Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine which does not leave any ball on a shooting rail at an end moment of an operation cycle in which a ball feed operation and a shooting operation are carried out, and enable stable shooting without variation in a shooting intensity.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a ball feed device which supplies game balls one by one onto a shooting rail, and a shooting device which shoots the game ball on the shooting rail toward a game area. The game machine repeatedly execute an operation cycle in which a ball feed operation by ball feed drive means 173 of a ball feed device and a shooting operation by shooting driving means 137 of the shooting device are carried out at predetermined timings. The game machine is configured such that the ball feed operation is carried out directly after a start of the operation cycle and the shooting operation is carried out just before an end of the operation cycle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, a ball feeding device that supplies one gaming ball at a time onto a firing rail and a firing device that fires the gaming ball on the firing rail toward a gaming area are provided. Based on satisfaction of predetermined firing conditions, an operation cycle of synchronizing the ball feeding operation by the ball feeding device and the firing operation by the firing device is repeatedly executed, enabling continuous firing of gaming balls at a constant pace (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of gaming machine, in the firing operation in the operation cycle, the gaming ball supplied in the ball feeding operation in the previous operation cycle is fired, and it is conceivable to control the gaming ball supplied in the ball feeding operation in the current operation cycle to be fired in the firing operation in the next operation cycle. By performing such firing control, it is possible to secure sufficient time before firing for the ball-fed gaming ball to stabilize on the firing rail, and there is an advantage that stable firing with no variation in firing intensity becomes possible. However, in the case of the above-described launch control in which the ball feeding operation and the launch operation for launching the game balls supplied by the ball feeding operation are performed over two operation cycles, game balls remain on the launch rail at the end of the operation cycle. Therefore, there has been a problem that it is difficult to adopt this in a so-called smart pachinko machine that circulates the game balls enclosed inside and uses them for the game. That is, in the case of a smart pachinko machine, since the number of game balls held by the player is subtracted at the time of ball feeding, the player will end the game in an unlaunched state despite the subtraction of the number of game balls. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring that no balls remain on the launch rail at the end of the operation cycle for performing the ball feeding operation and the launch operation, and enabling stable launching with no variation in launch intensity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention includes a ball feeding device that supplies game balls one by one onto a launch rail, a launch device that launches the game balls on the launch rail toward a game area, a game ball circulation device that circulates a predetermined number of game balls within a game ball circulation path including the game area, and a game ball number management means that manages the number of game balls held by a player. In a gaming machine that repeatedly executes an operation cycle in which the ball feeding operation by the ball feeding device and the launch operation by the launch device are performed at a predetermined timing based on satisfaction of a predetermined launch condition, the ball feeding operation is performed immediately after the start of the operation cycle, and the launch operation is performed immediately before the end of the operation cycle. Even if the launch condition is not satisfied during one operation cycle, the operation cycle is continued until its end. If the firing condition is not satisfied because the operation amount of the firing operation means becomes 0 after the start of one operation cycle and before the firing operation is performed, the firing operation is performed with a firing intensity such that the fired game ball does not reach the game area. is what it is.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, no balls remain on the launch rail at the end of the operation cycle, and stable launching with no variation in launch intensity becomes possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 27 illustrate the first embodiment adopted in a so - called smart pachinko machine of the present invention. Here, a smart pachinko machine is one that circulates the game balls enclosed inside for use in the game, and the number of game balls held by the player is managed internally as game ball number data.

[0009] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine main body 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 disposed on the front side of the outer frame 2. The front frame 3 is pivotally attached to the outer frame 2 in an openable / closable and detachable manner via a vertical first hinge 4 disposed at one end side in the left-right direction, for example, the left end side, and can be locked in a closed state to the outer frame 2 by a locking means 5 provided on the opposite side to the first hinge 4 in the left-right direction, for example, the right end side.

[0010] The front frame 3 includes an inner frame 6 and a front door 7 disposed on the front side of the inner frame 6. The front door 7 is pivotally attached to the inner frame 6 in an openable / closable and detachable manner via a vertical second hinge 8 disposed at one end side in the left-right direction, for example, the left end side, and can be locked in a closed state to the inner frame 6 by the locking means 5. Note that the first hinge 4 and the second hinge 8 are arranged, for example, on the same axis.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer frame 2 is formed in a rectangular shape by a pair of left and right vertical frame members 2a, 2b and a pair of upper and lower horizontal frame members 2c, 2d. A front cover member 9 is attached to the lower front side of the outer frame 2 so as to connect the lower front portions of the left and right vertical frame members 2a, 2b along the front edge of the lower horizontal frame member 2d. The front cover member 9 protrudes forward from the left and right vertical frame members 2a, 2b, and the inner frame 6 is disposed above it.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the inner frame 6 includes, for example, integrally a rectangular frame portion 13 that can substantially contact the front edge side of the outer frame 2 above the front cover member 9, a game board mounting portion 14 provided on the upper side within the frame portion 13, and a lower mounting portion 15 provided on the lower side within the frame portion 13. A game board 17 (FIG. 5) having a game area 16 arranged on the front side is detachably mounted on the game board mounting portion 14 from the front side, for example, and a game ball circulation device 18 is arranged on the lower mounting portion 15. The game ball circulation device 18 is for circulating game balls within a game ball circulation path including the game area 16, and includes a launching device 19, a lifting device 20, etc. The launching device 19 launches game balls toward the game area 16, collects the out balls discharged from the game area 16, and is configured to supply them again to the launching device 19 via the lifting device 20 and the like. Details of this game ball circulation device 18 will be described later.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 5, the game board 17 includes a base board 21 made of veneer, polycarbonate, etc. On the front side of the base board 21, guide rails 22 for guiding game balls launched from the launching device 19 are annularly arranged. In the game area 16 inside the guide rails 22, in addition to unit components such as a central display frame unit 23, a start winning unit 24, and a normal winning unit 25, a large number of game pins (not shown) are arranged. On the left side of the game area 16, a launch guide passage 26 is formed between an outer rail 22a and an inner rail 22b that constitute the guide rails 22. At the inflow portion from the launch guide passage 26 to the game area 16, a return prevention piece 27 for preventing the return of game balls from the game area 16 side to the launch guide passage 26 side is provided.

[0014] Also, on a plurality of unit components 23 to 25 of the game board 17, in addition to a normal symbol start means 31, a first special symbol start means 32, a second special symbol start means 33, a big winning means 34, a plurality of normal winning means 35, etc., various display means such as a normal symbol display means 36, a normal hold number display means 37, a first special symbol display means 38, and a second special symbol display means 39 are arranged.

[0015] The central display frame unit 23 constitutes the display frame of the liquid crystal display means (image display means) 40 arranged on the rear side of the base plate 21, and is arranged approximately at the center of the game area 16. The game ball launched by the launching device 19 and entering the upper side of the game area 16 through the launch guide passage 26 flows down through either the left downward flow path 41a on the left side or the right downward flow path 41b on the right side of this central display frame unit 23. Note that on the outer periphery of the game area 16, a return rubber 28 is arranged in the upper right part thereof, that is, near the entrance of the right downward flow path 41b. The game ball that flows into the game area 16 at high speed and passes through the uppermost part of the game area 16 along the guide rail 22 as it is collides with the return rubber 28, stalls, and then flows down to the right downward flow path 41b side. Further, the central display frame unit 23 is provided with a warp inlet 42 on the left downward flow path 41a side through which the game ball can flow in. The game ball that flows into the warp inlet 42 while flowing down the left downward flow path 41a freely rolls in the left - right direction on the stage 43 provided on the lower side of the central display frame unit 23, and then falls forward from either the central drop part 44 provided corresponding to the center in the left - right direction of the game area 16 or the other part.

[0016] The normal symbol starting means 31 is for starting the variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display means 36, and is constituted by a passage gate or the like through which the game ball can pass, and is provided with a passage detection means (not shown) for detecting the passage of the game ball. This normal symbol starting means 31 is arranged, for example, on the right side of the central display frame unit 23, and the game ball flowing down the right downward flow path 41b can pass through it.

[0017] The normal symbol display means 36 is for variably displaying the normal symbol, and is constituted by a plurality (two) of LEDs or the like. Based on the detection of the game ball by the normal symbol starting means 31, after the plurality of LEDs constituting the normal symbol emit light in the normal variable light emission pattern, when the winning determination random value included in the normal random number information obtained at the time of game ball detection by the normal symbol starting means 31 matches a predetermined winning determination value, it stops the variation in the winning mode, and in other cases, it stops the variation in the losing mode.

