening 64, but may also be, for example, below the right side of the first winning opening 64, below the left side of the first winning opening 64, or to the left or right of or above the variable display unit 80.

[0062] An attachment space K1 is provided in the right corner of the lower side of the game board 13 for attaching stamps, identification labels, etc., and the stamps, etc. attached to the attachment space K1 can be seen through a small window 35 in the front frame 14 (see Figure 1).

[0063] The game board 13 is provided with an outlet 71. Balls that flow down the game area and do not win in any of the winning holes 63, 64, 65a, 640 are guided through the outlet 71 to a ball discharge path (not shown).

[0064] The game board 13 has many nails planted thereon to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and is also provided with various components (apparatuses) such as windmills.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly equipped with control board units 90, 91 and a back pack unit 94. The control board unit 90 is a unit equipped with a main board (main control device 110), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 113), and a display control board (display control device 114). The control board unit 91 is a unit equipped with a payout control board (payout control device 111), a launch control board (launch control device 112), a power supply board (power supply device 115), and a card unit connection board 116.

[0066] The back pack unit 94 is a unit consisting of the back pack 92 that forms the protective cover and the payout unit 93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each function, ports for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. as needed.

[0067] The main control device 110, the voice lamp control device 113 and the display control device 114, the payout control device 111 and the launch control device 112, the power supply device 115, and the card unit connection board 116 are each housed in board boxes 100 to 104. The board boxes 100 to 104 are equipped with a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected to each other to house the respective control devices and boards.

[0068] Furthermore, the board box 100 (main control device 110) and the board box 102 (dispensing control device 111 and launch control device 112) have their box bases and box covers connected (connected by a crimping structure) by a sealing unit (not shown) so that they cannot be opened. A sealing seal (not shown) is attached to the connecting portion between the box base and the box cover, spanning the box base and the box cover. This sealing seal is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing seal to open the board box 100, 102 or to forcibly open the board box 100, 102, it will be cut into the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or sealing seal, it is possible to know whether the board box 100, 102 has been opened.

[0069] The payout unit 93 comprises a tank 130 located at the top of the back pack unit 94 and opening upward, a tank rail 131 connected to the bottom of the tank 130 and gently sloping downstream, a case rail 132 connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 131, and a payout device 133 provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 132 and dispensing balls using a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The tank 130 is successively replenished with balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall, and the payout device 133 appropriately dispenses the required number of balls. A vibrator 134 is attached to the tank rail 131 to impart vibrations to the tank rail 131.

[0070] In addition, the payout control device 111 is provided with a state restoration switch 120, the firing control device 112 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 121, and the power supply device 115 is provided with a RAM deletion switch 122. The state restoration switch 120 is operated to resolve ball jamming (return to normal state) when a payout error occurs, such as ball jamming in the payout motor 216 (see Figure 4). The operation knob 121 is operated to adjust the firing force of the firing solenoid. The RAM deletion switch 122 is operated when the power is turned on to return the pachinko machine 10 to its initial state.

[0071] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0072] The main control device 110 is equipped with an MPU 201, which is a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The MPU 201 contains a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 202 are executed, and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. The main control device 110 uses the MPU 201 to execute the main processes of the pachinko machine 10, such as drawing a jackpot, setting the display on the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B and the third symbol display device 81, and drawing the display result on the second symbol display device.

[0073] In addition, in order to instruct sub-controllers such as the dispensing control unit 111 and the voice lamp control unit 113 to operate, various commands are sent from the main control unit 110 to the sub-controllers via a data transmission / reception circuit, but such commands are sent only in one direction from the main control unit 110 to the sub-controllers.

[0074] The RAM 203 has various areas, counters, flags, a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 201 and return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 201, and a work area (working region) for storing values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. The RAM 203 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up.

[0075] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the stack pointer and the values ​​of each register at the time of the power outage (including the time of the power outage; the same applies below) are stored in RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power is turned on (including the time of the power being turned on after the power outage is resolved; the same applies below), the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power outage based on the information stored in RAM 203. Writing to RAM 203 is executed by main processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned off, and the restoration of each value written to RAM 203 is executed in start-up processing (not shown) when the power supply is turned on. Note that, when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SG1 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of MPU 201 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252, and when the power outage signal SG1 is input to MPU 201, NMI interrupt processing (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage processing.

[0076] An input / output port 205 is connected to the MPU 201 of the main control device 110 via a bus line 204 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 205 is connected to the payout control device 111, the sound lamp control device 113, the first symbol display devices 37A and 37B, the second symbol display device, the second symbol hold lamp, and solenoids 209 consisting of a large opening solenoid for driving the opening / closing plate of the specific winning port 65a to open and close in the front-rear direction, and a solenoid for driving the electric role device 640a, and the like, and the MPU 201 transmits various commands and control signals to these via the input / output port 205.

[0077] In addition, the input / output port 205 is connected to various switches 208 consisting of a group of switches (not shown) and a group of sensors including a slide position detection sensor S and a rotation position detection sensor R, as well as a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 (described below) provided in the power supply device 115, and the MPU 201 performs various processes based on signals output from the various switches 208 and a RAM erasure signal SG2 output from the RAM erasure switch circuit 253.

[0078] The payout control device 111 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by driving a payout motor 216. The MPU 211, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 212 that stores control programs executed by the MPU 211, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 213 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0079] The RAM 213 of the payout control device 111, like the RAM 203 of the main control device 110, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the MPU 211 and return addresses of the control programs executed by the MPU 211 are stored, and a work area (working region) in which values ​​of various flags, counters, I / O, etc. are stored. The RAM 213 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 115 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and all data stored in the RAM 213 is backed up. Like the MPU 201 of the main control device 110, the NMI terminal of the MPU 211 is also configured to receive a power outage signal SG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 252 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. When the power outage signal SG1 is input to the MPU 211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) is immediately executed as a power outage process.

[0080] An input / output port 215 is connected to the MPU 211 of the payout control device 111 via a bus line 214 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 215 is connected to the main control device 110, payout motor 216, launch control device 112, etc. Also, although not shown, a prize ball detection switch for detecting paid-out prize balls is connected to the payout control device 111. Note that this prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device 111 but is not connected to the main control device 110.

[0081] When the main control device 110 issues an instruction to launch a ball, the launch control device 112 controls the ball launch unit 112a so that the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51. The ball launch unit 112a is equipped with a launch solenoid and electromagnet (not shown), and the launch solenoid and electromagnet are permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the touch sensor 51a detects that the player is touching the operating handle 51, and when the launch stop switch 51b for stopping the ball launch is off (not operated), the launch solenoid is excited in accordance with the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle 51, and the ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating handle 51.

[0082] The audio lamp control device 113 controls the output of audio from the audio output device (such as a speaker not shown) 226, the output of lighting and extinguishing from the lamp display device (such as the illumination units 29 to 33 and the display lamp 34) 227, and the setting of the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 performed by the display control device 114, such as variable performance (variable display) and advance notice performance. The MPU 221, which is a calculation device, has a ROM 222 that stores control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 221, and a RAM 223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0083] An input / output port 225 is connected to the MPU 221 of the audio and lamp control device 113 via a bus line 224 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device 110, display control device 114, audio output device 226, lamp display device 227, other devices 228, frame button 22, etc. are connected to the input / output port 225. The other devices 228 include drive motors MT1, MT2, MT3, MT4, MT5, etc.

[0084] The voice lamp control device 113 determines the display mode of the third symbol display device 81 based on various commands (variation pattern command, stop type command, etc.) received from the main control device 110, and notifies the display control device 114 of the determined display mode by commands (display variation pattern command, display stop type command, etc.). The voice lamp control device 113 also monitors input from the frame button 22, and when the player operates the frame button 22, instructs the display control device 114 to change the stage displayed on the third symbol display device 81 or change the performance content during a super reach. When the stage is changed, the voice lamp control device 113 transmits a back image change command including information about the changed stage to the display control device 114 so that the third symbol display device 81 displays a back image corresponding to the changed stage. Here, the back image refers to an image displayed behind the third symbol, which is the main image displayed on the third symbol display device 81. The display control device 114 displays various images on the third symbol display device 81 in accordance with the commands transmitted from the voice lamp control device 113.

[0085] Furthermore, the voice lamp control device 113 receives a command (display command) representing the display content of the third pattern display device 81 from the display control device 114. Based on the display command received from the display control device 114, the voice lamp control device 113 outputs a voice corresponding to the display content from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content of the third pattern display device 81, and also controls the turning on and off of the lamp display device 227 in accordance with the display content.

[0086] The display control device 114 is connected to the voice lamp control device 113 and the third pattern display device 81, and controls the display of the third pattern display device 81, such as the variable performance of the third pattern, based on commands received from the voice lamp control device 113. The display control device 114 also transmits display commands to the voice lamp control device 113 as appropriate, notifying the display content of the third pattern display device 81. The voice lamp control device 113 can match the display of the third pattern display device 81 with the voice output from the voice output device 226 by outputting voice from the voice output device 226 in accordance with the display content indicated by the display command.

[0087] The power supply device 115 includes a power supply unit 251 for supplying power to each component of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 252 for monitoring power interruptions due to power outages and the like, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 253 provided with a RAM erasure switch 122 (see FIG. 3). The power supply unit 251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc., via a power supply path (not shown). Briefly, the power supply unit 251 takes in 24-volt AC voltage supplied from an external source, generates 12-volt voltage for driving various switches such as the various switches 208, solenoids such as the solenoid 209, motors, etc., a 5-volt voltage for logic, a backup voltage for RAM backup, etc., and supplies the necessary voltages to each of the control devices 110-114, etc.

[0088] The power outage monitoring circuit 252 is a circuit for outputting a power outage signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 201 of the main control unit 110 and the MPU 211 of the dispensing control device 111 when power is cut off due to a power outage or other reason. The power outage monitoring circuit 252 monitors the 24-volt DC stabilized voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 251, and if this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power outage (power outage, power interruption) has occurred and outputs the power outage signal SG1 to the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control device 111. By outputting the power outage signal SG1, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control device 111 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute NMI interrupt processing. Note that the power supply unit 251 is configured to maintain the output of the 5-volt voltage, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute NMI interrupt processing, even after the 24-volt DC stabilized voltage falls below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 110 and the dispensing control unit 111 can execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown) normally.

[0089] The RAM clearing switch circuit 253 is a circuit for outputting a RAM clearing signal SG2 to the main control device 110 to clear the backup data when the RAM clearing switch 122 (see FIG. 3) is pressed. When the main control device 110 inputs the RAM clearing signal SG2 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, it clears the backup data and sends a payout initialization command to the payout control device 111 to clear the backup data in the payout control device 111.

[0090] Next, the structure of the game board 13 and the operation unit 500 will be described. Fig. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board 13 and the operation unit 500, and Fig. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board 13 and the operation unit 500. Note that in Figs. 5 and 6, the liquid crystal display device (variable display device unit 80) disposed in the opening 511a of the rear case 510 is omitted from illustration, and the back side is shown visible through the opening 511a. In addition, Fig. 2 will be referred to as appropriate in the description of Figs. 5 and 6.

[0091] The operating unit 500 includes a rear case 510 formed in a box shape with the front side open from a bottom wall portion 511 and an outer wall portion 512 erected from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion 511. The rear case 510 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front by forming a rectangular opening 511a in the center of the bottom wall portion 511. The opening 511a is formed to a size corresponding to the outer shape (outer edge) of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 (i.e., capable of dividing the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 when viewed from the front).

[0092] The rear case 510 is provided as a flat plate extending from the front end of the outer wall portion 512 along the rear surface of the game board 13 (for example, arranged parallel to it), and is provided with a support plate portion 513 that provides surface support for the game board 13 in the assembled state (see Figure 2).

[0093] The support plate portion 513 has a positioning protrusion 513a that protrudes toward the front side and has a shape that can fit into a fitting recess (not shown) formed in the base plate 60 of the game board 13, and a plurality of insertion holes 513b that are drilled so that fastening screws that are fastened to the base plate 60 can be inserted through them.

[0094] The rear case 510 is positioned relative to the base plate 60 by fitting the positioning protrusion 513a into the fitting recess of the base plate 60, and the fastening screw is inserted into the insertion hole 513b and screwed into the base plate 60, thereby fixing the game board 13 and the operating unit 500 together, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the game board 13 and the operating unit 500.

[0095] The shape of the positioning protrusion 513a is not limited in any way, and various embodiments are exemplified. For example, the positioning protrusion 513a may have an outer shape slightly smaller than the inner shape of the fitting recess of the base plate 60 (circular or oval in this embodiment), or may have a shape (even smaller outer shape) that increases the fitting gap in consideration of ease of assembly. Furthermore, if the inner shape of the fitting recess is rectangular, it is naturally assumed that the positioning protrusion 513a will also be rectangular in shape accordingly.

[0096] As described above, the game board 13 is constructed by assembling a number of nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) for guiding balls to a base plate 60 that has been machined into an approximately square shape when viewed from the front, as well as rails 61, 62, a general winning port 63, a first winning port 64, a second winning port 640, a through gate 67, a variable winning device 65, a center frame 86 that is configured to be able to fit from the front into a window portion 60a (see Figure 90) opened in the base plate 60, a ball flow-down unit 150 that is configured to allow balls discharged from the game area to flow down, and a launch performance unit 300 that is configured to be able to launch granular members 320 (see Figure 54) toward the front side of the third pattern display device 81, and the peripheral portion of the unit is attached to the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1) in a manner that it is positioned opposite and fixed to the surface of the inner frame 12.

[0097] The base plate 60 is formed into a plate shape from a light-transmitting resin material, and is configured so that the player can easily see from the front side the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60. This allows the players to see the structures arranged on the back side of the base plate 60 regardless of the shape or arrangement of the base plate 60, and can be used for various effects.

[0098] For example, even if the ball flow-down unit 150 is disposed on the back side of the base plate 60, the back side can be seen through the base plate 60, so it is possible to visually confirm the balls flowing down the ball flow-down unit 150. In this embodiment, the ball flow-down unit 150 is designed in consideration of the effect of the balls being visible, which will be described in detail later.

[0099] If there are any areas that you do not want the player to see, you can deal with this by attaching a seal material with low light transmittance (or no light transmittance) to the area.

[0100] The center frame 86 is disposed in a through hole formed in the base plate 60 by router processing, and is fixed to the base plate 60 from the front side of the game board 13 by tapping screws or the like.

[0101] The launching performance unit 300 receives granular members 320 (see FIG. 54), and a partition member 310 that partitions the range within which the granular members 320 can scatter is disposed inside the center frame 86, thereby enabling the granular members 320 to be launched toward the inside of the center frame 86. Therefore, a player viewing the display of the third pattern display device 81 through the inner window portion of the center frame 86 can effectively view the granular members 320 scattering in front of the third pattern display device 81. Details of the launching performance unit 300 will be described later.

[0102] The operation unit 500 is disposed on the rear side of the game board 13, and various light emitting means and various operation units are disposed inside. That is, the operation unit 500 includes a rear case 510, an enlargement / reduction unit 600 disposed on the upper inside of the rear case 510, and a displacement / rotation unit 800 disposed symmetrically on the left and right inside of the rear case 510.

[0103] Specifically, the enlarging / reducing unit 600 is disposed above the opening 511a, and the displacement / rotation unit 800 is disposed on the left and right sides of the opening 511a, respectively, on the bottom wall 511 of the rear case 510. First, an overview of the operation control of this operation unit 500 will be described.

[0104] 7 to 11 are front views of the operation unit 500 showing, in time series, an example of operation control of the operation unit 500. Note that Fig. 7 illustrates the scaling unit 600 and the displacement rotation unit 800 in a performance standby state, Fig. 8 illustrates the scaling unit 600 in an extended state and the displacement rotation unit 800 in a performance standby state, and Fig. 9 illustrates the scaling unit 600 in an enlarged state and the displacement rotation unit 800 in a performance standby state.

[0105] Also, Figure 10 shows the zoom unit 600 in a performance standby state and the displacement rotation unit 800 in a performance upper end state, and in Figure 11, the displacement rotation unit 800 on the left side is in a performance upper end state, and the displacement rotation unit 800 on the right side is in a performance lower end state.

[0106] 7 to 11, the displacement trajectory of the enlargement / reduction unit 600 partially overlaps with the displacement trajectory of the displacement rotation unit 800 in a front view. Therefore, for example, when the displacement rotation unit 800 is in the performance upper end state (see FIG. 10), if the enlargement / reduction unit 600 changes state from the performance standby state, there is a possibility of collision.

[0107] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the state change of the scaling unit 600 from its standby state for performance is controlled so as to be executable on the condition that the displacement and rotation unit 800 is also in the standby state for performance, and the state change of the displacement and rotation unit 800 from its standby state for performance is controlled so as to be executable on the condition that the scaling unit 600 is also in the standby state for performance, thereby making it possible to prevent the scaling unit 600 and the displacement and rotation unit 800 from overlapping in a front view. Therefore, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the scaling unit 600 and the displacement and rotation unit 800 (it is possible to allow the front and rear positions to overlap).

[0108] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the zoom unit 600 is configured so that the performance element 700 can be displaced downward while it is gathered in one place, and after the downward displacement, the components of the performance element 700 are positioned in front of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81, and are controlled to separate from each other, increasing the area visible when viewed from the front (see Figure 9).

[0109] Thereafter, the magnification / reduction unit 600 is controlled so that the performance elements 700 are again assembled (see FIG. 8), displaced upward while being assembled and arranged in one place, and returned to the performance standby state shown in FIG.

[0110] 10 and 11 are executed when the enlarging / reducing unit 600 is in a standby state. As shown in Figures 7, 10, and 11, the displacement / rotation unit 800 is configured so that the horizontal sliding member 840 can be displaced from the standby state in a direction having not only a vertical component but also a horizontal component.

[0111] In this embodiment, the lateral slide member 840 is displaced along a path curve S1 set by a mechanism described later. The path curve S1 includes a common arc portion S1a having an arc shape centered on each center point C1, and advance / retreat path portions S1b extending downward and outward on the left and right sides from the lower end of the common arc portion S1a.

[0112] In Figure 10, a pair of left and right lateral slide members 840 are positioned at the upper end position of the common arc portion S1a, and in Figure 11, the left lateral slide member 840 is positioned at the upper end position of the common arc portion S1a, while the right lateral slide member 840 is positioned at a position above the lower end position of the common arc portion S1a.

[0113] Therefore, when the left-side lateral sliding member 840 is controlled to be displaced downward and the right-side lateral sliding member 840 is controlled to be displaced upward from the state shown in Figure 11, the player can visually perceive the lateral sliding member 840 as if it were rotating around the center point C1 located near the center of the third pattern display device 81.

[0114] In other words, the horizontal sliding member 840 can be viewed as part of a rotating performance body of the same size as the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81, thereby improving the freedom of performance using the horizontal sliding member 840.

[0115] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are cross-sectional views of the game board 13 and the operating unit 500 taken along line XIIa-XIIa in Figure 7, Figures 13(a) and 13(b) are cross-sectional views of the game board 13 and the operating unit 500 taken along line XIIIa-XIIIa in Figure 9, and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the game board 13 and the operating unit 500 taken along line XIV-XIV in Figure 9.

[0116] 7 and 9 do not show the game board 13, but FIGS. 12 to 14 show the game board 13 attached to the front side of the operating unit 500 (see FIG. 2).

[0117] In addition, Figures 12(a) and 13(a) show an example of a state in which the granular material 320 is retained below, and Figures 12(b) and 13(b) show an example of a state in which the granular material 320 has been launched and scattered.

[0118] In the performance standby state shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the central part of the collective arrangement of the performance member 700 of the zoom unit 600 is positioned above the partition member 310 of the launch performance unit 300, and is configured so that most of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 can be seen through the partition member 310.

[0119] On the other hand, in the expanded state shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the performance member 700 is placed closely behind the partition member 310 of the launch performance unit 300, and is concealed by the performance member 700 (see Figure 9), so that most of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is obscured and cannot be seen.

[0120] Since the displacement trajectory of the scaling unit 600 does not interfere with the partition member 310, it is possible to control the launch performance unit 300 to perform an action performance of launching the granular member 320 at the partition member 310 regardless of the position of the scaling unit 600.

[0121] As shown in Figure 12(a), the granular member 320 is positioned below the lower edge of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81, and is launched on a path that slopes upward as it moves forward, so that it hits the front wall of the partition member 310 and rises while bouncing within the area formed by the partition member 310.

[0122] This allows the player to see the granular members 320 as if they are coming towards him / her, thereby increasing the attention to the effects using the granular members 320.

[0123] Furthermore, by configuring it in this manner, the range in which the granular material 320 is scattered can be moved closer to the player, and it is possible to avoid reducing the freedom of placement of components arranged in the game area, such as the first winning slot 64 (see Figure 2).

