gaming machines

Abstract

To improve sliding of game balls.SOLUTION: A game machine 10 uses multiple game balls by circulating them by the game machine 10 itself and includes a roller member 71 for adhering a coating agent to game balls, and the coating agent is colored. The roller member 71 has a roller component 75 adhered with or impregnated with the coating agent and abutting on game balls, and the roller component 71 has a color permitting identification of the coating agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to gaming machines. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Known conventional gaming machines are those that use a plurality of gaming balls in a circulating manner within a single gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-34569 A (paragraph

[0010] ) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In contrast to the conventional gaming machines described above, Remove dirt from game balls Therefore, there is a need to develop technology to improve slipperiness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, One aspect of the invention is In a gaming machine that uses a plurality of gaming balls in circulation, a ball polishing means for polishing the gaming balls to remove dirt is provided. The game machine is provided with: a coating means impregnated with a coating agent and attaching the coating agent to the game balls; a guide path along which the game balls pass in a line after being shot into the game area by the launching device and flowing down are on their way back to the launching device; and a moving means provided within the guide path for moving the game balls in one direction, the ball polishing means and the coating means having uneven surfaces, and the moving means being disposed opposite the ball polishing means and the coating means with the game balls in between, and pressing the game balls against the coating means and the ball polishing means within the guide path. It is an amusement machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the gaming machine of the present disclosure, The ball polishing means and the coating means remove dirt from the game balls and apply a coating agent to them. It can improve the glide. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Front view of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] A front view of the gaming machine body with the gaming board fitted in [Figure 3]Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of the launch unit [Figure 5] An exploded view of the ball recovery path at the bottom of the gaming machine [Figure 6] Front cross-sectional view of the launch ball guide [Figure 7] Rear view of the recovery section [Figure 8] Front cross section of the recovery section [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 10] Perspective view of the lifting device [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 12] An exploded perspective view of the lifting device components [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 14] Side cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 17] Exploded view of roller member [Figure 18] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the roller member [Figure 19] Perspective view of the top of the cleaning mechanism [Figure 20] Side cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 21] Maintenance timing identification program flowchart [Figure 22] Side view of the lifting device according to the second embodiment [Figure 23] Front view of the partition bulge area [Figure 24] A cross-sectional plan view of a lifting device according to a third embodiment [Figure 25] Front view of the lifting device according to the sixth embodiment [Figure 26] Cross-sectional view of the lifting device [Figure 27] 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a lifting device according to a modified example. [Figure 28] 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a roller member according to a modified example; [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view of a roller member according to a modified example; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] A gaming machine 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 21. The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, and as shown in Figure 1, is provided with a front door 10Z on its front side, and a playing area R1 formed on the front of a playing board 11 can be seen through a glass window 10W formed in the front door 10Z. In the following description, the side of the gaming machine 10 closer to the player will be referred to as the "front side," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "rear side," and the "right side" and "left side" of the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front side of the player will be simply referred to as the "right side" and "left side."

[0009] 2, the game area R1 is formed by being surrounded on all four sides by guide rails 12 protruding from the front of the game board 11. The game ball launched from the launching unit 31 passes through the ball guide path 17 formed by the guide rails 12 on the left side of the game board 11 and enters the game area R1 from an entrance 12K located near the upper end.

[0010] A display opening 11H is formed through the center of the game area R1 of the game board 11, and a display screen 13G of the display device 13 faces forward through this display opening 11H. Various effects related to the game are displayed on the display screen 13G of the display device 13.

[0011] A decorative display frame 23 is attached to the edge of the display opening 11H. The decorative display frame 23 is fitted into the display opening 11H from the front side of the game board 11 and protrudes from the front of the game board 11, preventing game balls flowing down the game area R1 from entering inside the decorative display frame 23.

[0012] A stage 24 on which game balls can roll is formed at the bottom edge of the display / decorative frame 23. Three discharge sections 24A that can discharge game balls one by one are formed at the bottom end of the stage 24. In addition, a warp path 24R that receives game balls flowing down the game area R1 and guides them to the stage 24 is formed at the left edge of the display / decorative frame 23. Game balls that pass through the warp path 24R are released from the left end of the stage 24, roll on the stage 24, and flow down below the display / decorative frame 23 from the discharge sections 24A.

[0013] Below the display decorative frame 23, first and second start winning openings 14A, 14B are arranged vertically. Specifically, the first start winning opening 14A is located directly below the middle of the three outlets 24A. A start gate 18 is provided on the right side of the display decorative frame 23. A special winning opening 15 is provided on the lower right side of the display decorative frame 23, i.e., to the right of the first and second start winning openings 14A, 14B. In addition to the start winning openings 14A, 14B and the special winning opening 15, the game area R1 is also provided with multiple regular winning openings 20. Although not shown, multiple obstacle pins are distributed throughout the game area R1.

[0014] The start gate 18 has a gate-shaped structure that allows the gaming ball to pass through. When the gaming ball passes through the start gate 18, a normal symbol hit determination is made.

[0015] The first start winning opening 14A has a pocket structure that opens upward, while the second start winning opening 14B opens forward and is opened and closed by an opening door 14T. The opening door 14T is normally placed in a closed position that blocks the second start winning opening 14B, and is placed in an open position that opens the second start winning opening 14B when the normal symbol hit determination is made.

[0016] When a game ball enters the start winning slot 14A, 14B, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls, and a special symbol hit determination is made. The result of the determination is displayed as a combination of special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C on the display screen 13G of the display device 13. If the result of the special symbol hit determination is a hit, a jackpot game is executed.

[0017] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the display screen 13G normally displays three special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C, left, center, and right, side by side in a stopped state. Each of these special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C is composed of a plurality of types of symbols representing, for example, numbers "0" to "11," and normally, a predetermined type of symbol is displayed in a stopped state for each of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C. When a gaming ball enters the first and second start winning slots 14A and 14B, the three special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are displayed in a vertically scrolling manner, and after a predetermined time, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are displayed in a stopped state in the order of, for example, left, right, and center. If the result of the judgment is a win (hereinafter referred to as a "jackpot"), the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are all displayed as the same symbol (double numbers), and the game transitions to a "jackpot game state." On the other hand, if the result of the judgment is a miss, the symbols are displayed as a combination other than double numbers, and the normal game state, which is not a "jackpot game state," continues.

[0018] The large prize opening 15 is open to the front of the game board 11 and has a horizontally elongated shape, and is normally closed by a movable door 15T. Then, when the "large prize game state" is reached as described above, the movable door 15T falls forward, opening the large prize opening 15, and game balls can enter the large prize opening 15 using the movable door 15T as a guide. When a game ball enters the large prize opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls.

[0019] The general winning opening 20 has a pocket structure that is open on the upper side, and when a game ball enters the opening, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls.

[0020] All game balls that do not enter any of the above-mentioned winning holes 14A, 14B, 15, and 20 are taken into a plurality of outlets 16 provided at the lower end of the game area R1.

[0021] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called sealed-in gaming machine, in which a predetermined number of gaming balls (e.g., 40 to 49 balls) are sealed inside. When the launch handle 28 (see FIG. 1) provided in the lower right corner of the front door 10Z is rotated, the gaming balls sealed inside the machine are launched one by one by the launch unit 31. As described above, the gaming balls pass through the ball guide path 17 of the gaming board 11 and enter the gaming area R1 through the entrance 12K. Regardless of whether or not a launched gaming ball wins one of the winning slots 14A, 14B, 15, or 20, all of the launched gaming balls are collected through the ball collection path 40 and returned to the launch unit 31 by the lifting device 60. The ball collection path 40 and the lifting device 60 will be described in detail later. In this manner, the gaming balls inside the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment are cyclically used.

[0022] In this embodiment, the gaming balls enclosed within the machine circulate, and instead of dispensing actual gaming balls, the number of gaming balls corresponding to the amount of the loan is stored. Therefore, a card unit 26 (see FIG. 3) is provided next to the gaming machine 10. The card unit 26 has a card insertion slot into which a card is inserted, and performs information processing such as reading and writing of the player's balls (the gaming balls owned by the player) on the card inserted into the card insertion slot. Specifically, the card unit 26 writes the number of balls the player has on the card as the number of balls stored on the card. It also reads the number of balls stored on the card that is written on the card. The card unit 26 also has a bill insertion slot for dispensing gaming balls in cash, and the remaining balance information can also be written on the card.

[0023] A ball management unit 19 is provided at the center of the bottom of the front door 10Z of the gaming machine 10 (see FIG. 1). The ball management unit 19 displays the number of balls the player has, the remaining amount of cash inserted into the bill insertion slot of the card unit 26 that has not been used to lend out gaming balls, and other information. The player can then operate the ball management unit 19 to set some of the balls stored in the card as gaming machine-side balls that can be consumed in the gaming machine 10, or to lend out gaming balls using the cash inserted into the bill insertion slot. A maintenance notification lamp 53, which will be described later, is provided to the right of the ball management unit 19.

[0024] The launch unit 31 is also provided with a launched ball sensor 31S that detects gaming balls launched by the launch unit 31, and a returned ball sensor 36S (see FIG. 3) that detects gaming balls that were launched by the launch unit 31 but did not reach the gaming area R1. When a gaming ball is detected by the launched ball sensor 31S, the number of detected gaming balls is subtracted from the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine, and when a gaming ball is detected by the returned ball sensor 36S, the number of detected gaming balls is added to the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine. When a gaming ball enters each winning slot 14A, 14B, 15, 20, it is detected by each winning sensor 25 (see FIG. 3), and the number of gaming balls corresponding to the winning prize is added to the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the gaming machine body 30 in its entirety, excluding some components. The gaming board 11 is fitted into the gaming machine body 30, and the launching unit 31 is provided below the gaming board 11 on the front surface of the gaming machine body 30. The launching unit 31 is disposed approximately in the center of the front surface of the gaming machine body 30 in the left-right direction, and launches gaming balls toward the gaming area R1 in response to rotation of the launch handle 28 (see FIG. 1). A launched ball guide 36 is provided on the left side of the launching unit 31, guiding the gaming balls launched from the launching unit 31 to the ball guide path 17 on the gaming board 11. A front door 10Z (see FIG. 1) is rotatably connected to one side (the left side as viewed from the front) of the gaming machine body 30. In other words, FIG. 2 is substantially the same as a front view of the gaming machine 10 with the front door 10Z open.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4 , the launching unit 31 is primarily composed of a launching device 31A and a ball supplying device 31B. Specifically, the launching unit 31 is formed by assembling components such as the ball supplying device 31B, the launching rail 31R, a striking hammer 34, and a launching motor (not shown) to the base plate 33 of the launching device 31A. The ball supplying device 31B takes in game balls sent from the lifting device 60 through a supply port 33K formed through the base plate 33 and supplies them one by one onto the launching rail 31R. The striking hammer 34 extends vertically from the center of the base plate 33, and game balls supplied onto the launching rail 31R are received by a ball receiving member 35. The launching motor is driven by rotating the launch handle 28, and the striking hammer 34 rotates by receiving the driving force of the launching motor. When the striking hammer 34 rotates and is positioned in the striking position, it strikes the game balls received by the ball receiving member 35. As a result, the game balls are launched diagonally upward along the launch rail 31R. The ball supply device 31B is equipped with a launched ball sensor 31S (not shown in FIG. 4), which counts the game balls supplied onto the launch rail 31R.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the launched ball guide section 36 has a flat box shape that opens to the rear and includes a base plate 36A arranged parallel to the game board 11 and a plurality of protruding walls 36B that extend rearward from the base plate 36A and abut against the collection section 43 (described later). These protruding walls 36B form a passage between the base plate 36A and the collection section 43. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the launched ball guide section 36 includes a launch passage 37 that allows game balls launched diagonally upward along the launch rail 31R to enter the ball guide path 17 of the game board 11, a first return passage 38A that collects game balls that return along the ball guide path 17 because of a weak launch force and do not reach the game area R1, and a second return passage 38B that collects game balls that do not reach the ball guide path 17. The first and second return passages 38A, 38B merge at their lower ends and are guided to the rear side of the collection section 43 through a return ball receiving section 43K formed through the collection section 43. The aforementioned return ball sensor 39 is provided at the joining point of the first and second return passages 38A, 38B, and counts the number of game balls that have passed through the first and second return passages 38A, 38B.

[0028] After entering the game area R1, the game balls enter each of the winning openings 14A, 14B, 15, 20 or the outlet 16, and are then guided to the lower end of the game board 11 by a recovery duct guide path (not shown) located at the rear of the game board 11. The recovery duct guide path is connected to each of the winning openings 14A, 14B, 15, 20 and the outlet 16, and discharges the game balls toward a recovery duct 40 that opens upward below the game board 11 (see FIG. 5). The recovery duct 40 is connected to a ball recovery path 41.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, a flat box-shaped collection section 43 that is disposed substantially parallel to the game board 11 and that is open to the rear is fitted into the gaming machine main body 30 below the game board 11 and behind the launch unit 31 and the launched ball guide section 36. A plate-shaped cover section 42 shown in Figure 5 is attached to the rear surface of the collection section 43, and a collection duct 40 and a ball collection path 41 are formed between the collection section 43 and the cover section 42 by a plurality of protruding walls 43T that protrude from the rear surface of the collection section 43.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, a pair of protruding walls 43T at the upper end form a pair of inclined surfaces 40S that slope downward from both the left and right ends toward the center, and these pair of inclined surfaces 40S form the recovery duct 40.