[0018] Also, when the normal symbol start means 31 detects a game ball during the normal holding period including during the symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 36 and during the normal profit state, the normal random number information obtained thereby is stored in holding memory up to a predetermined upper limit holding number, for example, 4, and each time the normal holding period ends, one is consumed and the normal symbol is varied. The number of stored normal random number information (normal holding number) is notified to the player by the normal holding number display means 37 or the like.

[0019] The first special symbol start means 32 is for starting the symbol variation by the first special symbol display means 38, and is constituted by a non-opening / closing type winning means having no opening / closing means, and includes a game ball detection means (not shown) for detecting a winning game ball. This first special symbol start means 32 is provided, for example, in the start winning unit 24, and is disposed in an upward opening shape below corresponding to the central dropping portion 44 of the stage 43. Since there is a route for winning through the stage 43 from the warp inlet 42 on the left flowing-down path 41a side, the game ball flowing down the left flowing-down path 41a has a higher probability of winning than the game ball flowing down the right flowing-down path 41b. The game ball that wins in the first special symbol start means 32 is guided to the rear side of the game board 17 after being detected by the game ball detection means. When a game ball wins in the first special symbol start means 32, a predetermined number of game balls per winning are given to the player as prize balls (in the smart pachinko machine of this embodiment, the game balls are not actually paid out, but the number of prize balls is added to the game ball number data. The same applies hereinafter).

[0020] The second special symbol starting means 33 is for starting the symbol variation by the second special symbol display means 39, and is constituted by an opening / closing type winning means that can be changed between an open state in which a game ball can win and a closed state in which winning is impossible (or more difficult than the open state) by the operation of the opening / closing part 33a, and is provided with a game ball detection means (not shown) for detecting a winning game ball. When the stopped symbol after the variation of the normal symbol display means 36 becomes a winning pattern and a normal profit state occurs, the opening / closing part 33a changes from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time. This second special symbol starting means 33 is arranged, for example, at the right part of the central display frame unit 23 and on the downstream side of the normal symbol starting means 31, and the game ball flowing down through the right downstream path 41b can win. The game ball that wins in the second special symbol starting means 33 is guided to the rear side of the game board 17 after being detected by the game ball detection means. When a game ball wins in the second special symbol starting means 33, a predetermined number of game balls per win are given to the player as prize balls.

[0021] The first special symbol display means 38 is for variably displaying the first special symbol, and is constituted by 7-segment LEDs or the like. Based on a game ball winning in the first special symbol starting means 32, after starting the variation by the 7-segment LEDs or the like constituting the first special symbol, when the jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number information acquired at the time of game ball detection by the first special symbol starting means 32 matches a predetermined jackpot determination value, it stops the variation in the first jackpot mode, and in other cases, in the first non-winning mode. When the stopped symbol after the variation of the first special symbol display means 38 becomes the first jackpot mode, a special profit state occurs.

[0022] The second special symbol display means 39 is for variably displaying the second special symbol, and is constituted by a 7-segment LED or the like. Based on a game ball winning in the second special symbol starting means 33, after starting the variation by the 7-segment LED or the like constituting the second special symbol, when the jackpot determination random number value included in the second special random number information acquired at the time of game ball detection by the second special symbol starting means 33 matches a predetermined jackpot determination value, it is in the second jackpot mode, and in other cases, the variation stops in the second losing mode. When the stopped symbol after the variation of the second special symbol display means 39 becomes the second jackpot mode, a special profit state occurs.

[0023] Also, when the first and second special symbol starting means 32 and 33 detect a game ball during the symbol variation of the first special symbol display means 38, during the symbol variation of the second special symbol display means 39, and during the special hold period including the special profit state, the first and second special random number information acquired thereby is held and stored up to a predetermined upper hold number, for example, 4 each. And when there is 1 or more hold memory on the second special symbol side at the time when the special hold period ends, 1 hold memory of the second special symbol is consumed and the second special symbol is varied, and when there is 1 or more hold memory only on the first special symbol side, 1 hold memory of the first special symbol is consumed and the first special symbol is varied. Thus, in this embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol do not vary at the same time, and when there is hold memory on both the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, the variation of the second special symbol is preferentially performed. Note that the number of stored memories (the first and second special hold numbers) of the first and second special random number information is notified to the player by the liquid crystal display means 40 or the like.

[0024] The big winning means 34 is an opening and closing type winning means having an opening and closing plate 34a that can be switched between an open state where a game ball can win and a closed state where winning is impossible. It is arranged downstream of the second special symbol starting means 33 and upstream of the first special symbol starting means 32. Game balls flowing down the right downstream path 41b have a higher probability of winning than game balls flowing down the left downstream path 41a. When the first and second special symbols of the first and second special symbol display means 38 and 39 stop in the first and second jackpot modes after changing, in the special profit state that occurs, the opening and closing plate 34a opens forward according to one of one or more types of opening patterns, and allows the game balls that have fallen thereon to win inside. The game balls that have won in the big winning means 34 are guided to the rear side of the game board 17 after being detected by a game ball detection means (not shown). When a game ball wins in the big winning means 34, a predetermined number of game balls per win are given to the player as prize balls.

[0025] The normal winning means 35 is composed of a non-opening and closing type winning means without opening and closing means, and is arranged at a plurality of locations in the game area 16 such as on the normal winning unit 25. It is provided with a game ball detection means (not shown) for detecting the winning game balls. The game balls that have won in the normal winning means 35 are guided to the rear side of the game board 17 after being detected by a game ball detection means (not shown). When a game ball wins in the normal winning means 35, a predetermined number of game balls per win are given to the player as prize balls.

[0026] The game balls launched by the launching device 19 and entering the game area 16 either win in any of the various winning means such as the above-described first and second special symbol starting means 32 and 33 and the big winning means 34, or enter the out port 45 arranged in one or more in the game area 16, and are thus guided outside the game area 16, that is, to the rear side of the game board 17.

[0027] In addition, the liquid crystal display means 40 can variably display the production symbol 46 in parallel with the variable display of the first and second special symbols by the first and second special symbol display means 38 and 39, and can also display various images such as the first and second hold images X1 to X4, Y1 to Y4 indicating the first and second hold numbers.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 7 includes a resin door base 51 formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the front side of the inner frame 6. A window hole 52a of a glass window (transparent window) 52 is formed in the door base 51 corresponding to the game area 16, and, for example, a plurality (here, four) of effect means such as speakers 53 and an LED board 54 are arranged around the window hole 52a, and an upper decorative cover 55 that substantially covers the speakers 53, the LED board 54, etc. from the front side is attached. The upper decorative cover 55 constitutes a light-emitting lens part having translucency at least partially corresponding to the LED board 54 on the rear side.

[0029] Also, a lower bulging part 56 and a firing handle 57 are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right on the front side of the lower part of the door base 51, that is, the part corresponding to the front side of the lower mounting part 15 on the inner frame 6 side, and a handrest (rest means) 58 is arranged below the firing handle 57.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the lower bulging part 56 is formed so that the protrusion to the front side gradually increases from both left and right ends of the front door 7 toward the center, and an operation panel part 59 is provided on the upper surface side thereof. The operation panel part 59 is provided with an effect button 61, a volume adjustment operation part 62, a light quantity adjustment operation part 63, a cross operation part 64, a game ball number display part 65, a counting button 66, etc.

[0031] The performance button 61 is used in so-called button performances and the like that are carried out during the game. It becomes valid for a certain period during the button performance, and when the player presses it during the valid period, a predetermined operation performance is configured to be executed. The volume adjustment operation unit 62 is for adjusting the output volume from the speaker 53 and is composed of a plus button and a minus button. The light quantity adjustment operation unit 63 is for adjusting the light quantity of various LEDs arranged on the LED substrate 54 and the like, and is also composed of a plus button and a minus button like the volume adjustment operation unit 62. The cross operation unit 64 is used in various setting operations and selection operations such as the selection operation of menu items when a menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 40, and is provided with moving buttons in four directions: up, down, left, and right.

[0032] The game ball number display unit 65 displays the number of game balls (the number of game balls held by the player) managed inside the game machine as game ball number data, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs or the like with a predetermined number of digits (here, 6 digits). The counting button 66 is an operation means for transferring the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display unit 65 to a storage medium such as an IC card via an external game ball lending device.

