gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can suppress breakage of a movement mechanism capable of moving a movable body.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: a movable body (movable body 401 in an embodiment); a plurality of movement mechanisms (in the embodiment, a first movement mechanism being formed of first bosses 403a, 403b, a first bush 404, and a first guide part 411a, a second movement mechanism being formed of a second boss 406a1, a second bush 407, and a second guide part 411b, and a third movement mechanism formed of a third boss 406b1, a third bush 409, and a third guide part 411c). The plurality of movement mechanisms has impact mitigating members (the first bush 404, second bush 407, third bush 409 in the embodiment) which can mitigate impact which is applied when the movable body is moved, and shapes of the impact mitigating members are different, according to positions of the plurality of movement mechanisms.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine (so-called pachinko machine) in which a gaming ball, which is a gaming medium, is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and when the gaming ball enters a winning area such as a winning slot provided in the gaming area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, and when the display result of the variable display (also called "variation") of identification information becomes a specific display result, the gaming state is changed.

[0003] In addition, a gaming machine (so-called slot machine) is known in which, after a predetermined number of bets is set for one game, the player operates a start lever to start the variable display of the identification information, and the player operates a stop switch to stop the variable display of the identification information within a predetermined maximum delay time from the timing of the operation, and a win occurs according to the display result derived when all variable displays have been stopped, and a predetermined gaming medium is paid out in accordance with the win, and the gaming state is changed when a specific win occurs.

[0004] Among such gaming machines, there is known a gaming machine equipped with an effect device having a movable body and a plate member to which the movable body is attached (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this effect device, a sliding convex portion is provided on the back side of the movable body. Meanwhile, a sliding guide groove is provided on the plate member, and a mating sliding body is slidably attached to this sliding guide groove. When the movable body is attached to the plate member, the sliding convex portion of the movable body is mated with the mating sliding body of the plate member. In other words, the sliding convex portion, the sliding guide groove, and the mating sliding body constitute a slide mechanism (movement mechanism) that allows the movable body to slide (move). When a predetermined condition is met, the mating sliding body slides up and down along the sliding guide groove, causing the movable body to slide between a retracted position and an advanced position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-140698 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when the movable body moves to the advanced position, the mating sliding body receives an impact from the lower end of the sliding guide groove, which makes the slide mechanism prone to damage.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide an amusement machine in which the moving mechanism that enables the movable body to move is less likely to be damaged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of playing games, which includes a movable body and a plurality of moving mechanisms that can move the movable body, the plurality of moving mechanisms being provided at different positions from each other and each having an impact absorbing member that can absorb an impact given when the movable body moves, and the shape of the impact absorbing member differs depending on the positions of the plurality of moving mechanisms. The plurality of movement mechanisms further have three guide holes capable of guiding the shock absorbing member, one of the three guide holes has a shape similar to a trajectory along which the movable body moves, and the other two of the three guide holes have shapes different from the trajectory along which the movable body moves, the other two guide holes are arranged in a positional relationship that is a mirror image of the one guide hole, and the shock absorbing member guided by the one guide hole is formed to have higher strength than the shock absorbing members guided by the other two guide holes. It is characterized by:

[0009] In addition, in the above configuration, The impact absorbing member guided by the one guide hole has a longer length in the direction in which the movable body moves and the same length in the direction intersecting the direction in which the movable body moves as the impact absorbing members guided by the other two guide holes. It is preferable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the movement mechanism that enables the movement of the movable body can be made less susceptible to damage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the performance unit. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the performance unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of a movable device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of a shock absorbing mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the movable body with the front cover removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the movable body with the front cover removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view of the movable body with the front cover removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view of the movable body with the front cover removed. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base member of the starting port unit. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a movable device provided in a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the movable device shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the first bush shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the first bush shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 21] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the second bushing shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 22]FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the second bushing shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a front view of the movable body at an initial position. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the movable body in the initial position. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a front view of the movable body at an intermediate position. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the movable body at an intermediate position. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a front view of the movable body in a lowered position. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the movable body in the lowered position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses gaming balls as gaming media, and a player borrows gaming balls from an amusement facility operator to play with the pachinko machine 1. In playing with the pachinko machine 1, each gaming ball is a medium that has gaming value, and the benefits (profits) that a player receives as a result of playing can be converted into gaming value based on, for example, the number of gaming balls that the player has acquired. The overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0014] The main body of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly comprised of an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, gaming machine frame). When viewed from the front facing the player, the integrated door unit 4 is located at the frontmost side. The inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (rear side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is arranged so as to surround the outside of the inner frame assembly 7.