[0031] A ball recovery path 41 is formed below the recovery duct 40. The ball recovery path 41 includes a first guide surface 41A extending downward from an opening 40K formed between a pair of inclined surfaces 40S and further extending diagonally downward to a position near one end in the left-right direction (the left end when viewed from the front), a second guide surface 41B extending downward from the first guide surface 41A and further extending diagonally downward to a center position in the left-right direction with a steep slope at its lower end, and a third guide surface 41C extending diagonally downward from the second guide surface 41B to the other end (the right end when viewed from the front). Game balls that have flowed down to the third guide surface 41C are discharged to the rear of the cover portion 42 from a recovered ball discharge portion 42K (see FIG. 5) formed through the cover portion 42. The recovered ball discharge section 42K is connected to the ball inlet 60A (see Figure 9) of the lifting device 60, and all game balls that flow down the game area R1 are recovered by the recovery duct 40 and sent to the lifting device 60 via the ball recovery path 41. The second guide surface 41B is equipped with a ball recovery sensor 44 that detects game balls, making it possible to manage the number of game balls circulating within the machine.

[0032] Additionally, a return ball guide surface 45 extends below the second guide surface 41B along the second guide surface 41B. The return ball guide surface 45 merges with the third guide surface 41C at its lower end. The upper end of the return ball guide surface 45 communicates with the aforementioned return ball receiving portion 43K, which penetrates the recovery section 43. This allows return balls that are launched by the launching unit 31 but are recovered by the first return passage 38A or the second return passage 38B of the launched ball guide section 36 due to their weak launch force to pass through the ball recovery path 41 and be sent to the lifting device 60.

[0033] Next, the lifting device 60 will be described in detail. As shown in Figs. 5 and 9, the lifting device 60 is fixed to the right end of the back surface of the cover portion 42. As shown in Figs. 10 to 12, the lifting device 60 is provided with a box-shaped case 61 with an open front, a screw 62 extending in the vertical direction, a gutter member 63 that surrounds the gaming ball together with the screw 62, and a motor 64 that rotates and drives the screw 62, in the case 61. The gutter member 63 has a pair of gutter wall portions 63A that face each other in the left-right direction and is disposed in the right region within the case 61. The length of the gutter wall portion 63A in the front-to-rear direction is about 2 / 3 to 4 / 5 of the length of the case 61 in the front-to-rear direction, and a pair of partition bulges 63B are formed in the center in the front-to-rear direction, bulging inward so as to approach each other and extending in the vertical direction. The pair of partition bulges 63B approach each other as they move forward and are curved so that a gaming ball can be received between them, and the width between the front ends is such that a gaming ball cannot pass through. Also, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the lower end of the gutter member 63 is provided with a front wall 63C that connects the front ends of the pair of gutter wall portions 63A and a rear wall 63D that connects the rear ends of the pair of gutter wall portions 63A.

[0034] The screw 62 has a shape in which a spiral blade 62B projects from a central shaft 62A and is disposed in the space between a pair of partition bulges 63 and a rear wall portion 63D of the gutter member 63. The screw 62 also has an upper end with an extrusion piece 62C that projects radially from the central shaft 62A to connect the upper end of the blade 62B to a position directly below it. The upper end of the central shaft 62A of the screw 62 has a circular cross section and is received in a shaft receiving portion 61E (see FIG. 10) of the case 61, while the lower end of the central shaft 62A of the screw 62 has a square cross section and is fixed to a screw gear 62G. This screw gear 62G is connected to a drive gear 64G of a motor 64 (see FIG. 10) via multiple connecting gears 64R (see FIG. 13), and the screw 62 rotates by receiving power from the motor 64.

[0035] 11 and 14, the area surrounded by the screw 62 and the partition bulges 63B of the pair of gutter wall portions 63A forms the guide path 65 through which the gaming ball passes. The gaming ball that enters the lower end of the guide path 65 is positioned in the left-right direction by the pair of gutter wall portions 63A, and rises as the portion of the blade 62B that protrudes into the guide path 65 rises due to the rotation of the screw 62. Then, when the gaming ball that has been raised by the blade 62B reaches the upper end of the guide path 65, it is pushed out to the side (to the upper passage 61B, which will be described next) by the push-out piece 62C.

[0036] The lifting device 60 is also provided with a lower passage 61A (see FIG. 13) that connects the front end of the lifting device 60 to the lower end of the guide path 65, and an upper passage 61B (see FIG. 15) that connects the upper end of the guide path 65 to the front end of the lifting device 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, a facing wall 61A1 is fixed to the lower end of the right side of the gutter member 63, facing the gutter member 63 across the width of one game ball. The rear end of the facing wall 61A1 curves to the left. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a notch 63A1 is formed in the center of the lower end of the right gutter wall 63A, and the lower passage 61A continues into the gutter member 63. The gutter member 63 is also provided with facing walls 63E that face each other in the front-to-rear direction, and the lower passage 61A is formed between the gutter member 63 and the facing wall 61A1 and between the facing walls 63E. The opening at the front end of this lower passage 61A serves as a ball inlet 60A through which game balls enter the lifting device 60.

[0037] 15, a passage surface 61B1 is provided above the partition bulge 63B in the left gutter wall 63A, allowing gaming balls that reach the upper end of the guide path 65 to roll to the left. The passage surface 61B1 extends leftward from the upper end of the guide path 65, then bends forward and protrudes forward beyond the front end face of the entire case 61. The case 61 is also provided with opposing walls 61B2 that sandwich the passage surface 61B1. The passage surface 61B1 and the opposing walls 61B2 form an upper passage 61B. An opening at the front end of this upper passage 61B is a ball outlet 60B through which gaming balls are discharged from the guide path 65.

[0038] The ball inlet 60A of the lifting device 60 is aligned with the collected ball discharge section 42K described above (see Figure 9), and the ball outlet 60B of the lifting device 60 is aligned with the rear opening of the relay passage 43R (see Figures 5 and 16) formed in the collection section 43. The relay passage 43R is connected to the supply port 33K of the launching unit 31. The cover section 42 is formed with a through hole 42Y through which the upper passage 61B, which protrudes forward beyond the front end face of the entire case 61, is inserted.

[0039] With the above configuration, after being launched from the launch unit 31, the game balls collected by the recovery duct 40 and the game balls collected by the first return passage 38A or the second return passage 38B pass through the ball recovery path 41 and enter the lower passage 61A of the lifting device 60 from the recovered ball discharge section 42K, rise within the guide path 65, and then pass through the upper passage 61B and the relay passage 43R and are sent back to the launch unit 31.

[0040] Now, when playing the gaming machine 10, as the gaming balls flow down the gaming area R1, they may become dirty due to the adhesion of nails, resin shavings, etc. In contrast, in conventional gaming machines in which actual gaming balls are dispensed and prize balls are actually paid out, the gaming balls that have finished flowing down the gaming area R1 are discharged outside the gaming machine, and so cleaning work to remove dirt from the gaming balls has generally been performed outside the gaming machine (for example, by a lifting device installed on an island in a gaming hall that raises the gaming balls above the gaming machine).

[0041] However, in the case of an enclosed gaming machine such as the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, gaming balls are not discharged outside the gaming machine during play, so if cleaning work is performed outside the gaming machine, problems may arise such as dirt easily accumulating and the work of removing the gaming balls from the gaming machine being time-consuming. Therefore, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a cleaning mechanism 70 for cleaning the gaming balls inside the gaming machine 10 is incorporated into the lifting device 60. The cleaning mechanism 70 will be described in detail below.

[0042] 12 and 14, cleaning mechanism 70 includes roller member 71 and roller holding mechanism 80 for holding roller member 71. Roller member 71 is formed by fitting multiple roller components 75 onto shaft member 72 that extends vertically along screw 62. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, shaft member 72 has shaft body 72A that has a circular cross section, handle portion 73 attached to the center of shaft body 72A, and connecting mechanism portions 72B fixed to both ends of shaft body 72A.

[0043] Handle 73 has a gripping portion 73B, which is thicker than band plate 73A, at the front end of band plate 73A extending in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in Figure 18, band plate 73A of handle 73 has a through-hole 73K formed at the rear end. A bearing ring 72C with good sliding properties is fixed to the center of shaft body 72A, and this bearing ring 72C is received in through-hole 73K of handle 73.

[0044] Flange members 72D are fixed to the shaft body 72A above and below the bearing ring 72C. The flange member 72D has a disk portion 72D1 with a through hole 72D2 in its center, through which the shaft body 72A is inserted, and a protrusion 72D3 that protrudes from the opening edge of the through hole 72D2 toward the bearing ring 72C. The disk portion 72D1 protrudes laterally beyond the bearing ring 72C. The protrusion 72D3 of the flange member 72D can abut against the bearing ring 72C. A notch 72A1 is formed in the shaft body 72A on the outer side of the flange member 72D in the axial direction, and a retaining ring 72E is attached to this notch 72A1 to position the flange member 72D and the bearing ring 72C.

[0045] Because the upper and lower connecting mechanisms 72B have the same shape, the upper connecting mechanism 72B will be used as an example to describe the connecting mechanism 72B. As shown in Figures 14 and 19, connecting mechanism 72B is cylindrical and has a flange 72B1 at its lower end that protrudes radially inward. A through-hole 72B2, through which shaft body 72A is inserted, is formed in the center of flange 72B1. Connecting mechanism 72B is fixed to the tip of shaft body 72A with a screw 72N.

[0046] The outer end 72B3 of the connecting mechanism 72B in the axial direction has a jagged, wavy shape. Specifically, the outer end 72B3 has a shape that is made up of a plurality of first surfaces 72BA extending vertically and second surfaces 72BB extending upward and to the right from the lower end of the first surface 72BA.

[0047] 11 and 14, the roller components 75 are ring-shaped, and five are disposed on the shaft member 72 between the upper connecting mechanism 72B and the upper flange member 72D, and five are disposed between the lower connecting mechanism 72B and the lower flange member 72D. The roller components 75 of this embodiment are made of foamed resin, such as polyethylene. The outer diameter of the roller components 75 is approximately 1.5 to 2.0 times the diameter of a gaming ball, and the foaming ratio is approximately 10 to 20 times (15 times is particularly preferred).

[0048] Roller member 71 is assembled as follows. First, bearing ring 72C and, for example, lower flange member 72D are fitted onto shaft body 72A. Then, for example, handle portion 73 is fitted onto the outside of bearing ring 72C from above, and upper flange member 72D is also fitted onto shaft body 72A. Next, five roller components 75 are fitted above or below the upper and lower flange members 72D of shaft body 72A, and then connecting mechanism portion 72B is fitted and fixed with screws 72N. With the above steps, roller member 71 is completed.

[0049] Next, the roller holding mechanism 80 will be described. The roller holding mechanism 80 is for rotatably holding the roller member 71 between the pair of gutter wall portions 63A and forward of the partition bulge portion 63B. In detail, the roller holding mechanism 80 includes an upper connecting portion 81 fixed to the upper end inside the case 61, and a lower connecting portion 82 fixed to the lower end.

[0050] 14 and 19, upper connecting portion 81 is rotatably fitted to upper shaft 81J hanging down from the top wall of case 61. Upper connecting portion 81 includes a cylindrical portion 81E fitted to upper shaft 81J and a disk portion 81F extending laterally from the middle of cylindrical portion 81E. The lower surface of disk portion 81F has a jagged, wavy shape including a first surface 81A extending vertically and a second surface 81B extending upward and to the right from the lower end of first surface 81A, corresponding to first surface 72BA and second surface 72BB of connecting mechanism 72B of roller member 71. Upper connecting portion 81 and upper connecting mechanism 72B are coupled to transmit rotation by overlapping first surfaces 81A and 72B3 and second surfaces 81B and 72B4. A retaining ring 81T for preventing the upper connecting portion 81 from coming off is attached to the upper shaft 81J.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 , a lower shaft 82J is supported on the lower wall of the case 61 so as to be rotatable relative to the case 61. The lower shaft 82J is longer than the upper shaft 81J, has a circular cross section at its middle portion, and is received in a bearing member 61U fixed to the case 61. The upper and lower portions of the lower shaft 82J have a noncircular cross section (D-shaped in this embodiment). A flange member 82F is fixed adjacent to the upper portion of the lower shaft 82J received in the bearing member 61U. A noncircular through-hole 82F1 corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the lower shaft 82J is formed in the lower connecting portion 82. A noncircular through-hole 82K corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the lower shaft 82J is formed in the lower connecting portion 82. The lower connecting portion 82 is fitted loosely to the lower shaft 82J so as to be non-rotatable but linearly movable relative to the lower shaft 82J. A retaining ring 82T is fixed to the upper end of the lower shaft 82J to prevent the lower connecting portion 82 from coming off.

[0052] A coil spring 82C is disposed in a compressed state between the lower connecting portion 82 and the flange member 81F, and the lower connecting portion 82 is biased upward. Similar to the upper connecting portion 81, the upper surface of the lower connecting portion 82 is formed with a plurality of continuous first surfaces 82A and second surfaces 82B corresponding to the first surfaces 72BA and second surfaces 72BB of the connecting mechanism portion 72B of the roller member 71, and the lower connecting portion 82 and the lower connecting mechanism portion 72B are also connected so as to be able to transmit rotation.