[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower bulging portion 56 includes an effect button unit 67 arranged on the front side and a button unit support portion 68 that detachably supports the effect button unit 67. The effect button unit 67 includes an effect button main body portion 71 with the downward-pressable effect button 61 arranged on the upper side, a fixing sheet metal 72 attached to the lower side of the effect button main body portion 71, and a front decorative panel 73 attached to the front side of the effect button main body portion 71.

[0034] The fixed sheet metal 72 integrally includes a bottom wall portion 74 disposed substantially horizontally on the bottom surface side of the effect button main body portion 71, a rear wall portion 75 erected on the rear surface side of the effect button main body portion 71, and a pair of left side wall portions 76 and right side wall portions 77 erected on the left and right side surface sides of the effect button main body portion 71. On the bottom wall portion 74, a first fixed receiving portion 79a is disposed where a first fixing operation tool 78a on the button unit support portion 68 side can be detachably engaged. On the rear wall portion 75, a second fixed receiving portion 79b is disposed where a second fixing operation tool 78b on the button unit support portion 68 side can be detachably engaged. Also, on the left and right side wall portions 76, 77, engaging portions 80b, 80b are disposed that can be engaged with a pair of left and right engaging receiving portions 80a, 80a provided on the button unit support portion 68 side from the front side.

[0035] On the front side of the lower bulging portion 56, a button unit accommodating portion 81 having a space for accommodating the effect button unit 67 is formed in a state of being open forward and upward, and a button unit support portion 68 is provided in the button unit accommodating portion 81. The button unit support portion 68 includes a support sheet metal 82 disposed along the inner wall of the button unit accommodating portion 81. This support sheet metal 82 integrally includes a bottom wall portion 84 disposed substantially horizontally on the inner surface side (upper surface side) along the bottom wall 83 of the lower bulging portion 56, a rear wall portion 85 erected along the front surface side of the door base 51, and a pair of left side wall portions 86 and right side wall portions 87 erected on both the left and right sides, and is detachably fixed to the bottom wall 83 of the lower bulging portion 56, the door base 51, etc. by screwing or the like.

[0036] On the bottom wall portion 84, a first fixing operating tool 78a corresponding to the first fixing receiving portion 79a on the side of the effect button unit 67 is arranged, and on the rear wall portion 85, a second fixing operating tool 78b corresponding to the second fixing receiving portion 79b on the side of the effect button unit 67 is arranged. The first fixing operating tool 78a can perform the engaging and disengaging operation with respect to the first fixing receiving portion 79a from below the lower bulging portion 56, and the second fixing operating tool 78b can perform the engaging and disengaging operation with respect to the second fixing receiving portion 79b from the back side of the front door 7 (i.e., in a state where the front door 7 is opened). Also, on the left and right side wall portions 86, 87, engaging receiving portions 80a, 80a corresponding to the engaging portions 80b, 80b on the side of the effect button unit 67 are arranged.

[0037] When mounting the effect button unit 67 in the button unit accommodating portion 81 of the lower bulging portion 56, with the fixed sheet metal 72 on the side of the effect button unit 67 along the inside of the support sheet metal 82 on the side of the button unit support portion 68, the effect button unit 67 is slid backward. At this time, the engaging portions 80b, 80b on the side of the effect button unit 67 engage with the engaging receiving portions 80a, 80a on the side of the button unit support portion 68 from the front side respectively. Then, when the effect button unit 67 reaches a predetermined fixed position, in that state, the first fixing operating tool 78a is operated from below the lower bulging portion 56 to engage with the first fixing receiving portion 79a on the side of the effect button unit 67, and further the second fixing operating tool 78b is operated from the back side of the front door 7 to engage with the second fixing receiving portion 79b on the side of the effect button unit 67, thereby completing the mounting work of the effect button unit 67. When removing the effect button unit 67, the reverse procedure of the mounting work described above may be performed.

[0038] The launch handle 57 is an operating means for the player to perform an operation for activating the launch device 19. As shown in FIGS. 7, 9 to 11, etc., it includes a launch handle base 91, a launch stop lever 92, a rotary operation section 93, a handle cap 94, etc., and is disposed in the vicinity of the right side of the lower bulging section 56. The launch handle base 91 integrally includes a substantially cylindrical support leg portion 95 disposed in the front-rear direction and a bowl-shaped portion 96 provided on the front end side of the support leg portion 95, and the rear end side of the support leg portion 95 is detachably fixed to the door base 51 of the front door 7.

[0039] The launch stop lever 92 is for stopping the launch operation by the launch device 19, and protrudes radially outward from a predetermined position on the front edge side of the bowl-shaped portion 96, for example, a notch provided on the left side. It is supported so as to be switchable between a first position (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 10) where the outward protrusion amount is large and a second position (shown by a solid line in FIG. 10) where the protrusion amount is smaller than that, and is biased toward the first position side. When the launch stop lever 92 is in the first position (OFF), the operation switch for activating the launch device 19 is turned on and the launch operation by the launch device 19 is permitted. When the launch stop lever 92 is in the second position (ON), the operation switch is turned off and the launch operation by the launch device 19 stops. That is, the fact that the launch stop lever 92 is not operated (being in the first position (OFF)) is one of the conditions for permitting the launch operation.

[0040] The rotation operation unit (operation unit) 93 is for adjusting the firing intensity by the firing device 19. It is formed in a substantially annular shape corresponding to the front edge side of the bowl-shaped part 96, and a plurality of, for example, three finger-hooking parts 93a are integrally projected on the outer peripheral side thereof. This rotation operation unit 93 is supported in a rotatable state between the minimum rotation angle (origin position) θ0 and the maximum rotation angle θMAX rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle from this minimum rotation angle θ0. The resistance value of the variable resistor 97 is configured to change according to the rotation angle, and it is biased counterclockwise toward the minimum rotation angle (origin position) θ0 side. Further, the rotation operation unit 93 functions as an electrode of the touch sensor 98, for example, by applying conductive plating to the entire outer surface thereof. When the touch sensor 98 is turned on by the player touching the rotation operation unit 93, the firing operation by the firing device 19 is permitted. That is, the player touching the rotation operation unit 93 (the touch sensor 98 being ON) is one of the conditions for permitting the firing operation. Note that the variable resistor 97, the touch sensor 98, etc. are arranged in the bowl-shaped part 96 (FIG. 10).

[0041] Also, when the rotation operation unit 93 is within the range from the minimum rotation angle (origin position) θ0 to the rotation angle θ1, the firing stop lever 92 is held at the second position (ON) in conjunction with the rotation operation unit 93 (see FIG. 26). Note that the force (first biasing force) that biases the rotation operation unit 93 toward the minimum rotation angle θ0 side is greater than the force (second biasing force) that biases the firing stop lever 92 toward the first position (OFF) side. Therefore, in a state where the rotation operation unit 93 is not being operated, that is, in a state where it is held at the minimum rotation angle (origin position) θ0 by the first biasing force, the firing stop lever 92 is held at the second position (ON) by the first biasing force received from the rotation operation unit 93, and the operation switch is OFF. When the player grips the rotation operation unit 93 and rotates it clockwise from that state, when the rotation angle reaches θ1, the firing stop lever 92 is released from the first biasing force and moves from the second position (ON) to the first position (OFF) by the second biasing force, causing the operation switch to turn ON and allowing the firing operation by the firing device 19. Note that the firing control based on the operation of this firing handle 57 will be described later.

[0042] The handle grip 94 is a part where the player places their palm when operating the rotation operation unit 93 and the like. It is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape from synthetic resin, is disposed in front of the rotation operation unit 93, and is fixed to the firing handle base 91 side in a state where it does not interfere with the operation of the rotation operation unit 93 and the like.

[0043] The handrest 58 is an example of a rest means that supports a predetermined part of the player's body that operates the firing handle 57, specifically, a range from the arm through the wrist to the hand (including the palm). It is disposed below the firing handle 57 and on the side (right side) of the lower bulging portion 56. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, this handrest 58 includes a base portion 101, a back cover portion 102, a front cover portion 103, and a rest portion (support portion) 104.