[0015] The outer frame unit 2 is a structure made by combining wood and metal materials in a vertically long rectangular shape, and this outer frame unit 2 is fixed to an island facility (not shown) in the amusement park using fasteners such as screws. Note that in the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used in the sections corresponding to the top and bottom short sides, and metal is used in the sections corresponding to the left and right long sides.

[0016] The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated into its lower position. The integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame unit 2, and each of them operates to open and close via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening and closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

[0017] A unified locking unit 9 is provided on the inside of the right edge of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in Figure 1 (the left edge in Figure 2). Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right edges (back sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in Figure 1, when the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7 are closed relative to the outer frame unit 2, the unified locking unit 9 on the back side, together with the locking device, prevents the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7 from being opened.

[0018] Additionally, a cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an amusement facility manager inserts a special key into the keyhole and turns the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 is activated, enabling the opening of the integrated door unit 4 together with the inner frame assembly 7. When the entire assembly is opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed at the front side.

[0019] On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is turned counterclockwise, the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked and only the integrated door unit 4 is unlocked, allowing the integrated door unit 4 to be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, allowing the amusement facility manager to remove any obstacles, such as balls getting stuck on the board. Furthermore, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the tray unit 6 is also opened to the front.

[0020] The pachinko machine 1 also includes the above-mentioned game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the above-mentioned inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7, for example, with the integrated door unit 4 open to the front. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed in its center, and a glass unit (not referenced) is attached to this window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to fit the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a mounting fixture (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front of the game board unit 8, and this game area 8a can be seen by a player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface through which game balls can flow.

[0021] The tray unit 6 has a shape that protrudes from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side, and an upper tray 6b is formed on its upper surface. This upper tray 6b can store game balls (loan balls) loaned to the player and game balls (prize balls) won by winning. In addition, the tray unit 6 has a lower tray 6c formed below the upper tray 6b. This lower tray 6c stores game balls that are paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. Note that the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a model that connects to a card unit, and game balls borrowed by the player are paid out to the tray unit 6 (upper tray 6b or lower tray 6c) from the payout device unit 172 on the back side, separately from prize balls.

[0022] A dispensing operation unit 14 is provided on the top surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball dispensing button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on this dispensing operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball dispensing button 10 with a valuable medium (e.g., a magnetic recording medium, a medium with a built-in memory IC, etc.) inserted into a card unit (not shown), a number of game balls (e.g., 125 balls) corresponding to a predetermined unit of points (e.g., 5 points) are dispensed. For this purpose, a point display unit (not shown) is arranged on the top surface of the dispensing operation unit 14, and this point display unit displays the remaining points of the valuable medium inserted into the card unit. Note that a player can receive the return of the valuable medium with remaining points by operating the return button 12. While the present embodiment uses a gaming machine connected to a card unit as an example, the pachinko machine 1 may also be a cash machine (a gaming machine not connected to a card unit).

[0023] A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right of the tray unit 6. By operating this handle unit 16, a player can activate the launch control board set 174 and launch (throw) a game ball toward the play area 8a (ball launching device). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge of the play board unit 8 along the left edge, and is guided by an outer band (not shown) and thrown into the play area 8a. Numerous obstacles, pins, windmills (no reference numbers in the figure), etc. are arranged within the play area 8a, and the thrown game ball flows down within the play area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacles and windmills. The configuration of the play area 8a (board surface, play board) will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

[0024] A lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 are installed as components for the performance in the integrated door unit 4. Of these, a lamp 46 is incorporated into the lens unit 47, and a right lamp 50 is incorporated into the upper right illumination unit 49.

[0025] The various lamps 46, 50 described above perform effects by, for example, emitting light (such as lighting or blinking, changing brightness gradation, or changing color tone) from built-in LEDs. Speakers 54a to 54d are also built into each integrated door unit 4. These speakers 54a to 54d output sound effects, background music, voices, etc. (general sounds) to perform effects.