[0053] The roller member 71 is attached to the roller holding mechanism 80 as follows. First, the handle 73 is grasped and the roller member 71 is brought close to the lifting device 60 from the front, and the roller member 71 is tilted so that the lower end enters the case 61 first. The lower connecting mechanism part 72B is placed against the lower connecting part 82 and the lower connecting part 82 is pressed down, and then the roller member 71 is adjusted in the vertical direction so that the upper connecting mechanism part 72B is positioned directly below the upper connecting part 81 (see FIG. 20). Then, the roller member 71 is raised in accordance with the elastic force of the coil spring 82C, whereby the upper and lower connecting mechanism parts 72B engage and are connected to the upper and lower connecting parts 81, 82, respectively.

[0054] When removing the roller member 71, first, the roller member 71 is pressed down against the elastic force of the coil spring 82C, and then the roller member 71 is pulled upward at an angle so that the upper end of the roller member 71 is first removed from the case 61. As shown in Fig. 5, the cover part 42 and the recovery part 43 have through-holes 42X, 43X formed therein to expose the roller member 71, and the roller member 71 can be attached and detached with the front door 10Z open (the state shown in Fig. 2).

[0055] 12 and 14, a roller gear 82G that is connected to the screw gear 62G is fixed to the lower end of the lower shaft 82J, and the roller member 71 rotates together with the screw 62. The roller member 71 rotates in the opposite direction to the screw 62. Note that the gaming balls lifted by the screw 62 rotate in the opposite direction to the screw 62, so the roller member 71 rotates in the same direction as the gaming balls.

[0056] As a result, when the gaming ball rises within the guide path 65 of the lifting device 60, the gaming ball comes into contact with the roller member 71 (roller component 75), and dirt on the gaming ball is removed. Moreover, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the screw 62 presses the gaming ball toward the roller member 71, making it easier to remove dirt. Furthermore, since the roller member 71 is also driven to rotate, more force is applied to the surface of the gaming ball than when it simply comes into contact with the roller member 71, making it easier to remove dirt. Furthermore, since the roller component 75 is made of foamed resin, it can be manufactured relatively inexpensively, and the uneven surface makes it easier to remove dirt.

[0057] Furthermore, since the roller member 71 has multiple roller components 75 lined up in the axial direction, the game ball ascending within the guide path 65 passes across the upper and lower edge portions of each roller component 75, i.e., the game ball comes into contact with the edge of the foamed resin multiple times, making it easier to remove dirt from the game ball. Furthermore, since the direction in which the game ball passes is determined by the guide path 65, it is possible to reliably make the game ball cross the edge of the foamed resin.

[0058] In conventional gaming machines, where actual game balls are dispensed and actual prize balls are dispensed, it is common for game balls to be cleaned and coated with a coating agent to improve their slipperiness, for example, by a lifting device installed on an island in the gaming hall. However, in sealed-type gaming machines where game balls are not dispensed, even if a coating agent is applied to the game balls before they are inserted, the coating agent peels off over cumulative operating time, making the game balls less slippery and causing them to behave unpredictably. Furthermore, since the coating agent is also thought to serve a protective role for the game ball, without the coating agent, the game ball is more likely to wear out and its behavior becomes unstable. As a result, for example, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, where the first starting winning slot 14A is located directly below the central outlet 24A of the stage 24, game balls are more likely to fall from the outlet 24A before reaching the central outlet 24A, resulting in a lower winning rate.

[0059] To solve this problem, it may be possible to develop a gaming machine based on the slipperiness of the machine when no coating agent is applied, but this would likely require time and the know-how gained from conventional gaming machine development would be difficult to apply.

[0060] In contrast, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured so that a coating agent is applied to gaming balls in the lifting device 60. Specifically, in this embodiment, the roller component 75 of the roller member 71 is impregnated with a coating agent (for example, a lubricant containing a fluorine compound). The roller member 71 is manufactured, for example, by immersing a long roll of foamed resin in a coating agent that has become liquid at high temperature, and then removing it to form a foamed resin with the coating agent solidified, which is then sliced ​​into round slices.

[0061] As a result, every time the gaming ball rises within the guide path 65, dirt is removed and a coating agent is applied. This allows the gaming ball to maintain the same level of slipperiness as gaming balls used in conventional gaming machines. In addition, the coating agent protects the gaming ball, preventing wear on the gaming ball. This stabilizes the behavior of the gaming ball, preventing problems such as a decrease in the winning rate, and also makes it possible to develop gaming machines by fully utilizing the know-how of conventional gaming machine development.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the roller component 75 is impregnated with the coating agent, both ball polishing and coating are performed in one place, making the design of the lifting device 60 easier than if these were performed in separate locations. Moreover, since these are performed in the guide path 65, the lifting device 60 can be made more compact than if separate spaces were provided for ball polishing and coating. Furthermore, since the roller component 75 serves both the ball polishing and coating functions, the number of parts can be reduced compared to providing separate functions. Furthermore, since the roller component 75 is made of foamed resin, it is easy to impregnate the coating agent.

[0063] Furthermore, because the ball polishing and coating are performed while the game balls are lined up in a row within the guide path 65, unevenness in the degree of dirt removal and the amount of coating agent applied to each game ball is prevented. Also, by configuring the object that contacts the game ball to be roller-shaped and rotate, such as the roller member 71, the surface of the foamed resin that contacts the game ball changes, making it easier to remove dirt and apply it to the game ball, and preventing uneven wear of the foamed resin and uneven reduction of the coating agent. Furthermore, because the game balls also rotate in response to the rotation of the screw 62, it is possible to prevent areas that are not polished and uneven application of the coating agent.

[0064] Roller member 71 is provided with a sticker attachment portion 73R on which a sticker 73S can be attached, for example, on strip portion 73A of handle 73 (see FIG. 11). Sticker 73S may have an identification number written on it that identifies the type of roller member 71 (type of coating agent), or it may be possible to write the date when roller member 71 can be used. The same identification number may be set for roller members of the same type, or multiple identification numbers may be set for one type of roller member, with different numbers being set for each roller member.

[0065] Here, when a large number of game balls pass through the guide path 65 and are polished and coated, dirt accumulates on the roller component 75, making it impossible to remove the dirt from the game balls. Furthermore, the amount of coating agent impregnated in the roller component 75 decreases, making it impossible to apply an appropriate amount of coating agent to the game balls. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the roller component 71 is installed in the lifting device 60 in a replaceable state, and furthermore, is detachable from the front of the gaming machine main body 30 when the front door 10Z is open. This allows an operator to easily replace the roller component 71. Moreover, in this embodiment, because the roller component 75 is impregnated with the coating agent, maintenance of both ball polishing and coating of the game balls can be performed simultaneously by simply replacing the roller component 71.

[0066] In this embodiment, since the accumulation of dirt on the roller members 71 and the decrease in the amount of coating agent impregnated occur over time as gaming balls circulate within the machine, the replacement time for the roller members 71 is determined based on the time that gaming balls have circulated within the machine, and when the replacement time arrives, the maintenance notification lamp 53 is turned on to notify the worker of this fact and prompt them to replace the roller members 71. The determination of the replacement time for the roller members 71 will be described in detail later.

[0067] Furthermore, the coating agent used in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment may be transparent and colorless, or may be colored. If the coating agent is colored, it is preferable that the roller component 75 be impregnated with the coating agent so that the impregnated portion is identifiable. For example, by using a blue foam resin for the roller component 75 and a gray coating agent, the roller component 75 turns gray, making the coating agent identifiable. As described above, the coating agent adheres to the gaming ball each time the roller component 71 comes into contact with the gaming ball. Therefore, as the number of contacts with the gaming ball increases, the amount of impregnated coating agent decreases, and the roller component 75 returns to its original color (blue). This allows the timing of maintenance of the roller component 71 (e.g., replacement of the roller component 71) to be easily determined based on the color change of the roller component 75.

[0068] In the above example, the coating agent is gray, but any color that can be identified when impregnated into the roller part 75, such as red or blue, may be used. The roller part 75 is not limited to blue, and may be white or another color. Since the roller part 75 may become dark due to the adhesion of dirt from game balls, it is preferable to use a color scheme that allows the coating agent to be recognized even when darkened.

[0069] Figure 3 shows the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. Reference numeral 50 in the figure denotes a main control board 50, which includes a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 50A, RAM 50B, ROM 50C, and multiple counters, an input / output circuit connecting the microcomputer to a sub-control board 52, and an input / output circuit connecting a relay board connected to the large prize slot 15 and a gaming ball management board 54, and performs main control related to the game. The CPU 50A includes a win / loss determination unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., and is configured to not only perform calculation control but also generate random numbers related to the win / loss determination of special symbols and normal symbols, and output (transmit) control signals to the sub-control board 52, etc. The RAM 50B includes storage areas for various random numbers generated by the CPU 50A, storage areas and flags for temporarily storing various data, and a work area for the CPU 50A. ROM 50C stores control data, pattern change data related to the variable display of special patterns 13A, 13B, 13C and normal patterns, as well as judgment values ​​for determining whether a special pattern is correct or not and whether a normal pattern is correct or not.

[0070] Like the main control board 50, the sub-control board 52 includes a microcomputer having a CPU 52A, RAM 52B, ROM 52C, and multiple counters, an input / output circuit connecting the microcomputer to the main control board 50, and an input / output circuit connecting the display device 13 and the like. The CPU 52A includes a control unit, an arithmetic unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like, and is configured to perform arithmetic control and to output (transmit) control signals to the display device 13, the maintenance notification lamp 53, and the like. The RAM 52B has a storage area for various data and a work area for the CPU 52A. The ROM 52C stores data for various effects, etc. The ROM 52C also stores a maintenance timing specification program PG1, which will be described later, and the CPU 52A executes the maintenance timing specification program PG1 to specify when to replace the roller member 71.

[0071] The gaming ball management board 54 is connected to the launching device 31, the launched ball sensor 31S, the returned ball sensor 36S, the winning sensor 25, the ball recovery sensor 44, etc., and manages the gaming balls circulating within the machine based on signals from the main control board 50 that are generated when gaming balls enter each winning slot 14A, 14B, 15, 20 and the outlet 16. The gaming ball management board 54 is also connected to the card unit 26, receives information read from the card, and transmits information to be written to the card to the card unit 26. The gaming ball management board 54 is also connected to the ball management unit 19, and based on signals received from the ball management unit 19, transfers gaming balls from the ball storage in the card to the gaming machine's ball storage, or from the gaming machine's ball storage to the card's ball storage, and outputs information about the balls held to the ball management unit 19 to be displayed on the display 19H of the ball management unit 19 (see FIG. 1).

[0072] The main control board 50, the sub-control board 52, the game ball management board 54, etc. operate by receiving power from the power supply board 51.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 52A of the sub-control board 52 executes the maintenance timing specification program PG1 to specify the replacement time for the roller member 71. Specifically, the CPU 52A executes the maintenance timing specification program PG1 to function as the measurement unit 55, the determination unit 56, the notification unit 57, and the reset unit 58.

[0074] The measurement unit 55 counts the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10. Specifically, the measurement unit 55 uses a clock function to measure the elapsed time while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10, and if the power supply is stopped, the measured elapsed time is temporarily stored in the RAM 52B as the operating time of the gaming machine 10. When the power supply is resumed, the measurement unit 55 reads the operating time from the RAM 52B and adds the elapsed time measured by the clock function to the counted operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10. Note that when the power supply to the gaming machine 10 is stopped, the sub-control board 52 operates using power supplied from a backup power source (not shown). Therefore, even if the power supply to the gaming machine 10 is stopped, the data on the cumulative operating time T1 is not lost. The maintenance timing identification program PG1 is executed while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, a real-time clock (not shown) is used as the clock function.

[0075] The determination unit 56 is configured to be automatically executed, for example, once a day at a predetermined time. The determination unit 56 compares the accumulated operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10 with a reference time Tc stored in the ROM 52C, and determines that it is time to replace the roller member 71 when the accumulated operating time T1 exceeds the reference time Tc. In this embodiment, the determination unit 56 is executed once a day, but may be configured to be executed multiple times a day.

[0076] The notification unit 57 turns on the maintenance notification lamp 53 when the determination unit 56 determines that it is time to replace the roller member 71. By turning on the maintenance notification lamp 53, the worker is notified that it is time to replace the roller member 71, and is prompted to replace the roller member 71.

[0077] When an operator replaces the roller member 71 and inputs the identification number written on the sticker 73S affixed to the new roller member 71 into an input unit (not shown) accessible only to the operator, the reset unit 58 turns off the maintenance notification lamp 53, resets the accumulated operating time T1, and starts counting the operating time of the gaming machine 10 again from 0. However, the reset unit 58 determines whether the input identification number matches a designated identification number pre-registered in the gaming machine 10, and resets the accumulated operating time T1 and turns off the maintenance notification lamp 53 only if they match. In other words, if the input identification number differs from the designated identification number, the notification by the maintenance notification lamp 53 continues.