[0044] The base portion 101 is made of synthetic resin and is formed, for example, in a thin plate shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view and long in the front-rear direction. It is disposed substantially horizontally in front of the lower edge portion of the door base 51 along the lower edge portion thereof. The upper surface side of the base portion 101 is formed in a slightly downwardly inclined shape, and the lower surface side is formed substantially horizontally, so that the thickness (plate thickness) in the vertical direction is smaller on the front side than on the rear side. Further, a first opening 105a penetrating in the vertical direction is provided at a predetermined position on the rear side corresponding to the lower side of the tip of the firing handle 57 in the base portion 101, and a second opening 105b also penetrating in the vertical direction is provided on the front side of the first opening 105a.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8 and the like, the base portion 101 forms a handle rest base 108 integrally including a side wall portion 106 erected upward along the left edge portion thereof and a rear wall portion 107 erected upward along the rear edge portion thereof. The side wall portion 106 of the handle rest base 108 constitutes the right side wall of the lower bulging portion 56 and is disposed on the right side thereof along the right side wall portion 87 of the support sheet metal 82 of the button unit support portion 68 (FIG. 9), and is fixed to the right side wall portion 87 by screwing or the like. When the effect button unit 67 is mounted in the button unit housing portion 81, the front decorative panel 73 on the side of the effect button unit 67 is connected to the front edge side of this side wall portion 106.

[0046] Further, the rear wall portion 107 of the handle rest base 108 is disposed along the front surface side of the door base 51 and is fixed to the door base 51 or the like by screwing or the like. An insertion hole 109 corresponding to the firing handle 57 is formed in the rear wall portion 107, and the firing handle 57 is fixed to the door base 51 side with the rear end side thereof inserted into the insertion hole 109.

[0047] As described above, in the handle rest 58, the rear end portion of the base portion 101 is fixed to the door base 51 side via the rear wall portion 107, and the left side portion of the base portion 101 is fixed to the lower bulging portion 56 side via the side wall portion 106. Thus, since the handle rest 58 is supported by the front door 7 in a range of an L-shape in plan view that straddles not only the rear side but also from the rear side to the side portion, it is possible to ensure sufficient strength against rough handling by the player. Here, the rear wall portion 107 of the handle rest base 108 is an example of a rear portion support means for supporting the rear portion of the handle rest 58, and the side wall portion 106 of the handle rest base 108 is an example of a side portion support means for supporting the side portion of the handle rest 58.

[0048] The back cover portion 102 is for reinforcing the base portion 101, and is fitted into the recess provided on the lower surface side of the base portion 101 from below, and is detachably fixed to the base portion 101 by screwing or the like. As shown in FIG. 8 and the like, the back cover portion 102 is integrally formed with a base side recess 110 corresponding to the first opening portion 105a on the base portion 101 side and a rest support portion 111 corresponding to the second opening portion 105b on the base portion 101 side, respectively.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 and the like, the base side recess 110 is formed in a downwardly recessed shape below corresponding to the inner region of the first opening portion 105a. In the base side recess 110, a base side opening portion 112 having a predetermined shape, for example, a substantially rectangular shape, is formed at a predetermined position on the bottom wall 110a, for example, on the rear side. Note that the bottom wall 110a of the base side recess 110 is substantially horizontal and is arranged along the bottom surface of the base portion 101, and the peripheral wall portion 110b around the bottom wall 110a is formed in an inclined shape that gradually becomes lower toward the bottom wall 110a side. The rest support portion 111 is for fixing the rest portion 104, and is formed in an upwardly protruding shape corresponding to the shape of the second opening portion 105b, and is fitted into the second opening portion 105b from below. Here, the shape of the second opening portion 105b and the rest support portion 111 fitted thereto is substantially rectangular, but it may be circular or any other arbitrary shape.

[0050] The table cover portion 103 covers the periphery of the first opening 105a on the base portion 101 side from above. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, etc., it includes a cover-side recess 114 formed along the inner surface (upper surface) of the base-side recess 110 on the back cover portion 102 side. It is mounted on the first opening 105a of the base portion 101 from above and is detachably fixed to the back cover portion 102 by screwing or the like.

[0051] In the cover-side recess 114, a cover-side opening 115 corresponding to the base-side opening 112 of the base-side recess 110 is formed on its bottom wall 114a. This cover-side opening 115 is composed of a plurality of long holes 115a, and these long holes 115a are arranged so that all of them correspond to the area of the base-side opening 112. Note that the cover-side opening 115 can be formed with holes of any number and any shape, such as one or more circular holes. Also, regarding the base-side opening 112, similar to the cover-side opening 115, it can be formed with holes of any number and any shape, such as one or more circular holes, but it is desirable that all of the cover-side openings 115 are included within the range of the base-side opening 112, or that the two completely coincide.

[0052] This cover-side recess 114 is an example of a space-forming portion for securing more space under the firing handle 57. The presence of the cover-side recess (space-forming portion) 114 creates a margin in the space even though the handrest 58 is provided under the firing handle 57, preventing the operation of the firing handle 57 by the player from becoming cramped. The arrangement position of this cover-side recess 114 is determined in consideration of the actual wrist position and the like when the player holds the firing handle 57 with the right hand. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the cover-side recess 114 is arranged with its center position in the left-right direction shifted slightly outward (right side) from the central axis of the firing handle 57, and as shown in FIG. 11, the center position in the front-rear direction is arranged to substantially coincide with the front-rear direction position of the gripping operation portion 57a at the tip side of the firing handle 57. Note that the gripping operation portion 57a of the firing handle 57 is the portion of the firing handle 57 that the player actually grips and operates, that is, the portion composed of the handle cap 94 and the rotation operation portion 93 on the rear side thereof.

[0053] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the front-rear width of the cover-side recess 114 is larger than the front-rear width of the gripping operation portion 57a of the firing handle 57, and the front end portion of the cover-side recess 114 is located in front of the tip end portion of the firing handle 57. Further, the cover-side opening 115 is shifted rearward from the center position in the front-rear direction of the cover-side recess 114 and is arranged to substantially coincide with the front-rear direction position of the rotation operation portion 93, for example.

[0054] The rest part (support part) 104 is for supporting a predetermined part in the range from a part of the player's body, that is, from the arm through the wrist to the hand (including the palm) from below. As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 11, etc., it is composed of a rest cover part 116 that directly supports the player's arm and the like, and a rest base part 117 to which this rest cover part 116 is attached. The rest cover part 116 is formed of a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) material having both supple elasticity and firm rigidity so that when the player places the arm or the like on it, the load can be dispersed and supported securely. This rest cover part 116 integrally includes a plate-shaped upper wall part 116a formed in a shape corresponding to the second opening part 105b (here, a substantially rectangular shape), and a peripheral wall part 116b provided along the outer periphery of this upper wall part 116a and extending downward so as to enclose the rest base part 117 from its outer peripheral side. In a state where the rest cover part 116 is fitted to the rest base part 117, a space is formed between the upper wall part 116a of the rest cover part 116 and the rest base part 117, and the deformation of the upper wall part 116a of the rest cover part 116 is allowed by this space.

[0055] The rest part 104 is fitted into the second opening part 105b of the base part 101 from above, and in a state where the upper part side of the rest cover part 116 protrudes above the upper surface of the base part 101, the rest base part 117 is detachably fixed by screwing it from below to the rest support part 111 on the back cover part 102 side. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 10 and the like, this rest part 104 is arranged so that the central position in the left-right direction substantially coincides with the central axis of the firing handle 57 in the left-right direction.

[0056] Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 24, the configuration of the game ball circulation device 18 provided on the inner frame 6 side will be described. As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, etc., the game ball circulation device 18 includes a launching device 19 capable of launching game balls toward the game area 16, a pre-lifting passage 121 for guiding out-balls discharged from the game area 16, a lifting device 20 for lifting the game balls guided by the pre-lifting passage 121 to a position higher than the launching position by the launching device 19, a post-lifting passage 122 for guiding the game balls lifted by the lifting device 20 toward the launching device 19, a ball feeder 120 for supplying the game balls guided by the post-lifting passage 122 to the launching device 19 one by one in synchronization with the launching operation of the launching device 19, a foul ball passage 123 for guiding game balls (foul balls) that have not reached the game area 16 despite being launched by the launching device 19 toward the lifting device 20, an out-ball switch 124, an excessive position detection switch 125, a shortage position detection switch 126, a lifting entrance switch 127 provided on the path of the pre-lifting passage 121, a lifting exit switch 128 provided on the path of the post-lifting passage 122, a ball feed switch 129 provided on the ball feeder 120, a foul ball switch 130 provided on the path of the foul ball passage 123, and a lifting position detection switch 131 provided on the lifting device 20, and is configured to circulate game balls within a game ball circulation path composed of the launching device 19, the game area 16, the pre-lifting passage 121, the lifting device 20, the post-lifting passage 122, the ball feeder 120, etc.