[0124] In other words, the standby position for the granular members 320 that are launched toward the partition member 310 of this embodiment can be a position directly below the partition member 310 or a position closer to the front. However, in this case, since the launch performance unit 300 is disposed in the space behind the first winning opening 64, it becomes difficult to secure the space for the guide path that guides the balls that enter the first winning opening 64, and there is a risk that it will be necessary to move the position of the first winning opening 64 to deal with this.

[0125] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the partition member 310 is positioned at the frontmost position, and the standby position of the granular member 320 is positioned diagonally rearward, thereby securing space on the rear side of the first winning opening 64, so that the ball guide path can be arranged without any problems, and it is possible to prevent a situation from occurring in which the first winning opening 64 cannot be freely positioned.

[0126] 12(a), when the control to launch the granular members 320 is performed, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the player can see the granular members 320 scattering inside the partition member 310 together with the display in the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81. This allows the player to visually recognize a combination of the two-dimensional display and the movement of the granular members 320 displacing three-dimensionally.

[0127] 13(a), when control is performed to launch the granular members 320, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the scattering of the granular members 320 inside the partition member 310 can be shown to the player together with the change in state of the scaling unit 600. In this case, for example, by matching the timing of the scattering of the granular members 320 with the timing of the displacement of the performance member 700 of the scaling unit 600 in a scattering manner, the scattering of the granular members 320 can be seen in front of the scaling unit 600 whose state is changing, and the impact of the change in state of the scaling unit 600 can be enhanced.

[0128] Here, as a method of producing a presentation in accordance with the state change of the zoom unit 600, it is also possible to consider a method of switching the display of the third pattern display device 81 in accordance with the state change of the zoom unit 600.

[0129] However, in a situation such as this embodiment in which the third pattern display device 81 is positioned behind the zoom unit 600 and most of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 is blocked by the zoom unit 600, even if the display of the third pattern display device 81 is switched, it is difficult to see the display and it is considered difficult to produce an effective effect.

[0130] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the partition member 310 that forms the area into which the granular members 320 that perform the action in accordance with the state change of the zoom unit 600 are scattered is positioned on the front side of the zoom unit 600, so even in a situation where the zoom unit 600 blocks most of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81, the granular members 320 are still easily visible to the player.

[0131] Furthermore, by configuring the granular members 320 from small members, it is possible to prevent the enlargement / reduction unit 600 from becoming difficult to see, as compared to when the granular members 320 are configured from large members.

[0132] Therefore, even when the zoom unit 600 covers most of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81, the presentation effect of the zoom unit 600 can be improved.

[0133] Furthermore, the visual effect of scattering of the granular material 320 in combination with the enlargement / reduction unit 600 can be used as is to visually display the scattering of the granular material 320 in combination with the displacement / rotation unit 800.

[0134] In other words, similar to the zoom unit 600, the displacement rotation unit 800 can change states between a state in which the horizontal sliding member 840 is positioned away from the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 (performance standby state, see Figure 7) and a state in which the horizontal sliding member 840 is positioned in front of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81 (performance bottom end state, performance top end state, see Figures 10 and 11).Therefore, depending on the state, it is possible to execute a performance in which the scattering granular members 320 are visually combined with the display of the third pattern display device 81, and a performance in which the scattering granular members 320 are visually combined with the horizontal sliding member 840 of the displacement rotation unit 800.

[0135] In this case, it has been explained that the scaling unit 600 can effectively produce a presentation by scattering the granular members 320 in accordance with the displacement of the mode in which the performance member 700 is dispersed, but in the displacement rotation unit 800, the granular members 320 are scattered in accordance with the rotation of the rotatably arranged feather-shaped members 854, which makes it appear as if an air flow is being generated by the rotation of the feather-shaped members 854 (the feather-shaped members 854 are rotating at such a high speed that an air flow is being generated), thereby improving the presentation effect of the displacement rotation unit 800.

[0136] In this way, according to this embodiment, the scattering of granular material 320 can be used both to make it visible in combination with the display area of ​​the third pattern display device 81, and to make it visible in combination with the zoom unit 600 or the displacement rotation unit 800.

[0137] As shown in Fig. 14, the rear end line BL1 of the first light irradiation device 330, which is part of the firing performance unit 300 and is arranged directly above the lateral sliding member 840 of the displacement and rotation unit 800, is arranged on the rear side of the front end line FL1 of the displacement and rotation unit 800 on the cross section shown in Fig. 14. Therefore, depending on the displacement trajectory of the lateral sliding member 840 of the displacement and rotation unit 800 (for example, if the lateral sliding member 840 continues to displace directly upward from the state shown in Fig. 14), there is a possibility that the first light irradiation device 330 and the displacement and rotation unit 800 will collide.

[0138] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the advance / retract path section S1b is set as a path that can avoid collision between the launch performance unit 300 and the displacement rotation unit 800. In other words, by setting the advance / retract path section S1b as a path that passes through the gap provided in the diagonal direction between the ejection device 400 of the launch performance unit 300 and the first light irradiation device 330, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in setting the rear end line BL1 and the front end line FL1, and the rear end line BL1 is configured to be displaceable upward beyond the first light irradiation device 330 that sets the rear end line BL1, so that a large displacement range of the displacement rotation unit 800 can be ensured.

[0139] 13, when the performance element 700 is displaced, the performance element 700 and the partition element 310 are positioned close to each other in the front-to-rear direction. In the playable state, the performance element 700 and the partition element 310 are positioned to an extent that a gap can be secured between them, but it is not intended to ensure a gap between the performance element 700 and the partition element 310 even during transportation. Therefore, during transportation, it is desirable to maintain the performance element 700 at the upper end position of the displacement range and to restrict the partition element 310 and the performance element 700 from being positioned close to each other.

[0140] Returning to Fig. 6, the operation unit 500 is provided with a displacement restriction device 180 that is fastened and fixed to the rear case 510. The displacement restriction device 180 is configured so that its state can be changed by manual operation from the rear of the rear case 510, and in the restricted state, restricts the downward displacement of the enlargement / reduction unit 600 from the performance standby state.

[0141] By employing the displacement restriction device 180, even when the central opening of the base plate 60 is blocked, as in this embodiment, the shipping and transportation of the pachinko machine 10 can be facilitated.

[0142] In more detail, in the past, displacement of the movable part was suppressed by stuffing a buffer material (cushioning material such as cotton) into the area where the movable part would displace, and the buffer material was then removed after the product arrived at the amusement hall, thereby preventing the movable part from displacing during shipping or transportation. However, if the central opening of the base plate 60 is closed as in this embodiment (see FIG. 12(a)), there is no penetration for removing the buffer material, and therefore the buffer material cannot be removed without disassembling the game board 13 and the back case 510, which may result in a significant burden on the amusement hall.

[0143] To address this issue, the present embodiment employs a displacement forming device 180. This allows the state of the displacement forming device 180 to be switched between a restricted state in which the vertical displacement of the zoom unit 600 is restricted and a restricted release state in which the restriction is released, without releasing the fixation of the game board 13 and the rear case 510. Below, the configuration of the displacement forming device 180 will be described in detail first, and then the state change will be described in detail.

[0144] 15(a) is a rear perspective view of the displacement regulation device 180, FIG. 15(b) is a front perspective view of the displacement regulation device 180, and FIG. 15(c) is a front perspective view of the displacement regulation device 180. As shown in FIG.

[0145] 15(a) and 15(b) show the displacement regulation device 180 in the unrestricted state, and Fig. 15(c) shows the displacement regulation device 180 in the restricted state. As shown in Fig. 15(a) to 15(c), the displacement regulation device 180 is switched between the restricted state and the unrestricted state by the cylindrical portion 183d appearing and disappearing from the abutting member 181. In the restricted state of the displacement regulation device 180, the cylindrical portion 183d protrudes to the inside of the rear case 510 and is configured to be engageable with the restricted hole 657 of the zoom unit 600, as will be described in detail later.

[0146] Figure 16 is an exploded rear perspective view of the displacement control device 180, Figure 17 is an exploded front perspective view of the displacement control device 180, Figure 18(a) is a rear view of the abutment member 181, Figure 18(b) is a front view of the guide member 182, and Figure 18(c) is a front view of the operating member 183.

[0147] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the displacement restriction device 180 mainly comprises an abutment member 181 that is arranged in abutment against the rear case 510 (see Figure 6), a guide member 182 that is arranged on the rear side of the abutment member 181 and fastened to the abutment member 181 and that guides the operating member 183 in the front-to-rear direction, an operating member 183 whose displacement is guided by the guide member 182, and a coil spring 184 that is arranged between the operating member 183 and the abutment member 181 and is configured to be able to apply a biasing force to the operating member 181 toward the rear side.

[0148] Since the operating member 183 is formed in an approximately oval shape that is long in the left and right directions when viewed from behind, the abutment member 181 and guide member 182 that house the operating member 183 are also formed in an approximately oval shape that is long in the left and right directions when viewed from behind, so the external shape of the displacement control device 180 is an approximately oval shape that is long in the left and right directions when viewed from behind.

[0149] The abutment member 181 is designed mainly in a plate shape to increase the holding force by increasing the contact area with the rear case 510, and has a wall portion extending from the end of the plate toward the rear side for holding the guide member 182. The abutment member 181 is provided with insertion holes 181a drilled at the left and right ends and into which fastening portions protruding from the rear case 510 are inserted, a cylindrical holding portion 181b that is double-tubular and protrudes toward the rear side so that a coil spring 184 can be placed in the gap, and an engaged portion 181c that forms a well-known latch mechanism in relation to the operating member 183 and is configured to be able to engage with the operating member 183.

[0150] The guide member 182 includes a main body portion 182a extending in the front-to-rear direction in the form of an elliptical ring along the outer periphery of the abutment member 181, a screw insertion portion 182b into which a fastening screw is inserted that is screwed into a fastening portion inserted into the insertion hole 181a, a fastening portion 182c into which a fastening screw is inserted into the abutment member 181, a retaining portion 182d that protrudes radially inward at the rear side end of the main body portion 182a, and a protrusion 182e that protrudes radially inward in the front-to-rear direction at the upper and lower inner portions of the main body portion 182a.

[0151] With this configuration, by fastening and fixing the abutment member 181 and the guide member 182 together, the operating member 183 can be positioned between the abutment member 181 and the guide member 182 and held in place so that it cannot fall off. However, in this embodiment, the circumstances under which the abutment member 181 and the guide member 182 can be disassembled are limited by setting the fastening direction.

[0152] In other words, in this embodiment, the fastening screws for fastening and fixing the abutment member 181 and the guide member 182 are configured to be inserted from the front side of the abutment member 182 (the side covered by the rear case 510), and therefore the fastening screws cannot be touched when the displacement regulation device 180 is attached to the rear case 510. Therefore, the abutment member 181 and the guide member 182 can be disassembled only when the displacement regulation device 180 is removed from the rear case 510.

[0153] Furthermore, the fastening screws for fastening and fixing the displacement control device 180 to the rear case 510 are inserted into the screw insertion portions 182b from the rear side of the guide member 182, so that they can be easily accessed when the rear side of the rear case 510 is exposed (see Figure 19), making it easy to remove the displacement control device 180 from the rear case 510.

[0154] The operating member 183 includes a main body 183a that is formed in a cup shape with an elliptical outer shape when viewed from behind that is slightly smaller than the anti-slip portion 182d of the guide member 182 and is open on the front side, a flange portion 183b that protrudes radially outward from the front edge of the main body 183a, a groove portion 183c that is recessed in the flange portion 183b, a cylindrical portion 183d that protrudes cylindrically from the center of the bottom of the main body 183a toward the front side, an arc-shaped protrusion portion 183e that protrudes toward the front side in an arc shape with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the coil spring 184, centered on the cylindrical portion 183d, and an engaging portion 183f that protrudes at a position where it can engage with the engaged portion 181c of the abutting member 181 and that can form a well-known latch mechanism in relation to the engaged portion 181c.

[0155] An oval sticker is attached to the back surface of the plate of the operating member 183. This sticker has a concave shape formed on one of the ends in the short direction (see FIG. 15(a)), and by placing this concave shape facing upward, it is easy to prevent mistakes in the up-down position during assembly.

[0156] By making the main body portion 183a oval, it is possible to easily prevent rotational displacement of the operating member 183. In other words, even if the operating member 183 is about to rotate, the rotation is restricted by abutting against the main body portion 182a of the guide member 182.

[0157] The flange portion 183b is formed larger than the retaining portion 182d of the guide member 182 in rear view, thereby preventing the operating member 183 from falling off from the guide member 182. That is, the operating member 183 is displaceable in the front-rear direction in a state in which the flange portion 183b is held between the abutment member 181 and the guide member 182.

[0158] The grooves 183c are formed at positions corresponding to the ridges 182e of the guide member 182, and serve to allow smooth forward and backward displacement of the operating member 183. In this embodiment, since the ridges 182e are formed in two locations on the upper side and one location on the lower side, the grooves 183c are also formed in two locations on the upper side and one location on the lower side. This makes it possible to prevent incorrect assembly in which the operating member 183 is assembled upside down.

[0159] The cylindrical portion 183d is a portion that is inserted through the center of the winding of the coil spring 184, and is configured to be insertable into the central opening of the cylindrical holding portion 181b of the abutting member 181. When the cylindrical portion 183d protrudes from the central opening of the abutting member 181, as will be described later, the cylindrical portion 183d engages with the regulated hole 657 of the enlarging / reducing unit 600, and regulates the upward and downward displacement of the performance member 700.

[0160] That is, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 183d can be used as both a portion that restricts the upward and downward displacement of the performance member 700 of the enlargement / reduction unit 600 and a portion that supports the coil spring 184.

[0161] The arc-shaped protrusion 183e is disposed so as to be able to face the outer diameter side of the coil spring 184, and is disposed opposite in the front-rear direction to the large-diameter cylindrical portion of the cylindrical holding portion 181b of the abutting member 181. When the operating member 183 is pushed in, the arc-shaped protrusion 183e and the cylindrical holding portion 181b abut against each other before other portions, thereby increasing the load generating area and preventing a large load from being generated locally.

[0162] The arc-shaped protrusion 183e is not circular, but is formed in the shape of an interrupted arc, and the engaging portion 183f is disposed at the position where the circle is interrupted. This makes it possible to prevent the engaging portion 183f from being too far away from the cylindrical portion 183d and the coil spring 184.

[0163] We will now explain the state changes of operating member 183. Operating member 183 is biased toward the rear side by coil spring 184, and when operating member 183 is pushed toward the front side against this biasing force, a latch mechanism consisting of engaging portion 183f and engaged portion 181c comes into action, and each time the operating member 183 is pushed in by more than the minimum stroke at which the latch mechanism comes into action, the state is alternately switched between the restricted state and the released state described above.

[0164] In this way, since the latch mechanism is configured to be able to change states, there is a risk that the displacement control device 180 will unintentionally change states if a large external force is applied to the pachinko machine 10, not just when the operating member 183 is intentionally operated, and the operating member 183 is displaced by the above-mentioned minimum stroke.

[0165] For example, if an unintentional change in the state of displacement regulation device 180 occurs due to an impact during shipping or vibration during transportation while displacement regulation device 180 is in the regulated state, there is a possibility that enlargement / reduction unit 600 will be displaced from the performance standby state (a state in which performance member 700 is arranged at the upper displacement end). If performance member 700 displaced from the performance standby state is arranged close to partition member 310 (see FIG. 13 ) and is subjected to an impact during shipping or vibration during transportation, there is a risk that performance member 700 will collide with partition member 310 of launch performance unit 300, and there is a risk that performance member 700 or partition member 310 will be damaged.

[0166] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the engagement portion 183f is arranged at a position (off-centered to the right) away from the position (central position) where the biasing force is applied to the operating member 183, and the gap dimension between the groove portion 183c of the operating member 183 and the protrusion 182e of the guide member 182 is set large, thereby intentionally reducing the posture maintaining ability of the operating member 183.

[0167] This allows the attitude of the operating member 183 relative to the guide member 182 to be inclined in advance, thereby increasing the displacement resistance of the operating member 183. Therefore, the amount of displacement of the operating member 183 in the front-rear direction due to an unintended external force can be suppressed.

[0168] The relationship between the displacement regulation device 180 and the operation unit 500 will be explained. Fig. 19 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 with the front frame 14 open, Fig. 20 is a rear view of the game board 13 and the operation unit 500, and Figs. 21(a) and 21(b) are cross-sectional views of the game board 13 and the operation unit 500 taken along line XXIa-XXIa in Fig. 20.

[0169] 21(a) illustrates the displacement regulation device 180 in a regulated state, and FIG. 21(b) illustrates the displacement regulation device 180 in a released regulated state.

[0170] 19, the displacement restriction device 180 is disposed on the opening / closing base end side (left side) of the inner frame 12, and is configured so that an operator can reach out and touch it by opening the back pack 92 relative to the inner frame 12. This position is opposite the side (opening / closing tip end side, right side) from which an operator enters to open the inner frame 12 and perform work, so it is possible to prevent the operator from unintentionally touching the displacement restriction device 180 when opening the inner frame 12.

[0171] 21(a) and 21(b), the engaging portion 183f and the engaged portion 181c that constitute the latch mechanism described above are formed on the right side of the displacement restriction device 180. Because the operating member 183 is loosely supported, not all of the load that presses the operating member 183 is used to move the operating member 183 back and forth, but is also used to change the posture of the operating member 183.

[0172] For example, when the right side of the operating member 183 is pressed in, even if the right side moves back and forth sufficiently, the operating member 183 may change position and the left side may not be pressed in sufficiently.

[0173] Therefore, for the purpose of pushing the displacement control device 180 to switch its state, it is easier for the worker to generate the necessary displacement in the displacement control device 180 and more likely to successfully switch the state of the displacement control device 180 if he or she pushes the part where the latch mechanism is formed at a pinpoint.

[0174] In this embodiment, as described above, the engaging portion 183f and the engaged portion 181c that constitute the latch mechanism are formed on the right side of the displacement regulation device 180, and the worker enters from the right side to operate the displacement regulation device 180, so the worker can reach the displacement regulation device 180 with minimal movement. Therefore, the worker can easily perform the operation of pinpointing and depressing the portion that forms the latch mechanism.

[0175] Furthermore, the change in posture when the operating member 183 is pressed occurs in a manner that the pressing surface (the surface formed on the base end side of the cylindrical portion 183d) faces the side being pressed in. Therefore, as the pressing amount increases, the pressing load of the operator can be more easily transmitted to the operating member 183.

[0176] 21(a), the cylindrical portion 183d of the operating member 183 is inserted into the regulated hole 657 of the transmission gear 650, restricting the displacement of the transmission gear 650. This makes it possible to prevent the state of the zoom unit 600 from changing.

[0177] The displacement direction of the transmission gear 650 (the direction of rotation about the front-rear axis) and the displacement direction of the operating member 183 (front-rear direction) are perpendicular to each other, so it is possible to prevent the operating member 183 from receiving a load in the displacement direction from the transmission gear 650. This makes it possible to effectively restrict the displacement of the transmission gear 650 without requiring a strong configuration for the portion forming the latch mechanism.

[0178] In this way, by setting the displacement regulation device 180 to the regulated state, the state of the enlargement / reduction unit 600 can be maintained, and therefore the use of the displacement regulation device 180 is not limited to transportation. For example, after installation in an amusement machine store, during maintenance, by setting the displacement regulation device 180 to the regulated state and maintaining the state of the enlargement / reduction unit 600, maintenance of the displacement / rotation unit 800, which will be described later, can be performed safely and easily.

[0179] That is, in the case where the displacement trajectory of the zoom unit 600 and the displacement trajectory of the displacement rotation unit 800 partially overlap as in this embodiment, even if the drive motor MT2 of the zoom unit 600 malfunctions during maintenance work on the displacement rotation unit 800, the state (position) of the zoom unit 600 can be maintained by the displacement control device 180, thereby preventing the zoom unit 600 and the displacement rotation unit 800 from colliding with each other.

[0180] If the displacement restriction device 180 is in a restricted state before the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 10, the displacement restriction device 180 can be switched to a non-restricted state by pressing the operating member 183 of the displacement restriction device 180 (see FIG. 21(b)). This allows the transmission gear 650 to be displaced, and the enlargement / reduction unit 600 can be caused to perform a performance operation accompanied by a state change.

[0181] Here, we will explain that before turning on the power, the front frame 14 and inner frame 12 are slightly opened relative to the outer frame 11, and by looking in from the open tip side (right side), it is possible to check whether the displacement control device 180 is in the uncontrolled state.