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, while the gaming machine 10 is operating, the maintenance timing specification program PG1 is executed to measure the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10. Based on this cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10, the time to replace the roller members 71 is determined, and when the replacement time arrives, the maintenance notification lamp 53 is turned on. This allows the operator to easily know that the time to replace the roller members 71 has arrived, and to replace the roller members 71 at the appropriate time and perform maintenance on the gaming balls by polishing and coating them. Furthermore, the notification by the maintenance notification lamp 53 continues until the operator inputs the identification number of the roller members 71 at the time of replacement, which prevents the operator from forgetting to replace the roller members 71 when it is due, and allows the roller members 71 to be replaced at the appropriate time. Furthermore, if the input identification number does not match the designated identification number registered in advance, the maintenance notification lamp 53 will continue to issue a notification, thereby preventing, for example, the mistaken installation of a roller member impregnated with a coating agent that is incompatible with the gaming balls used in the gaming machine 10, or the installation of an unrecommended roller member for fraudulent purposes.

[0079] An example of the maintenance timing specification program PG1 executed by the CPU 52A of the sub-control board 52 is shown in Figure 21. As described above, the maintenance timing specification program PG1 is executed while the gaming machine 10 is operating, and the accumulated operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10 is counted (S11). Then, once a day at a predetermined time (YES in S12), it is determined whether the accumulated operating time T1 has exceeded a reference time Tc (S13). The accumulation of the accumulated operating time T1 continues (S11) until the accumulated operating time T1 exceeds the reference time Tc (NO in S13), and when the accumulated operating time T1 exceeds the reference time Tc (YES in S13), the maintenance notification lamp 53 is turned on (S15).

[0080] Then, the worker who replaced the roller member 71 inputs an identification number (YES in S16), and if that identification number matches the designated identification number (YES in S17), the maintenance notification lamp 53 is turned off (S18), the cumulative operation time T1 is reset (S19), and counting starts again from 0 (S11). If no identification number is input (NO in S16) or if the input identification number differs from the designated identification number (NO in S17), the cumulative operation time T1 continues to be added and the maintenance notification lamp 53 remains lit (YES in S11 and S14) until the correct identification number is input (YES in S16 and YES in S17). Here, the CPU 52A when executing step S11 corresponds to the measurement unit 55 described above, the CPU 52A when executing steps S12 and S13 corresponds to the judgment unit 56 described above, the CPU 52A when executing steps S14 and S15 corresponds to the notification unit 57 described above, and the CPU 52A when executing steps S16 to S19 corresponds to the reset unit 58 described above.

[0081] [Second embodiment] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the configuration of the lifting device 60V is different from that of the lifting device 60 of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 22, the lifting device 60V is similar to the lifting device 60 of the first embodiment in that the gaming ball ascending in the guide path 65 is separated from the roller member 71 by a pair of partition bulges 63B, and the roller member 71 abuts from the side against the gaming ball exposed from the gap formed between the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B, but the abutment state is different. In the first embodiment, a gap of a width that allows the roller member 71 to abut is formed between the front ends of a pair of partition bulges 63B from their upper end to their lower end (see Figures 11 and 14), whereas in this embodiment, the gap formed between the front ends of a pair of partition bulges 63B is of a width that prevents the roller member 71 from abutting from their upper end to the middle part in the vertical direction, and is of a width that allows the roller member 71 to abut from the middle part to their lower end.

[0082] 23, partition protrusions 69 are formed at the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B between the upper end and the vertical middle portion thereof, protruding in a direction toward each other. These partition protrusions 69 allow the roller member 71 to come into contact with a gaming ball moving from the lower end of the guide path 65 to the vertical middle portion thereof, but prevent the roller member 71 from coming into contact with a gaming ball moving from the vertical middle portion of the guide path 65 to the upper end thereof.

[0083] With this configuration, only the lower half of the roller member 71 is used for polishing and coating the ball. Here, keeping the roller member 71 in contact with the game ball the entire time it ascends within the guide path 65 to deal with dirt and peeling coating that adheres to the game ball while it is launched from the launch unit 31 and returns to the launch unit 31 may result in excessive processing and result in unnecessary wear of the roller component 75. According to the lifting device 60V of this embodiment, only the lower half of the roller member 71 is used for polishing and coating the ball. For example, when it is time to replace the roller member 71, the roller member 71 can be installed upside down on the lifting device 60V. This allows the roller member 71 to be used efficiently over a long period of time while properly maintaining the game balls, thereby improving the maintainability of the roller component 75. In this embodiment, the pair of partition protrusions 69 are formed between the upper end and the vertical middle part of the front end of the pair of partition bulge parts 63B, but they may also be formed between the vertical middle part and the lower end.

[0084] [Third embodiment] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the coating agent is applied to the gaming ball not only by the roller member 71 but also by the pushing piece 62C of the screw 62. Specifically, a foamed resin 62D (see FIG. 24) impregnated with the coating agent is attached to the surface of the pushing piece 62C that comes into contact with the gaming ball. This allows the coating agent to be applied to the gaming ball by utilizing the force exerted when pushing the gaming ball toward the upper passage 61B. Note that, since the coating agent is applied using foamed resin, dirt on the gaming ball is also removed.

[0085] Furthermore, foam resin that is not impregnated with a coating agent may be attached to the extrusion piece 62C. In this way, if the coating agent applied by the roller component 75 is excessive, the excess can be wiped off to obtain an appropriate amount of coating agent.

[0086] Alternatively, the foam resin 62D may not be provided, and the coating agent may be applied directly to the extrusion piece 62C. Also, the roller member 71 may not be provided.

[0087] [Fourth embodiment] If too much coating agent adheres to the gaming ball, it may become more slippery than expected, causing the gaming ball to stop behaving as expected. In contrast, in this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the amount of coating agent adhered to the gaming ball.

[0088] Specifically, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment includes, as the roller components 75, first roller components 75 impregnated with a coating agent and second roller components 75 not impregnated with a coating agent. Initially, for example, the first roller components 75 and the second roller components 75 are arranged alternately one by one and passed through the shaft body 72A. In other words, the proportion of the first roller components 75 among all roller components 75 is 50%. If the gaming ball is more slippery than expected, the number of first roller components 75 is reduced and the number of second roller components 75 is increased. If the gaming ball is less slippery than expected, the number of second roller components 75 is reduced and the number of first roller components 75 is increased, thereby making the gaming ball closer to the expected slipperiness.

[0089] However, as the cumulative operating time of the gaming machine 10 increases, wear on the play area R1 (the front surface of the play board 11) and deterioration of the obstacle nails and resin bodies on the play area R1 can cause problems such as poor ball flow and balls no longer behaving as expected. However, replacing the play area R1, obstacle nails, and resin bodies with new ones is not practical due to the cost and labor involved. In contrast, according to this embodiment, increasing the amount of coating agent applied to the game ball can improve the ball flow and solve the above problem. The deterioration of the play area R1, obstacle nails, resin bodies, etc. can be determined visually or by changes in the winning rate, etc.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first roller components 75 and the second roller components 75 are alternately arranged, but any arrangement is possible. For example, only the first roller components 75 may be arranged above the bearing ring 72C, and only the second roller components 75 may be arranged below. In this case, the balls are polished by the second roller components 75, and then the coating agent is applied by the first roller components 75. Conversely, only the second roller components 75 may be arranged above the bearing ring 72C, and only the first roller components 75 may be arranged below, so that the balls are polished after the coating agent is applied.

[0091] Furthermore, when the roller member 71 does not include multiple roller parts 75 but includes one long roller part, the roller part may be configured so that only a portion of the roller part is impregnated with the coating agent. For example, initially, only one side of the roller part in the left-right direction may be impregnated with the coating agent, and when the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time or when deterioration of the play area R1, obstacle nails, resin body, etc. is visually confirmed, the entire roller part may be impregnated with the coating agent.

[0092] [Fifth embodiment] The problem of the game ball's slippage becoming worse as the cumulative operating time increases due to deterioration of the game area R1 and obstacle nails can also be solved by changing the type of coating agent to one with higher slipperiness. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to change the type of coating agent when performing maintenance on the roller member 71.

[0093] Specifically, another roller member 71 is prepared in which a different type of coating agent is impregnated on the roller component 75. Then, when the slipperiness of the game ball decreases, the roller member 71 in use is removed from the roller holding mechanism 80, and then another roller member 71 is attached to the roller holding mechanism 80, making it possible to change the coating agent to one with higher slipperiness.

[0094] Here, if the color of the coating agent impregnated into the other roller member 71 is different from the color of the coating agent impregnated into the roller member 71, it becomes easy to distinguish them, and inconveniences such as application of the wrong agent can be prevented.

[0095] In addition to timing maintenance, different coating agents may be used for different models in order to set appropriate slipperiness depending on the model.

[0096] Also, the roller parts 75 may be replaced with roller parts impregnated with a different type of coating agent.

[0097] [Sixth embodiment]

[0098] In gaming machines 10 that repeatedly use a limited number of gaming balls, dirt tends to accumulate on the gaming balls. If dirt accumulates on the gaming balls, there is a risk that the dirt may not be removed by simply contacting the gaming balls with the roller components 75. Therefore, in order to make it easier to remove dirt that accumulates on the gaming balls, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to perform the dirt removal process at a temperature higher than room temperature.

[0099] 25 and 26, in this embodiment, a heat transfer plate 110, which is a plate-shaped metal member, is provided between the motor 64 and the gutter member 63. The heat transfer plate 110 abuts against the motor 64 and the gutter member 63 so as not to leave a gap between them. The heat transfer plate 110 is approximately the same size as the side wall of the gutter member 63 on the motor 64 side, that is, it is sized so as to overlap the cleaning mechanism 70 and the screw 62 from the side.

[0100] When the motor 64 is driven, it generates heat to about 30°C to 50°C due to the winding resistance of the motor coil (not shown) and power loss caused by the current flowing therethrough. The heat generated here is transferred to the gutter member 63 through the heat transfer plate 110, heating the screw 62. As the screw 62 is heated, the heat is also transferred to the gaming balls lifted by the screw 62, making them easier to clean. The gaming balls then come into contact with the roller member 71 of the cleaning mechanism 70, which is also heated, and the dirt is removed. In addition, as the coating agent impregnated in the roller component 75 is heated, it becomes easier for the coating agent to adhere to the gaming balls.

[0101] It is also possible to use a heating method using a heater or the like instead of using the heat generated by the motor 64. Also, the gutter member 63 may be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity without providing the heat transfer plate 110. In order to make it easier to remove dirt from the game balls, it is desirable that the motor 64 generate heat at 30°C or higher, but this is not limitative.

[0102] [Other embodiments] (1) In the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment, the time to replace the roller member 71 is notified to the operator by lighting up the maintenance notification lamp 53. However, the time to replace the roller member 71 may be notified by displaying the display screen 13G or the display section 19H of the ball management unit 19. The time to replace the roller member 71 may also be notified by sound output from a speaker (not shown). The time to replace the roller member 71 may also be notified by all of these means.

[0103] Here, when the time to replace the roller members 71 is notified on the display screen 13G or the display unit 19H, the notifying unit 57 may, for example, notify the fact for a certain period of time when the gaming machine 10 is turned on, or may notify the fact when various effects related to the game, such as win / loss determination or jackpot game, are not being performed ("standby state"). With this configuration, the time to replace the roller members 71 is notified during play, which prevents the player from losing interest. Alternatively, the gaming machine 10 may be configured to notify the fact that it is time to replace the roller members 71 throughout the operation of the gaming machine 10.

[0104] (2) In the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment described above, the determination unit 56 determines when to replace the roller member 71 based on the cumulative operating time T1 of the gaming machine 10, but the determination may also be based on the cumulative number of operating days of the gaming machine 10.

[0105] The determination unit 56 may also determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the accumulated time related to the variable display of the special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C that notify the result of the special symbol win / loss determination.

[0106] Furthermore, the determination unit 56 may determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the operating time of the lifting device 60, that is, the time it takes for the gaming ball to rise in the guide path 65. According to this configuration, it is possible to determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the time it takes for the roller member 71 to actually come into contact with the gaming ball.

[0107] (4) In the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 56 determines when to replace the roller member 71 based on the elapsed time that the gaming ball circulated within the machine, but the determination may also be based on a change in the behavior of the gaming ball after the coating agent has peeled off. For example, as described above, when the coating agent peels off a gaming ball rolling on the stage 24, the gaming ball is more likely to fall from the discharge section 24A before reaching the central discharge section 24A, which reduces the winning rate of the first starting winning opening 14A. Therefore, the time to replace the roller member 71 may be determined based on the winning rate of the first starting winning opening 14A.

[0108] The determination unit 56 may also determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the ratio of the number of balls that enter the outlet 16 to the number of balls that are shot from the shooting unit 31.

[0109] Furthermore, since the speed at which the game balls flow down the game area R1 changes when the coating agent peels off, the determination unit 56 may determine when to replace the roller member 71 based on the speed at which the game balls flow down, for example, based on the time from when the game balls are launched from the launch unit 31 to when they are taken into the outlet 16. In this case, the determination may be made based on the average value of multiple game balls.

[0110] Furthermore, since the refractive index of the gaming ball changes when the coating agent peels off, the determination unit 56 may determine the time to replace the roller member 71 based on the refractive index of the gaming ball. In this case, for example, a mechanism may be provided that measures the refractive index by irradiating the gaming ball collected in the ball collection path 41 with measurement light.