[0057] The launching device 19 is provided on the ball feeding and launching unit 132 (see FIGS. 14 to 16 and FIG. 24) together with the ball feeding device 120 etc., and is arranged approximately at the center in the left - right direction at the lower mounting portion 15 of the inner frame 6. As shown in FIG. 16 etc., it is arranged substantially parallel to the game board 17 and includes a launching base plate 133 that constitutes the case back plate of the ball feeding and launching unit 132, a launching rail 134 arranged in an inclined shape rising to the upper left on the front side of the launching base plate 133, a ball holding portion 135 mounted on the front side of the launching base plate 133 and holding a game ball for launching at the launching holding position on the rear end side of the launching rail 134, a striking hammer 136 swingably supported around a driving shaft 136a in the front - rear direction on the front side of the launching base plate 133, and a launching driving means 137 such as a rotary solenoid arranged on the back side of the launching base plate 133 and driving the striking hammer 136 in the striking direction (here, clockwise) via the driving shaft 136a. The launching driving means 137 intermittently and continuously drives the striking hammer 136 in the striking direction according to the operation amount (rotation angle) of the rotation operation portion 93 of the launching handle 57. Thereby, the game balls supplied one by one onto the launching rail 134 are launched toward the game area 16 of the game board 17 along the launching rail 134.

[0058] The lifting device 20 is arranged on the side (here, the right side) of the launching device 19 at the lower mounting portion 15 of the inner frame 6. As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 17 to 19 etc., it includes a screw member 141 arranged with its rotation axis in the vertical direction, a polishing member 142 arranged parallel to the screw member 141 in the vicinity (here, the vicinity of the front side) of the screw member 141, a lifting motor 143, and a lifting driving force transmission means 144 for transmitting the driving force of the lifting motor 143 to the screw member 141 and the polishing member 142.

[0059] The screw member 141 integrally includes a spiral projecting portion 145 arranged along the rotation axis in the vertical direction. The polishing member 142 includes a polishing portion 146 made of felt or the like formed in a cylindrical shape along the rotation axis in the vertical direction. Note that since the polishing member 142 needs to be replaced when the polishing portion 146 wears out, a detachable handle 147 is provided near the center in the axial direction thereof.

[0060] The lifting motor 143 is arranged in the vicinity of the lower side (here, the left side vicinity) of the screw member 141 and the polishing member 142 with its drive shaft directed downward, for example. The lifting drive force transmission means 144 is composed of a plurality of gears that connect between the drive shaft of the lifting motor 143 and the respective rotation shafts of the screw member 141 and the polishing member 142. When the lifting motor 143 operates, the rotation of its drive shaft is transmitted by the lifting drive force transmission means 144 to the respective rotation shafts of the screw member 141 and the polishing member 142, whereby the screw member 141 and the polishing member 142 rotate in opposite directions (the screw member 141 rotates clockwise in plan view and the polishing member 142 rotates counterclockwise in plan view) at the same rotational speed.

[0061] A vertical lifting passage 148 is provided between the screw member 141 and the polishing member 142. A lifting inlet 148a is provided at the lower end side of the lifting passage 148, and a lifting outlet 148b is provided at the upper end side thereof. The game balls that flow into the lower end side of the lifting passage 148 through the lifting inlet 148a are pushed up by the protruding portion 145 of the screw member 141 that rotates due to the drive of the lifting motor 143 and rise within the lifting passage 148. At this time, the surfaces of the game balls are polished by the polishing member 142 that rotates due to the drive of the lifting motor 143. The game balls that rise within the lifting passage 148 by the screw member 141 and reach the upper end side of the lifting passage 148 are discharged from the lifting outlet 148b.

[0062] The lifting position detection switch 131 is for detecting the rotational position of the screw member 141 necessary for the drive control of the lifting motor 143. It is composed of a photosensor or the like and can detect the rotational position of the screw member 141 by detecting a dog provided on any one of the plurality of gears constituting the lifting drive force transmission means 144.

[0063] The upward leading front passage 121 guides the out balls discharged from the game area 16 toward the upward inlet 148a of the lifting device 20. As shown in FIG. 12 and the like, it is composed of an upward leading first passage portion 121a and an upward leading second passage portion 121b arranged on the rear side of the launching device 19, an upward leading third passage portion 121c connected to the downstream side of the upward leading second passage portion 121b and arranged between the launching device 19 and the lifting device 20, and an upward leading fourth passage portion 121d connected to the downstream side of the upward leading third passage portion 121c and connected to the upward inlet 148a via the front side of the lifting device 20.

[0064] The upward leading first passage portion 121a allows the out balls to flow down to the connecting portion 150 with the upward leading second passage portion 121b behind the launching device 19. It is arranged on the back side of the back base plate 149 disposed substantially parallel to the base plate 21 of the game board 17 on the rear side of the lower mounting portion 15 of the inner frame 6. As shown in FIGS. 12, 20, 21 and the like, it is formed in a substantially S shape in front view by connecting two left inclined portions 151, 153 and the right inclined portion 152 therebetween with two folding portions 154, 155. The upstream end side of the left inclined portion 151 of the upward leading first passage portion 121a is connected to the out ball guide portion 156, and the downstream end side of the left inclined portion 153 is connected to the connecting portion 150.

[0065] The out ball guide portion 156 is arranged below the out ball discharge port 157 provided at the lower back side of the game board 17 as shown in FIG. 21 and the like, and is formed in an inclined shape, for example, sloping downward to the rear, toward the upstream end side of the upward leading first passage portion 121a. It is configured to guide the out balls discharged from the out ball discharge port 157 to the left inclined portion 151 of the upward leading first passage portion 121a.

[0066] On the path of the upward leading first passage portion 121a, for example, an out ball switch 124 is arranged corresponding to the first folding portion 154. The out ball switch 124 is a so-called proximity switch and is configured to detect the game ball when the game ball flowing down the upward leading first passage portion 121a passes through the folding portion 154.

[0067] The upstream second passage portion 121b above the lift causes the game balls flowing down from the upstream first passage portion 121a side to flow down toward the lift device 20 behind the launch device 19. As shown in FIGS. 12, 21, 22, etc., it is arranged in an inclined shape slanting downward to the lower right on the front side along the front surface of the back base plate 149, and its upstream end side is connected to a connecting portion 150 formed on the back base plate 149.

[0068] On the path of the upstream second passage portion 121b, for example, an excessive position detection switch 125 is arranged near its downstream end side. This excessive position detection switch 125 is a mechanical sensor, and is composed of a movable detection piece 125a whose posture changes (swings) according to the presence or absence of game balls on the passage, and a photo sensor 125b that detects the presence or absence of game balls by switching ON / OFF according to the posture change of the movable detection piece 125a.

[0069] The upstream third passage portion 121c above the lift causes the game balls flowing down from the upstream second passage portion 121b side to flow forward from behind the launch device 19. As shown in FIGS. 12, 22, etc., it is arranged in an inclined shape slanting downward to the front between the launch device 19 and the lift device 20, and its upstream end side is connected to the downstream end side of the upstream second passage portion 121b.

[0070] The upstream fourth passage portion 121d causes the game balls that have flowed forward between the launch device 19 and the lift device 20 by the upstream third passage portion 121c to flow down to the lift inlet 148a through the front side of the lift device 20. As shown in FIGS. 12, 15, 16, 22, etc., it includes a right inclined portion 158 arranged on the front side of the lift device 20 and a rear inclined portion 159 arranged on the right side of the lift device 20. The upstream end side of the right inclined portion 158 is connected to the upstream third passage portion 121c, and the rear end side of the rear inclined portion 159 is connected to the lift inlet 148a respectively.

[0071] Also, on the path of the fourth passage portion 121d before lifting, an under - position detection switch 126 is arranged, for example, near the upstream end side of the right inclined portion 158. This under - position detection switch 126 is a mechanical sensor similar to the over - position detection switch 125, and includes a movable detection piece 126a whose posture changes (swings) according to the presence or absence of game balls on the passage, and a photosensor 126b that detects the presence or absence of game balls by switching ON / OFF according to the change in the posture of the movable detection piece 126a.