[0182] As shown in Figure 21(a), when the displacement control device 180 is in the controlled state, the operating member 183 is positioned forward of the shaped portion of the bottom wall portion 511 of the rear case 510, so when viewed from the right side, the operating member 183 is hidden by the shaped portion of the bottom wall portion 511.

[0183] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 21(b), when the displacement control device 180 is in the released state, the operating member 183 is positioned so as to protrude further toward the rear side than the shaped portion of the bottom wall portion 511 of the rear case 510, and therefore, when viewed from the right side, the operating member 183 is visible in a position protruding from the bottom wall portion 511.

[0184] Therefore, as a confirmation step before turning on the power, the operator can confirm that the displacement control device 180 is in the released state by slightly opening the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12 relative to the outer frame 11 without fully opening them, and by looking from the right side and visually confirming that the operating member 183 protrudes from the bottom wall portion 511.

[0185] In this embodiment, the rear case 510 is made of a colorless, transparent resin material, and the operation member 183 is made of a red, transparent resin material, so that the visibility of the operation member 183 can be improved.

[0186] Here, we will explain the case where the power is turned on while the cylindrical portion 183d is inserted into the restricted hole 657 of the transmission gear 650 of the enlargement / reduction unit 600 in the restricted state of the displacement restriction device 180 (see Figure 21 (a)). In this embodiment, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while the displacement restriction device 180 is in the restricted state, it is determined from the output of the detection sensor SC7 (see Figure 52) that the state of the enlargement / reduction unit 600 has not changed during the power-on operation, and a position detection error message accompanying this determination is displayed by the third pattern display device 81.

[0187] By showing this position detection error display to a staff member at the gaming machine store, it is possible to make the staff member aware that they may not have changed the state of the displacement regulating device 180. Note that this error display is displayed when it is detected whether or not there has been a change in the state of the enlargement / reduction unit 600, and is not a result of detecting the state of the displacement regulating device 180.

[0188] That is, in this embodiment, without preparing any additional error display programs or display materials, it is possible to output a warning regarding the state of the displacement control device 180 by utilizing the position detection error display that is normally provided in the enlargement / reduction unit 600. This makes it possible to reduce design costs.

[0189] In this embodiment, when the power is turned on with the cylindrical portion 183d inserted in the restricted hole 657 of the transmission gear 650 of the zoom unit 600 in the restricted state of the displacement restriction device 180 (see FIG. 21(a)), the operation member 183 cannot be pressed while the power is on, and it is required to turn off the power temporarily, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the operation member 183 may be configured to be operable even while the power is on.

[0190] Furthermore, it is possible to arbitrarily set a configuration for disabling the pushing operation of the operating member 183. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the pushing operation is disabled by friction generated between the transmission gear 650 and the operating member 183, or a configuration may be adopted in which a large diameter portion is provided on the base end side of the cylindrical portion 183d of the operating member 183, and during displacement of the transmission gear 650, the rear surface of the plate of the transmission gear 650 and the large diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 183d engage with each other at the front and rear, thereby restricting the displacement of the operating member 183.

[0191] As a different situation, an example of pushing in the operating member 183 of the displacement restriction device 180 during maintenance at an amusement machine store will be described. In this embodiment, the pushing in of the operating member 183 is not only possible when the restricted hole 657 of the enlargement / reduction unit 600 matches the cylindrical portion 183d in the front and rear.

[0192] For example, even if the operating member 183 is pressed in while the zoom unit 600 is in the extended state (see FIG. 8) during maintenance, the displacement restriction device 180 changes state to the restricted state. In this case, the cylindrical portion 183d is positioned on the displacement locus of the transmission gear 650 of the zoom unit 600, so that when a driving force is generated after maintenance is completed and the transmission gear 650 is displaced, the displacement is restricted by the cylindrical portion 183d.

[0193] In this embodiment, it is configured to be able to determine that the displacement of the transmission gear 650 is restricted, and by displaying an error message (notifying of an abnormality) based on this determination, it is possible to notify the staff of the gaming machine store that the displacement restriction device 180 remains in a restricted state, as will be described in more detail below.

[0194] This makes it possible to determine the state of the displacement regulation device 180 by using the device that detects the state of the enlargement / reduction unit 600, without providing a separate device for detecting the state of the displacement regulation device 180.

[0195] The displacement restriction device 180 can be operated either before or after the game board 13 and the operating unit 500 are assembled to the inner frame 12. After assembly to the inner frame 12, not only is it necessary to open the inner frame 12 but it is also necessary to open the back pack 92 relative to the inner frame 12, so it is preferable to operate the displacement restriction device 180 before assembly to the inner frame 12 if possible.

[0196] 5 and 6. In this embodiment, in addition to the third symbol display device 81, the above-mentioned launch performance unit 300, the enlargement / reduction unit 600, and the displacement / rotation unit 800 are provided as performance devices for enhancing the game. These performance devices will be described in order, starting with the launch performance unit 300.

[0197] Fig. 22 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board 13 and the launch performance unit 300, and Fig. 23 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board 13 and the launch performance unit 300. As shown in Figs. 22 and 23, in the assembled state of the launch performance unit 300, the partition member 310 is disposed opposite the light guide plate 161. That is, it is possible to perform an effect in which the light guide plate 161 and the partition member 310 are visually overlapped to the player.

[0198] The partition member 310 is formed from a colorless, light-transmitting resin material, so that the player can see the granular members 320 scattered inside, and an effect can be created in which the light guide plate 161 and the scattered granular members 320 are superimposed on each other for the player viewing the area surrounded by the center frame 86.

[0199] Figure 24 is an exploded front perspective view of the launch performance unit 300, and Figure 25 is an exploded rear perspective view of the launch performance unit 300. In Figures 24 and 25, the partition member 310 is shown exploded.

[0200] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the launch performance unit 300 comprises a partition member 310 that is arranged inside the center frame 86 (see Figures 22 and 23) and forms a box shape with an open bottom, a plurality of granular members 320 that are arranged so that they can be displaced inside the partition member 310, an ejection device 400 that is arranged in a manner that blocks the open bottom portion to prevent the granular members 320 from falling out of the partition member 310, a first light irradiation device 330 that is arranged on the right side of the partition member 310, and a second light irradiation device 340 that is arranged on the left side of the partition member 310.

[0201] The partition member 310 is formed from a light-transmitting resin material and comprises a front panel portion 311, which is a plate-shaped portion located at the front end, a curved panel portion 312 formed integrally below the front panel portion 311, a rear panel portion 313 having a bottom panel portion parallel to the front panel portion 311 and positioned opposite the rear side of the front panel portion 311, and having blocking walls extending from the left, right, and top of the bottom panel portion to the front side so as to block the gap, a lower rear panel portion 314 formed integrally below the rear panel portion 313 and capable of forming a path between the curved panel portion 312 and the curved panel portion 312 that communicates with the internal space IE1 (see Figure 12(a)) formed between the front panel portion 311 and the rear panel portion 313, and an irregularly shaped through portion 315 formed through the lower rear panel portion 314.

[0202] Although the size of the partitioning member 310 is not limited in any way, in this embodiment, the size of the window portion surrounding the light guide plate 161 inside the center frame 86 is formed to be approximately the same as the size of the partitioning member 310 when viewed from the front. In other words, the light guide plate 161 and the front panel portion 311 are formed to have approximately the same shape.

[0203] This allows the component for hiding the edge of the light guide plate 161 to also be used to hide the edge of the partition member 310. This eliminates the need for a dedicated component for hiding the edge of the partition member 310, reducing the number of components, while preventing the edge of the partition member 310 from overlapping and being visible on the display by the third pattern display device 81, thereby maintaining the visibility of the display by the third pattern display device 81.

[0204] The internal space IE1 serves as a range within which the granular components 320 can scatter, but if this space is too large, the granular components 320 will be too scattered, and a powerful performance will require a large number of granular components 320. Therefore, forming a relatively narrow space allows a powerful performance to be achieved by visually recognizing a small number of granular components 320 at a high density.

[0205] On the other hand, if the space is made too narrow, clogging of the granular material 320 may occur. In contrast, in this embodiment, the front-to-rear width of the internal space IE1 is ensured to be approximately the same as the front-to-rear width between the left-to-right central portion 312b of the curved plate portion 312 and the lower rear section 314. Therefore, clogging of the internal space IE1 with the granular material 320 and sudden deceleration during injection can be avoided compared to when the front-to-rear width is shortened.

[0206] Furthermore, since the left and right portions 312a of the curved plate portion 312 are positioned closer to the lower part 314 of the rear section than the left and right central portion 312b, the movement path of the granular material 320 near the left and right portions 312b can be narrower than the movement path of the granular material 320 near the left and right central portion 312b.

[0207] That is, when the injection device 400 injects the granular members 320 into the internal space IE1, the movement paths of the granular members 320 can be concentrated near the left-right central portion 312b, making it easier for the granular members 320 to reach the center of the internal space IE1. This makes it easier for the player to see the granular members 320.

[0208] In addition, after the granular members 320 reach the vicinity of the center of the internal space IE1, they collide with the front panel portion 311 and scatter throughout the internal space IE1. This allows the player to visually perceive the granular members 320 as if they were exploding from the vicinity of the center of the internal space IE1 and scattering in all directions, thereby enhancing the impact of the action of the granular members 320.

[0209] The curved plate portion 312 functions as a portion that catches the granular components 320 when the granular components 320 injected into the internal space IE1 fall. From this perspective, in this embodiment, the curved plate portion 312 is designed to be inclined downward as it approaches the back side and as it approaches the center of the left and right sides.

[0210] This allows the granular members 320, which are displaced downward by their own weight, to be displaced downward toward the rear side while being brought closer to the center on the left and right, regardless of where the granular members 320 are placed in the internal space IE1.

[0211] Furthermore, the degree of downward inclination of the left and right portions 312a of the curved plate portion 312 is configured so that the downward inclination toward the left and right center is steeper than the downward inclination toward the rear side. This allows the downward displacement of the granular materials 320 to occur in a manner that prioritizes displacement toward the left and right center over displacement toward the rear side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the granular materials 320 from becoming stuck (clogged) during their downward displacement due to the tendency of the granular materials 320 to simultaneously displace toward the rear side at the left and right end positions where the granular materials 320 tend to gather due to the configuration of the injection device 400 described below.

[0212] In addition, the degree of downward inclination toward the back side at the left-right central portion 312b of the curved plate portion 312 is configured to be steeper than the degree of downward inclination toward the left-right central portion at the left-right portion 312a of the curved plate portion 312. This makes it easier to prevent the granular material 320 from gathering together while flowing downward.

[0213] In contrast, the lower part 314 of the rear section is formed as a flat plate with an inclination angle that is approximately the same as that of the left-right central part 312b of the curved plate part 312 when viewed from the side (see Figure 12(a)) (the distance between the left-right central part 312b and the curved plate part 312b becomes slightly wider as it approaches the front side, i.e., the angle with respect to the horizontal direction is larger).

[0214] In this embodiment, the angle of inclination of the rear section lower portion 314 relative to the vertical direction is set to be equal to (slightly larger than) the angle of inclination of the displacement direction of the collision member 420 that shoots the granular material 320 relative to the vertical direction.

[0215] Therefore, regardless of the direction of emission of the granular material 320, which can vary left and right, the angle of incidence of the granular material 320 relative to the lower part of the rear section 314 is the same, so the resistance applied to the granular material 320 by the lower part of the rear section 314 can be made almost uniform.

[0216] The irregularly shaped penetration portion 315 is formed in a shape that allows the lid member 480 to be inserted therein, and includes short portions that extend vertically at both left and right ends, and a long portion that curves left and right and extends in a manner that connects the upper ends of the short portions. The penetration direction is formed so as to slope obliquely upward from the back side to the front side with respect to the plate surface of the back section lower portion 314 (see FIG. 12(a)). As a result, the acute-angle portion of the back section lower portion 314 that constitutes the irregularly shaped penetration portion 315 (the lower portion of the irregularly shaped penetration portion 315 in FIG. 12(a)) is not positioned opposite the injection direction of the granular material 320.

[0217] This reduces the possibility of the granular material 320 colliding with a sharp angle when being ejected, thereby avoiding localized loads on the granular material 320 or the lower part of the rear section 314, and preventing cracks or chips from occurring in the granular material 320 or the lower part of the rear section 314.

[0218] As shown enlarged in Figures 24 and 25, the granular member 320 is formed from a relatively flexible resin material (at least softer than the resin material forming the partition member 310) in approximately the shape of a soccer ball (a 32-sided polygon consisting of 12 regular pentagons and 20 regular hexagons, i.e., a semi-regular polyhedron), and is provided with non-penetrating recesses 321 recessed non-penetratingly along multiple straight lines parallel to each other.

[0219] The non-through recess 321 can reduce the weight of the granular component 320 and can shift the center of gravity of the granular component 320 from the geometric center position. That is, in the linear direction in which the non-through recess 321 is formed, a solid portion remains on the side where the non-through recess 321 is not formed, so that the center of gravity can be shifted to the side where the non-through recess 321 is not formed.

[0220] This makes it possible to adjust the standby posture of the granular components 320. That is, the standby posture of the granular components 320 can be adjusted to a posture in which the non-penetrating recesses 321 face upward (see FIG. 24).

[0221] In this case, the load from the injection device 400 can be received by the surface on the side where the non-penetrating recesses 321 are not formed (see FIG. 25), which makes it easier to avoid damage or chipping of the granular member 320. Furthermore, since the non-penetrating recesses 321 face the injection direction when the granular member 320 receives the load from the injection device 400 and is injected, the surface on the side where the non-penetrating recesses 321 are formed can be made to collide with the front plate portion 311. This makes it easier for the granular member 320 to absorb the load upon collision with the front plate portion 311 by deformation, which reduces the possibility of damaging the front plate portion 311.

[0222] The first light irradiation section 330 comprises a fixed plate section 331 fastened to the rear side of the rear partition section 313, an illuminated board 332 fastened to the right side of the fixed plate section 331, and a lid section 333 arranged to the right of the illuminated board 332, fastened to the fixed plate section 331, and formed so as to be able to accommodate the illuminated board 332 between it and the fixed plate section 331.

[0223] The illumination board 332 has light emitting units 332a such as LEDs on both the left and right sides, and light having an optical axis is emitted from the light emitting units 332a in the left-right direction. The fixing plate unit 331 and the lid unit 333 are formed from a resin material with low light transmittance, and through holes 331a, 333a are drilled at positions corresponding to the light emitting units 332a. This allows the light to be visually recognized as divided into granules.

[0224] Of the light emitted from the illumination board 332, the light emitted to the right side has the purpose of illuminating the right path (right-hit flow path) of the gaming area where the through gate 67 etc. (see FIG. 2) are arranged. The light emitted to the left side will be described later.

[0225] The fixing plate 331 and the lid 333 are made of a resin material with low light transmittance (or no light transmittance), and through holes 331a, 333a are drilled at positions corresponding to the light irradiating portion 332a. This allows the light irradiated from the light irradiating portion 332a to be visually recognized as granularly divided light, and the lighting board 332 is shielded by the fixing plate 331 and the lid 333 in an area away from the light irradiating portion 332a, preventing it from being visible.

[0226] The second light irradiation section 340 comprises a fixed plate section 341 fastened to the rear side of the rear partition section 313, an illuminated board 342 fastened to the left side of the fixed plate section 341, and a lid section 343 arranged to the left side of the illuminated board 342, fastened to the fixed plate section 341, and formed so as to be able to accommodate the illuminated board 342 between the fixed plate section 341 and the fixed plate section 341.

[0227] The fixing plate 341 is made of a resin material with low light transmittance (or no light transmittance), while the cover 343 is made of a colorless, light-transmitting resin material. Therefore, when viewed from the left, the illuminated board 342 is visible. However, in this embodiment, the left side of the center frame 86 (see FIG. 2) is configured to extend leftward. This narrows the player's field of vision in advance, and prevents the left side of the illuminated board 342 from being visible when viewed from the front.

[0228] This allows light to be emitted through the transparent lid portion 343 while preventing the illumination board 342 from being seen.

[0229] The illumination board 342 is provided with light emitting units 342a such as LEDs on both the left and right sides. The light emitting unit 342a on the left side emits light with an optical axis facing forward. One purpose of this light is to illuminate the left side of the center frame 86 while avoiding illuminating the left path of the play area.

[0230] Here, the reason why a different configuration from the configuration in which the light emitted from the light emitting unit 342a of the right-side illumination board 332 is actively directed toward the game area is to take into consideration the playability of this pachinko machine 10 (normally, the game is played by hitting the left, and during probability variation, time reduction, and jackpot play, the game is played by hitting the right). This will be explained below.

[0231] The game area of ​​this pachinko machine 10 has a high degree of freedom in the path that the balls will flow down in the left side of the game area, so during normal play, players can adjust the ball launch intensity so that the balls will flow down the path of their choice. Therefore, if the light emission intensity in the left side of the game area is set too high, the visibility of the balls will be reduced, which will hinder the adjustment of the ball launch intensity and may cause player dissatisfaction.

[0232] On the other hand, when a ball is shot to the right side of the play area, the player basically shoots the ball with maximum force. The momentum of the shot ball is suppressed by the return rubber 69, and the ball's freedom of choice of flow path downstream is significantly reduced, and it tends to follow the same path.

[0233] In more detail, in this embodiment, a single guide path DL1 (see Figure 2) is formed downstream of the second winning opening 640, which is wide enough for one ball to pass through, and all balls that do not enter the second winning opening 640 pass through the guide path DL1 and head toward the variable winning device 65 or general winning opening 63 located downstream of it.

[0234] In this way, since there is little need to adjust the ball's launch intensity, even if the visibility of the ball becomes poor on the right side of the game area (especially where the guide path DL1 is formed), it is unlikely to interfere with gameplay, and therefore it is possible to execute effects with high light emission intensity within this range.

[0235] For this reason, in this embodiment, the illumination board 332 located on the right side is provided with a light emitting unit 332a that directs light toward the play area, while the illumination board 342 located on the left side is provided with a light emitting unit 342a that does not direct light toward the play area. This makes it possible to perform effective light-emitting effects while minimizing player dissatisfaction.

[0236] The light emitting unit 342a disposed on the right side emits light having an optical axis directed to the right. A through-hole 341a is drilled in the fixed plate 341 at a position corresponding to the light emitting unit 342a. This allows the light emitted from the light emitting unit 342a to be visually recognized as granular light, and also prevents the illumination board 342 from being blocked by the fixed plate 341 in an area distant from the light emitting unit 342a, making it difficult to see. The object illuminated by the light emitting unit 342a disposed on the right side will be described later.

[0237] Fig. 26(a) is a side view of the first light irradiation device 330 as viewed in the direction of arrow R in Fig. 25, and Fig. 26(b) is a side view of the second light irradiation device 340 as viewed in the direction of arrow L in Fig. 25. In Fig. 26(a) and Fig. 26(b), the outer shape of the partition member 310 is shown by imaginary lines.

[0238] As shown in Figure 26(a), the light irradiation unit 332a arranged on the left side of the first light irradiation device 330 includes an LED whose optical axis passes through the partition member 310 and an LED whose optical axis passes through the back side of the partition member 310.

[0239] This makes it possible to not only illuminate the granular member 320 inside the partition member 310 with light, but also illuminate other movable means (the zoom unit 600 and the displacement rotation unit 800) arranged on the back side of the partition member 310 with light.

[0240] As shown in Figure 26(b), the light irradiation section 342a arranged on the right side of the second light irradiation device 340 does not have any LEDs whose optical axes pass through the partition member 310, and is composed only of LEDs whose optical axes pass through the back side of the partition member 310.

[0241] This makes it possible to suppress the light emission intensity toward the interior of the partition member 310 while improving the light irradiation intensity toward other movable means (the zoom unit 600 and the displacement / rotation unit 800) arranged on the back side of the partition member 310.

[0242] The second illumination device 340 can improve the comfort of playing games in normal conditions by suppressing the light emission intensity into the partition member 310. That is, in normal play, the player's line of sight is not fixed, but is directed mainly to the left side of the play area, the display of the third symbol display device 81, or the vicinity of the first winning slot 64, so the player often looks at the range from the center to the left side of the play area.

[0243] In this case, when light is irradiated from the second illumination device 340 into the inside of the partition member 310, the light shines at a position as forward as the playing area, which may cause backlighting for a player looking at the left side of the playing area, making it difficult for the player to see the playing area.

[0244] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the light irradiation section 342a of the second irradiation device 340 is positioned closer to the rear side, and the gaming area is separated from the light irradiation section 342a, thereby reducing the degree to which the light irradiated from the light irradiation section 342a affects the visibility of the gaming area.