[0026] In addition, a performance change button 45 is provided in front of the upper tray 6b in the center of the tray unit 6. By pressing and operating this performance change button 45, the player can change the performance content (for example, the background screen displayed on the LCD display 42), or can generate some kind of performance (pre-announcement performance, probability change promotion performance, promotion performance during a big win, etc.) while the patterns are changing, while a jackpot is confirmed, or during a jackpot game.

[0027] Furthermore, a jog dial 45a (operation input receiving means, rotary selector) is provided around the effect switching button 45 so as to surround the effect switching button 45. By rotating this jog dial 45a, the player can change the effect content displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example.

[0028] 2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, a payout control board unit 176, a back cover unit 178, etc. In addition, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with various electronic devices (including a control computer, not shown) that make up the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connecting wiring, not shown, etc.

[0029] The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference number), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7 and can store game balls supplied from a supply path (not shown). The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls sent out from the payout device unit 172 towards the receiving tray unit 6 on the front side.

[0030] In addition, the external terminal board 160 is used to connect the pachinko machine 1 to external electronic devices (such as a data display device, hall computer, etc.), and various external information signals (such as winning ball information, door opening information, number of pattern confirmation information, jackpot information, starting port information, etc.) indicating the game progress status and maintenance status of the pachinko machine 1 are output from this external terminal board 160 to the external electronic devices.

[0031] The power cord 164 is connected to a power supply (e.g., AC 24V) installed in the island equipment of the game parlor, for example, to ensure the power supply (electricity) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1. The earth wire 166 is connected to an earth terminal also installed in the island equipment, to ensure the earth (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[0032] [Game board unit configuration] 3 and 4 are front views showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 has a base game board 8b, and a game area 8a is formed on the front side of this game board 8b. The game board 8b is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate, and when the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 8b is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 8b, the game area 8a is formed inside a launch rail (no reference number) that is installed in a substantially circular shape.

[0033] The play area 8a is roughly divided into a left portion, a right portion, and a lower portion. The left portion of the play area 8a is a first play area (left-hand play area) used in the normal play state (low-probability non-time-shortening state), and the right portion of the play area 8a is a second play area (right-hand play area, specific area) used in advantageous play states (jackpot play state, small jackpot play state, low-probability time-shortening state, high-probability time-shortening state, etc.). Game balls are guided to the second play area by a guide passage 19e (launch rail, the ceiling of the play area, a guide section, etc.) that circulates them to the second play area. Also, within the play area 8a, a first start winning slot 26, a start gate 20, normal winning slots 22 and 24, a variable start winning device 28 (second start winning slot), a variable winning device 31 (large winning slot), etc. are distributed and installed. The start gate 20 mainly targets the game ball guided from the guide passage 19e to the right-hand hitting area and allows it to pass through, thereby generating a lottery trigger for an activation lottery (normal symbol lottery).

[0034] Of these, the first start winning hole 26 is located in the center of the lower part of the play area 8a. The first start winning hole 26 is formed by a start winning hole unit 300, which is detachably attached to the surface of the play board 8b. The start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 31 are located on the right side of the play area 8a.

[0035] At the top of the game area, a guide passage 19e is formed based on a section having an entrance area and an exit area to regulate the direction of movement of a game ball launched toward the top of the game area and guide it to the right-hand hitting area.

[0036] The game balls launched into the game area 8a enter the first start winning port 26 and the normal winning ports 22, 24 as they flow down, pass through the start gate 20, and enter the variable start winning device 28 when activated or the variable winning device 31 when opened.

[0037] Here, a gaming ball flowing down the left area of ​​the gaming area 8a will enter the first start winning opening 26 or the normal winning openings 22, 24, or if it does not enter (win) any of the other winning openings, it will eventually enter the outlet 32. On the other hand, a gaming ball flowing down the right area of ​​the gaming area 8a may mainly pass through the start gate 20, enter the outlet 19c, enter the variable start winning device 28 when activated, or enter the variable winning device 31 when opened.

[0038] Game balls that pass through the start gate 20 continue to flow down within the game area 8a, but game balls that enter the first start entry port 26, normal entry ports 22, 24, variable start entry device 28, variable entry device 31, and outlet 19c are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. that constitutes the game board unit 8).