[0111] (5) In the lifting device 60V of the second embodiment described above, a pair of partition protrusions 69 are formed on a pair of partition bulges 63B, reducing the gap between the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B and preventing game balls exposed from the guide path 65 from coming into contact with the roller member 71. However, a plate member may be placed to close the gap between the front ends of the pair of partition bulges 63B, separating the guide path 65 from the roller member 71 and preventing the guide path 65 from coming into contact with the roller member 71.

[0112] In this case, when it is time to replace the roller members 71, the roller members 71 may be installed upside down on the lifting device 60V as in the second embodiment, or the position of the plate members may be shifted in the vertical direction. In addition, when the position of the plate members is shifted in the vertical direction, the movement of the position of the plate members may be manual or automatic. Furthermore, the shifted position may be set arbitrarily, or may be set to shift at regular intervals.

[0113] (6) In the lifting devices 60, 60V of the above embodiments, the distance of the roller members 71 relative to the gaming ball ascending on the guide path 65 was constant, but the roller members 71 may be movable in the forward and backward directions relative to the gaming ball ascending on the guide path 65. With this configuration, when the roller components 75 made of foamed resin are positioned close to the gaming ball ascending on the guide path 65, they can be pressed firmly against the gaming ball, whereas when the roller components 75 are positioned away from the ascending gaming ball on the guide path 65, the strength of the contact state can be changed, such as not contacting the gaming ball or contacting the gaming ball to the extent that it just touches the gaming ball. According to this configuration, for example, when the gaming ball is not very dirty and has a sufficient amount of coating, the roller member 71 is positioned so that it does not touch the gaming ball ascending along the guide path 65 or so that it lightly presses against the gaming ball. When the gaming ball becomes heavily dirty or the amount of coating becomes insufficient, the roller member 71 is positioned so that it is closer to the gaming ball ascending along the guide path 65. This configuration allows for timely maintenance of the gaming ball, enables efficient use of the roller member 71 over a long period of time, and improves the maintainability of the roller member 71. The movement of the roller member 71 may be manual or automatic. Furthermore, the distance of the roller member 71 from the gaming ball ascending along the guide path 65 may be set arbitrarily, or the distance may be set to change periodically. Furthermore, the roller member 71 may be vertically separable, so that one portion is positioned so that it is closer to the gaming ball ascending along the guide path 65 and the other portion is positioned so that it is farther away from the gaming ball ascending along the guide path 65.

[0114] (7) In the first embodiment, the designated identification number that the reset unit 58 determines whether it matches the input identification number was pre-registered in the gaming machine 10, but it may also be updated at any time by communicating with a management computer (not shown).

[0115] (8) In the first embodiment, the reset unit 58 is configured to continue adding the cumulative operating time T1 without turning off the maintenance notification lamp 53 when an identification number different from the designated identification number is input. However, the reset unit 58 may be configured to clearly notify the user that the input identification number is different from the designated identification number by turning on a warning lamp (not shown), for example.

[0116] (9) The roller member 71 may not be assigned an identification number, and for example, simply by operating a reset button provided in the gaming machine 10, the reset unit 58 may reset the cumulative operating time T1 and turn off the maintenance notification lamp 53.

[0117] (10) The timing of maintenance may not be notified, and maintenance may be performed at the discretion of the operator.

[0118] (11) In the above embodiment, it is possible that the cleaning mechanism 70 is unable to remove all dirt from the game balls, and the dirt may end up adhering to the blade 62B. Therefore, as shown in Figure 27, a brush 111 may be arranged along the screw 62 to remove dirt from the blade 62B.

[0119] This makes it easier to remove dirt because the entire blade 62B comes into contact with the brush when the screw 62 rotates. Also, because the brush is provided on the opposite side of the screw 62 from the upper passage 61B and the lower passage 61A, dirt on the blade 62B can be removed without interfering with the movement of the game balls, such as entering, lifting, and pushing out.

[0120] The brush 111 may be shaped like a brush and may be made of elastomer or cloth. Furthermore, a shower may be provided near the upper end of the screw 62 to wash away dirt from the blade 62B with running water, or a wind may be blown to blow away dust.

[0121] (12) In the first embodiment, roll members 71 impregnated with a coating agent inside guide path 65 were configured to apply the coating agent to game balls, but a configuration is also possible in which, between the time game balls are collected in collection section 43 and the time they are sent to guide path 65, they are immersed in a coating agent storage section where the coating agent is stored, and roll members 71 that are not impregnated with the coating agent inside guide path 65 wipe off the excess coating agent that has adhered to the game balls. Also, a ring-shaped or cylindrical wiping member that game balls can pass through inside may be provided in addition to roll members 71.

[0122] (13) Alternatively, a coating agent may be applied after the dirt has been removed. For example, a coating member impregnated with or having a coating agent applied thereto may be disposed in the upper passage 61B, and after dirt has been removed by a roll member 71 that is not impregnated with a coating agent in the guide path 65, the coating agent may be applied by the coating member in the upper passage 61B. The coating member may be a coating agent solidified into a block shape.

[0123] (14) The coating agent may be replenished to the roller component 75 through the through holes 42X, 43X of the cover portion 42 and the recovery portion 43. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the timing for replenishing the coating agent is notified.

[0124] (15) In the first embodiment, the part that contacts the game ball (roller part 75) is made of polyethylene, but it may be made of other foamed resins such as polystyrene or polyurethane, or may be made of cloth, paper, elastomer, or a brush. Furthermore, instead of being roller-shaped, it may be in the shape of a flat sheet or a sphere.

[0125] (16) The coating agent may be a lubricant containing a silicone compound or a lubricant containing an ester compound.

[0126] (17) The roll member 71 does not have to be driven to rotate.

[0127] (18) In the first embodiment, the roll member 71 includes a plurality of roller components 75 arranged side by side, but it may include one long roller component or two roller components, one above and one below. In this case, for example, if slits 75S extending in the circumferential direction are formed at multiple locations in the axial direction as shown in Figures 28(A) and (B), or if slits 75S extending in the axial direction are formed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction as shown in Figures 29(A) and (B), dirt on the game balls can be easily removed by the edges on both sides of the slits 75S.

[0128] (19) The part that contacts the game ball may not be roller-shaped, but may be a foamed material in the shape of a plate or sphere with slits formed therein.

[0129] (20) In the first embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the roller component 75 was circular, but it may also be non-circular, such as polygonal or elliptical, or have a wavy outer edge (see Figure 29(C)). In this case, the gaming ball fits into the depression in the small diameter area, making it easier to remove dirt. Also, when the part of the roller component that comes into contact with the gaming ball changes diameter from a small diameter area to a large diameter area, the pressure on the gaming ball increases, making it easier to remove dirt. The cross-sectional shape of the roller component may be uniform in the axial direction, or may be offset in the axial direction, making the outer surface uneven in the circumferential and axial directions.

[0130] Also, the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion may be arranged side by side in the axial direction. In this case, the game ball fits into the recess in the small diameter portion, making it easier to remove dirt.

[0131] (21) A coating agent may be applied to or impregnated into the screw 62. In this case, for example, a replenishing section for applying the coating agent to the screw 62 may be provided on the opposite side of the guide path 65. Also, the moving member may be formed from a solidified coating agent.

[0132] (22) Instead of the screw 62, the gaming balls may be raised by a belt conveyor-like member.

[0133] (23) The rotation speeds of the roll member 71 and the screw 62 may be the same or different.

[0134] (24) In the first embodiment, the coating agent is impregnated into the roller component 75 and solidifies, but it may be in a liquid form. For example, a reservoir for storing a liquid coating agent may be provided in the center of the roll member 71, and the coating agent may seep out from there and adhere to the roller component 75. Alternatively, a reservoir for the coating agent may be provided around the roller component 71, and the coating agent may be adsorbed onto the roller component 75 from there.

[0135] Although the present specification and drawings disclose specific examples of the technology included in the scope of the claims, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but also includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples, and also includes parts of the specific examples taken out alone.

[0136] <Additional Notes> The following describes the features of the inventions extracted from the above-described embodiments, while indicating, as necessary, their effects, etc. Note that, for ease of understanding, the following will appropriately indicate corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiments in parentheses, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses, etc.

[0137] [First group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine. Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple gaming balls in a single gaming machine is known (see, for example, JP 2016-034569 A (paragraph

[0010] , etc.)). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to improve the sliding of the gaming ball. In response to this, according to the present feature group, it is possible to improve the sliding of the gaming ball.

[0138] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, The gaming machine is provided with a coating means for applying a coating agent to gaming balls.

[0139] According to feature 1, the sliding of the game ball can be improved. [Feature 2] The game balls are shot into the game area by the launching device and flow down, and are on their way back to the launching device, and a guide path is provided through which the game balls pass in a line; Feature 1: The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the coating means contacts the gaming ball in the guide path.

[0140] According to Feature 2, the coating agent is applied to the game balls in a line, which reduces the variation in the amount of coating agent applied to each game ball. Also, because the coating agent can be applied to the game balls within the guide path, there is no need to provide a separate location for installing the coating means.

[0141] [Feature 3] The gaming machine according to Feature 2, wherein the coating means includes a coating member impregnated with or attached to the coating agent.

[0142] The coating member may be impregnated with or attached to a coating agent, or may have a coating agent reservoir from which the coating agent is adsorbed. The coating agent may be supplied to a coating agent supply port or a coating agent reservoir, or may be supplied directly to the coating member.

[0143] [Feature 4] The gaming machine according to Feature 3, wherein the coating member is made of foam.

[0144] The coating material may be made of a material such as cloth or elastomer, or may be in the shape of a brush. As in Feature 4, foam is not only inexpensive, but also easy to apply or impregnate with a coating agent.

[0145] [Feature 5] 5. The gaming machine according to feature 3 or 4, wherein the coating means is provided with a seal attachment portion.

[0146] According to Feature 5, a sticker can be attached to the sticker attachment portion. For example, this sticker can indicate when the coating material started to be used to serve as a guide for when maintenance should be performed, or, if there are multiple types of coating material, an identification number or the like can be written on the sticker to make it easier to distinguish the type of coating material.

[0147] [Feature 6] A moving member is provided which receives power from a drive source and moves the game ball within the guide path, A gaming machine according to any one of features 3 to 5, wherein the coating means faces the moving member across a guide path.

[0148] According to Feature 6, the coating means comes into contact with the game ball that moves under power, so that the game ball is prevented from becoming difficult to move due to friction with the coating means.

[0149] [Feature 7] A moving member is provided which receives power from a drive source and moves the game ball within the guide path, The coating means is configured by applying or impregnating the coating agent onto the moving member.

[0150] As in Feature 7, the coating means may be a coating agent applied to or impregnated on the moving member.

[0151] [Feature 8] The guide path extends in the vertical direction, A gaming machine according to feature 6 or 7, wherein the moving member is a screw with a spiral blade extending therefrom that can support a gaming ball.

[0152] The moving member may be a belt conveyor or may be a screw as in Feature 8.

[0153] [Feature 9] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 8, wherein the coating agent is a lubricant containing a fluorine-based compound.

[0154] The coating agent may be a lubricant containing a silicone-based compound or a lubricant containing an ester-based compound, but a lubricant containing a fluorine-based compound, as in Feature 9, is preferable for making the game ball slippery.

[0155] [Correspondence between components of the first feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, launching device: launch unit 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, coating member: roller part 75, driving source: motor 64, moving member: screw 62, spiral blade: blade 62B

[0156] [Second group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine. Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple gaming balls in a single gaming machine is known (see, for example, JP 2016-034569 A (paragraph

[0010] , etc.)). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to improve the sliding of the gaming ball. In response to this, according to the present feature group, it is possible to improve the sliding of the gaming ball.

[0157] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, a ball polishing means for polishing the game ball to remove dirt; The gaming machine is provided with a coating means for applying a coating agent to the gaming ball.

[0158] According to feature 1, the game ball can be kept clean and can slide smoothly.

[0159] [Feature 2] The game balls are shot into the game area by the launching device and flow down, and are on their way back to the launching device, and a guide path is provided through which the game balls pass in a line; The gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein the coating means and the ball polishing means come into contact with the gaming ball in the guide path.

[0160] According to Feature 2, the coating agent is applied to the game balls in a line, which reduces the variation in the amount of coating agent applied to each game ball. Also, because the coating agent can be applied to the game balls within the guide path, there is no need to provide a separate location for installing the coating means.

[0161] [Feature 3] The gaming machine described in Feature 2 is provided with a polishing member that contacts the gaming ball and is impregnated with or adhered to the coating agent as at least a part of the coating means and the ball polishing means.

[0162] According to the third feature, the polishing member impregnated with or having a coating agent attached thereto can be used as both the coating means and the ball polishing means.

[0163] [Feature 4] The gaming machine according to Feature 3, wherein the polishing member is made of foam.

[0164] The polishing member may be a cloth, elastomer, brush, etc., or may be a foam as described in Feature 4. Foam is not only inexpensive, but also easy to apply or impregnate with a coating agent.

[0165] [Feature 5] The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the ball polishing means and the coating means separately contact the gaming ball in the guide path.

[0166] As in Feature 5, the ball polishing means and the coating means may be configured to separately come into contact with the gaming balls in the guide path.

[0167] [Feature 6] A gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein after the coating means applies the coating agent to the gaming ball, the ball polishing means wipes off the coating agent that has adhered to the gaming ball.

[0168] As in Feature 6, after the coating agent is applied to the gaming ball, the ball polishing means may be configured to wipe off the coating agent that has adhered to the gaming ball.