[0245] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to perform a light emission effect in which the light emitted from the light emitting unit 342a of the second illumination device 340 illuminates the inside of the center frame 86 in a front view with high intensity while reducing the degree to which the game area is illuminated. Therefore, it is possible to perform an effect in which the enlargement / reduction unit 600 and the displacement / rotation unit 800 (see FIG. 5) are illuminated without reducing the visibility of the game area.

[0246] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the game board 13 and the launch unit 300 taken along line XXVII-XXVII in Figure 2. That is, Figure 27 illustrates the game board 13 and the launch unit 300, but does not illustrate the operating unit 500. Also, the directions of light emitted from the first light irradiation device 330 and the second light irradiation device 340 are schematically illustrated by arrows.

[0247] 27, the second light irradiation device 340 is disposed on the left side and rear side of the vertically placed board unit 167, which will be described later and which irradiates light onto the light guide plate 161, avoiding the vertically placed board unit 167. This allows light emission effects to be performed without light from the light irradiation unit 342a being incident on the light guide plate 161, and therefore makes it possible to separate the light effect performed with the light irradiated from the light irradiation unit 342a from the effect of illuminating the light guide plate 161.

[0248] When the light guide plate 161 is employed as in this embodiment, depending on the light irradiation path, the light guide plate 161 may unintentionally emit light, which may reduce the presentation effect. In particular, since light irradiated around the light guide plate 161 (for example, the front side of the center frame 86) tends to cause the light guide plate 161 to glow, there is a risk that it may become necessary to suppress the emission intensity, which reduces the degree of freedom in presentation.

[0249] In contrast to this, according to the present embodiment, the light from the light irradiating unit 342a is configured to travel while avoiding the light guide plate 161, which improves the degree of freedom in setting the irradiation intensity of the light from the light irradiating unit 342a. This improves the degree of freedom in lighting effects around the light guide plate 161.

[0250] 24 and 25, the injection device 400 is disposed below the partition member 310, and is a device on which the granular material 320 that flows downward from the internal space IE1 of the partition member 310 (see FIG. 12(a)) is placed.

[0251] 28, 29, and 30 are front exploded perspective views of the injection device 400, and FIGS. 31, 32, and 33 are rear exploded perspective views of the injection device 400. Note that FIGS. 28 and 31 show an overview of the configuration of the injection device 400, FIGS. 29 and 32 show details of the configuration of a portion of the injection device 400 that is disposed closer to the front side, and FIGS. 30 and 33 show details of the configuration of a portion of the injection device 400 that is disposed closer to the rear side. In addition, in the description of FIGS. 28 to 33, FIGS. 24 and 25 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0252] As shown in Figures 28 to 33, the injection device 400 is equipped with, as fixed members, a fixed member 350 that is fastened and fixed to the partition member 310 (see Figure 24), a space forming member 360 that is fastened and fixed on the back side of the fixed member 350 and is configured to be able to form a space between it and the fixed member 350 and be able to accommodate other movable members, a limiting member 370 that is fastened and fixed on the back side of the space forming member 360 and limits the forward and backward displacement of electrical wiring and a transmission arm member 470, which will be described later, and an intermediate member 401 that is disposed between the fixed member 350 and the space forming member 360 and has a keyhole-shaped opening 402 bored in its central part.

[0253] The fastening screw used to fasten and fix the fixing member 350 to the partition member 310 is inserted into the partition member 310 from the front side. Therefore, when removing the fixing member 350 from the partition member 310, it is necessary to loosen and remove the fastening screw with a screwdriver, but in a state where the game board 13 and the launch unit 300 are assembled (see FIG. 12(a)), the base plate 60 is arranged on the front side of the fixing member 350, and it is configured so that the screwdriver cannot be inserted into the fastening screw.

[0254] Therefore, the launching unit 300 can be removed from the game board 13 as a preparation for removing the fixing member 350 from the partitioning member 310. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the fixing member 350 is accidentally removed from the partitioning member 310 while the launching unit 300 is attached to the game board 13, causing the granular member 320 to be ejected from the fixing member 310.

[0255] The injection device 400 includes, as members displaceably arranged between the intermediate member 401 and the fixed member 350, a linear motion member 410 through which a plurality of metal rods MB1 fixed to the front side of the intermediate member 401 are inserted and which is configured to be linearly displaceable, a collision member 420 arranged above the linear motion member 410, supported to be displaceable along the displacement direction of the linear motion member 410, and having an arch-shaped collision surface on its upper part, and an abutment member 430 arranged below the linear motion member 410 and configured to be able to change its state between a state in which it can abut in the displacement direction of the linear motion member 410 and a state in which it cannot abut.

[0256] The injection device 400 includes, as members displaceably arranged between the intermediate member 401 and the space forming member 360, a front transmission member 440 that is formed so as to be able to transmit a load to the linear motion member 410 and the abutment member 430, is rotatably supported on the space forming member 360, and has gear teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface; a drive gear 450 that is fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor MT1 that is fastened and fixed to the fixed member 350, and meshes with the gear teeth of the front transmission member 440; and a rear transmission member 460 that is arranged on the opposite side of the drive gear 450 from the flange portion 444 of the front transmission member 440, and is fastened and fixed to the rotation transmission member 440.

[0257] The injection device 400 includes, as members displaceably arranged on the back side of the space forming member 360, a transmission arm member 470 that is rotatably supported on a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the front transmission member 440 and is configured to be displaceable by action from the rear transmission member 460, and a cover member 480 that is rotatably supported on a rotation axis that is a straight line facing in the left-right direction and is displaced by the load received from the transmission arm member 470.

[0258] The design concept of the injection device 400 having the above-described configuration will be described. In the injection device 400, the fixed intermediate member 401 and the space forming member 360 divide the arrangement range of the components into three along the protruding direction of the shaft portion 362 that protrudes from the space forming member 360. Of the arrangement ranges divided in this way, the driving force of the drive motor MT1 is generated in the middle range where the drive gear 450 that rotates by the driving force of the drive motor MT1 is disposed, and this driving force is transmitted to the front range and the rear range, respectively, causing displacement of the components in the front range and the rear range.

[0259] Based on this design concept, openings for transmitting driving force are formed in the intermediate member 401 and the space forming member 360. That is, the intermediate member 401 has an opening 402 formed in a keyhole shape, and the space forming member 360 has an opening 361 formed in a lemon shape (approximately oval shape).

[0260] Since the transmission of the driving force is completed in the front range of the intermediate portion 401 and the rear range of the space forming member 360, the following will explain the details of the configuration in the order of the front range and the rear range, and then explain the details of the configuration of the intermediate range and the operating mode.

[0261] 29 and 32, the intermediate member 401 includes the above-mentioned opening 402, a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 403 that protrude cylindrically from the upper end toward the front side, a plurality of coil springs SP1 whose upper ends are supported by the cylindrical protrusions 403, a plurality of rod fixing portions 404 that are arranged at symmetrical positions so as to be able to fix a plurality of metal rods MB1, and support pillar portions 405 that protrude cylindrically toward the front side near the lower end, and the lower ends of the coil springs SP1 are hooked onto a plurality of claw portions 411 formed on the lower end of the linearly acting member 410, respectively.

[0262] The natural length of the coil spring SP1 is formed to be shorter than the distance between the cylindrical protrusion 403 and the claw 411 when the linear moving member 410 is positioned at the upper end position. Therefore, the linear moving member 410 is constantly biased by the coil spring SP1, and the biasing force causes the linear moving member 410 to be positioned at the upper end position before the driving force is transmitted from the intermediate range. The coil spring SP1 is positioned diagonally below the linear moving member 410, which is also intended to concentrate the biasing force of the coil spring SP1 on the side where the granular material 320 is likely to accumulate.

[0263] The linear motion member 410 comprises the above-mentioned claw portion 411, a plurality of insertion portions 412 formed to allow the metal rod MB1 to be inserted therethrough, a trapezoidal protrusion portion 413 protruding in a trapezoidal shape from the upper end portion at the center of the left and right, a linear protrusion portion 414 extending in the left and right direction at approximately the center position in the vertical width direction on the back side, a lower protrusion portion 415 formed as a protrusion shorter than the protrusion portion 414 below the protrusion portion 414, and a displacement control portion 416 protruding from the lower end portion at the center of the left and right toward the front side.

[0264] The trapezoidal protrusion 413 is formed so as to be able to come into contact with the collision member 420 when the linear motion member 410 is disposed at the upper end position. In other words, the linear motion member 410 is formed so that only the trapezoidal protrusion 413 is able to come into contact with the collision member 420, and the portion other than the trapezoidal protrusion 413 does not come into contact with the collision member 420.

[0265] The protruding portion 414 and the lower protruding portion 415 are portions that receive loads from other components when the load is transmitted, and will be described in detail later.

[0266] The displacement regulating portion 416 is a portion that comes into contact with the buffer member 352 of the fixed member 350 in the displacement direction, and this contact regulates the displacement of the linearly moving member 410 (setting the upward displacement end).

[0267] The collision member 420 comprises a curved plate portion 421 that forms an arch-shaped collision surface, a flat plate portion 422 that extends from the rear side end of the curved plate portion 421 parallel to the plane of displacement of the linear motion member 410, a plurality of guide holes 423 that are drilled in the shape of elongated holes and extend along the extension direction of the plate portion 422, and a buffer member 424 that is fixed at the lower end of the left and right central portion of the plate portion 422 in a position that is arranged opposite to the displacement direction of the trapezoidal protrusion portion 413 and is arranged so as to be able to abut against the trapezoidal protrusion portion 413.

[0268] The columnar protrusion 403 is inserted into the guide hole 423. That is, the columnar protrusion 403 serves both as a portion that supports the upper end of the coil spring SP1 and as a portion that guides the displacement of the collision member 420.

[0269] The buffer member 424 is formed as a small square piece from a highly durable and flexible resin material. While not particularly limited, nylon resin, urethane resin, or the like can be used. In this case, the properties of the resin material can mitigate the load and impact when the buffer member 424 and the trapezoidal protruding portion 413 of the linear motion member 410 come into contact, thereby preventing breakage or chipping of the trapezoidal protruding portion 413.

[0270] The abutment member 430 is formed in the shape of a long, approximately triangular plate, and includes a support hole 431 drilled at one end of the long plate as a circular opening through which the support column portion 405 can be inserted, a protrusion portion 432 with a circular cross section that protrudes toward the back side at the other end of the long plate, and a hook-shaped protrusion portion 433 with a hook-shaped cross section that protrudes toward the front side at a position between the support hole 431 and the protrusion portion 432.

[0271] The support hole 431 is an opening through which the support column 405 is inserted, and thereby the abutment member 430 is pivotally supported by the support column 405 so as to be rotatable and displaceable.

[0272] The protruding portion 432 and the hook-shaped protruding portion 433 are portions that receive loads from other components when the load is transmitted, and will be described in detail later.

[0273] The fixing member 350 comprises a motor fixing portion 351 in which the above-mentioned drive motor MT1 is arranged and fixed, a buffer member 352 arranged so as to be able to abut against the displacement regulating portion 416, a plurality of fastening recesses 353 formed as recesses capable of receiving the tip of the circular protrusion 403 and configured so that fastening screws inserted into the inner through holes from the front side can be threaded into female threads formed in the circular protrusion 403 to be fastened and fixed, and a guide portion 354 composed of inclined surfaces that narrow from the front side and in three directions (left and right) and that guides the displacement of the granular member 320 (see Figure 24).

[0274] The buffer member 352 is formed as a small square piece from a highly durable and flexible resin material. While not particularly limited, nylon resin, urethane resin, or the like can be used. In this case, the properties of the resin material can mitigate the load and impact when the buffer member 352 and the displacement-regulating portion 416 of the linear motion member 410 come into contact, thereby preventing damage or chipping of the displacement-regulating portion 416.

[0275] In this manner, in this embodiment, the buffer members 352, 424 are disposed at a plurality of locations where the linearly moving member 410 comes into contact at the end of its displacement in the biasing direction. As a result, as will be described later, even in a displacement mode in which the linearly moving member 410 is displaced upward at high speed by the biasing force of the coil spring SP1 and then suddenly stops, the load that the linearly moving member 410 receives at the time of the sudden stop can be absorbed by the deformation of the buffer members 352, 424, and the load can be dispersed to a plurality of locations.

[0276] The cylindrical protrusion 403 and the fixing member 350 are connected via the fastening recess 353, and to release this connection, it is necessary to turn and remove the fastening screw inserted into the connecting recess 353. On the other hand, since this fastening screw is inserted from the front side of the fixing member 350, it is configured such that a screwdriver cannot be inserted into the fastening screw when the game board 13 and the launch performance unit 300 are assembled (see FIG. 12).

[0277] This makes it possible to prevent the fastening screw from being accidentally loosened when the game board 13 and the launch performance unit 300 are assembled, thereby preventing the fastening between the fixed member 350 and the intermediate member 401 from becoming loose.

[0278] 30 and 33, the space forming member 360 includes the above-mentioned opening 361, a shaft portion 362 that protrudes cylindrically from approximately the center of the back plate portion toward the front side, a pair of left and right guide inclined surfaces 363 formed as inclined surfaces on the upper surface of a plate-like portion that extends toward the front side at the left and right ends of the upper end position of the back plate portion, a pair of left and right protruding support portions 364 that are disposed below the left and right inner sides of the guide inclined surfaces 363 and protrude from the back plate portion toward the front side, a plurality of support pillars 365 that are cylindrically formed at both left and right ends and are arranged on the same line and are sized to pivotally support the cover member 480, a torsion spring SP2 that is wound around the left support pillar 364 and generates a biasing force in the direction of retracting the cover member 480, and a cylindrical protrusion 366 that protrudes cylindrically on the back side at the upper left of the opening 361.

[0279] As will be described later, the shaft portion 362 is a portion that rotatably supports the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460. In accordance with this, a wall portion having an inner surface that is arc-shaped with the shaft portion 362 as its center extends from the back plate portion of the space forming member 360 toward the front side. This wall portion can cover the interior front transmission member 440 and rear transmission member 460.

[0280] The guide inclined surface 363 is configured so that the inclination of the left and right inner surfaces is flush with the left and right inner surfaces of the guide section 354 (see Figure 32), and is formed so as to be able to guide the flowing granular material 320 toward the collision member 420 side (the center side of the left and right).

[0281] The protruding support portion 364 is formed so that its protruding tip abuts against the back surface of the intermediate member 401 and its upper surface is flush with the intermediate member 401. This flush upper surface supports the left and right ends of the curved plate portion 421 from below when the collision member 420 is placed at the lower end position.

[0282] The support pillars 365 have different shapes on the left and right sides. That is, on the right side, the support pillars 365 are formed in a small-diameter cylindrical shape that protrudes outward to the left and right, while on the left side, the support pillars 365 are formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter large enough to receive the cylindrical portion of the left cover member 489.

[0283] The cylindrical protrusion 366 is a portion that is inserted into the transmission arm 470 to rotatably support the transmission arm 470. A large-diameter head screw is fixed to the female screw formed at the tip of the cylindrical protrusion 366, thereby supporting the transmission arm 470 so that it cannot fall off.

[0284] The transmission arm member 470 is a long member formed in a roughly V-shape in appearance, and includes a support hole 471 drilled with a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 366 and through which the cylindrical protrusion 366 is inserted, a cylindrical protrusion 472 protruding from one end in the longitudinal direction toward the front side in parallel with the axial direction of the support hole 471, and a transmission protrusion 473 protruding in a cylindrical shape from the other end in the longitudinal direction along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the support hole 471.

[0285] The columnar protrusion 472 passes through the opening 361 of the space forming member 360, protrudes toward the front side, and is formed so as to be able to engage with the rear transmission member 460. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the columnar protrusion 472 changes in accordance with a change in the posture of the rear transmission member 460, and the posture of the transmission arm member 470 changes, as will be described in detail later.

[0286] A limiting member 370 is disposed on the back side of the cylindrical protrusion 472. That is, the limiting member 370 is a plate-like member fastened and fixed to the back side of the space forming member 360, and includes a covering plate portion 371 that covers the movement path of the cylindrical protrusion 472 from the back side, and a plurality of holding claw portions 372 formed in a claw shape for the purpose of holding or bundling the electrical wiring.

[0287] The covering plate portion 371 is disposed close to the rear side of the transmission arm member 470 and restricts displacement of the columnar protrusion 472 toward the rear side (the rear side in the rotational axis direction of the transmission arm member 470). This prevents the columnar protrusion 472 from separating from the rear transmission member 460, and therefore prevents the engagement between the columnar protrusion 472 and the rear transmission member 460 from being released.

[0288] The pressing claw portion 372 is a portion that temporarily fastens the electrical wiring connected to the drive motor MT1 and the detection sensor SC4 between the rear side plate of the space forming member 360. This makes it possible to prevent the electrical wiring from being displaced (for example, the electrical wiring being displaced due to vibration, etc.) and ensures an entry path for other components, so that the horizontal slide member 840 and the feather-shaped member 854 (see FIGS. 10 and 12) of the displacement and rotation unit 800 can be configured to be displaced along a path that includes a position close to the injection device 400, as described above.

[0289] The transmission protrusion 473 is a portion that is inserted into the cover member 480 and transmits the driving force to the cover member 480 .

[0290] The cover member 480 is a member configured to be able to move forward and backward inside and outside the partition member 310 through the irregular-shaped through-hole 315 (see FIG. 12(a)) of the partition member 310, and includes a curved plate-shaped forward and backward movement portion 481, a plurality of extended plate portions 485 extending in the same direction from both left and right end portions of the forward and backward movement portion 481, a plurality of receiving portions 486 that are received coaxially with the support column portion 365 at the extended end portions of the extended plate portion 485, and a curved elongated hole-shaped transmission portion 486 formed in the left extended plate portion 485. The cover member 488 is provided with a transmission hole 487 through which the transmission protrusion 473 of the arm member 470 is inserted, a right cover member 488 formed in a disk shape having a cylindrical portion surrounding the right receiving portion 486, and having an insertion hole through which a fastening screw that is fastened to a female screw formed at the tip of the support column portion 365 can be inserted while surrounding the receiving portion 486, and is prevented from coming off by the fastening screw, and a left cover member 489 having a cylindrical portion that is inserted into the left receiving portion 486 and an elongated hole-shaped portion that is continuous with the transmission hole 487.

[0291] The left cover member 489 is formed with contact surfaces 489a to 489c that are not drilled like holes along the axial direction but are formed functionally, and will be described in detail later.

[0292] The cross-sectional shape of the advance / retract portion 481 of the lid member 480 is an arc centered on the rotation axis assumed for the receiving portion 486, so that the load from the outer diameter side (the load applied from the granular member 320) is directed toward the rotation axis, but rather than simply being a shape obtained by dividing a pipe, the radius of the arc and the length of the formed shape are changed according to the left and right positions. The intention behind this design will be explained.

[0293] First, the advance / retract section 481 has a protruding section 482 that protrudes toward the entrance side at the left-right center position. The protruding section 482 is formed so that the protruding width becomes shorter as it goes outward to the left and right, and the end face on the entrance side is formed to be inclined outward to the left and right. As a result, when the protruding section 482 comes into contact with another component (in this embodiment, granular component 320 (see FIG. 24) is assumed), a load can be applied to the component in the outward direction to the left and right, and the component can be pushed outward to the left and right.

[0294] Secondly, as described above, the advance / retract portion 481 is configured to be able to enter the partition member 310 through the irregularly shaped penetration portion 315 (see Figure 25) of the partition member 310, and since the protrusion portion 482 enters the partition member 310 first, the arc radius of the advance / retract portion 481 is shortened at the center position on the left and right where the protrusion portion 482 is formed.

[0295] This minimizes the positional deviation that may occur at the point where the entry into the irregular penetration portion 315 begins (the center of the left and right sides of the protrusion portion 482), thereby preventing the occurrence of a malfunction in which the entry / withdrawal portion 481 is unable to enter the irregular penetration portion 315.

[0296] Thirdly, the arc radius is longer near the left and right outer sides of the advancing / retreating section 481, as opposed to the left and right central position of the protruding section 482. The main purpose of this is to avoid contact with the granular members 320. That is, in this embodiment, the granular members 320 (see FIG. 12(a)) arranged on the upper surface of the collision member 420 are retained near the left and right outer sides due to the shape of the curved plate section 421.

[0297] This accumulation pattern may not be completely uniform on the left and right sides, but may be uneven on the left and right sides. For example, an excessively large amount of granular materials 320 may accumulate on the right side, and if there is not enough space, the unevenly accumulated granular materials 320 may collide with the advancing / retreating section 481.

[0298] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the arc radius of the advancing / retreating portion 481 is made longer near the left and right outer portions where a large amount of granular materials 320 tend to accumulate. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficiently long gap between the advancing / retreating portion 481 and the curved plate portion 421, so that even if the accumulation of granular materials 320 becomes uneven, it is possible to avoid collision between the granular materials 320 and the advancing / retreating portion 481.