[0039] Here, in this embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), when making a game ball enter the first start winning port 26 or the normal winning ports 22, 24, it is necessary to hit the game ball into the area on the left side of the game area 8a (left hitting area) (performing a so-called "left hit").

[0040] On the other hand, when making a game ball enter the variable start winning device 28 or the variable winning device 31, it is necessary to hit the game ball into the area on the right side (right hit area) within the game area 8a (performing a so-called "right hit").

[0041] The variable start winning device 28 is activated when a predetermined activation condition is met (for example, when a lottery held when passing through the start gate 20 is won and a normal symbol is displayed in a winning state for a predetermined stop display time), thereby enabling a ball to enter the second start winning hole 29. The variable start winning device 28 is equipped with a plate-shaped opening / closing member 28a. The opening / closing member 28a reciprocates back and forth relative to the playing surface due to the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid. Normally, the opening / closing member 28a is in a retracted position retracted into the playing surface. In this state, the game ball falls without being guided by the opening / closing member 28a to the second start winning hole 29. When the variable start winning device 28 is activated (i.e., the solenoid is driven), the opening / closing member 28a is displaced to a protruding position protruding from the playing surface, allowing the game ball to roll on the upper surface of the opening / closing member 28a and be guided to the second start winning hole 29.

[0042] The variable winning device 31 is activated when a specified condition is met (when the special symbol is displayed in a stopped state indicating a big win or a small win), allowing a ball to enter the large winning opening 31a. The variable winning device 31 has an opening / closing member 31b. The opening / closing member 31b moves back and forth relative to the playing surface through the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid. Normally, the opening / closing member 31b is in a protruding position protruding from the playing surface toward the player. At this time, the game ball rolls on the top surface of the opening / closing member 31b, preventing the ball from entering the large winning opening 31a. When the variable winning device 31 is activated (i.e., the solenoid is driven), the opening / closing member 31b is displaced to a retracted position where it is retracted into the playing surface, opening the large winning opening 31a. During this time, game balls can enter the variable winning device 31, allowing them to enter the large winning opening 31a.

[0043] The variable winning device 31 includes a variable probability gate 31c and a non-variable probability gate 31d. When a gaming ball that has entered the large winning opening 31a passes through the variable probability gate 31c, it is controlled to a variable probability state after the end of the jackpot. When a gaming ball that has entered the large winning opening 31a passes through the non-variable probability gate 31d, it is controlled to a non-variable probability state after the end of the jackpot. An opening / closing member 31e is provided above the variable probability gate 31c. The opening / closing member 31e reciprocates back and forth relative to the game board surface through the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid. Under normal conditions, the opening / closing member 31e is in a protruding position protruding from the game board surface toward the player. At this time, the gaming ball rolls on the top surface of the opening / closing member 31e, preventing it from passing through the variable probability gate 31c (i.e., it passes through the non-variable probability gate 31d). Then, when the variable winning device 31 is activated (i.e., the solenoid is driven), the opening and closing member 31b is drawn into the inside of the board, allowing the ball to enter the probability variable gate 31c.

[0044] In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed in the center of the game board unit 8, and this liquid crystal display 42 displays various effect images, including effect patterns corresponding to special patterns.

[0045] A presentation unit 60 is provided at the top center of the play area 8a. The presentation unit 60 is equipped with a movable body 61. The movable body 61 is movable on the front side of the liquid crystal display 42 between an initial position (the position shown in FIG. 3) and a descended position (the position shown in FIG. 4) where it freely falls from the initial position. The movable body 61 is also equipped with movable accessories 64 to 66, which appear in conjunction with the movable body 61 as it falls. When the movable body 61 falls to the descended position, the overall device becomes a sword-motif device.

[0046] All game balls that have been shot into the game area 8a, including game balls that have entered the normal winning ports 22 and 24, the first start winning port 26, the second start winning port 29, the variable winning device 31, the out port 19c, and the out port 32, are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 to the outside of the frame through an out passage assembly (not shown), and then merge with the supply route of the island equipment (not shown).

[0047] [Explanation of game progress] In the pachinko machine 1, when the game state is in the normal state, the player performs a firing operation (so-called left shot) by aiming at the left side of the game area. When the player rotates the handle unit 16 to perform a left shot, and the game ball enters the first start winning hole 26, the first special symbol display device starts to display the varying first special symbol.