[0169] [Feature 7] 7. A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, wherein the ball polishing means is provided with a sticker pasting section.

[0170] According to Feature 7, a sticker can be attached to the sticker attachment section. For example, this sticker can indicate when the polishing element was first used to serve as a guide for when maintenance should be performed, or, if there are multiple types of polishing elements, can indicate an identification number or the like to make it easier to distinguish between the different types of polishing elements.

[0171] [Correspondence between components of the second feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, ball polishing means: roller member 71, roller part 75, launching device: launch unit 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, polishing member: roller part 75,

[0172] [Third group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine. Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple gaming balls in a single gaming machine is known (see, for example, JP 2016-034569 A (paragraph

[0010] , etc.)). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to improve the sliding of the gaming ball. In response to this, according to the present feature group, it is possible to improve the sliding of the gaming ball.

[0173] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been shot into a game area by a launching device and have flowed down form a line and passed through a guide path to return to the launching device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used by a single gaming machine, The gaming machine is provided with a roller member that extends along the guide path, comes into contact with the gaming ball passing through the guide path, polishes the gaming ball to remove dirt, and applies a coating agent to the gaming ball.

[0174] According to feature 1, the game ball can be kept clean and made to slide smoothly.

[0175] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the roller member includes a roller part having an uneven surface to remove dirt from the gaming ball and having the coating agent attached or impregnated thereto.

[0176] [Feature 3] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the roller member includes a polishing roller part for removing dirt from the gaming ball and a coating roller part for applying the coating agent to the gaming ball.

[0177] The roller component may be configured to both remove dirt and apply a coating agent (Feature 2), or a polishing roller component for removing dirt and a coating roller component for applying a coating agent may be provided separately (Feature 3).

[0178] [Feature 4] The coating roller component includes a roller component having an uneven surface to which the coating agent is adhered or impregnated, The gaming machine described in Feature 3 is provided with a polishing roller part that does not have the coating agent attached or impregnated thereon.

[0179] The coating roller part may be a roller-shaped product of a solidified coating agent, or as in Feature 4, may be the same roller part as the polishing roller part to which the coating agent is attached or impregnated.

[0180] [Feature 5] The gaming machine according to feature 2 or 4, wherein the roller component is made of foam.

[0181] The roller parts may be made of cloth, elastomer, brush, etc., or may be made of foam as described in Feature 5. Foam is not only inexpensive but also easy to apply or impregnate with a coating agent.

[0182] [Feature 6] 6. The gaming machine according to Feature 5, wherein the foam is a foamed resin having an expansion ratio of 10 to 20 times.

[0183] If the foam is a foamed resin with an expansion ratio of 10 to 20 times as in Feature 6, it is suitable for impregnating or adhering a coating agent or for removing dirt from game balls.

[0184] [Feature 7] 7. The gaming machine according to feature 5 or 6, wherein the diameter of the roller component is 1.5 to 2.0 times the diameter of the gaming ball.

[0185] If the diameter of the roller component is 1.5 to 2.0 times the diameter of the game ball as in Feature 7, it is suitable for impregnating or adhering a coating agent and for removing dirt from the game ball.

[0186] [Feature 8] The guide path extends in the vertical direction, A screw having a protruding spiral blade capable of supporting the game ball receives power from a drive source and rotates, thereby lifting the game ball in the guide path, A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the roller member is arranged opposite the screw.

[0187] The game balls may be raised by a belt conveyor-like member, but according to feature 8, the game balls also rotate in response to the rotation of the screw, which prevents unpolished areas and uneven application of the coating agent.

[0188] [Correspondence between components of the third feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, roller member: roller member 71, roller part: roller part 75, launching device: launching unit 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, spiral blade: blade 62B, screw: screw 62, driving source: motor 64,

[0189] [Fourth group of characteristics] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine. Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, a gaming machine in which a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used by itself and which is equipped with a configuration for removing dirt from the gaming balls is known (see, for example, JP 2016-034569 A (paragraph

[0010] , etc.)). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to make it easier to remove dirt from the gaming balls. In response to this, the present feature group makes it possible to make it easier to remove dirt from the gaming balls.

[0190] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been shot into a game area by a launching device and have flowed down form a line and passed through a guide path to return to the launching device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used by a single gaming machine, A foam body is provided which comes into contact with the game ball passing through the guide path to remove dirt, The foam has an edge formed on it that is crossed by a gaming ball passing through the guide path.

[0191] According to Feature 1, dirt on the surface of the game ball is easily removed by the game ball crossing the edge of the foam. In addition, the direction in which the game ball passes is determined by the guide path, so the game ball is easily able to cross the edge of the foam.

[0192] [Feature 2] The foam is formed by assembling a plurality of foam parts, A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, wherein the outer edge of each foam part is the edge.

[0193] According to Feature 2, the game ball comes into contact with the outer edge of each foam part, and dirt is removed. In addition, by providing multiple foam parts, the game ball comes into contact with the edges of the foam (the outer edge of the foam parts) more frequently, making it easier to remove dirt from the game ball. [Feature 3] The gaming machine described in Feature 2, wherein the foam has a roller shape extending along the guide path, and a plurality of roller parts as the foam parts are arranged in the axial direction.

[0194] According to Feature 3, the foam is shaped like a roller, which changes the surface of the foam that comes into contact with the game ball, making it easier to remove dirt and suppressing uneven wear of the foam.

[0195] [Feature 4] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the foam has a slit and the edges are arranged on both sides of the slit.

[0196] According to feature 4, the game ball comes into contact with the edges sandwiching the slit, and dirt is removed.

[0197] [Feature 5] The gaming machine described in Feature 4, wherein the foam has a roller shape extending along the guide path and has a plurality of axially extending slits formed therein.

[0198] The slits may extend in the circumferential direction, or as in Feature 5, may extend in the axial direction. [Feature 6] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the foam is driven to rotate.

[0199] According to Feature 6, the rotation of the foam changes the surface of the foam that contacts the game ball, making it easier to remove dirt and suppressing uneven wear of the foam. Also, when the slits extend in the axial direction as in Feature 5, the edges rub against the game ball, making it easier to remove dirt.

[0200] [Feature 7] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 6, wherein the foam is attached to or impregnated with a coating agent to be attached to the gaming ball.

[0201] According to Feature 7, dirt on the game ball can be removed while a coating agent can be applied to the game ball to improve its slipperiness.

[0202] [Correspondence between components of the fourth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, roller member: roller member 71, foam: roller part 75, launching device: launching unit 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65

[0203] [5th ​​feature group] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine. Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, a gaming machine in which a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used by itself and which is equipped with a configuration for removing dirt from the gaming balls is known (see, for example, JP 2016-034569 A (paragraph

[0010] , etc.)). In the conventional gaming machine described above, it is required to make it easier to remove dirt from the gaming balls. In response to this, the present feature group makes it possible to make it easier to remove dirt from the gaming balls.

[0204] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been shot into a game area by a launching device and have flowed down form a line and passed through a guide path to return to the launching device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used by a single gaming machine, A roller member extends along the guide path and rotates to come into contact with the game ball passing through the guide path to remove dirt, The roller members have non-uniform diameters.

[0205] According to Feature 1, dirt on the game ball can be removed, and uneven wear of the roller member can be reduced by changing the location where the roller member contacts the game ball as the roller member rotates. Also, because the diameter of the roller member is uneven, the game ball fits into the depressions in the smaller diameter areas, making it easier to remove dirt. Furthermore, when the part of the roller member that contacts the game ball changes from a smaller diameter to a larger diameter, the pressure on the game ball increases, making it easier to remove dirt.

[0206] [Feature 2] The gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein the roller member has a non-circular cross section.

[0207] [Feature 3] The gaming machine according to Feature 2, wherein the roller member has a wavy outer edge in cross section.

[0208] [Feature 4] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the roller member has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion aligned in the axial direction.

[0209] The cross-sectional shape of the roller member may be polygonal, elliptical, star-shaped, etc. (Feature 2), or may have a wave-shaped outer edge (for example, a gear-like shape) (Feature 3). The cross-sectional shape of the roller member may be uniform in the axial direction, or may be offset in the axial direction, so that the outer surface is uneven in the circumferential and axial directions. It may also be configured such that a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion are aligned in the axial direction (Feature 4).

[0210] [Correspondence between components of the fifth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, roller member: roller member 71, foam: roller part 75, launching device: launching unit 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65

[0211] [Sixth feature group] This disclosure relates to a gaming machine. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-014953 (paragraphs

[0040] ,

[0041] , and FIG. 2) discloses a gaming machine in which multiple gaming balls are sealed inside and circulated for use in games. The conventional gaming machine described above is equipped with a polishing member that contacts the gaming balls to remove dirt. However, as the polishing member becomes dirty or worn, it becomes unable to properly remove dirt from the gaming balls. Therefore, there is a demand for improved maintainability, such as replacement of the polishing member. In response to this, the present features enable improved maintainability of the polishing member.

[0212] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, A polishing member is provided to come into contact with the game ball to remove dirt, This is a gaming machine in which the state of contact of the polishing member with the gaming ball can be changed.

[0213] According to Feature 1, for example, when a polishing member comes into contact with a game ball in a certain contact state to remove dirt, and the polishing member becomes worn or dirt accumulates, the contact state of the game ball with the polishing member can be changed, so that the polishing member can continue to be used in an appropriate state, allowing the polishing member to be used efficiently over a long period of time and improving the maintainability of the polishing member.

[0214] [Feature 2] The game balls are shot into the game area by the launching device and flow down, and are on their way back to the launching device, and a guide path is provided through which the game balls pass in a line; In the gaming machine according to Feature 1, the polishing member is capable of coming into contact with the gaming ball in the guide path.

[0215] According to feature 2, the polishing member is capable of coming into contact with the game balls arranged in a row on the guide path, making it easier to control the state of contact of the polishing member with the game balls.

[0216] [Feature 3] In the gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, the polishing member is switchable between a contact state in which it contacts the gaming ball and a non-contact state in which it does not contact the gaming ball.

[0217] [Feature 4] In the gaming machine according to Feature 3, the polishing member is movable between a position where it can come into contact with the gaming ball and a position where it cannot come into contact with the gaming ball.

[0218] As a configuration for changing the contact state of the polishing member with the game ball, for example, as in Feature 3, a configuration can be used in which the polishing member is switched between a contact state in which it contacts the game ball and a non-contact state in which it does not contact the game ball. The switching between the contact state and the non-contact state can be manual or driven. Furthermore, as a configuration for switching between the contact state and the non-contact state, as in Feature 4, a configuration can be used in which the polishing member is moved between a position where it can contact the game ball and a position where it cannot contact the game ball.

[0219] [Feature 5] The gaming machine according to Feature 2 is provided with a partition member that can be positioned between the polishing member and the row of gaming balls in the guide path and prevents the polishing member from coming into contact with the gaming balls.

[0220] According to the fifth feature, by disposing the partition member, it is possible to prevent the polishing member from coming into contact with the game ball.

[0221] [Feature 6] This is a gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the pressing force of the polishing member against the gaming ball is changeable.

[0222] [Feature 7] The gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 6, wherein the polishing member is made of foam and is movable relative to the gaming ball.

[0223] As a configuration for changing the contact state of the game ball with the polishing member, for example, the pressing force of the polishing member against the game ball can be changed as in Feature 6. And as a configuration for changing the pressing force, for example, as in Feature 7, the polishing member made of foam may be made movable relative to the game ball.

[0224] [Feature 8] This is a gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 7, wherein the polishing member is impregnated with or has a coating material attached thereto.

[0225] According to Feature 8, when removing dirt from the game ball with the polishing member, the game ball can also be coated with a coating material.

[0226] [Correspondence between the components of the sixth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, polishing member: roller part 75, launching device: launching device 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, partition member: pair of partition protrusions 69

[0227] [7th feature group] This disclosure relates to a gaming machine. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-014953 (paragraphs

[0040] ,

[0041] , and FIG. 2) discloses a gaming machine in which multiple gaming balls are sealed inside and circulated for use in games. The conventional gaming machine described above is equipped with a polishing member that contacts the gaming balls to remove dirt. However, as the polishing member becomes dirty or worn, it becomes unable to properly remove dirt from the gaming balls. Therefore, there is a demand for improved maintainability, such as replacement of the polishing member. In response to this, the present features enable improved maintainability of the polishing member.

[0228] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, A polishing member is provided to come into contact with the game ball to remove dirt, The polishing member has a contactable portion on a surface facing the game ball that can contact the game ball and a non-contactable portion that cannot contact the game ball, This gaming machine is capable of switching between the contactable portion and the non-contactable portion.

[0229] According to Feature 1, if the contactable portion of the polishing member that contacts the game ball when facing the game ball to polish it becomes worn or becomes dirty, for example, the contactable portion can be switched to a non-contactable portion of the polishing member whose surface facing the game ball cannot come into contact with the game ball, thereby allowing the polishing member to continue to be used in an appropriate state, thereby allowing the polishing member to be used efficiently over a long period of time and improving the maintainability of the polishing member.

[0230] [Feature 2] The game balls are shot into the game area by the launching device and flow down, and are on their way back to the launching device, and a guide path is provided through which the game balls pass in a line; In the gaming machine according to Feature 1, the polishing member is capable of coming into contact with the gaming ball in the guide path.