[0072] Also, on the path of the fourth passage portion 121d before lifting, a lifting - entrance switch 127 is arranged, for example, near the downstream end side of the rear inclined portion 159. The lifting - entrance switch 127 is a so - called proximity switch, and is configured to detect a game ball just before the game ball flowing down the fourth passage portion 121d before lifting passes through the rear inclined portion 159 and flows into the lifting entrance 148a.

[0073] The foul - ball passage 123 is for guiding a foul ball to the lifting device 20 side by flowing it into the passage 121 before lifting. As shown in FIGS. 12, 21, 22, etc., it is arranged behind the launching device 19 and in front of the second passage portion 121b before lifting. The upstream end side is connected to the foul - ball receiving portion 161, and the downstream end side is connected to a predetermined position of the second passage portion 121b before lifting respectively. The foul - ball receiving portion 161 is for receiving a foul ball and guiding it to the downstream foul - ball passage 123 side, and is arranged on the downstream side (left side) of the launching rail 134.

[0074] The foul - ball passage 123 includes a first foul - ball passage portion 123a arranged in a rear - downward inclined shape from the foul - ball receiving portion 161 side toward the second passage portion 121b before lifting, and a second foul - ball passage portion 123b connected to the downstream side of the first foul - ball passage portion 123a and arranged substantially parallel to the front side of the second passage portion 121b before lifting. The upstream end side of the first foul - ball passage portion 123a is connected to the foul - ball receiving portion 161, and the downstream end side of the second foul - ball passage portion 123b merges obliquely into the second passage portion 121b before lifting.

[0075] On the path of the foul ball first passage portion 123a, for example, a foul ball switch 130 is disposed near the connection portion with the foul ball receiving portion 161. The foul ball switch 130 is a so-called proximity switch, and is adapted to detect the game ball when the foul ball flows into the foul ball passage 123 through the foul ball receiving portion 161. Each time the foul ball switch 130 detects a game ball, the game ball count data is incremented by 1, and the amount subtracted at the time of firing (when the ball is fed) is returned to the player.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 22, the confluence port 162 from the foul ball second passage portion 123b to the pre-lift second passage portion 121b is formed to have a width corresponding to a plurality of game balls along the flowing-down direction of the game balls. If the most downstream side of the confluence port 162 is defined as the confluence point 162a, (the distance from the foul ball switch 130 to the confluence point 162a) > (the distance from the confluence point 162a to the excessive position detection switch 125).

[0077] The post-lift passage 122 guides the game balls lifted by the lifting device 20 and flowing out from the lift exit 148b toward the launching device 19. As shown in FIG. 13 and the like, the post-lift first passage portion 122a is arranged in a left-lower inclined shape from the lift exit 148b, and a lift exit switch 128 is disposed at a predetermined position on its path, for example, at the downstream end side. The lift exit switch 128 is a so-called proximity switch, and is adapted to detect the game balls lifted by the lifting device 20 and flowing out from the lift exit 148b into the post-lift passage 122.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 13, 17, 18, 23 and the like, the post-lift first passage portion 122a is arranged in an inclined shape slanting downward to the left from the lift exit 148b, and a lift exit switch 128 is disposed at a predetermined position on its path, for example, at the downstream end side. The lift exit switch 128 is a so-called proximity switch, and is adapted to detect the game balls lifted by the lifting device 20 and flowing out from the lift exit 148b into the post-lift passage 122.

[0079] After being lifted, the second passage portion 122b causes the game balls that have flowed down from the side of the first passage portion 122a after being lifted to flow forward to the front side of the launching device 19. As shown in FIGS. 13, 15, 16, etc., it is arranged in a downwardly inclined state between the launching device 19 and the lifting device 20. The third passage portion 122c after being lifted causes the game balls that have flowed forward between the launching device 19 and the lifting device 20 by the second passage portion 122b after being lifted to flow down to the ball feeding device 120 on the front side of the launching device 19. As shown in FIGS. 13, 15, 23, etc., it is arranged in a downwardly inclined state to the lower left on the front side of the launching device 19. Note that a part of the passage 122 after being lifted, that is, the portion from the middle of the second passage portion 122b after being lifted to the third passage portion 122c after being lifted, is provided on the ball feeding and launching unit 132 together with the launching device 19 and the ball feeding device 120.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 23, 24, etc., the ball feeding device 120 includes a ball feeding guide passage 171 that guides the game balls flowing down from the side of the second passage portion 122b after being lifted to the side of the launching rail 134, a ball feeding lever 172 for causing the game balls from the side of the second passage portion 122b after being lifted to flow down one by one to the side of the ball feeding guide passage 171, ball feeding driving means 173 for driving the ball feeding lever 172, and a ball feeding switch 129 for detecting the game balls passing through the ball feeding guide passage 171. Note that in the vicinity of the upstream side of the ball feeding device 120, a ball extraction passage 174 for extracting the game balls in the second passage portion 122b after being lifted and a ball extraction lever 175 for closing the entrance to the ball extraction passage 174 in an openable and closable manner are arranged.

[0081] The ball feed guide passage 171 is arranged in an inclined shape with a rear downward slope near the downstream end of the second passage part 122b after lifting. The upstream end (front end) thereof is arranged at a position about half a game ball lower than the downstream end of the second passage part 122b after lifting, and the downstream end (rear end) is arranged above the ball launch holding position of the launch rail 134. Further, a ball feed switch 129 is arranged in this ball feed guide passage 171. The ball feed switch 129 is a so-called proximity switch, and is configured to detect the game ball when the game ball passes through the ball feed guide passage 171 and flows down onto the launch rail 134. Each time this ball feed switch 129 detects a game ball, the game ball count data is decremented by 1.

[0082] In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, the detection position of the game ball by this ball feed switch 129 is located more than one game ball upstream of the ball launch holding position of the launch rail 134. That is, even if the next game ball is fed while a game ball remains on the launch rail 134, the game ball is configured not to stay at the detection position by the ball feed switch 129.

[0083] The ball feed lever 172 includes a substantially U-shaped game ball holding part 172a capable of accommodating one game ball at one end side (right end side) in the left-right direction. It is arranged near the downstream end side of the second passage part 122b after lifting with the game ball holding part 172a facing the second passage part 122b side (i.e., the right side) after lifting, and is supported in a swingable state around a rotation axis 172b in the front-rear direction provided at the other end side (left end side) in the left-right direction. Note that the lower surface side of the game ball holding part 172a is formed in an inclined shape with a rear downward slope toward the ball feed guide passage 171 side.

[0084] The ball feed lever 172 can be switched between a ball feed preparation position (Figs. 23(a) and 24(a)) where, by the drive of the ball feed drive means 173 composed of an electromagnetic solenoid or the like, one game ball on the second passage portion 122b side after lifting is received into the game ball holding portion 172a, and a ball feed execution position (Figs. 23(b) and 24(b)) where, while preventing the flow-down of the next game ball on the second passage portion 122b side after lifting, the game ball held in the game ball holding portion 172a is caused to flow down to the ball feed guide passage 171 side. When the ball feed lever 172 is in the ball feed preparation position (Figs. 23(a) and 24(a)), since the game ball holding portion 172a is displaced upward with respect to the ball feed guide passage 171, the movement of the game ball in the game ball holding portion 172a toward the ball feed guide passage 171 side is blocked. When the ball feed lever 172 moves to the ball feed execution position (Figs. 23(b) and 24(b)), since the game ball holding portion 172a coincides with the upstream side of the ball feed guide passage 171, the game ball in the game ball holding portion 172a flows down to the ball feed guide passage 171 side. At this time, since the game ball holding portion 172a is displaced downward with respect to the downstream end side of the second passage portion 122b after lifting, the flow-down of the subsequent game balls is blocked.

[0085] By alternately switching the ball feed lever 172 between the ball feed preparation position and the ball feed execution position in synchronization with the firing operation by the firing device 19, it is possible to send one by one the game balls flowing down through the second passage portion 122b after lifting to the firing holding positions on the firing rail 134.