[0048] In addition, if the game ball enters (enters) the start entry port during the period when the first special pattern is being displayed or during the period when the game is controlled for a big win game or a small win game (when a start entry occurs but the display of the first special pattern based on the start entry cannot be executed immediately), the display of the special pattern based on the entry will be put on hold up to a specified upper limit number (for example, 4).

[0049] In the variable display of the first special symbol, if a specific special symbol (a jackpot symbol, for example, "7"; the actual symbol varies depending on the type of jackpot described below) is displayed as a fixed special symbol, it is a "jackpot." Also, if a special symbol different from the jackpot symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") is displayed as a fixed special symbol, it is a "miss." Note that even in the variable display of the first special symbol, it may be configured so that there is an extremely low probability that a small winning symbol will be displayed as a "small winning."

[0050] After the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol becomes "jackpot", the game state is controlled to a jackpot game state, which is an advantageous state for the player.

[0051] In the jackpot game state, the large prize opening 31a formed by the variable prize-winning device 31 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) has elapsed or the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 31a reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 9), whichever comes first. The predetermined period is the maximum period during which the large prize opening 31a can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the maximum opening period. One cycle in which the large prize opening 31a is opened is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until the predetermined maximum number of times (15 times or 2 times) is reached.

[0052] In the jackpot gaming state, the player can win a prize ball by hitting the ball to the right and causing the ball to enter the big prize opening 31a. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is advantageous to the player. The more rounds in the jackpot gaming state and the longer the open upper limit period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

[0053] It should be noted that a "jackpot" has a set type of jackpot. For example, there are prepared a plurality of types of opening modes of the jackpot entry port 31a (number of rounds and upper limit of opening period) and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, probability variable state (high probability state), small jackpot rush state, time-saving state, etc.), and the jackpot type is set according to these. As the jackpot type, there may be provided a jackpot type in which many prize balls can be obtained, and a jackpot type in which few prize balls or almost no prize balls can be obtained.

[0054] After the big win game state ends, the game may be controlled to a special state, a small win rush state, or a high base state depending on the type of big win.

[0055] In the probability variable state (probability variable state), probability variable control is executed so that the probability of the display result being a "jackpot" is higher than in the normal state. The probability variable state is an even more advantageous state for the player because it not only improves the fluctuation efficiency of special symbols but also makes it easier to win a "jackpot."

[0056] In the small hit rush state, small hit rush control is executed, which makes it easier to get a small hit than in the normal state. In this pachinko machine 1, a certain number of prize balls can be obtained even in the small hit game state, so it is an advantageous state for the player, although the number of prize balls obtained is smaller than in the big hit game state.

[0057] In the time-saving state, control (time-saving control) is executed to shorten the average special symbol fluctuation time (period during which the special symbol fluctuates) compared to the normal state (time-saving state), and control (high opening control, time-saving control) is also executed to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning slot 29 by improving the probability of a "normal symbol hit" in the normal symbol fluctuation display compared to the normal state. The time-saving state is a state in which the efficiency of special symbol fluctuation is improved, so it is an advantageous state for the player.

[0058] The probability variable state, small win rush state, and time-saving state continue until one of the termination conditions is met first, such as the special symbol variable display being executed a predetermined number of times, or the next big win game state starting, etc. The state in which the termination condition is the execution of the special symbol variable display a predetermined number of times is also called a count cut (count cut probability variable, etc.).

[0059] The normal state refers to a gaming state other than advantageous states such as a jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player, and special states such as a probability change state, a small jackpot rush state, and a time-saving state, and is a state in which the pachinko machine 1, such as the probability that the display result in the changing display of the special pattern will be a "jackpot", is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state of the pachinko machine 1 (for example, when the specified recovery process is not executed after power-on, such as when a system reset is performed).

[0060] When a jackpot game ends and the game state is controlled to a probability variable state, a small jackpot rush state, or a time-saving state, it is advantageous for the player to aim at the right side of the game area and perform a firing operation (right hit). When the player rotates the handle unit 16 to perform a right hit and the game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal symbol display begins to display a variable normal symbol. Note that if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 while the previous normal symbol variable display is being executed (if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 but the normal symbol variable display based on that passage cannot be executed immediately), the normal symbol variable display based on that passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

[0061] In this variable display of normal symbols, if a specific normal symbol (a normal winning symbol) is displayed as a stopped symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal losing". When it becomes a "normal winning", an opening control is performed to keep the variable start winning device 28 in an open state for a predetermined period of time (the second start winning port 29 is opened).