[0231] According to feature 2, the polishing member is capable of coming into contact with the game balls arranged in a row on the guide path, making it easier to control the state of contact of the polishing member with the game balls.

[0232] [Feature 3] The polishing member has an elongated shape extending along the guide path, A partition section is provided between the polishing member and the row of game balls in the guide path, the partition section having an abutment window facing the abutment portion, This is a gaming machine described in Feature 2, in which the contactable portion and the non-contactable portion can be switched by changing the orientation or position of the polishing member.

[0233] [Feature 4] The polishing member has an elongated shape extending along the guide path, A partition section is provided between the polishing member and the row of game balls in the guide path, the partition section having an abutment window facing the abutment portion, This is a gaming machine according to Feature 2, in which the contactable portion and the non-contactable portion can be switched by changing the position of the contact window in the partition portion.

[0234] As a configuration in which the polishing member has a contactable portion and a non-contactable portion, for example, a partition may be provided between the elongated polishing member extending along the guide path and the row of game balls in the guide path, with a contact window provided in the partition, and the portion of the polishing member facing the contact window may be the contactable portion. The configuration for switching between the contactable portion and the non-contactable portion may be a configuration in which the orientation or position of the polishing member relative to the partition is changed, as in Feature 3, or a configuration in which the position of the contact window in the partition is changed, as in Feature 4.

[0235] [Feature 5] This is a gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 4, wherein the polishing member is impregnated with or has a coating material attached thereto to be adhered to the gaming ball.

[0236] According to Feature 5, when removing dirt from the gaming balls with the polishing member, the gaming balls can also be coated with a coating material.

[0237] [Correspondence between the components of the seventh feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, polishing member: roller part 75, launching device: launching device 31A, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, partition portion: pair of partition protrusions 69

[0238] [8th feature group] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph

[0010] ) discloses a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple gaming balls. There is a need for the development of technology to improve the glide of gaming balls compared to the conventional gaming machines described above. In response to this, the present features enable the glide of gaming balls to be improved by coating them. Furthermore, since the coating agent is colored, it is easy to distinguish between coating agents.

[0239] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, A coating means is provided for applying a coating agent to the game ball, The gaming machine in which the coating agent is colored.

[0240] According to Feature 1, coating the game ball can improve the slipperiness of the game ball. In addition, since the coating agent is colored, it is easy to distinguish between different coating agents.

[0241] [Feature 2] The coating means includes a coating member to which the coating agent is attached or impregnated and which contacts the game ball, The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the coating member is a color that makes the coating agent identifiable.

[0242] According to Feature 2, it is possible to see at a glance whether a coating agent is attached to or impregnated in the coating component, making it easier to determine when maintenance is required.

[0243] [Feature 3] The gaming machine according to Feature 2, wherein the coating member is made of foam.

[0244] The coating material may be a cloth, elastomer, brush, etc., or may be a foam as described in Feature 3. Foam is not only inexpensive, but also easy to apply or impregnate with a coating agent.

[0245] [Feature 4] The game balls are shot into the game area by the launching device, and after flowing down, they are on their way back to the launching device, and a guide path is provided through which the game balls pass in a line; 4. A gaming machine according to feature 2 or 3, wherein the coating member extends along the guide path and abuts against the gaming ball in the guide path.

[0246] According to Feature 4, the coating agent is applied to the game balls in a line, which reduces the variation in the amount of coating agent applied to each game ball. Also, because the coating agent can be applied to the game balls within the guide path, there is no need to provide a separate location for installing a coating means.

[0247] [Feature 5] A moving member is provided which receives power from a drive source and moves the game ball within the guide path, 5. The gaming machine according to feature 4, wherein the coating member faces the moving member across the guide path.

[0248] According to Feature 5, the coating member comes into contact with the game ball that moves under power, so that the game ball is prevented from becoming difficult to move due to friction with the coating member.

[0249] [Feature 6] a timing determination means for determining a maintenance timing for the coating means based on a change in color of the coating member; A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, further comprising a timing notification means for notifying the maintenance timing determined by the timing determination means.

[0250] Feature 6 makes it easy to know when maintenance is required.

[0251] [Correspondence between components of the eighth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, coating member: roller part 75, launching device: launching device 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 6

[0252] [9th feature group] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph

[0010] ) discloses a gaming machine that circulates and uses multiple gaming balls. There is a demand for improving the glide of gaming balls compared to the conventional gaming machines described above. In response to this demand, the present features can improve the glide of gaming balls. Furthermore, the glide of gaming balls can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of coating agent.

[0253] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, A coating means is provided for applying a coating agent to the game ball, The coating means is capable of adjusting the amount of coating agent to be applied to the gaming ball.

[0254] According to Feature 1, the slipperiness of the gaming ball can be improved by applying a coating agent to the gaming ball. In addition, the slipperiness of the gaming ball can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of coating agent.

[0255] [Feature 2] The coating means includes a contact member that contacts the game ball, At least a part of the contact member is a coating portion containing the coating agent, The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the proportion of the coating portion in the abutment member is changeable.

[0256] According to the feature 2, it is possible to adjust the amount of coating agent by changing the proportion of the coating portion in the contact member.

[0257] [Feature 3] The game balls are shot into the game area by the launching device and flow down, and are on their way back to the launching device, and a guide path is provided through which the game balls pass in a line; The gaming machine described in Feature 2, wherein the abutment member extends along the guide path and is capable of contacting a gaming ball within the guide path.

[0258] According to Feature 3, the coating agent can be applied to the gaming balls on their way back to the launching device, eliminating the need to provide a separate area for coating. Also, the coating agent is applied to the gaming balls while they are lined up, reducing the variation in the amount of coating agent applied to each gaming ball.

[0259] [Feature 4] The amusement machine described in Feature 3, wherein the abutment member has a plurality of abutment parts arranged in the longitudinal direction, and at least some of the plurality of abutment parts are the coating portion.

[0260] According to the fourth feature, the amount of coating agent can be adjusted depending on the number of coating portions among the plurality of contact parts.

[0261] [Feature 5] 5. A gaming machine according to feature 3 or 4, wherein the contact member is in the form of a roller extending along the guide path.

[0262] According to Feature 5, as the roller rotates, the surface of the contact member that contacts the game ball changes, thereby preventing the problem of the coating agent being reduced in only one place on the contact member.

[0263] [Feature 6] The gaming machine according to Feature 4, wherein the abutment member is formed by fitting a plurality of abutment parts having a circular cross section onto an axial member extending along the guide path.

[0264] The abutting member may have a circular cross section, a star shape, a circle with a wavy outer periphery, or any other shape that is approximately symmetrical in cross section and can be fitted onto the shaft member.

[0265] [Feature 7] The gaming machine described in Feature 6, wherein the abutment part is detachable from the shaft member.

[0266] According to Feature 7, not only can the amount of coating agent be adjusted by attaching and detaching the contact part, but also deteriorated contact parts can be replaced with new ones.

[0267] [Feature 8] The contact member is provided with a foam that can polish the game ball to remove dirt, A gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 7, wherein the coating portion is formed by adhering or impregnating the coating agent to at least a portion of the foam.

[0268] According to Feature 8, ball polishing and coating can be performed using the same part, eliminating the need for separate components. Foam is also preferred because it is inexpensive and easy to apply or impregnate with a coating agent.

[0269] [Correspondence between components of the ninth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, contact member: roller part 75, coating portion: first roller part 75A, launching device: launching device, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, shaft member: shaft main body 72A

[0270] [10th feature group] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph

[0010] ) discloses a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in a circulating manner. There is a demand for improving the glide of gaming balls compared to the conventional gaming machines described above. In response to this demand, the present invention can improve the glide of gaming balls by applying a coating agent to the gaming balls. Furthermore, when changing the model, the coating means can be replaced, allowing the gaming machine to be adjusted to a level of glide appropriate for that model.

[0271] [Feature 1] A gaming machine is provided with a circulation means for returning gaming balls that have been shot into a gaming area of ​​a detachably attached gaming board by a launching device and have flown down the gaming area to the launching device, and the gaming machine itself circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls. The circulation means is a gaming machine that is equipped with a detachable coating means that applies a coating agent to gaming balls.

[0272] According to Feature 1, the slipperiness of the gaming ball can be improved by applying a coating agent to the gaming ball. In addition, when changing the model, the coating means can also be replaced, and the slipperiness of the gaming machine can be adjusted to suit the model.

[0273] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the coating means includes a coating member impregnated with or attached to the coating agent.

[0274] The coating member may be a solidified coating agent, or may be a coating member impregnated with or attached to the coating agent as in Feature 2.

[0275] [Feature 3] The circulation means includes a guide path through which the game balls pass in a line; a moving member that receives power from a drive source and moves the game ball within the guide path; The gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the coating member extends along the guide path and contacts the gaming ball carried by the moving member.

[0276] According to Feature 3, the coating agent can be applied to the game balls while they are lined up, which reduces the variation in the amount of coating agent applied to each game ball. Also, since the game balls can be coated on their way back to the launcher, there is no need to secure a space for a separate coating means.

[0277] [Feature 4] The guide path extends in the vertical direction, A gaming machine according to Feature 3, wherein the moving member is a screw with a protruding spiral blade capable of supporting a gaming ball.

[0278] The moving path may be a conveyor or, as in Feature 4, a screw.

[0279] [Feature 5] A gaming machine according to any one of Features 2 to 4, wherein the coating member is made of foam.

[0280] The coating member may be made of a fabric material, elastomer, or brush-shaped, or may be a foam as described in Feature 5. Foam is not only inexpensive to obtain, but also allows the coating agent to be easily attached or impregnated.

[0281] [Feature 6] A gaming machine described in any one of features 2 to 5, wherein the coating agent is colored. [Feature 7] The gaming machine described in Feature 6, wherein the coating agent has a distinguishable color when impregnated into or attached to the coating member.

[0282] According to Features 6 and 7, it is possible to see at a glance whether the coating agent is attached to or impregnated in the coating material, making it easier to know when maintenance is required if the coating agent is running low. Also, if different coating agents are used for each model, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of applying coating material to unintended models.

[0283] [Feature 8] A gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 7, wherein the coating means is provided with a seal attachment portion.

[0284] According to Feature 8, a sticker can be attached to the sticker attachment portion. For example, the sticker can indicate when the coating material started to be used to serve as a guide for maintenance, or an identification number or the like can be written on the sticker to make it easy to distinguish the coating material for each gaming machine. [Correspondence between components of the 10th feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, circulating means: lifting device 60, coating means: roller member 71, coating member: roller part 75, launching device: launching device 31A, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, spiral blade: blade 62B, moving member: screw 62, driving source: motor 64,

[0285] [11th feature group] This disclosure relates to a gaming machine. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-014953 (paragraphs

[0040] ,

[0041] , and Figure 2) discloses a gaming machine in which multiple gaming balls are sealed inside and circulated for use in games. The conventional gaming machines described above are equipped with a ball polishing device that polishes the gaming balls to remove dirt. However, as the ball polishing device becomes dirty or worn, it becomes unable to remove dirt from the gaming balls. Therefore, maintenance, such as replacing the ball polishing device, is required at appropriate times. In contrast, the present features enable maintenance of the ball polishing device to be performed at appropriate times.

[0286] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, a ball polishing means for polishing the game ball to remove dirt; a timing determination means for determining a maintenance timing for the ball polishing means; and a timing notification means for notifying the maintenance timing determined by the timing determination means.

[0287] According to Feature 1, a timing determination means is provided for determining the maintenance timing of the ball polishing means, and the maintenance timing determined by the timing determination means is notified by the timing notification means, so that maintenance of the ball polishing means can be performed at the appropriate timing.

[0288] [Feature 2] In the gaming machine according to Feature 1, the timing determination means determines the maintenance timing based on the passage of time.

[0289] [Feature 3] In the gaming machine according to Feature 2, the timing determination means determines the maintenance timing based on the accumulated time related to the variable display of the symbol that notifies the result of the game success / failure determination.

[0290] [Feature 4] A transfer member is provided which takes in the game balls that have been shot into the game area by the launching device and have flowed down, and transfers them to the launching device; In the gaming machine according to Feature 2, the timing determination means determines the maintenance timing based on an operation time of the transfer member.

[0291] [Feature 5] In the gaming machine according to Feature 2, the timing determination means determines the maintenance timing based on an accumulated operating time of the gaming machine.

[0292] [Feature 6] The gaming machine is described in any one of features 2 to 5, wherein the passage of time is determined using a real-time clock.

[0293] The timing of maintenance can be determined based on the passage of time as in Feature 2. For example, it may be determined based on the accumulated time related to the variable display of the symbols that notify the result of the game win / loss determination as in Feature 3, or based on the operating time of a transport member that takes in game balls that have been shot into the game area by the launching device and have finished flowing down and transports them to the launching device as in Feature 4, or based on the number of days the gaming machine has been in operation as in Feature 5. The passage of time may be determined using, for example, a real-time clock (Feature 6).

[0294] [Feature 7] This is a gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 6, wherein the ball polishing means includes a coating member impregnated with or having a coating material applied thereto to be adhered to the gaming ball.

[0295] [Feature 8] In the gaming machine according to Feature 7, the maintenance timing is the timing to replenish the coating material in the ball polishing means.

[0296] The ball polishing means may be configured to coat the gaming ball with a coating material when removing dirt from the gaming ball (Feature 7), and the maintenance timing may be the timing to replenish the coating material.