[0299] Another design concept will now be described. The extension plate portion 485 is formed on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cover member 480, and the end face on the entry side is recessed toward the withdrawal side. This makes it possible to prevent the extension plate portion 485 from colliding with the accumulated granular components 320.

[0300] In addition, even if the cover member 480 is placed at the end of the displacement on the entry side before the granular material 320 has completely flowed down, the granular material 320 can be collected at the top of the collision member 420 by making the granular material 320 large enough to pass through the gap between the recessed portion of the extension plate portion 485 and the curved plate portion 312 of the partition member 310 (see Figure 25).

[0301] The left and right receiving portions 486 have different shapes. That is, the left receiving portion 486a on the left side is formed in a circular cylindrical shape, and the right receiving portion 486b on the right side is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape (half-pipe shape), which is a design that takes assembly into consideration.

[0302] 28 and 31. Support pillar 365 that supports lid member 480 extends outward in the left-right direction, particularly on the right side. Therefore, if both receiving portions 486 of lid member 480 are formed in a circular cylindrical shape, it is necessary to separate advance / retract portion 481 in order to assemble lid member 480 to support pillar 365.

[0303] As described above, in this embodiment, the lid member 480 moves back and forth through the irregularly shaped penetration portion 315 (see FIG. 25). The irregularly shaped penetration portion 315 is configured to allow the lid member 480 to move back and forth relative to the partition member 310, while also needing to be configured to prevent the granular members 320 from being discharged from the partition member 310. In other words, the irregularly shaped penetration portion 315 cannot be made unlimitedly large, and the degree of freedom in designing the irregularly shaped penetration portion 315 is limited.

[0304] Here, precision in the shape is required because if the shape of lid member 480 is distorted to the extent that it cannot pass through irregularly shaped penetration portion 315, it will become impossible to move forward or backward. On the other hand, if advancement / retraction portion 481 of lid member 480 is formed by joining multiple members, there is a possibility that the shape will be distorted due to factors such as assembly errors.

[0305] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the shapes of the receiving portion 486 are made different on the left and right sides, thereby eliminating the need to separate the advancing / retreating portion 481. In the assembly process, first, the left receiving portion 486a is disposed on the axially outer side (left side) of the support pillar 365, and the cylindrical portion of the left cover member 489 is inserted into the left receiving portion 486a while being inserted into the support pillar 365, thereby allowing the left receiving portion 486a to be disposed coaxially with the support pillar 365.

[0306] At this time, the right receiving portion 486b is disposed so that the support pillar portion 365 faces the open side of the half cylinder. By inserting fastening screws through the multiple screw insertion holes formed in the left cover member 489 and screwing them into the extension plate portion 485 on the left side of the lid member 480, the left cover member 489 can be fastened and fixed to the extension plate portion 485.

[0307] After this, the right cover member 488 is attached from the outside in the axial direction and supported so that it cannot fall off by the screw head of the fastening screw that is threaded into the female thread formed at the tip of the right support column portion 365, thereby making it possible to support the lid member 480 rotatably relative to the space forming member 360.

[0308] 34 to 36, the design concept of the transmission protrusion 473 of the transmission arm member 470 and the left cover member 489 will be described. In Figures 34 to 36, the displacement of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 is illustrated in chronological order.

[0309] Figure 34(a) is a plan view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVa in Figure 28, Figure 34(b) is a side view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVb in Figure 34(a), and Figure 34(c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 along line XXXIVc-XXXIVc in Figure 34(b).

[0310] Figure 35(a) is a plan view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVa in Figure 28, Figure 35(b) is a side view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVb in Figure 35(a), and Figure 35(c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 along line XXXVc-XXXVc in Figure 35(b).

[0311] Figure 36(a) is a plan view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXIVa in Figure 28, Figure 36(b) is a side view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIb in Figure 36(a), and Figure 36(c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 along line XXXVIc-XXXVIc in Figure 36(b).

[0312] Figures 35 and 36 show the process in which transmission protrusion 473 of transmission arm member 470 is displaced upward and advance / retract portion 481 of cover member 480 is displaced toward the advance side from the state shown in Figure 34. In detail, Figure 36 shows a state in which cover member 480 is positioned at the advance side end of the displacement range, Figure 34 shows a state in which cover member 480 is positioned at the retreat side end of the displacement range, and Figure 35 shows a state in which cover member 480 is positioned at an intermediate position in the displacement range.

[0313] 34 to 36, in this embodiment, the rotation axis of the transmission arm member 470 and the rotation axis of the cover member 480 are not parallel to each other. More specifically, a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the transmission arm member 470 (the plane shown in FIG. 34(a)) and a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cover member 480 (the plane shown in FIG. 34(b)) are perpendicular to each other.

[0314] Therefore, without any countermeasure, the contact area will normally change as the posture of transmission protrusion 473 that contacts left cover member 489 changes. For example, if the inner surface of the opening of left cover member 489 is formed by a surface that extends parallel to the axial direction of lid member 480, and the longitudinal direction of transmission protrusion 473 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction as shown in Figure 34(a), it is thought that the upper surface of transmission protrusion 473 will contact left cover member 489 at a position closer to the right (closer to support hole 471 of transmission arm member 470).

[0315] On the other hand, when the longitudinal direction of the transmitting protrusion 473 is aligned with the left-right direction as shown in FIG. 36(a), it is considered that the upper surface of the transmitting protrusion 473 abuts against the left cover member 489 across the width thereof.

[0316] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 34(c), 35(c) and 36(c), the left cover member 489 is designed in a shape that allows the upper surface of the transmission protrusion 473 and the upper surface of the opening of the left cover member 489 to abut across the left and right width directions in response to changes in the posture of the transmission protrusion 473.

[0317] That is, the left cover member 489 has a first abutment surface 489a that abuts against the transmission protrusion 473 when the cover member 480 is positioned at the displacement terminal position on the retraction side, a second abutment surface 489b that is formed with a smaller inclination in the left-right direction than the first abutment surface 489a, and a third abutment surface 489c that is formed with a smaller inclination in the left-right direction than the second abutment surface 489b and abuts against the transmission protrusion 473 when the cover member 480 is positioned at the displacement terminal position on the entry side.

[0318] In this embodiment, the left cover member 489 is designed so that the inclination of the side surface above the opening in the left-right direction is greatest at the first contact surface 489a and gradually decreases as it approaches the rotation axis of the lid member 480.

[0319] More specifically, since the contact position between the transmission protrusion 473 and the upper surface of the opening of the left cover member 489 changes in the axial radial direction of the lid member 480 as the transmission arm member 470 rotates, the inclination at the contact position between the transmission protrusion 473 and the upper surface of the opening of the left cover member 489 is designed to have an inclination angle that follows the upper surface of the transmission protrusion 473 in that contact state.

[0320] As a result, when the transmission arm member 470 and the left cover member 489 are in contact with each other, the contact area between the transmission protrusion 473 and the left cover member 489 can always be secured regardless of the posture of the transmission arm member 470, thereby preventing the transmission protrusion 473 from being subjected to a local load (overload) from the left cover member 489.

[0321] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inclination angle of the transmission protrusion 473 is maximized in the left-right direction (the width direction of the left cover member 489) at the timing when a large load is generated, that is, when the cover member 480 begins to be displaced against gravity, so that the contact area (contact length) between the transmission protrusion 473 and the left cover member 489 can be maximized.

[0322] This allows the area that bears the load applied to the transmission protrusion 473 to be increased, and the load applied per unit area to be reduced, thereby improving the durability of the transmission protrusion 473.

[0323] On the other hand, according to this embodiment, when the cover member 480 is positioned at the end of the displacement on the entry side, the inclination angle of the transmission protrusion 473 is along the left-right direction (the width direction of the left cover member 489), so the contact area (contact length) between the transmission protrusion 473 and the left cover member 489 becomes small, and in addition, the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 is at its maximum, which may cause an overload on the transmission protrusion 473.

[0324] To address this issue, in this embodiment, when the cover member 480 is positioned at the displacement end position on the entry side, the proportion of the weight of the cover member 480 that is loaded on the transmission protrusion 473 is reduced.

[0325] 36(b), when lid member 480 is positioned at the displacement end position on the entry side, advance / retract part 481, which accounts for the majority of the weight of lid member 480, is positioned on the opposite side (front side) of transmission protrusion 473 in the front-to-rear direction with respect to rotation axis O1 of lid member 480. Therefore, most of the weight of lid member 480 is generated in a direction that displaces lid member 480 toward the entry side, and the load applied to transmission protrusion 473 can be reduced.

[0326] In this case, the force of the torsion spring SP2 applied to the cover member 480 is at its maximum, but since most of the weight of the cover member 480 is generated against the force of the torsion spring SP2, at least a portion of the force can be offset by the weight of the cover member 480.

[0327] This reduces the load applied to the transmission protrusion 473 compared to when the cover member 480 is positioned at the end of displacement on the entry side and most of the force of the torsion spring SP2 is transmitted to the transmission protrusion 473.

[0328] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the contact position between transmission protrusion 473 and left cover member 489 varies in the radial direction of rotation axis O1 of lid member 480. More specifically, the distance between the contact position between transmission protrusion 473 and left cover member 489 and the rotation axis of lid member 480 in the process of displacing lid member 480 from the retracted side position to the advanced side position is configured to be longest when lid member 480 is positioned at the displacement terminal position on the retracted side.

[0329] In addition, the inclination of first abutment surface 489a is designed so that the normal at the abutment position with transmission protrusion 473 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis O1 of cover member 480 follows an arc centered on the rotation axis O1 of cover member 480 (the inclination angle is small), so that the load transmitted from transmission protrusion 473 to cover member 480 can be generated along an arc centered on the rotation axis O1 of cover member 480.

[0330] As a result, when the load begins to be transmitted from the transmission protrusion 473 to the cover member 480, the arm length of the moment generated in the cover member 480 becomes longer, thereby reducing the load required to rotate the cover member 480.

[0331] 34(c), the shape of the transmitting protrusion 473 itself is modified so that the transmitting protrusion 473 has a groove 473a formed along the longitudinal direction. That is, the transmitting protrusion 473 has the groove 473a formed along the longitudinal direction, extending from the front side to the rear side up to a position beyond the center in the width direction.

[0332] This allows the transmission protrusion 473 to be compressively deformed in the direction of contact with the left cover member 489, so that the load at the time of contact can be released by deformation, and the contact area can be easily increased by deformation.

[0333] 34(b), 35(b), and 36(b), curved plate portion 312, which is disposed opposite advancing / retreating portion 481 of cover member 480, is formed in a shape that follows the same plane from left to right. Therefore, due to the shapes of advancing / retreating portion 481 and protruding portion 482, the distance between cover member 480 and curved plate portion 312 becomes shorter as it goes toward the center in the left-right direction.

[0334] The radius of the protruding portion 482 of the cover member 480 at the left-right center position is designed to be less than the distance (length) from the rotation axis O1 to the curved plate portion 312. This makes it possible to prevent the protruding portion 482, which has the greatest penetration width, from colliding with the curved plate portion 312, and therefore prevents the cover member 480 and the curved plate portion 312 from colliding and being damaged when the cover member 480 over-rotates slightly (to the extent that occurs due to design errors for each component).

[0335] 28 and 31, the following description will focus on the intermediate range. The drive gear 450 is meshed with the front transmission member 440, and the rear transmission member 460 is fastened and fixed to the front transmission member 440. As a result, as the drive gear 450 rotates, the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 rotate integrally about the shaft portion 362 of the space forming member 360. Note that in the following description, counterclockwise rotation as viewed from the front (as viewed from the front transmission member 440 side) is defined as forward rotation.

[0336] The front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 have structures formed on their opposing surfaces to ensure their relative positioning and rigidity, and have shaped portions formed on their opposite surfaces to be used for driving force transmission. Details of these shaped portions used for driving force transmission are described below.

[0337] Fig. 37(a) is a plan view of the front transmitting member 440 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in Fig. 28, and Fig. 37(b) is a plan view of the rear transmitting member 460 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIb in Fig. 28. The directions of arrow XXXVIIa and arrow XXXVIIb are set as directions parallel to the rotation axes of the front transmitting member 440 and the rear transmitting member 460.

[0338] As shown in Figure 37(a), the front transmission member 440 comprises a main body plate portion 441 having an approximately circular plate shape, a groove forming portion 442 that protrudes axially toward the center from the edge of the main body plate portion 441 and has a groove recessed into its inner surface, a support hole 443 which is a circular opening drilled in the center of the main body plate portion 441 to a size that allows the shaft portion 362 to be inserted therethrough, a flange portion 444 that covers gear teeth formed on the main body plate portion 441, a detected portion 445 that extends radially outward from the flange portion 444 and is formed so that it can enter the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4 (see Figure 32), and a transmission protrusion 446 that protrudes parallel to the rotation axis from a position eccentric with respect to the support hole 443, on the support hole 443 side of the groove formed in the groove forming portion 442.

[0339] The groove forming portion 442 has a recessed groove formed with a groove width slightly longer than the diameter of the protrusion 432 of the abutment member 430 (see Figure 28) so that the protrusion 432 can enter, and the groove comprises a first groove portion 442a formed along a first arc shape, a second groove portion 442b through which the protrusion 432 is guided when the front transmission member 440 rotates forward with the protrusion 432 of the abutment member 430 positioned in the first groove portion 442a, a third groove portion 442c formed on the opposite side of the first groove portion 442a from the second groove portion 442b and formed along an arc shape with a larger diameter than the arc that serves as the base for the first groove portion 442a, and a fourth groove portion 442d that connects the third groove portion 442c and the first groove portion 442a.

[0340] The second groove 442b and the fourth groove 442d share the role of connecting the first groove 442a and the third groove 442c, but do not share the same angular range. That is, the fourth groove 442d has a smaller angular range than the second groove 442b, and is designed so that the change in the distance between the groove and the support hole 443 with respect to the rotation angle of the front transmitting member 440 is rapid.

[0341] The transmission protrusion 446 does not have a simple cylindrical shape, but has a groove 446a formed in a straight line connecting the center and a point on the outer diameter side along the protruding direction. This allows the degree of deformation of the transmission protrusion 446 in response to a load input from the radial direction to be changed according to the load input angle. In other words, the transmission protrusion 446 can be formed so that the degree of deformation is maximized when a load is input from a direction perpendicular to the straight line that serves as the reference for the groove 446a.

[0342] As shown in Figure 37(b), the rear transmission member 460 includes a main body plate portion 461 formed in an approximately circular plate shape with a diameter approximately the same as that of the flange portion 444 of the front transmission member 440, a groove forming portion 462 that protrudes in the axial direction of the main body plate portion 461 and has a groove recessed into its inner side, and a non-contact open portion 463 that is drilled in the center of the main body plate portion 461 with an inner diameter sufficiently larger than the base-side outer diameter of the shaft portion 362 and is formed to avoid contact with the shaft portion 362.

[0343] Main body plate portion 461 includes weight portion 461a that is formed to expand radially in a range that does not function as a groove and where a recessed groove portion is not formed in groove forming portion 462. Weight portion 461a is an adjustment portion formed for the purpose of correcting the amount of deviation of the center of gravity of rear transmission member 460, which undergoes rotational displacement, from the rotation axis.

[0344] In the present embodiment, the center of gravity of rear transmitting member 460 and front transmitting member 440, which rotate and displace integrally, is calculated when viewed as a single unit, and for the purpose of correcting the center of gravity to coincide with the rotation axis, the arrangement and weight of weight portion 461a is calculated and formed integrally with rear transmitting member 460. This makes it possible to align the centers of gravity of front transmitting member 440 and rear transmitting member 460 with the rotation axis, thereby suppressing changes in the attitude of front transmitting member 440 and rear transmitting member 460 relative to the rotation axis.

[0345] The groove forming portion 462 is recessed with a groove formed with a groove width slightly longer than the diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 (see Figure 28) so that the cylindrical protrusion 472 can enter, and the groove is equipped with: a first groove portion 462a formed along a first arc shape; a second groove portion 462b into which the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 is guided when the rear transmission member 460 rotates forward (clockwise when viewed from behind) with the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 positioned in the first groove portion 462a; a third groove portion 462c formed on the opposite side of the first groove portion 462a from the second groove portion 462b and formed along an arc shape with a larger diameter than the arc that serves as the base for the first groove portion 462a; and a fourth groove portion 462d that connects the third groove portion 462c and the first groove portion 462a.

[0346] The second groove portion 462b and the fourth groove portion 462d share the role of connecting the first groove portion 462a and the third groove portion 462c, but do not share the same angular range. That is, the fourth groove portion 462d has a significantly larger angular range (approximately 180 degrees) than the second groove portion 462b, and is designed so that the change in the distance between the groove and the non-contact release portion 463 with respect to the rotation angle of the rear transmission member 460 is gradual.

[0347] The following describes an example of a displacement mode that can be achieved by the injection device 400. First, an outline of the displacement mode of the injection device 400 will be described.

[0348] Figures 38, 39, 40, and 41 are plan views of the injection device 400 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in Figure 28. Note that in Figures 38, 39, 40, and 41, the fixing member 350 is omitted to allow the internal structure of the injection device 400 to be seen. For ease of understanding, the coil spring SP1 is shown by imaginary lines as a schematic diagram that allows the change in length to be grasped.

[0349] 38 to 41 illustrate the displacement of the ejection device 400 in chronological order. That is, FIG. 38 illustrates the state immediately after the granular members 320 have flowed down toward the collision member 420 and stopped, FIG. 39 illustrates the performance standby state of the ejection device 400, FIG. 40 illustrates the firing standby state in which the ejection device 400 is waiting for the firing timing, and FIG. 41 illustrates the firing state in which the ejection device 400 has executed the firing performance. Note that FIG. 41 illustrates the state in which the granular members 320 are still resting on the collision member 420, but the granular members 320 scatter in the normal direction of the curved plate portion 421 immediately after this.

[0350] 38, the collision member 420 is supported by the linear motion member 410, and the cover member 480 is disposed at the displacement end position on the retreat side. Note that the state in which the cover member 480 has been displaced from the state shown in FIG. 38 to the displacement end position on the advance side will be described as the performance standby state of the ejection device 400 (see FIG. 39).

[0351] 39, the cover member 480 is positioned at the displacement end position on the entry side, and therefore the cover member 480 can partially block the player's line of sight to the granular member 320. This can reduce the player's focus on the granular member 320, allowing the player to take their eyes off the subsequent displacement of the granular member 320 and the collision member 420 positioned below it.

[0352] 40, the collision member 420 is suspended in a manner in which the cylindrical protrusion 403 abuts against the upper inner surface of the guide hole 423, and the cover member 480 is disposed at the displacement end position on the retracted side. In addition, as will be described later, the displacement of the linear motion member 410 is restricted by the abutment member 430, and the biasing force of the coil spring SP1 is accumulated.

[0353] 41, the arrangement of the cover member 480 is maintained at the displacement end position on the retracted side, and the collision member 420 is bounced off by the linear motion member 410 and rises, stopping at a position where the cylindrical protrusion 403 abuts against the lower inner surface of the guide hole 423. Thereafter, the collision member 420 is displaced downward by its own weight or the weight of the granular member 320, and returns to the arrangement shown in FIG.

[0354] The granular material 320 that is bounced off and scattered by the collision member 420 flows downward, and is then guided toward the center on the left and right sides due to the shape of the curved plate portion 312 (see Figure 25) of the partition member 310 (see the arrows shown schematically in Figure 38).

[0355] In this embodiment, when the granular material 320 is guided toward the collision member 420, the collision member 420 is positioned relatively high, so the depth of the saucer shape formed by the guide portion 354 of the fixed member 350 (see Figure 32) and the upper surface of the curved plate portion 421 of the collision member 420 is set to be shallow.

[0356] Therefore, due to its shape, it may not be possible to unevenly accommodate the plurality of granular components 320. In this embodiment, the partition member 310 is configured to accommodate a number of granular components 320 that cannot be unevenly accommodated.

[0357] As a result, even if the granular components 320 start to return in large numbers to the right side of the collision member 420, when the granular components 320 return later, the granular components 320 that returned earlier will form a slope on the right side of the collision member 420 that slopes downward as it goes to the left, and the granular components 320 that return later will flow along this slope to the left. In other words, they will flow to the left in a manner that they ride on top of the granular components 320.

[0358] This reduces the left-right imbalance of the granular members 320 that accumulate on the upper surface of the curved plate portion 421 of the collision member 420, thereby reducing the imbalance in the arrangement of the granular members 320 (differences in scattering patterns) in each firing performance.