[0062] When the gaming ball enters the second start winning hole 29, the second special symbol display device starts to display the second special symbol in a variable manner.

[0063] In the variable display of the second special symbol, if a specific special symbol (a big win symbol, for example, "7", the actual symbol will differ depending on the type of big win described below) is displayed as the confirmed special symbol, it is a "big win", and if a predetermined special symbol different from the big win symbol (a small win symbol, for example, "2") is displayed as a "small win", it is a "small win". Also, if a special symbol different from the big win symbol or small win symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") is displayed as a "loser", it is a "loser".

[0064] After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "big win", the game state is controlled to a big win game state, which is an advantageous state for the player. After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "small win", the game state is controlled to a small win game state.

[0065] In the small win game state, the large winning opening 31a formed by the variable winning device 31 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. In addition, similar to the large win type, a small win type may also be set for the "small win".

[0066] After the small win game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the game state is continued to be controlled to the state before the display result of the second special pattern change display becomes a "small win" (however, if the special pattern change display when a "small win" occurs is the special pattern change display for the specified number of times in the above-mentioned number-cutoff, the game state will naturally be changed).

[0067] The game state may change based on the game ball passing through a specific area (for example, a specific area in a big prize opening) during the big win game state. For example, when the game ball passes through the specific area, the game state may be controlled to a probability variable state after the big win game state.

[0068] [About the progress of the production] In the pachinko machine 1, various effects (such as notifying the progress of the game or adding excitement to the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. These effects are described below. The effects are executed by displaying various effect images on the liquid crystal display 42, but in addition to or instead of the display, they may also be executed by audio output from the speakers 54a to 54d, operation of the various lamps 46, 50 and the board lamp 53, etc.

[0069] As an effect that is executed in accordance with the progress of the game, in response to the start of the variable display of the first special pattern or the variable display of the second special pattern, a variable display of the left, middle, or right effect pattern begins in the "left," "center," and "right" effect pattern display areas provided on the liquid crystal display 42. At the timing when the display result (also called the confirmed special pattern) in the variable display of the first special pattern or the variable display of the second special pattern is displayed in a stopped state, the confirmed effect pattern (combination of three effect patterns) that is the display result of the variable display of the effect pattern is also displayed in a stopped state (derived).

[0070] During the period from when the display of the effect symbols starts to finish, the display of the effect symbols may become a predetermined reach mode (a reach is achieved). Here, the reach mode refers to a mode in which the display of the effect symbols that have not yet stopped and displayed continues to change when the effect symbols that have stopped and displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 constitute part of a jackpot combination described later.

[0071] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned reach mode is reached during the display of the varying effect symbols, a reach mode is executed. In the pachinko machine 1, a plurality of types of reach modes are executed, each with a different probability (also called the probability of a big win) that the display result (the display result of the varying display of the special symbol or the display result of the varying display of the effect symbol) will be a "jackpot" according to the mode of the effect. The reach modes include, for example, a normal reach and a super reach, which has a higher jackpot reliability than a normal reach.

[0072] When the display result of the special symbol variation display is "jackpot," a confirmed performance pattern that becomes a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the performance symbol variation display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the display result of the performance symbol variation display becomes "jackpot"). As an example, the same performance pattern (for example, "7") is displayed stopped in line on a predetermined effective line in the "left," "center," and "right" performance symbol display areas.

[0073] In the case of a "probability variable jackpot" that is controlled to a probability variable state after the end of the jackpot gaming state, odd-numbered effect symbols (for example, "7") are displayed stopped and aligned, and in the case of a "non-probability variable jackpot (normal jackpot)" that is not controlled to a probability variable state after the end of the jackpot gaming state, even-numbered effect symbols (for example, "6") may be displayed stopped and aligned. In this case, odd-numbered effect symbols are also called probability variable symbols, and even-numbered effect symbols are also called non-probability variable symbols (normal symbols). After a reach state is reached with non-probability variable symbols, a promotion effect may be executed that ultimately results in a "probability variable jackpot."