[0297] [Feature 9] The gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 7, wherein the maintenance timing is the timing to replace the ball polishing means.

[0298] The maintenance timing may be the timing to replenish the coating material, as in Feature 9.

[0299] [Feature 10] It is set to enter standby mode when no play has been performed for a certain period of time. The gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 9, wherein the timing notification means notifies the maintenance timing during the standby state or when the power is turned on.

[0300] As in Feature 10, the system may be configured to notify the player of the need for maintenance when the machine is in a standby state, which is triggered by a certain period of inactivity, or when the power is turned on. This feature prevents the player from losing interest when the machine is in a game due to the need for maintenance being notified.

[0301] [Correspondence between components of the eleventh feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, ball polishing means: roller member 71, timing determination means: determination unit 56, timing notification means: notification unit 57, launching device: launching device 31A, transporting member: lifting device 60, coating member: roller part 75

[0302] [12th feature group] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-014953 (paragraphs

[0040] ,

[0041] , and FIG. 2) discloses a gaming machine in which multiple gaming balls are sealed inside and circulated for use in games. In the conventional gaming machines described above, repeated use of a limited number of gaming balls causes the gaming balls to wear out, resulting in unstable behavior. A solution to this problem is needed. In response to this problem, the present features can suppress wear on the gaming balls and stabilize their behavior.

[0303] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, a coating means for applying a coating material to the game ball; a timing determination means for determining a maintenance timing for the coating means; and a timing notification means for notifying the maintenance timing determined by the timing determination means.

[0304] According to Feature 1, the coating device is provided to apply a coating material to the gaming ball, thereby protecting the surface of the gaming ball, and the timing determination device is provided to determine the maintenance timing of the coating device and notify the maintenance timing of the coating device, so that maintenance of the coating device can be performed at an appropriate time. This reduces wear on the gaming ball and stabilizes the behavior of the gaming ball.

[0305] [Feature 2] In the gaming machine according to Feature 1, the timing determination means determines the maintenance timing based on a change in a parameter caused by an amount of coating material adhering to the gaming ball.

[0306] [Feature 3] In the gaming machine according to Feature 2, the parameter is a winning rate of a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area into a winning hole where a winning ball can be won.

[0307] [Feature 4] In the gaming machine according to Feature 2, the parameter is the flow speed of the gaming ball flowing down the gaming area.

[0308] [Feature 5] In the gaming machine according to Feature 2, the parameter is the refractive index of light on the gaming ball.

[0309] The timing of maintenance can be determined based on a change in a parameter resulting from the amount of coating material adhering to the gaming ball, as in Feature 2. The parameter may be, for example, the winning rate of a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area into a winning slot, as in Feature 3, the flow speed of the gaming ball flowing down the gaming area, as in Feature 4, or the refractive index of light in the gaming ball, as in Feature 5.

[0310] [Feature 6] The gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 5, wherein the maintenance timing is the timing to replace the coating means.

[0311] [Feature 7] The gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 5, wherein the maintenance timing is a timing to replenish the coating material in the coating means.

[0312] The maintenance timing may be the timing to replace the coating means as in Feature 6, or the timing to replenish the coating material in the coating means as in Feature 7.

[0313] [Feature 8] It is set to enter standby mode when no play has been performed for a certain period of time. The gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 7, wherein the timing notification means notifies the user of the maintenance timing during the standby state or when the power is turned on.

[0314] As in Feature 8, the maintenance timing may be notified when the machine is in a standby state or when the power is turned on, which is triggered by a certain period of inactivity. This feature prevents the maintenance timing from being notified during play, which would ruin the player's interest.

[0315] [Correspondence between components of the twelfth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, timing determination means: determination unit 56, timing notification means: notification unit 57, gaming area: gaming area R1

[0316] [13th feature group] This disclosure relates to a gaming machine. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-34569 (paragraph

[0010] ) discloses a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in a circulating manner and has a configuration for removing dirt from the gaming balls. There is a demand for a gaming machine that makes it easier to remove dirt from gaming balls than the conventional gaming machines described above. In response to this demand, the present features make it easier to remove dirt from the surfaces of gaming balls by performing the ball polishing process at a temperature higher than room temperature. [Feature 1] In a gaming machine that uses a single gaming machine to circulate gaming balls, In this gaming machine, a ball polishing process for polishing game balls to remove dirt is carried out at a temperature higher than room temperature.

[0317] According to Feature 1, the ball polishing process is carried out at a temperature higher than room temperature, making it easier to remove dirt from the surface of the game ball.

[0318] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1, wherein the ball polishing process is carried out at a temperature of 30 degrees or higher.

[0319] According to feature 2, in order to make it easier to remove dirt from the game balls, it is preferable that the ball polishing process be carried out at a temperature of 30 degrees or higher.

[0320] [Feature 3] 3. The gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, comprising a heating means for heating the gaming ball.

[0321] According to feature 3, dirt on the surface of the game ball becomes easier to remove.

[0322] [Feature 4] The game balls are shot into the game area by the launching device, and after flowing down, they are on their way back to the launching device, and a guide path is provided through which the game balls pass in a line; A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the ball polishing process is carried out within the guide path.

[0323] According to Feature 4, the ball polishing process is performed where the game balls are lined up, so the occurrence of unpolished game balls is reduced. Also, since the ball polishing process is performed on the guide path, it is possible to polish the game balls on the way back to the launching device without providing a separate place for the ball polishing process.

[0324] [Feature 5] The gaming machine described in Feature 4 is provided with a polishing member that extends along the guide path and abuts against the gaming ball in the guide path.

[0325] According to feature 5, the polishing member extends along the guide path, and thus contacts the game ball over a wide range, making it easier to remove dirt.

[0326] [Feature 6] The gaming machine described in Feature 5 is provided with a heating means for heating the polishing member.

[0327] According to Feature 6, by bringing the heated polishing member into contact with the game ball, dirt can be easily removed.

[0328] [Feature 7] The gaming machine according to feature 5 or 6, wherein the polishing member is made of foam.

[0329] According to Feature 7, the polishing member may be in the shape of a brush, may be made of a cloth material, or may be made of an elastomer. If the polishing member is made of a foam material as in Feature 7, it is not only inexpensive but also suitable for adhering or impregnating with a coating agent.

[0330] [Feature 8] A moving member is provided which receives power from a drive source and moves the game ball within the guide path, A gaming machine described in any one of features 4 to 7, which is provided with a heat transfer section that transfers heat from the driving source into the induction path.

[0331] The machine may be provided with a heating means for heating the game balls as in Feature 3, a heating means for heating the polishing member as in Feature 6, or a heat transfer unit as in Feature 8. According to Feature 8, the heat generated by the drive source can be effectively utilized.

[0332] [Correspondence between components of the thirteenth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, polishing member: roller part 75, guide path: guide path 65, moving member: screw 62, driving source: motor 64, heating means: motor 64, heat transfer portion: heat transfer plate 110

[0333] [14th invention group] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-34569 (paragraph

[0010] ) discloses a gaming machine in which multiple gaming balls are circulated and used. Compared to the conventional gaming machines described above, there is a need for smoother flow of gaming balls. In response to this, the present feature group uses a pushing means to push gaming balls toward a subsequent path, thereby making the flow of gaming balls smoother.

[0334] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine in which a gaming ball that has been shot into a gaming area by a launching device and has flowed down is raised in a guide path extending in the vertical direction and returned to the launching device, and a plurality of gaming balls are circulated and used within the gaming machine alone, A pushing means is provided for pushing the game ball that has reached the upper end of the guide path into a subsequent path extending to the side of the guide path, The pushing means is capable of changing the surface condition of the game ball.

[0335] According to Feature 1, the pushing means pushes the game ball toward the subsequent path, making the flow of the game ball smooth. Moreover, the pushing means can be effectively used to change the surface condition of the game ball, making it possible to make the surface condition of the game ball into an expected state.

[0336] [Feature 2] A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, comprising a screw having a spiral blade that can support a gaming ball and rotates when powered, thereby lifting the gaming ball within the guide path, and the pushing means is provided at the upper end of the screw.

[0337] The pushing means may be provided at the upper end of the screw as in Feature 2, or may be provided separately, for example, by a mechanism that raises the game balls on a belt conveyor and pushes the game balls that reach the top end from the side.

[0338] [Feature 3] The pushing means is a wall extending outward from the rotation axis of the screw, and the gaming machine described in Feature 2 has a changing means for changing the surface condition of the gaming ball.

[0339] According to the feature 3, the gaming ball that has been raised by the screw can be pushed out to the subsequent path by the pushing means, while changing the state of the surface of the gaming ball.

[0340] [Feature 4] 4. The gaming machine according to Feature 3, wherein the changing means applies a coating agent to the gaming ball.

[0341] According to Feature 4, the slipperiness of the gaming ball can be improved by applying a coating agent to the surface of the gaming ball.

[0342] [Feature 5] A coating means is provided for applying a coating agent to the game ball, A gaming machine according to feature 3, wherein the changing means wipes the coating agent off the gaming ball.

[0343] According to feature 5, excess coating agent can be wiped off, so that the slipperiness of the game ball can be adjusted.

[0344] [Feature 6] The gaming machine according to feature 3, wherein the changing means removes dirt from the gaming ball.

[0345] According to Feature 6, dirt on the surface of the gaming ball is removed, thereby improving the sliding properties of the gaming ball.

[0346] [Correspondence between components of the 14th feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, coating means: roller member 71, launching device: launching device 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, spiral blade: blade 62B, screw: screw 62, subsequent path: upper passage 61B, pushing means: pushing piece 62C

[0347] [15th feature group] This disclosure relates to gaming machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-34569 (paragraph

[0010] ) discloses a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation and has a configuration for removing dirt from the gaming balls. For the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines, there is a need to keep the surfaces of the gaming balls clean. In response to this, the present features purify the movement mechanism, making it difficult for the gaming balls to become dirty, and allowing the surfaces of the gaming balls to be kept clean.

[0348] [Feature 1] In a gaming machine in which game balls that have been shot into a game area by a launching device and have flowed down form a line and passed through a guide path to return to the launching device, and a plurality of game balls are circulated and used by a single gaming machine, A moving mechanism that extends along the guide path and moves the game ball within the guide path; A gaming machine equipped with a moving mechanism cleaning means for removing dirt from the moving mechanism.

[0349] According to Feature 1, the cleaning of the moving mechanism makes it difficult for the game ball to get dirty, and the surface of the game ball can be kept clean.

[0350] [Feature 2] The gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein the moving mechanism cleaning means is provided on the opposite side of the guide path across the moving mechanism and is arranged along the moving mechanism.

[0351] According to feature 2, the moving mechanism purification device is provided along the moving mechanism, making it compact. [Feature 3] 3. A gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the moving mechanism cleaning means contacts the moving mechanism to remove dirt.

[0352] The moving mechanism cleaning means may be configured to come into contact with the moving mechanism to remove dirt as in Feature 3, or may be configured to clean with running water like a shower, or may be configured to blow air to blow away dirt.

[0353] [Feature 4] The gaming machine described in Feature 3, wherein the moving mechanism cleaning means includes a brush or foam.

[0354] The cleaning means for the moving mechanism may be in the form of a brush, or may be made of elastomer or cloth material. If it is made of foam as in Feature 6, it is inexpensive and easy to remove dirt from the moving mechanism.

[0355] [Feature 5] The guide path extends in the vertical direction, The moving mechanism includes a screw having a spiral blade that can support the game ball and rotates by receiving power, thereby lifting the game ball in the guide path; A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 4, wherein the moving mechanism cleaning means removes dirt from the screw.

[0356] The moving mechanism may be a belt conveyor, but if it is a rotating screw as in Feature 5, the entire mechanism can be easily cleaned by the cleaning means for the moving mechanism.

[0357] [Correspondence between components of the 15th feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, launching device: launching unit 31, playing area: playing area R1, guide path: guide path 65, lifting mechanism: lifting device 60, spiral blade: blade 62B, moving mechanism: screw 62 [Explanation of symbols]

[0358] 10 Gaming machines 31 Launch Unit 53 Maintenance notification lamp 60 Lifting equipment 60A bulb inlet 60B ball outlet 61A Lower passage 61B Upper passage 62 Screw 62A center axis 62B Blade 62C extrusion piece 64 motor 65 Guidance section 70 Cleaning mechanism 71 Roller member 72A shaft body 75 Roller parts 80 Roller holding mechanism 110 Heat transfer plate 111 Brush R1 Gaming Area

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine that uses multiple gaming balls in circulation, a ball polishing means that is impregnated with a coating agent and serves as a coating means for attaching the coating agent to the game ball and polishing the game ball to remove dirt; A guide path through which game balls that have been shot into the game area by the launching device and have flowed down are on their way back to the launching device, and through which the game balls pass in a line; A moving means is provided in the guide path and moves the game ball in one direction; a passage member that cooperates with the moving means to form a part of the guide path; a communication portion provided in the passage member and communicating the guide path with the outside, The ball polishing means has an uneven surface, is capable of contacting the game ball through the communication part, and is detachable from the front of the gaming machine body when the front door of the gaming machine is open, The moving means is disposed opposite the ball polishing means with the game ball sandwiched between them, and presses the game ball against the ball polishing means within the guide path.

Images