[0359] Furthermore, when the granular material 320 is guided toward the collision member 420, the collision member 420 is disposed at a midpoint in the displacement section, and only abuts the lower linear motion member 410 at one point, the trapezoidal protrusion 413. Therefore, the collision member 420 is allowed to change its posture by the amount of the gap that occurs between the cylindrical protrusion 403 and the guide hole 423. In other words, the collision member 420 is allowed to change its posture in a manner that rotates around an axis parallel to the axis of one of the cylindrical protrusions 403.

[0360] As explained above, for example, if the granular members 320 begin to return in large numbers to the right side of the collision member 420, the collision member 420 will change position such that the right side is lowered compared to the left side, and in this case, the top of the curved plate portion 421 will be displaced relatively to the right.

[0361] Therefore, it becomes easier to guide the granular materials 320, which flow down near the center position of the guide portion 354 (see FIG. 32) and return to the collision member 420 side, to the left. For example, before the collision member 420 changes its posture, the center position of the guide portion 354 and the top position of the curved plate portion 421 are the same in a front view, and it is thought that the granular materials 320 flowing down the center position of the guide portion 354 will flow to the left or right depending on the difference in the point of contact between the granular materials 320 and the curved plate portion 421, and will be distributed almost uniformly to the left or right.

[0362] On the other hand, when the position of the collision member 420 changes, the position of the top of the curved plate portion 421 is shifted to the right with respect to the center position of the guide portion 354, and it is thought that the granular materials 320 flowing down the exact center position of the guide portion 354 are guided to the left along the slope of the curved plate portion 421. This makes it easier for the granular materials 320 that return later to flow down to the side where there is less stagnant granular materials 320, making it easier to distribute the granular materials 320 approximately evenly left and right.

[0363] It should be noted that the change in the posture of the collision member 420 is not always permitted. For example, when the ejection device 400 is in a firing standby state (see FIG. 40), the cylindrical protrusions 403 are respectively disposed at the upper end positions of both of the pair of guide holes 423, and the collision member 420 is suspended from two points symmetrical on the left and right, so that the change in the posture of the collision member 420 is suppressed compared to when the ejection device 400 is in a performance standby state.

[0364] Furthermore, for example, when the ejection device 400 is in the firing state (see Figure 41), cylindrical protrusions 403 are respectively positioned at the lower end positions of both of the pair of guide holes 423, and the upward displacement of the collision member 420 is restricted at two symmetrical points on the left and right, so that the change in posture of the collision member 420 is suppressed compared to when the ejection device 400 is in the standby state for performance.

[0365] In addition, when the collision member 420 receives a load from the linear motion member 410, the load is a biasing force generated by a pair of coil springs SP1 that expand and contract in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide holes 423, so the posture of the collision member 420 is likely to be stable.

[0366] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the change in the posture of the collision member 420 from the firing standby state to the firing state. As a result, when the retention state of the granular members 320 (the imbalance in the number of particles on the left and right) is the same, it is possible to stabilize the scattering of the granular members 320 that are scattered under the load from the collision member 420.

[0367] As described above, when the ejection device 400 executes the firing performance, the granular members 320 scatter, then flow down along the internal shape of the partition member 310 (see FIG. 25), return to the upper surface of the curved plate portion 421 of the collision member 420, and return to the performance standby state. That is, in this embodiment, the ejection device 400 is configured to be able to repeatedly execute the state changes shown in FIGS. 38 to 41. The relationships between the structures of the ejection device 400 that enable these state changes to be executed will be described in detail below.

[0368] 42(a) to 42(f) and 43(a) to 43(e) are plan views of the linear motion member 410, the collision member 420, the abutment member 430, and the front transmission member 440 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in FIG.

[0369] 42(a) to 42(f) and 43(a) to 43(e), the outer shapes of the linear motion member 410, the collision member 420, and the abutment member 430 are shown by imaginary lines, and the outer shapes of the parts involved in mutual load transmission, excluding the outer shapes, namely the protrusion portion 414 and the lower protrusion portion 415 of the linear motion member 410, the buffer member 424 of the collision member 420, and the protrusion portion 432 and the hook-shaped protrusion portion 433 of the abutment member 430, are shown by solid lines, with the interiors shown transparently, and the front transmission member 440 arranged on the back side thereof shown without being hidden.

[0370] In addition, to facilitate understanding of the displaceable section of the collision member 420, the outer shape of the cylindrical protrusion 403 is shown in solid lines, its interior is shown transparently, and the front transmission member 440 arranged on its back side is shown without being hidden.

[0371] In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the relationship with drive control, the location of the detection sensor SC4 is shown by imaginary lines.

[0372] 42 and 43 show in chronological order the changes in the arrangement of the linear motion member 410, the collision member 420, and the abutment member 430 (hereinafter, also referred to as "each component member" in the explanation of FIGS. 42 and 43) that accompany the forward rotation of the front transmission member 440. These will be explained in order below.

[0373] 42(a) illustrates the arrangement of each component member in the performance standby state of the ejection device 400. As shown in FIG. 42(a), in the performance standby state of the ejection device 400, the detected portion 445 of the front transmission member 440 begins to enter the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4.

[0374] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the drive motor MT1 is controlled to rotate in the forward direction, the MPU 221 (see Figure 4) of the voice lamp control device 113 can determine that the injection device 400 is in a performance standby state by detecting a change from a state in which the detectable portion 445 of the front transmission member 440 is not positioned in the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4 to a state in which the detectable portion 445 enters.

[0375] 42(b) illustrates the arrangement of the components in a state in which the transmission protrusion 446 of the front transmission member 440 abuts against the protrusion 414 of the linear motion member 410 and starts to press down the linear motion member 410. From the state shown in FIG. 42(b), the front transmission member 440 starts to press down the linear motion member 410 against the biasing force of the coil spring SP1 (see FIG. 38).

[0376] 42(a) to 42(b), the linear motion member 410 and the front transmission member 440 are not in contact with each other, and so direct load transmission between the members is blocked. Therefore, for example, even if the granular member 320 (see FIG. 38) flows down and collides with the collision member 420, causing the collision member 420 to vibrate slightly, the configuration is such that the direct transmission of the vibration and load to the front transmission member 440 can be blocked.

[0377] FIG. 42(c) illustrates the arrangement of the components when the collision member 420 is located at the lower end position of the displacement range and the contact between the linear moving member 410 and the collision member 420 begins to be released.

[0378] 42(c), the linear moving member 410 and the collision member 420 are displaced downward integrally. In this state, the collision member 420 and the linear moving member 410 are in contact with each other, and the linear moving member 410 and the front transmission member 440 are in contact with each other. Therefore, vibrations and loads generated when the granular member 320 collides with the collision member 420 can be indirectly transmitted to the front transmission member 440.

[0379] On the other hand, the load generated by the granular member 320 colliding with the collision member 420 is a load in a direction that presses down the linear moving member 410, which is a direction that moves the linear moving member 410 away from the transmission protrusion 446, which is the contact point with the transmission member 440. Therefore, the influence that the load and vibration transmitted to the front transmission member 440 have on the forward rotational displacement of the transmission member 440 can be reduced.

[0380] The influence on the forward rotational displacement is not limited in any way. For example, it may cause the speed controlled for rotational displacement to differ from the actual speed, or it may hinder rotational displacement and cause the drive motor MT1 (see FIG. 38) to generate heat.

[0381] FIG. 42(d) shows the arrangement of the components when the protruding portion 432 of the abutting member 430 is positioned at the terminal position of the first groove portion 442a of the front transmission member 440 and the abutting member 430 begins to tilt.

[0382] The abutment member 430 is not given a biasing force from another biasing means, but is a member that changes its posture in accordance with the shape of the groove forming portion 442. From Figure 42(d) onwards, the number of members displaced by the front transmission member 440 increases to two, the linear motion member 410 and the abutment member 430, but the direction of displacement of the abutment member 430 is the same as the direction of displacement due to its own weight, so in reality, the state of the load received by the front transmission member 440 does not change much from the state prior to Figure 42(d) in which only the linear motion member 410 was being displaced.

[0383] 42(e) illustrates the arrangement of the components when the linear moving member 410 is disposed at the lower end position of the displacement range. As shown in FIG. 42(e), when the linear moving member 410 is disposed at the lower end position, the linear moving member 410 and the abutment member 430 are still disposed apart from each other.

[0384] 42(e) and thereafter, the transmission protrusion 446 of the front transmission member 440 starts to displace upward. Therefore, the biasing force of the coil spring SP1 (see FIG. 38) applied to the linear motion member 410 is generated in a direction that pushes the transmission protrusion 446 forward, and the biasing force of the coil spring SP1 can assist the load required for the rotation of the front transmission member 440 and the change in posture of the abutment member 430. This can reduce the burden on the drive motor MT1 (see FIG. 38).

[0385] FIG. 42(f) illustrates the arrangement of the components when the protruding portion 432 of the abutting member 430 is positioned at the terminal position of the second groove portion 442b of the front transmission member 440 and the abutting member 430 has finished tilting.

[0386] As shown in Figure 42(f), the linear motion member 410 and the abutment member 430 are still positioned apart, but from the state shown in Figure 42(f) onwards, the posture of the abutment member 430 is maintained (posture change is prevented) when the protrusion portion 432 of the abutment member 430 is positioned in the third groove portion 442c.

[0387] Therefore, with regard to the subsequent contact between the linear motion member 410 and the contact member 430, the manner of contact can be made softer compared to when the linear motion member 410 and the contact member 430 contact each other at a speed in the opposing directions.

[0388] For ease of understanding, Fig. 43(a) shows the same state as Fig. 42(f). Fig. 43(b) shows the arrangement of the components in a state in which the linear moving member 410 is displaced upward as the transmission protrusion 446 of the front transmission member 440 is displaced upward, and the lower protrusion 415 of the linear moving member 410 and the hook-shaped protrusion 433 of the abutment member 430 begin to abut.

[0389] The state from FIG. 43(a) to the state immediately before FIG. 43(d) corresponds to the firing standby state (see, for example, FIG. 40).

[0390] Lower protrusion 415 and hook-shaped protrusion 433 have protruding portions that protrude toward the opposing sides at the tips of the opposing sides, which makes it possible to prevent slippage at the contact position between lower protrusion 415 and hook-shaped protrusion 433, and allows lower protrusion 415 and hook-shaped protrusion 433 to contact each other stably.

[0391] 43(b), the terminal end position of the detected portion 445 of the front transmission member 440 is arranged in the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4. Therefore, when the front transmission member 440 rotates forward from the state shown in FIG. 43(b), the detected portion 445 retracts from the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4, and this state change is output to the MPU 221 (see FIG. 4).

[0392] That is, in this embodiment, when the drive motor MT1 is driven and controlled in a forward rotation direction, the MPU 221 (see Figure 4) of the voice lamp control device 113 is controlled to determine that the injection device 400 has transitioned to a firing standby state by detecting a change from a state in which the detectable portion 445 of the front transmission member 440 is positioned in the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4 to a state in which the detectable portion 445 is retracted from the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4.

[0393] 43(b) and thereafter, the displacement of the linear motion member 410 is restricted by the abutment member 430. A biasing force is generated in the linear motion member 410 by the coil spring SP1 (see FIG. 38), and a load is applied to the abutment member 430 in a direction that causes the abutment member 430 to stand up. However, the displacement of the abutment member 430 is restricted because the displacement of the protruding portion 432 is prevented by the groove forming portion 442.

[0394] The contact between the protrusion 432 and the groove forming portion 442 is between a circularly curved surface (the outer surface of the protrusion 432) and an arc-shaped surface (the inner surface of the third groove portion 442c), so the load generated at this time is directed toward the center of the circle.

[0395] That is, in the state shown in Figure 43(b), the load applied from the protrusion 432 to the groove forming portion 442 is directed toward the rotation axis of the front transmission member 440, so that it is possible to prevent the load applied from the protrusion 432 from affecting the rotation of the front transmission member 440, and it is possible to regulate the displacement of the protrusion 432 regardless of the driving state of the front transmission member 440.

[0396] Therefore, in the firing standby state shown in Fig. 43(b), even after the power supply to the drive motor MT1 (see Fig. 38) is stopped, the state shown in Fig. 43(b) can be maintained. This makes it possible to suppress heat generation from the drive motor MT1 compared to a configuration in which the drive motor MT1 must always be powered on in the firing standby state, for example, and therefore improves the degree of freedom in setting the drive control of the drive motor MT1.

[0397] This is advantageous in that, for example, when the ejection device 400 is driven and controlled in conjunction with the display performance in the third pattern display device 81, there are no restrictions on setting the length of the display performance from the standby state to the firing state from the viewpoint of heat generation by the drive motor MT1.

[0398] FIG. 43(c) shows the arrangement of the components when the protruding portion 432 of the abutting member 430 is positioned at the terminal position of the third groove portion 442c of the front transmission member 440 and the abutting member 430 begins to stand up.

[0399] After the state shown in Figure 43(c), the position of the groove forming portion 442 that abuts against the protrusion portion 432 changes from the third groove portion 442c, so the direction of the load applied from the protrusion portion 432 to the groove forming portion 442 shifts from the rotation axis of the front transmission member 440.

[0400] Therefore, in order to de-energize the drive motor MT1 (see Figure 38) and maintain the firing standby state, it is necessary to de-energize the drive motor MT1 before the state shown in Figure 43(b) changes to the state shown in Figure 43(c).

[0401] 43(d) shows the arrangement of the components in a state in which the hook-shaped protrusion 433 of the abutment member 430 is retracted from the displacement trajectory of the lower protrusion 415 of the linear moving member 410, thereby releasing the restriction on the upward displacement of the linear moving member 410, causing the linear moving member 410 to be displaced upward by the biasing force accumulated in the coil spring SP1 (see FIG. 38), and causing the collision member 420 to be thrown upward. The state shown in FIG. 43(d) corresponds to the firing state (see FIG. 41).

[0402] The displacement of the abutment member 430 in the upright direction basically occurs along the shape of the groove forming portion 442 of the front transmission member 440, and therefore the driving force is generated from the drive motor MT1 (see FIG. 38). On the other hand, since the displacement of the linear motion member 410 is not restricted by the transmission protrusion 446 of the front transmission member 440, the biasing force of the coil spring SP1 (see FIG. 38) transmitted to the abutment member 430 via the linear motion member 410 also acts to assist the displacement of the abutment member 430 in the upright direction.

[0403] In this embodiment, the displacement direction of the abutment member 430 caused by the driving force of the drive motor MT1 and the displacement direction of the abutment member 430 caused by the spring force of the coil spring SP1 applied via the linear motion member 410 are both configured to be the same in the upright direction, so that the driving force and the spring force applied to the abutment member 430 can be generated in a manner that assists each other.

[0404] FIG. 43(e) illustrates the arrangement of the components when the protruding portion 432 of the abutting member 430 is positioned at the terminal position of the fourth groove portion 442d of the front transmission member 440 and the abutting member 430 has finished standing up.

[0405] 43(e) and thereafter, the position of the groove forming portion 442 that abuts against the protruding portion 432 of the abutting member 430 becomes the first groove portion 442a. As a result, the load applied from the protruding portion 432 to the groove forming portion 442 is directed toward the rotation axis of the front transmitting member 440, so that the effect that the load applied from the protruding portion 432 to the groove forming portion 442 has on the rotation of the front transmitting member 440 can be reduced.

[0406] For example, in this embodiment, the biasing force accumulated in the coil spring SP1 (see FIG. 38) was applied to the abutment member 430 until immediately before the state shown in FIG. 43(d), and therefore it is expected that the load acting in the direction of raising the abutment member 430 will also increase in the displacement after FIG. 43(d). Therefore, without any countermeasure, there is a risk that the rotation of the front transmission member 440 will be hindered by the displacement in which the abutment member 430 rises.

[0407] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, as soon as the abutment member 430 finishes standing up, the protruding portion 432 of the abutment member 430 is disposed in the first groove portion 442a, and the load applied from the abutment member 430 to the front transmitting member 440 via the protruding portion 432 is directed toward the rotation shaft of the front transmitting member 440. This makes it easier to avoid the rotation of the front transmitting member 440 being hindered by the displacement of the abutment member 430 as it stands up.

[0408] From the state shown in Figure 43(e), the drive motor MT1 (see Figure 38) is driven in a direction that rotates the front transmission member 440 in the forward direction, and when it is detected that the detectable portion 445 has entered the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4, the drive motor MT1 is controlled to stop, thereby returning the injection device 400 to a performance standby state, and the control program of the MPU221 (see Figure 4) is designed so that the state changes shown in Figures 42 and 43 can be controlled as a series of firing performances.

[0409] 42 and 43, the firing execution control for rotating the front transmission member 440 one revolution in the forward direction from the performance standby state of the firing device 400 has been described as an example of control of the firing device 400. In the firing execution control, in the firing state, the linearly moving member 410, which rises due to the biasing force of the coil spring SP1, bounces off the collision member 420, and an effect is executed in which the granular members 320 scatter.

[0410] This effect is flashy and can attract the player's attention because the granular members 320 are scattered into the player's field of vision. For example, near the end of a long reach that continues for several minutes without the player knowing whether it is a jackpot or not, if it is a jackpot, the effect can be enhanced by switching to a firing state and scattering the granular members 320.

[0411] On the other hand, if the player does not win the jackpot (misses), it is not preferable to perform an effect of scattering the granular members 320, as this may lead the player to mistakenly believe that he or she has won the jackpot.

[0412] Furthermore, if the drive motor MT1 (see Figure 38) of the ejection device 400 is not driven at all when the launch state is not entered (in the case of a miss), the player will be able to tell from the driving sound of the drive motor MT1 whether the result of the long reach being executed will be a jackpot or a miss, which may reduce the player's interest.

[0413] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, in the event of a miss, the ejection device 400 is put into a firing standby state, and then the drive motor MT1 is driven and controlled in a direction that causes the front transmission member 440 to rotate in the reverse direction, thereby enabling the ejection device 400 to return to a performance standby state without going through the firing state of the ejection device 400.

[0414] In other words, for example, by controlling the drive motor MT1 in a direction that rotates the front transmission member 440 in the reverse direction (clockwise) from the state shown in Figure 43(c), each component can be displaced in the reverse direction of the above-mentioned time series.

[0415] In this case, by pushing down the linear moving member 410 to release the contact between the linear moving member 410 and the contact member 430 (see Figure 42(f)) before the contact member 430 starts to displace in the upright direction (see Figure 42(e)), it is possible to avoid friction occurring when the contact between the linear moving member 410 and the contact member 430 is released.

[0416] Furthermore, from Figure 42(e) onwards, the spring force of the coil spring SP1 (see Figure 38) applied to the transmission protrusion 446 of the front transmission protrusion 440 via the linear motion member 410 acts in a direction that assists the rotation of the front transmission protrusion 440, so that the magnitude of the driving force required of the drive motor MT1 (see Figure 38) can be reduced.

[0417] In this case, the upward displacement of the linear motion member 410 is not instantaneous based on the elastic return of the coil spring SP1 (see FIG. 38), but is configured as a gradual displacement accompanying the displacement of the transmitting protrusion 446.

[0418] This prevents the linear motion member 410 from bouncing off the collision member 420, and allows the injection device 400 to return to the performance standby state (see Figure 42(a)) without performing the performance in which the granular members 320 are scattered.

[0419] In order to bring about the state shown in Figure 42(a) after the front transmission member 440 has rotated in the reverse direction, the drive motor MT1 (see Figure 38) can be driven and controlled to rotate the front transmission member 440 in the forward direction after it is detected that the detection target portion 445 has retreated from the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4, until it is detected that the detection target groove 445 has re-entered the detection groove of the detection sensor SC4.

[0420] This allows both the effect control that scatters the granular members 320 and the effect control that does not scatter the granular members 320 to be executed using the same preparatory action accompanying the driving of the drive motor MT1. Therefore, it is possible to make it easy for the player to tell whether it is a big win or a loss, and it is also possible to prevent the player from being able to predict the result of the win or loss due to differences in the driving sounds.

[0421] In particular, according to this embodiment, in the firing standby state (see FIG. 43(c)), the drive motor MT1 (see FIG. 38) can be de-energized to temporarily eliminate the drive sound of the drive motor MT1. This makes it more difficult to tell from the drive sound whether the drive direction is the same or has changed to the opposite direction, compared to when control is performed to switch the drive direction while the drive motor MT1 continues to be driven.

[0422] Therefore, the drive motor MT1 is controlled to be driven prior to the timing of the winning / losing notification in the performance, and even if a drive sound is generated, it is difficult to determine the drive direction, so it is possible to avoid the situation where the player is able to understand the winning / losing result.