[0086] In the game ball circulation device 18 as described above, the game balls fired by the firing device 19 and entering the game area 16 either win in any of various winning means such as the first and second special symbol starting means 32, 33, and the big winning means 34, or enter the out port 45, and thus are guided from the game area 16 to the rear side of the game board 17 and discharged from the out ball discharge port 157 provided at the lower part on the back side of the game board 17. The game balls (out balls) discharged from the out ball discharge port 157 flow into the pre-lift passage 121 through the out ball guide portion 156 and flow down toward the lift inlet 148a.

[0087] When the out balls flow down through this pre-lift passage 121, they pass through the out ball switch 124 in the first pre-lift passage portion 121a, pass through the excessive position detection switch 125 in the second pre-lift passage portion 121b, and pass through the insufficient position detection switch 126 in the fourth pre-lift passage portion 121d. Also, for foul balls, they flow down toward the lift inlet 148a by merging into the second pre-lift passage portion 121b via the foul ball receiving portion 161 and the foul ball passage 123. At this time, they pass through the foul ball switch 130 in the foul ball passage 123, pass through the excessive position detection switch 125 in the second pre-lift passage portion 121b after merging, and pass through the insufficient position detection switch 126 in the fourth pre-lift passage portion 121d.

[0088] Here, the excessive position detection switch 125 and the insufficient position detection switch 126 arranged at a predetermined distance apart on the pre-lift passage 121 are for determining whether the number of game balls enclosed in the game ball circulation device 18 is appropriate. At a predetermined insufficient / excessive detection timing, if the excessive position detection switch 125 does not detect a game ball and the insufficient position detection switch 126 detects a game ball, that is, if there is a game ball at the detection position of the insufficient position detection switch 126 and there is no game ball at the detection position of the excessive position detection switch 125, it is determined that the number of enclosed game balls is appropriate. On the other hand, at a predetermined insufficient / excessive detection timing, if the insufficient position detection switch 126 does not detect a game ball, it is determined that the number of enclosed game balls is small (insufficient), and if the excessive position detection switch detects a game ball, it is determined that the number of enclosed game balls is large (excessive).

[0089] Note that the insufficient / excessive detection timing is preferably set at the time of power-on, or after a predetermined time has elapsed when the game is in a stopped state (not in a special benefit state (big win), not during symbol variation, and the player has released their hand from the firing handle 57), etc. This is because there is a possibility that the number of enclosed game balls may change when the hall staff opens the front frame 3 for the purpose of troubleshooting or the like after power-on.

[0090] As described above, since the excess position detection switch 125 and the shortage position detection switch 126 detect whether or not the game balls staying in the passage have reached their respective detection positions, it is necessary to stably maintain the ON state as long as the state where the game balls have reached the detection positions continues, even if the positions of the game balls in the passage shift. On the other hand, since game balls supplied to the lifting device 20 stay in the pre-lifting passage 121, the position of the game balls staying in the pre-lifting passage 121 changes (is not constant) depending on the state in which the lifting device 20 stops. Therefore, for the excess position detection switch 125 and the shortage position detection switch 126, a mechanical sensor that stably maintains the ON state is adopted instead of a sensor such as a proximity switch that may turn OFF depending on the position of the game ball even when the game ball stays beyond the detection position.

[0091] The game balls on the pre-lifting passage 121 flow into the lifting device 20 through the lifting inlet 148a and ascend in the lifting passage 148 when the lifting device 20 operates. Whether or not there are game balls on the upstream side of the lifting device 20 is determined based on the detection signal of the lifting inlet switch 127. The game balls that have ascended in the lifting passage 148 by the operation of the lifting device 20 flow out from the lifting outlet 148b, flow down the post-lifting passage 122, and stay on the upstream side of the ball feeding device 120 in a state of waiting for launch.

[0092] A lifting outlet switch 128 is arranged on the post-lifting passage 122. By the continuous ON state of this lifting outlet switch 128, it can be determined that the game balls waiting for launch have reached a predetermined number. The lifting device 20 is controlled to operate when the lifting inlet switch 127 is ON and the lifting outlet switch 128 is OFF, and to stop when the lifting outlet switch 128 becomes ON and it is determined that the game balls waiting for launch have reached a predetermined number.

[0093] Incidentally, this lifting exit switch 128 is for detecting pachinko balls staying on the passage, like the excessive position detection switch 125 and the insufficient position detection switch 126. However, the pachinko balls staying in the post-lifting passage 122, which is the detection target of the lifting exit switch 128, are different from the pachinko balls staying in the pre-lifting passage 121. They stop at respective determined positions according to the operation of the ball feeding device 120 (the ball feeding preparation position and the ball feeding execution position), and moreover, since the deviation of their respective stop positions is small, instead of using a mechanical sensor that requires a large installation space, a proximity switch is adopted. By arranging the proximity switch at an appropriate position, it is possible to prevent the OFF state from continuing even though the pachinko balls stay beyond the position of the lifting exit switch 128.

[0094] Next, the launch control of this gaming machine, which is a smart pachinko machine, will be described. FIG. 25 shows a time chart of the launch control in this smart pachinko machine. As shown in this FIG. 25, in the launch control of this embodiment, a ball feeding and launching operation for one cycle, which is completed in a predetermined time (here, 600 ms), is configured to be repeated. When predetermined launch conditions (for example, a launch control signal permitting launch is output from the control unit, it is detected by the touch sensor 98 that the player is touching the launch handle 57, and the launch stop lever 92 is not operated) are satisfied, the cycle of the ball feeding and launching operation (hereinafter referred to as the "operation cycle") starts. When the launch conditions are no longer satisfied (for example, when the player removes their hand from the launch handle 57), the ball feeding and launching operation stops when the ongoing operation cycle ends. That is, the execution of the operation cycle is not stopped midway.

[0095] In this ball feeding and launching operation, at substantially the same time as the start of one cycle (T1 in FIG. 25), the ball feeding drive means 173 changes from OFF to ON, and thereby the ball feeding lever 172 changes from the ball feeding execution position (FIGS. 23(b), 24(b)) to the ball feeding preparation position (FIGS. 23(a), 24(a)). As a result, among the pachinko balls staying in the post-lifting passage 122, the lowermost one is accommodated in the pachinko ball holding portion 172a of the ball feeding lever 172.

[0096] Subsequently, after that predetermined time (e.g., 128 ms) (T2 in FIG. 25), the ball feed driving means 173 turns from ON to OFF, whereby the ball feed lever 172 changes from the ball feed preparation position (FIGS. 23(a), 24(a)) to the ball feed execution position (FIGS. 23(b), 24(b)). As a result, one game ball accommodated in the game ball holding portion 172a of the ball feed lever 172 flows down to the ball feed guide passage 171 side and is supplied onto the firing rail 134. At that time, the ball feed switch 129 detects the game ball passing through the ball feed guide passage 171 (T3 in FIG. 25), whereby the game ball number data is decremented by 1. Thus, in the present embodiment, immediately after the start of the operation cycle, the ball feed operation for supplying the game ball to the launcher 19 side is configured to be executed.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 25, a subtraction reference signal is output from the launcher 19 side at the start of a new cycle of the ball feed and firing operation (T1 in FIG. 25). If the ball feed switch 129 does not detect within a predetermined time (e.g., 500 ms) from the output of this subtraction reference signal, it is determined as abnormal. If this abnormality continues for a predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times), an error state occurs and an error notification is performed. This error notification is performed by display on the liquid crystal display means 40 and blinking of the LED on the frame side, etc. Also, this error state is released when the ball feed switch 129 detects.

[0098] Thereafter, immediately before the end of one cycle (for example, after about 550 ms has elapsed since the start of one cycle) (T4 in FIG. 25), the firing drive means 137 operates (solenoid ON), whereby the striking hammer 136 swings, and the game ball on the firing rail 134 is fired toward the game area 16 side with a predetermined firing intensity. Thus, in this embodiment, since the game ball supplied onto the firing rail 134 immediately after the start of the operation cycle is configured to be fired immediately before the end of the operation cycle, sufficient time can be secured before firing for the game ball supplied onto the firing rail 134 to stabilize at the firing holding position. As will be described later, a stable firing with no variation in the firing intensity is possible while ensuring that no ball remains on the firing rail 134 at the end of the operation cycle. The operation cycle of 600 ms ends upon the completion of the operation of the firing drive means 137 (solenoid OFF), and at the same time, the next operation cycle starts (T1 in FIG. 25).