[0423] This allows the drive control of the drive motor MT1 to start prior to the timing of the win / loss notification without the risk of the player learning the win / loss result from the drive sound, and allows for a wider range of timing for stopping the drive motor MT1 in the launch standby state. In other words, it is not necessary to stop the drive motor MT1 in the state just before the launch state, and even if the drive motor MT1 is stopped well before the launch state, it does not interfere with the subsequent performance, so it is possible to avoid a situation where the drive motor MT1 over-rotates against control and unintentionally enters the launch state.

[0424] 44(a) to 44(f) are plan views of the rear transmission member 460, the transmission arm member 470, and the cover member 480 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIb in FIG.

[0425] 44 shows in chronological order the changes in the positions of the transmission arm member 470 and the cover member 480 (hereinafter also referred to as "each component member" in the description of FIG. 44) that accompany the forward rotation (clockwise) of the rear transmission member 460. These will be described in order below.

[0426] Figure 44(a) illustrates the arrangement of each component member in the performance standby state (see Figure 42(a)) of the ejection device 400. As shown in Figure 44(a), in the performance standby state of the ejection device 400, the columnar protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 is positioned at the terminal position of the third groove portion 462c of the rear transmission member 460, and the cover member 480 is positioned at the displacement terminal position on the entry side.

[0427] Since the cover member 480 receives a biasing force from the torsion spring SP2 (see Figure 33) toward the retracted side, a load is generated in the direction of pushing down the transmission protrusion 473 of the transmission arm member 470 via the cover member 480, and this load is transmitted to the rear transmission member 460, which may affect the rotation of the rear transmission member 460 unless countermeasures are taken.

[0428] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, in the state shown in Figure 44(a) and subsequent states, the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 abuts against the third groove portion 462c of the groove forming portion 462, and a load is applied to the rear transmission member 460 through this abutment point.However, since the abutment is between a circular curved surface and an arc-shaped surface, the load generated by the abutment is directed toward the center of the circle.

[0429] Therefore, the load applied to the groove forming portion 462 via the cylindrical protrusion 472 is directed toward the rotation axis of the rear transmission member 460, thereby reducing the effect that the load applied to the groove forming portion 462 via the cylindrical protrusion 472 has on the rotation of the rear transmission member 460.

[0430] Figure 44(b) illustrates the arrangement of each component when the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 is positioned at the terminal position of the third groove portion 462c of the rear transmission member 460, and the cover member 480 is still positioned at the displacement terminal position on the entry side.

[0431] Figure 44(c) illustrates the arrangement of each component when the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 is positioned at the middle position of the fourth groove portion 462d of the rear transmission member 460, and the cover member 480 is positioned at approximately the middle position of the displacement range.

[0432] Since the change in posture of the transmission arm member 470 basically occurs along the shape of the groove forming portion 462 of the rear transmission member 460, the driving force for the change in posture is generated from the drive motor MT1 (see Figure 38) that rotates and drives the rear transmission member 460.

[0433] On the other hand, the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 (see Figure 33) acts in a direction to press down the transmission protrusion 473 of the transmission arm member 470 via the cover member 480, and at the same time, this biasing force acts in a direction to displace the cylindrical protrusion 472 upward, so the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 also acts to assist in changing the posture of the transmission arm member 470.

[0434] In this embodiment, the direction of change in posture of the transmission arm member 470 caused by the driving force of the drive motor MT1 and the direction of change in posture of the transmission arm member 470 caused by the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 applied via the cover member 480 are both configured to be the same in the clockwise direction, so that the driving force and biasing force applied to the transmission arm member 470 can be generated in a manner that assists each other.

[0435] Figure 44(d) illustrates the arrangement of each component when the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 is positioned at the terminal position of the fourth groove portion 462d of the rear transmission member 460 and the cover member 480 is positioned at the displacement terminal position on the retracted side.

[0436] 44(d), the cover member 480 is maintained at the end of its displacement on the retracted side by the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 (see FIG. 33). Also, the transmission protrusion 473 of the transmission arm member 470 and the left cover member 489 are arranged not to abut against each other.

[0437] This prevents the transmission protrusion 473 from being subjected to load even when there is no need to displace the cover member 480 toward the entry side, thereby reducing the degree of fatigue accumulation in the transmission arm member 470.

[0438] Figure 44(e) illustrates the arrangement of each component when the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 is positioned midway in the first groove portion 462a of the rear transmission member 460, and the cover member 480 is still positioned at the end of the displacement on the retracted side.

[0439] After the state shown in Figure 44(e), a firing standby state (see Figure 43(b)) is established. From the firing standby state to the firing state, the cover member 480 is positioned at the end of displacement on the retracted side, and is configured to be able to avoid collision with the ejected granular member 320 (see Figure 41).

[0440] Figure 44(f) illustrates the arrangement of each component when the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 is positioned at the terminal position of the first groove portion 462a of the rear transmission member 460 and the cover member 480 is still positioned at the displacement terminal position on the retracted side.

[0441] From the state shown in Figure 44(e) to the state shown in Figure 44(f), the ejection device 400 passes through the firing state (see Figure 41). Then, by continuing the forward rotation from the state shown in Figure 44(f), the cover member 480 is positioned at the displacement end position on the entry side, and returns to the performance standby state (see Figure 44(a)).

[0442] 44(f) is the state after the launch performance has been performed, so there is no load transmission from the linear motion member 410 or the abutment member 430 to the front transmission member 440 (see, for example, FIG. 43(e)). Therefore, the amount of the driving force of the drive motor MT1 (see FIG. 38) that is distributed to the front transmission member 440 can be made very small.

[0443] As a result, even when a large driving force is required because the direction of displacement of the cover member 480 is opposite to the biasing force of the torsion spring SP2 (see Figure 33), most of the driving force of the drive motor MT1 can be used as a driving force for rotating other components that abut against the rear transmission member 460, so sufficient driving force can be secured.

[0444] Figure 45 is a plan view of the injection device 400 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVIIa in Figure 28. Note that in Figure 45, the fixing member 350 is omitted so that the internal structure of the injection device 400 can be seen.

[0445] 45, the linear motion member 410, the collision member 420, and the abutment member 430 are illustrated in the same manner as in the explanations in Figures 42 and 43. In order to facilitate understanding of the displaceable section of the collision member 420, the outer shape of the columnar protrusion 403 is illustrated with a solid line, its interior is illustrated transparently, and the front transmission member 440 arranged on the back side thereof is illustrated without being hidden.

[0446] Figure 45 shows a state in which the linear motion member 410 is positioned at the displacement end position on the upward side (for example, the performance standby state, see Figure 42(a)), the front transmission member 440 is driven in the reverse rotational direction, and the transmission protrusion 446 of the front transmission member 440 abuts against the lower protrusion portion 415 of the linear motion member 410 from below, thereby restricting further rotational displacement.

[0447] In this way, in this embodiment, a limit is set on the displacement mode allowable for the front transmitting member 440. That is, when driven in the forward rotation direction, as shown in Figures 42 and 43 , the front transmitting member 440 can be driven continuously without being restricted in displacement, whereas when driven in the reverse rotation direction, if the displacement angle exceeds the allowable angle, the linearly moving member 410 restricts the displacement of the transmitting protrusion 446, and further continuous driving is restricted.

[0448] If the drive motor MT1 continues to be driven while the displacement is restricted, there is a risk that the drive motor MT1 will generate heat and be damaged. Therefore, in this embodiment, damage to the drive motor MT1 is avoided by setting a limit on the drive control in the direction that rotates the front transmission member 440 in the reverse direction, as will be described in detail later.

[0449] Figure 46 is a diagram showing the changes over time in the output state of the detection sensor SC4, the arrangement of the linear-acting member 410, the arrangement of the collision member 420, the arrangement of the protrusion 432 of the abutment member 430, and the arrangement of the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470, as the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 rotate.

[0450] 46 does not show the relative relationship between the change ranges of the arrangement changes of each component, but shows a rough guide to the relative relationship between the timings at which the arrangement changes occur. Also, the change in arrangement of the linear moving member 410 corresponds to the change in the biasing force accumulated in the coil spring SP1.

[0451] Also, in Figure 46, the horizontal axis shows the approximate rotation angle of forward rotation from the effect standby state (Figures 42(a) and 44(a)). That is, 0 degrees corresponds to Figure 42(a), 66 degrees corresponds to Figure 42(b), 125 degrees corresponds to Figure 42(c), 162 degrees corresponds to Figure 42(d), 202 degrees corresponds to Figure 42(e), 219 degrees corresponds to Figure 42(f) and Figure 43(a), 228 degrees corresponds to Figure 43(b), 266 degrees corresponds to Figure 43(c), 287 degrees corresponds to Figure 43(d), and 295 degrees corresponds to Figure 43(e).

[0452] Also, in Figure 46, 0 degrees corresponds to Figure 44(a), 21 degrees corresponds to Figure 44(b), 96 degrees corresponds to Figure 44(c), 173 degrees corresponds to Figure 44(d), 304 degrees corresponds to Figure 44(e), and 360 degrees corresponds to Figure 44(f).

[0453] In Figure 46, the performance standby state is used as the reference (angle is 0 degrees), and the forward rotation angles of front transmission member 440 and rear transmission member 460 are plotted on the horizontal axis, with state changes in each of the above-mentioned components corresponding to those angles being plotted. Note that the change in arrangement of each component due to drive control in forward rotation corresponds to a change toward the right in Figure 46, and the change in arrangement of each component due to drive control in reverse rotation corresponds to a change toward the left in Figure 46.

[0454] 46, by rotating the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 in the reverse direction before the launch state (angle of 287 degrees), the displacement speed of the collision member 420 when it is displaced upward is slower than the displacement speed when the collision member 420 is displaced upward after reaching the launch state. That is, in this embodiment, the speed of the upward displacement of the collision member 420 can be configured in a plurality of ways.

[0455] After the launch state is exceeded, the collision member 420 has already risen, so the reverse rotation of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 is restricted midway (see FIG. 45). On the other hand, it cannot be determined from the output state of the detection sensor SC4 alone whether the positions of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 are between the launch state (angle of 287 degrees) and the performance standby state (angle of 360 degrees).

[0456] For example, when the arrangement of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 is between the firing state (angle of 287 degrees) and the performance waiting state (angle of 360 degrees), even if the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned back on, the MPU 221 (see Figure 4) cannot determine whether the arrangement restricts the reverse rotation of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460.

[0457] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the power is turned back on, if there is a suspicion that the position of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 is between the launch state (angle of 287 degrees) and the performance standby state (angle of 360 degrees), that is, if the detection target part 445 is not positioned in the detection sensor SC4 (if the output of the detection sensor SC4 is OFF), the drive motor MT1 is controlled to rotate in a direction that rotates the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 forward.

[0458] This rotation returns the ejection device 400 to a performance standby state, and then controls the execution of each performance. This prevents the rotation of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 from being unintentionally restricted and the drive motor MT1 from generating heat after the control is interrupted, such as when the power is turned back on.

[0459] In this embodiment, the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 are rotationally driven at a rotational speed that stabilizes the position of the granular member 320 (see Figure 38) from the launch state (angle is 287 degrees) to the state where the position of the cylindrical protrusion 472 of the transmission arm member 470 begins to change (angle is 304 degrees).

[0460] For example, if the positioning stabilizes within 2 seconds of launch, the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 can be controlled to rotate at 8 degrees per second (45 seconds / revolution), thereby preventing the granular material 320 from getting caught in the lid member 480 (see Figure 38) while flowing down.

[0461] The rotational speeds of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 are not limited to these and can be set arbitrarily. For example, they may be rotated at four times the normal speed. In this case, the lid member 480 can start to move toward the entry side at approximately the same time that the granular material 320 starts to flow down. In this case, the displacement of the lid member 480 can be completed before the granular material 320 is positioned in the direction of travel of the lid member 480.

[0462] In this state, by stopping the drive in the performance standby state, the granular members 320 can be deposited above the lid member 480, so that the granular members 320 can be gathered toward the center of the left and right sides along the shape of the lid member 480. Thereafter, by controlling the drive of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 in the forward rotation direction, the lid member 480 is displaced toward the retraction side, and the granular members 320 fall from the lid member 480 and land on the collision member 420.

[0463] In this way, by controlling the rotational speeds of the front transmission member 440 and the rear transmission member 460 to be different, it is possible to configure a plurality of modes in which the granular members 320 reach the collision member 420.

[0464] This makes it possible to change the relative position of each granular member 320 (each spherical member) with respect to the collision member 420 for each firing execution control. Therefore, for example, by configuring the granular members 320 with a plurality of spherical members of different shapes and colors, it is possible to vary the appearance of the fired granular members 320 (the arrangement and displacement direction of each granular member 320), thereby improving the presentation effect.

[0465] 5 and 6, in this embodiment, in addition to the third symbol display device 81, the above-mentioned launch performance unit 300, the enlargement / reduction unit 600, and the displacement / rotation unit 800 are provided as performance devices for enhancing the game. Next, the enlargement / reduction unit 600 will be described.

[0466] 47 and 48 are front perspective views of the scaling unit 600, and Fig. 49 and 50 are rear perspective views of the scaling unit 600. Fig. 47 and Fig. 49 show the scaling unit 600 in a standby state for performance, and Fig. 48 and Fig. 50 show the scaling unit 600 in an extended state.

[0467] As shown in Figures 47 to 50, the zoom unit 600 comprises a performance element 700 that can be raised and lowered in the center position in the left-right direction and is configured to be able to perform light emission performance, and a hemispherical lighting device 613 that is fixedly positioned at a distance to the left and right of the performance element 700.

[0468] By using the performance element 700 and the hemispherical lighting device 613 to create a light-emitting effect, light can be emitted from the front side of the third pattern display device 81 (see Figure 7) toward the player, creating a dazzling visual effect.

[0469] Figure 51 is an exploded front perspective view of the scaling unit 600, and Figure 52 is an exploded rear perspective view of the scaling unit 600. In Figures 51 and 52, the performance member 700 is shown in an assembled state. Note that, as shown in Figures 47 and 49, in the assembled state, the tip of the lower arm member 630 connected to the performance member 700 is positioned on the front side of the rear plate portion 611, but in Figures 51 and 52, it is positioned on the rear side of the rear plate portion 611 for convenience.

[0470] As shown in Figures 51 and 52, the zoom unit 600 comprises a main body member 601 having a left-right elongated shape fastened to a bottom wall portion 511 of a rear case 510 (see Figure 5), a front cover member 610 having a design surface and disposed on the front side of the main body member 601, a pair of upper arm members 620 rotatably supported on a cylindrical shaft portion 603 of the main body member 601 and linked in a meshing relationship, and a pair of lower arm members 620 connected at their intermediate portions to the upper arm members 620 and whose posture changes as the upper arm members 620 rotate. The lower arm member 620 includes a member 630, a drive motor MT2 fastened to the back side of the main body member 601, a transmission gear 650 that is meshed with the drive gear of the drive motor MT2 and engages with the left upper arm member 620 so as to be able to transmit the drive force of the drive motor MT2, and is rotatably supported on the main body member 601, a torsion spring SP3 whose annular portion is attached to the main body member 601 and which applies an upward force to the upper arm member 620, and a performance member 700 that is connected to the tip of the lower arm member 630.

[0471] The main body member 601 is formed in the shape of a long plate extending left and right, and is equipped with guide holes 602 which are a pair of left and right elongated holes arranged in a straight line left and right, a pair of cylindrical shaft portions 603 which protrude cylindrically in both the front and rear directions from symmetrical left and right positions, a pair of arc-shaped holes 604 which are drilled in an arc with the cylindrical shaft portion 603 as the central axis, a cylindrical shaft portion 605 which protrudes cylindrically from the left side toward the rear side, an arc-shaped hole 606 which is drilled in an arc with the cylindrical shaft portion 605 as the central axis, and a detection sensor 607 which is fastened and fixed to the rear side in an orientation in which the detection groove faces the cylindrical shaft portion 605 in a circle centered on the cylindrical shaft portion 605.

[0472] The guide hole 602 is formed with a vertical width that is slightly longer than the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 632 of the lower arm member 630. The guide hole 602 functions as an elongated hole that guides the displacement of the lower arm member 630 by having the cylindrical protrusion 632 of the lower arm member 630 inserted therethrough.

[0473] The cylindrical shaft portion 603 has a portion that protrudes toward the front side inserted into a support hole 621 of the upper arm member 620, and rotatably supports the upper arm member 620. A screw with a large head diameter is threaded into a female screw formed at the tip of the cylindrical shaft portion 603, thereby supporting the upper arm member 620 so that it cannot fall off.

[0474] The cylindrical shaft portion 603 has a portion that protrudes from the rear side and is inserted into the wound main body of the torsion spring SP3, thereby stabilizing the position of the torsion spring SP3.

[0475] One arm of torsion spring SP3 is pressed from above by protruding portion 601a that protrudes in a V-shape from the back side of main body member 601, and the other arm is engaged with biased portion 625 of upper arm member 620. As a result, the elastic recovery force of torsion spring SP3 acts in a direction that presses down biased portion 625, and therefore upper arm member 620 is biased in a direction that displaces connecting portion 623 upward.

[0476] Arc-shaped hole 604 is a through-hole for passing biased portion 625 of upper arm member 620 through to the back side of main body member 601. This allows biased portion 625 of upper arm member 620 and torsion spring SP3 to be configured to be engageable with each other.

[0477] The cylindrical shaft portion 605 is inserted into a support hole 653 of the transmission gear 650 and rotatably supports the transmission gear 650. A screw with a large head diameter is threaded into a female screw formed at the tip of the cylindrical shaft portion 605, thereby supporting the transmission gear 650 so that it cannot fall off.

[0478] The arc-shaped hole 606 is a through-hole for passing the cylindrical protrusion 654 of the transmission gear 650 through to the front side of the main body member 601. This allows the transmission hole 624 of the upper arm member 620 to be configured to be engageable with the transmission gear 650. A large-diameter head screw is threaded into the female screw formed at the tip of the cylindrical protrusion 654 of the transmission gear 650, whereby the upper arm member 620 is supported on the transmission gear 650 so that it cannot fall off.

[0479] The detection sensor 607 has a detection groove into which the detectable plate portion 655 of the transmission gear 650 can enter, and is configured to be able to determine whether the transmission gear 650 is positioned to put the zoom unit 600 into a standby state for performance, or whether it is positioned at another position.

[0480] The front cover member 610 is a thin member formed from a resin material with low light transmittance and fastened to the main body member 601, and comprises a rear plate portion 611 formed in the center on the left and right, a front plate portion 612 formed on the left and right sides from the connecting position between the left and right upper ends of the rear plate portion 611 and formed to protrude toward the front side more than the rear plate portion 611, and a hemispherical lighting device 613 fastened to the front side of the front plate portion 612 and configured to be able to emit light.

[0481] The rear plate 611 is disposed on the front side of the cylindrical shaft 603 of the main body member 601, and blocks the view so that the cylindrical shaft 603 cannot be seen. The rear side of the rear plate 611 is provided with a protruding abutment portion 611a that protrudes toward the rear side to a dimension slightly longer than the front-to-rear width of the gear portion 622, avoiding the movement trajectory of the gear portion 622 of the upper arm member 620, and abuts against the main body member 601 at a surface.

[0482] This makes it possible to stabilize the fastening state of rear plate portion 611 to main body member 601, and also to configure upper arm member 620 to be displaced in the space partitioned by rear plate portion 611 and main body member 601. In other words, it is possible to suppress changes in the posture of upper arm member 620 (for example, changes in posture such as bending with respect to the rotation axis) on both sides in the axial direction, thereby stabilizing the state of upper arm member 620.

[0483] The front plate portion 612 is a plate-like portion that is arranged on the front side of the upper arm member 620 and the lower arm member 630 and is configured to prevent the structural parts of these members from being visible to the player, and is equipped with a pair of sliding surfaces 612a formed on the left and right as planes parallel to the front plate portion of the main body member 601, and a wiring passage recess 612b formed as a recess that is open to the rear side in the plate portion that protrudes from the upper left end toward the rear side.

[0484] Sliding surface 612a is assembled to lower arm member 630 from the front side, fastened and fixed, and is configured as a flat surface on which pressing member PC1, which is formed with low friction due to its shape and material, can slide. In other words, it is a flat plate surface that is formed along the trajectory of pressing member PC1, which is fixed to the middle of lower arm member 630 in the longitudinal direction, as lower arm member 630 displaces.

[0485] The side of the pressing member PC1 facing the sliding surface 612a is formed into a generally semicircular shape that protrudes toward the sliding surface 612a, and is configured so that when the pressing member PC1 and the sliding surface 612a come into contact with each other, they form a point contact. This reduces the resistance generated between the pressing member PC1 and the sliding surface 612a, making it easier to smoothly displace the lower arm member 630.

[0486] The sliding surface 612a and the pressing member PC1 are not in constant contact with each other, but a gap is provided between them. On the other hand, the sliding surface 612a and the pressing member PC1 are configured to come into contact with each other and limit the displacement of the lower arm member 630 toward the front side before the amount of displacement of the lower arm member 630 toward the front side exceeds an allowable amount.

[0487] In this embodiment, the allowable amount of displacement of the lower arm member 630 toward the front side is set by the dimensional relationship between the rear side plate portion of the partition member 310 (see FIG. 13(a)) and the performance member 700. In other words, the allowable amount of displacement of the lower arm member 630 toward the front side is set to a dimension such that the performance member 700, in a position assumed from the position of the lower arm member 630, does not come into contact with the partition member 310.

[0488] In other words, according to this embodiment, the sliding surface 612a abuts against the pressing member PC1, limiting the displacement of the lower arm member 630 toward the front side, thereby preventing the performance member 700 of the zoom unit 600 from abutting against the partition member 310.

[0489] The sliding portion 612a on the right side is formed in an arc shape that follows the trajectory of the pressing member PC1, while the sliding portion 612a on the left side is formed as a large plane that includes the arc shape of the trajectory of the pressing member PC1. However, the left and right sliding portions 612a share the same function. That is, it is sufficient that at least the arc shape of the trajectory of the pressing member PC1 is formed in a plane, and the shapes of other portions can be set arbitrarily. For example, as in the right portion of this embodiment, the sliding portion 612a may be formed in a limited arc shape that follows the trajectory of the pressing member PC1, with the other portions extending toward the rear (extending toward the rear due to the front-side design portion being positioned closer to the rear). Alternatively, as in the left portion of this embodiment, the periphery of the sliding portion 612a may also be formed in a similar planar shape.

[0490] Note that forward displacement of lower arm member 630 is limited by contact between pressing member PC1 and sliding portion 612a, and in addition, forward displacement of upper arm member 620 is restricted by torsion spring SP3 and a fastening screw fastened to columnar protrusion 654. That is, by limiting the forward displacement of lower arm member 630 and also limiting the displacement of upper arm member 620, it is possible to avoid the generation of large localized loads.

[0491] Wire-passing recess 612b is a recess that functions as a passageway for the electrical wires that are passed through base-end through-hole 635a of lower arm member 630. In other words, the electrical wires that reach between rear case 510 and zoom unit 600 pass through wire-passing recess 612b and base-end through-hole 635a of lower arm member 630, and are then guided to the tip side of lower arm member 630 and passed through performance member 700.

[0492] In this way, by inserting the electrical wiring into the zoom unit 600 from the top, it is possible to easily prevent the electrical wiring from loosening and hanging downwards, even when the long lower arm member 630 connected to the performance member 700 is displaced significantly in the left-right direction due to displacement (in this embodiment, it is displaced a distance of approximately half the left-right width of the rear case 510).

[0493] The hemispherical lighting device 613 is equipped with a hemispherical lens element, and is a device for irradiating light emitted from a light-emitting means such as an LED disposed on the rear side of the device to the front side through the hemispherical lens element. In this embodiment, the optical axis of the light emitted from the light-emitting means is configured to be inclined downward toward the center in the left-right direction.

[0494] This makes it easier to improve the player's ability to pay attention to the light emitted from the hemispherical lighting device 613, compared to when the optical axis of the light emitted from the hemispherical lighting device 613 faces the front-to-rear direction. For example, it is possible to make it easier for the light to enter the field of view of a player who is viewing the center of the third pattern display device 81, or to make the player more aware of the light by irradiating the light onto the performance member 700 in the protruding or expanded state.

[0495] The upper arm member 620 is formed in the shape of a long plate and includes: a support hole 621 that is formed as a circular hole with a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical shaft portion 603 so that the cylindrical shaft portion 603 can be inserted therethrough; a gear portion 622 that is formed on an arc centered on the support hole 621 and is configured to be able to mesh with each other on a pair of upper arm members 620; a connecting portion 623 that is drilled in a circular shape at the end in the longitudinal direction and is configured to be able to insert a cylindrical protrusion 631 of the lower arm member 630; a transmission hole 624 that is formed only in the left upper arm member 620 and is formed as an elongated hole with a width slightly longer than the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 654 of the transmission gear 650; and a biased portion 625 that protrudes from the back side of the upper arm member 620 and has a hook-shaped tip.

[0496] The transmission hole 624 has a transmission portion 624a formed along a straight line passing through the center of the support hole 621, and a surplus portion 624b extending continuously from one end of the transmission portion 624a along an arc centered on the rotation axis of the transmission gear 650.

[0497] The transmission portion 624a functions as a portion that receives the driving force transmitted via the transmission gear 650, and the margin portion 624b functions as a portion that blocks the transmission of the driving force, as will be described in detail later.

[0498] The biased portion 625 is a portion with which one end of the arm portion of the torsion spring SP3 engages, and the upper arm member 620 receives a biasing force via this biased portion 625 in a direction that displaces the left and right outer sides of the upper arm member 620 upward.

[0499] Furthermore, the engagement of the hooked tip portion of the biased portion 625 with the torsion spring SP3 can restrict the forward displacement of the upper arm member 620 (see FIG. 49).

[0500] The lower arm member 630 is configured approximately symmetrically from a long plate member, except that the left arm has a path for passing electrical wiring, and is equipped with a cylindrical protrusion 631 that protrudes cylindrically from a midpoint in the longitudinal direction toward the back side, a cylindrical protrusion 632 that protrudes cylindrically from left and right outer positions toward the back side relative to the cylindrical protrusion 631, a support hole 633 that is circularly drilled in the front-to-rear direction at left and right inner positions relative to the cylindrical protrusion 631, and a plurality of arc-shaped holes 634 that are formed through along a pair of arcs centered on the support hole 633.

[0501] The cylindrical protrusion 631 is inserted into the connecting portion 623 of the upper arm member 620, and a screw with a large head diameter is threaded from the back side into the female screw formed at the tip of the cylindrical protrusion 631, thereby supporting the lower arm member 630 against the upper arm member 620 so that it cannot fall off.

[0502] The cylindrical protrusion 632 is inserted into the guide hole 602 of the main body member 601 via a collar member C1 formed in a cylindrical shape for reducing resistance, and a large-diameter head screw is threaded from the back side into the female screw formed at the tip of the cylindrical protrusion 632, thereby supporting the lower arm member 630 against the main body member 601 so that it cannot fall off.

[0503] Support hole 633 and arc-shaped hole 634 are used for connecting with performance member 700. Due to the relationship with placement portion 635, which will be described later, the thickness of the portion where arc-shaped hole 634 is formed is configured to be thicker at the lower portion than at the upper portion. As a result, when performance member 700 is placed at the lower end position, the thicker portions can support performance member 700 as if embracing it from both sides, effectively preventing performance member 700 from changing its posture to a forward tilting position.

[0504] The left lower arm member 630 also has a placement section 635 that is open on the rear side to form a space for passing electrical wiring along the length of the arm body, and a thin-walled lid section 636 that is arranged on the rear side of the placement section 635 and functions as a lid for the placement section 635.

[0505] The placement portion 635 has a base end through-hole 635a drilled in the front-rear direction at the end on the cylindrical protrusion 632 side.

[0506] The base-end through-hole 635a is a through-hole for passing electrical wiring arranged in the placement portion 635 in the front-rear direction. That is, the electrical wiring arranged in the placement portion 635 passes through the base-end through-hole 635a from the front side, is guided to the placement portion 635, and exits from the placement portion 635 to the tip side of the lower arm member 630.

[0507] Lower arm member 630 has a boundary along the longitudinal direction of lower arm member 630, and in the performance standby state, lower thick portion 637 disposed below the boundary is formed recessed toward the back surface. In other words, the upper side, with the tangent line as the boundary, is formed as a thin plate portion.

[0508] This lower meat portion 637 is reinforced by a plurality of ribs extending in the short direction in the right lower arm member 630. Furthermore, in the left lower arm member 630, lower meat portion 637 forms the upper wall portion of arrangement portion 635, is configured to be able to guide electrical wiring therein, and is reinforced by fastening and fixing thin-walled lid portion 636 disposed as a lid to the guide path.

[0509] The electrical wiring passes through the interior of lower arm member 630 (between placement portion 635 and thin-walled lid portion 636) and is guided toward performance member 700, which prevents the electrical wiring from coming into contact with components (for example, upper arm member 620) that are placed in front of and behind lower arm member 630. This prevents the electrical wiring from becoming tangled with or rubbing against these components, thereby preventing the electrical wiring from being damaged.

[0510] In addition to the above-mentioned pressing member PC1 that is assembled from the front side, the lower arm member 630 also has a pressing member PC1 that is made of the same material and assembled from the rear side. The lower arm member 630 is configured to be able to come into contact with the main body plate portion of the main body member 601 at the front and rear via this pressing member PC1. Note that the main body member 601 and the pressing member PC1 are not in constant contact with each other but have a slight gap therebetween, and when the lower arm member 630 is displaced toward the rear side, the pressing member PC1 comes into contact with the main body plate portion of the main body member 601 and functions to limit the displacement, just as with the front pressing member PC1.

[0511] That is, the lower arm member 630 has pressing members PC1 attached to both the front and rear sides and is configured to be able to abut against the main body member 601 or the front cover member 610 via the pressing members PC1, which makes it easy to limit displacement in the front-to-rear direction and makes it easier to reduce the resistance that occurs to up-and-down displacement when displacement is limited.

[0512] The tip of the pressing member PC1 that protrudes toward the rear side, which is assembled from the rear side, is positioned closer to the rear side than the rear end of the upper arm member 620. This makes it possible to prevent the upper arm member 620 from abutting against the main body member 601, even if the tip of the pressing member PC1 is displaced toward the rear side to such an extent that it abuts against the main body member 601. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the upper arm member 620 from abutting against the main body member 601 or the front cover member 610 that are arranged in front of or behind it.

[0513] This configuration is particularly effective when the lower arm member 630 is prone to unintentional displacement in the front-rear direction. For example, in this embodiment, the tip of the lower arm member 630 is located near the rear end face of the performance member 700, and the center of gravity of the performance member 700 and the connection position between the performance member 700 and the lower arm member 630 are misaligned in the front-rear direction, so it can be said that this configuration makes it easy for the lower arm member 630 to displace in the front-rear direction. In addition, this configuration makes it easy for the lower arm member 630 to displace in the front-rear direction due to the displacement mode of the lower arm member 630 or the drive displacement of the performance member 700 itself.

[0514] The transmission gear 650 includes a semicircular main body portion 651 formed in the shape of a substantially semicircular plate, a gear portion 652 engraved in the shape of a gear on the radially outer side of the semicircular main body portion 651, a support hole 653 formed as a circular hole on the semicircular central axis of the semicircular main body portion 651 through which the cylindrical shaft portion 605 can be inserted, a cylindrical protrusion 654 protruding in a cylindrical shape from the outer diameter end of the semicircular main body portion 651 to the front side, a detectable plate portion 655 formed in the shape of a plate at the circumferential end of the semicircular main body portion 651 and thin enough to enter the detection groove of the detection sensor 607, a thickened portion 656 formed by increasing the thickness between the detectable plate portion 655 and the support hole 653, and a regulated hole 657 formed by increasing the thickness in the front-to-rear direction at a position on the support hole 653 side of the thickened portion 656.

[0515] The gear portion 652 is disposed in mesh with the drive gear of the drive motor MT2, and the drive force of the drive motor MT2 is directly transmitted thereto.

[0516] The columnar protrusion 654 passes through the arc-shaped hole 606 of the main body member 601 and is disposed inside the transmission hole 624 of the upper arm member 620. This allows for the driving force to be transmitted to the upper arm member 620 via the columnar protrusion 654 as the transmission gear 650 rotates. The columnar protrusion 654 is inserted into a collar member having an outer diameter slightly shorter than the width of the transmission hole 624, and a fastening screw with a large head diameter is threaded into an internal thread portion formed at the protruding tip of the columnar protrusion 654, thereby supporting the collar member and the upper arm member 620 so that they cannot fall off and restricting forward displacement of the upper arm member 620.

[0517] The thickened portion 656 and the regulated hole 657 are configured to be able to engage with the displacement regulation device 180 (see FIG. 6) described above. By arranging the regulated hole 657 on the support hole 653 side (at a position closer to the support hole 653), the load (moment) transmitted from the transmission gear 650 to the displacement regulation device 180 is reduced when the displacement regulation device 180 is in the regulated state (see FIG. 21(a)).

[0518] Furthermore, as a design concept for the thickness of the transmission gear 650, the thickened portion 656 is set as a portion that must be able to withstand the load generated by engagement with the displacement regulation device 180. In other words, by forming the portion that cannot engage with the displacement regulation device 180 with a thin wall, it is possible to reduce the material cost required for the transmission gear 650.

[0519] Figure 53 is an exploded front perspective view of performance member 700, and Figure 54 is an exploded rear perspective view of performance member 700. In the explanation of Figures 53 and 54, Figures 51 and 52 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0520] 53 and 54, the performance member 700 comprises a plate-shaped main body 710 connected to the tip of the lower arm member 630, a functional plate portion 720 fastened to the front side of the plate-shaped main body 710, a rotating plate 730 arranged between the functional plate portion 720 and the plate-shaped main body 710 and supported so as to be rotatable and displaceable relative to the functional plate portion 720, an expandable / contractible displacement member 740 arranged between the rotating plate 730 and the functional plate portion 720 and configured to be able to displace in the same manner as a magic wand in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating plate 730, a drive motor MT3 fastened to the front side of the functional plate portion 720 and having a drive gear MG3 arranged on the back side of the functional plate portion 720, a light-emitting performance device 750 fastened to the front side of the functional plate portion 720 and performing a light-emitting performance, and a plurality of shielding design members 760 fastened to the tip portions of the plurality of expandable / contractible displacement members 740 respectively and combined to block the passage of light on the front side of the light-emitting performance device 750 when in a performance standby state.

[0521] The plate-like main body 710 is provided with a pair of cylindrical protrusions 711 that protrude from symmetrical positions toward the back side in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the support hole 633 of the lower arm member 630, a plurality of auxiliary protrusions 712 that protrude from arc-like positions centered on the cylindrical protrusions 711 toward the back side in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter slightly shorter than the width of the arc-up hole 634 of the lower arm member 630, a through hole 713 that is drilled in the front-to-rear direction at a position between the pair of cylindrical protrusions 711, a wiring guide member 714 that is arranged below the through hole 713 and is open only on the front side, and a pressing member PC1 that is arranged on the back side of the plate.

[0522] The through hole 713 is a through hole for passing the electrical wiring DK1, which passes through the lower arm member 630 and is guided between the placement portion 635 and the thin-walled cover portion 636 toward the front side. In the section from the tip of the lower arm member 630 to the through hole 713, the electrical wiring DK1 is guided by a wiring guide member 714. This makes it possible to eliminate the possibility of the electrical wiring DK1 coming into contact with other members or being visible to a player, even in the limited section from the lower arm member 630 to the through hole 713.

[0523] In addition to the function of guiding the electrical wiring DK1, the wiring guide member 714 also has the function of softening contact with the lower end of the rear plate portion 611 of the front cover member 610, since the upper surface is formed with an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the rear side.

[0524] In other words, when the performance member 700 is displaced upward, the upper surface of the wiring guide member 714 is positioned opposite the rear plate portion 611 of the front cover member 610, and even if the performance member 700 is misaligned toward the rear side, the wiring guide member 714 abuts against the rear plate portion 611, so that the performance member 700 can be returned to the front side during its upward displacement along the slope of the upper surface of the wiring guide member 714.

[0525] Like the wiring guide member 714, the pressing member PC1 is also arranged to be able to slide on the rear plate portion 611 of the front cover member 610. That is, in this embodiment, by configuring the pressing member PC1 arranged at the upper end and the wiring guide member 714 arranged at the lower portion to be able to come into contact with the rear plate portion 611 of the front cover member 610 during the upward displacement of the performance member 700, it is possible to separate the positions at which the load for maintaining the posture of the performance member 700 is generated.

[0526] Figure 55 is a front view of the functional plate portion 720. In the description of Figure 55, Figures 53 and 54 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0527] The functional board part 720 is formed in a substantially plate shape from a resin material, and includes a cylindrical part 721 that protrudes cylindrically toward the back side at the center part and has a through hole formed inside, an arc-shaped hole 722 formed along an arc shape coaxial with the central axis of the cylindrical part 721, a sensor arrangement part 723 formed at one end of the arc-shaped hole 722 so that a detection sensor SC7 can be arranged, a motor fixing part 724 having an opening through which the drive shaft of the drive motor MT3 can be inserted and formed so that the drive motor MT3 can be fastened and fixed, a plurality (in this embodiment, five sets) of guide holes 725 composed of a radial elongated hole 725a along a straight line passing through the central axis of the cylindrical part 721 and a pair of intersecting elongated holes 725b intersecting at right angles to the radial elongated hole 725a, a plurality (in this embodiment, five locations) of extended plate parts 726 extending radially outward on the extension line of the radial elongated hole, a pair (in this embodiment, a pair for each extended plate part 726) of auxiliary protrusions 727 protruding from the back side end of the flat part arranged at the extended base end of the extended plate part 726 to both ends in the width direction of the extended plate part, and a pair of columnar protrusions 728 protruding columnarly from near the radially outer end to the back side.

[0528] The cylindrical part 721 is arranged so that the back side end abuts against the plate-shaped main body 710, and is fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped main body 710 in a state where the internal through hole communicates with the through hole 713 of the plate-shaped main body 710. At this time, the fastening screw is inserted into the plate-shaped main body 710 from the back side of the plate-shaped main body 710, and the screw part is screwed into the female screw formed at the back side end of the cylindrical part 721.

[0529] Thereby, the functional board part 720 is fastened and fixed to the plate-shaped main body 710, and a through hole is formed in the central part thereof. In this embodiment, the electrical wiring DK1 is guided to the front side through this through hole.

[0530] The electrical wiring DK1 (see FIG. 76) guided to the front side is connected to the detection sensor SC7 fastened and fixed to the sensor arrangement part 723 and the drive motor MT3 fastened and fixed to the motor fixing part 724. Thereby, the detection sensor SC7 and the drive motor MT3 can be energized.

[0531] The arc-shaped hole 722 is a through hole that allows the detectable portion 731a of the rotating plate 730 to protrude toward the front side, and the posture of the rotating plate 730 can be determined by the detectable portion 731a entering the detection groove of the detection sensor SC7.

[0532] The guide hole 725 is a group of through holes formed with a width that allows the guided protrusions 741b, 741c, and 742a of the expansion / contraction displacement member 740 to be positioned, and includes a radially elongated hole 725a formed along a straight line extending radially from the central axis of the tubular portion 721, and a pair of intersecting elongated holes 725b formed in elongated shape on both sides of the outer diameter end of the radially elongated hole 725a along straight lines perpendicular to the straight line that serves as the reference for the radially elongated hole 725a.

[0533] The radial elongated holes 725a and the intersecting elongated holes 725b function to limit the displacement of the expansion / contraction displacement member 740, and the extension plate portion 726 and the auxiliary protrusion portion 727 function to correct the posture of the expansion / contraction displacement member 740 in the assembled arrangement state, as will be described in detail later.

[0534] The columnar protrusion 728 is configured so that its rear end can come into contact with the plate-shaped main body 710. In the contact state, a fastening screw inserted into the plate-shaped main body 710 from the rear side is threaded into a female screw formed on the tip end of the columnar protrusion 728, thereby fastening and fixing the functional plate 720 to the plate-shaped main body 710.

[0535] In the assembled state, the columnar protrusion 728 ...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine having a container that contains an object and is configured to be displaceable relative to a predetermined frame member, An operating means that is operable, that is arranged to be connected to the object contained in the container, and that is configured to be able to transmit to the object that it has been operated; a notification means arranged on the front side of the gaming machine and capable of notifying information related to the operation of the operation means toward the front side of the gaming machine; A control means connected to the contained object by a first electrical connection line and controlling the notification means; a power supply means connected to the object via a second electrical connection line; The first electrical connection line, the second electrical connection line, and one or more other electrical connection lines are connected to the contained object, In a state in which at least the first electrical connection line and the second electrical connection line among the electrical connection lines are connected to the contained object and at least one other electrical connection line is disconnected, information regarding the operation of the operating means can be notified, the predetermined frame member includes a restricting means for restricting the relative displacement of the container with respect to the predetermined frame member toward the operation direction of the operation means when the container is displaced to a predetermined position of relative displacement with respect to the predetermined frame member, A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first electrical connection line and the second electrical connection line are connected to the contained object and at least one of the other electrical connection lines is disconnected, the container is configured to be displaceable relative to the specified frame member up to a specified position that is displaced maximum relative to the specified frame member within the range in which the container is displaceable relative to the specified frame member.

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