[0099] Note that the firing intensity when the firing drive means 137 operates (solenoid ON) is determined according to the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 at that time (T4 in FIG. 25). Therefore, after the ball feeding operation, if the firing stop lever 92 is pushed with the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 remaining as it is, firing is performed with a firing intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93.

[0100] FIG. 26 shows the correspondence between the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 (with the rotation angle at the origin position being θ0) and the emission intensity (the current value A flowing through the emission driving means 137). As shown in this figure, when the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 is θ2 (>θ0), the emission intensity becomes the minimum emission intensity (MIN), and when the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 is θ6, the emission intensity becomes the maximum emission intensity (MAX). Between the rotation angle θ2 and θ6 of the rotation operation unit 93, the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 and the emission intensity are set to be in a proportional relationship. The rotation angle θ3 corresponds to the emission intensity at which the launched game ball just reaches the return prevention piece 27. For example, if the rotation angle <θ3, the game ball becomes a foul ball without passing through the return prevention piece 27, and if the rotation angle ≧θ3, the game ball passes through the return prevention piece 27 and reaches the game area 16. Also, the rotation angle θ4 corresponds to the emission intensity at which the launched game ball just reaches the apex of the central display frame unit 23. For example, if the rotation angle <θ4, the game ball flows down the left flow path 41a side, and if the rotation angle ≧θ4, the game ball flows down the right flow path 41b side. In this embodiment, the rotation angle θ2 is set to be larger than the rotation angle θ1 which is the maximum value of the angle range at which the emission stop lever 92 becomes ON (the second position) by the first biasing force from the rotation operation unit 93 side. However, the rotation angle θ2 may be substantially the same as the rotation angle θ1, or may be smaller than the rotation angle θ1.

[0101] Here, the minimum launch intensity (MIN) is the launch intensity at which the launched game ball does not reach the game area 16 (lower than the launch intensity when the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 is θ3), and more preferably, it is set to the launch intensity at which the launched game ball at least exceeds the launch rail 134, that is, the launch intensity that surely results in a foul. Also, the maximum launch intensity (MAX) is set to a launch intensity higher than the launch intensity at which the launched game ball just reaches the return rubber 28 (the launch intensity when the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 is θ5) (the launch intensity when the rotation angle is θ6 (>θ5)). This is because if the maximum launch intensity (MAX) is set to the launch intensity at which the launched game ball just reaches the return rubber 28 (that is, when θ6 = θ5), due to individual differences between game machines, there may be a case where even when launched at the maximum launch intensity (MAX), the game ball does not reach the return rubber 28. Note that it is sufficient if the maximum launch intensity (MAX) is slightly higher than the launch intensity at which the game ball just reaches the return rubber 28.

[0102] Also, in the range where the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 is θ0 to θ2, the corresponding launch intensity is set to be constant at the minimum launch intensity (MIN). That is, even if the rotation operation unit 93 is returned to the origin position (rotation angle θ0), when the rotation angle reaches θ2, the launch intensity bottoms out and does not become lower (the VR value based on the change in the variable resistance value changes, but the current value bottoms out and becomes horizontal). Therefore, when the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 is θ0 (origin position) when the launch driving means 137 operates (solenoid ON), the game ball on the launch rail 134 is launched at a launch intensity at which it does not reach the game area 16, and more preferably, at a launch intensity that at least exceeds the launch rail 134. As described above, in the ball feeding and launching operation of this embodiment, even if the player releases their hand from the launch handle 57 during the operation cycle, the operation cycle is executed until the end, so that in such a case, no game ball remains on the launch rail 134 (fouled and returned to the player).

[0103] Also, in the range where the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 is θ6 to θMAX (maximum rotation angle), the corresponding firing intensity is set to be constant at the maximum firing intensity (MAX). That is, when the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 93 reaches θ6, the firing intensity caps there and does not increase further (the VR value based on the change in the variable resistance value changes, but the current value caps and levels off). This is because if the current value is increased too much, the firing drive means 137 will get hot, so the current value is not increased more than necessary. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the rotatable range (θ0 to θMAX) of the rotation operation unit 93 of the firing handle 57 is structurally limited to correspond to the range of the variable resistance value excluding a part on the MIN side and the MAX side, thereby suppressing the influence of errors.

[0104] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a non-enclosed conventional pachinko machine that does not circulate game balls internally, rather than a so-called smart pachinko machine, and shows an example in which the same handle rest 58 as in the first embodiment is mounted on the conventional pachinko machine.

[0105] The difference in appearance between the conventional pachinko machine of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 and the smart pachinko machine of the first embodiment is that the upper tray 201 and the lower tray 202 are arranged in the lower bulging portion 56. That is, in the conventional pachinko machine of this embodiment, an upper tray 201 for storing game balls paid out from the payout means and supplying them to the firing means is arranged on the upper side of the lower bulging portion 56, and a lower tray 202 for storing surplus balls and the like when the upper tray 201 is full is arranged on the lower side of the lower bulging portion 56.

[0106] For other aspects, such as the configuration of the lower bulging portion 56 regarding the effect button unit 67 and its periphery, the configuration of the handrest 58, and the relationship between the lower bulging portion 56 and the handrest 58, etc., they are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. And the handrest 58 is arranged so that the lower surface side is substantially at the same height as the lower surface side of the lower bulging portion 56, similar to the first embodiment, in order to secure a space for smoothly performing operations such as raising and lowering a so-called dollar box and opening and closing the front door 7. In this way, the handrest 58 shown in the first embodiment can be similarly mounted not only on a so-called smart pachinko machine but also on a non-enclosed conventional pachinko machine.

[0107] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the handrest 58 of the embodiment, the position of the rest portion 104 is fixed (non-movable) with respect to the base portion 101, but the rest portion 104 may be configured to move in a predetermined direction, that is, either the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, or both with respect to the base portion 101. Also, the height of the rest portion 104 with respect to the base portion 101, or the height of the base portion 101, may be configured to be changeable. Thereby, the arm etc. can be supported at an optimal position according to the body type and gaming posture of the player.

[0108] As the material of the rest portion 104, it is desirable that it can disperse the load when the player places the arm etc. thereon. It is not limited to the TPU material shown in the embodiment, and urethane materials, gel materials, etc. with cushioning properties or low resilience may be adopted.

[0109] A movable effect device such as a vibration device or a blower device may be arranged on or near the handrest 58. When arranging the vibration device, it may be arranged inside the rest part 104 to directly vibrate the rest part 104, or may be arranged at a position other than the rest part 104 (it may be on the handrest 58 or on the handrest base 108 near the handrest 58) to indirectly vibrate the rest part 104 and the like. When arranging the blower device, it may be arranged inside the rest part 104 to blow air toward the arm of the player placed on the rest part 104, or may be arranged at a position other than the rest part 104 (it may be on the handrest 58 or on the handrest base 108 near the handrest 58) to blow air toward an arbitrary part such as the arm of the player.

[0110] Further, at least a part of various operation means (effect button 61, volume adjustment operation part 62, light quantity adjustment operation part 63, cross operation part 64, count button 66) arranged on the operation panel part 59 may be arranged on or near the handrest 58.

[0111] Antibacterial treatment may be performed on at least a part of the handrest 58, for example, the rest part 104.

[0112] Further, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine, and can be similarly implemented in other gaming machines such as an arrange ball machine and a mahjong ball gaming machine.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0113] 16 Gaming area 19 Launch device 120 Ball feeding device 134 Launch rail

Claims

【Claim 1】 A ball feeder that supplies game balls one by one onto a firing rail, A firing device that fires the game balls on the firing rail toward the game area with a firing intensity based on the operation amount of the firing operation means, A game ball circulation device that circulates a predetermined number of game balls within a game ball circulation path including the game area, Game ball number management means for managing the number of game balls held by the player, and Based on a predetermined firing condition being satisfied, repeatedly executes an operation cycle in which the ball feeding operation by the ball feeder and the firing operation by the firing device are performed at a predetermined timing. In a gaming machine, The ball feeding operation is performed immediately after the start of the operation cycle, and the firing operation is performed immediately before the end of the operation cycle. Even if the firing condition is no longer satisfied during one operation cycle, the operation cycle is continued until its end. If the firing condition is no longer satisfied because the operation amount of the firing operation means becomes zero between the start of one operation cycle and the performance of the firing operation, the firing operation is performed with a firing intensity such that the fired game ball does not reach the game area. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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