[0074] When the display result of the special symbol variation display is a "small win," a fixed effect pattern (for example, "1 3 5") that becomes a predetermined small win combination is derived as the display result of the effect symbol variation display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the display result of the effect symbol variation display becomes a "small win"). As an example, effect patterns that make up chance eyes are displayed stopped on predetermined effective lines in the effect symbol display areas of "left," "center," and "right." Note that a common fixed effect pattern may be derived and displayed when the display result of the special symbol variation display becomes a "big win" for some jackpot types (a jackpot type in a jackpot game state that is similar to a small win game state) and when it becomes a "small win."

[0075] When the display result of the special symbol variable display is a "miss," the mode of the variable display of the effect symbol does not become a reach mode, and the display result of the variable display of the effect symbol may display a fixed effect symbol of a non-reach combination (also called a "non-reach miss") (the display result of the variable display of the effect symbol is a "non-reach miss"). Also, when the display result is a "miss," after the mode of the variable display of the effect symbol becomes a reach mode, the display result of the variable display of the effect symbol may display a fixed effect symbol of a predetermined reach combination (also called a "reach miss") that is not a jackpot combination (the display result of the variable display of the effect symbol is a "reach miss").

[0076] The effects that the pachinko machine 1 can execute include displaying a pending display. In addition, as other effects, for example, a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability is executed during the variable display of the effect pattern. The preview effects include a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display currently being executed, and a pre-read preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is pending). As a pre-read preview effect, an effect that changes the display mode of the pending display to a mode different from normal may be executed.

[0077] In addition, in the liquid crystal display 42, by temporarily stopping the display of the effect pattern while it is changing and then restarting the display of the change, a pseudo consecutive effect can be executed, making one change display appear as if it were multiple change displays.

[0078] During a jackpot gaming state, a jackpot effect is executed to notify the player of the jackpot gaming state. The jackpot effect may include an effect to notify the number of rounds or an upgrade effect indicating that the value of the jackpot gaming state is increasing. Also, during a small jackpot gaming state, a small jackpot effect is executed to notify the player of the small jackpot gaming state. It should be noted that common effects may be executed during a small jackpot gaming state and during jackpot gaming states for some jackpot types (jackpot types in jackpot gaming states similar to a small jackpot gaming state, for example, jackpot types in which the subsequent gaming state is a high-probability state), preventing the player from knowing whether they are currently in a small jackpot gaming state or a jackpot gaming state. In such a case, common effects may be executed after the end of a small jackpot gaming state and after the end of a jackpot gaming state, preventing the player from distinguishing between a high-probability state and a low-probability state.

[0079] Also, for example, when the variable display of the special symbol or the like is not being executed, a demo (demonstration) image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 (a customer waiting demo effect is executed).

[0080] [Control configuration] Next, a description will be given of the configuration relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1.

[0081] 5, the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of control operations, and this main control device 70 mainly has the function of controlling the progress of games in the pachinko machine 1. The main control device 70 is built into a main control board unit 170.

[0082] The main control device 70 is also equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The main control CPU 72 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) 76 together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). The main control device 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. The random number generator 75 generates hardware random numbers (e.g., 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining whether a special symbol lottery has been won or whether a normal symbol lottery has been won. The generated random numbers are input to the main control CPU 72 via the sampling circuit 77. The main control device 70 is also equipped with an input / output (I / O) port 79 and peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit and a counter / timer circuit (CTC), not shown, which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. On the circuit board (or in the inner layer portion), signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, etc. are formed as wiring patterns.

[0083] The start gate 20 is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of gaming balls. The game board unit 8 is also provided with a first start winning port switch 80 corresponding to the first start winning port 26. A second start winning port switch 82 is also provided corresponding to the second start winning port 29. The first start winning port switch 80 detects the entry of gaming balls into the first start winning port 26, and the second start winning port switch 82 detects the entry of gaming balls into the second start winning port 29. A count switch 84 is also provided corresponding to the variable winning device 31. The count switch 84 detects the entry of gaming balls into the variable winning device 31 (large winning port) and counts the number of such balls. The variable winning switch 85 detects gaming balls that have passed through the variable winning gate 31c, and the non-variable winning switch 86 detects gaming balls that have passed through the non-variable winning gate 31d.

[0084] Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a normal winning port switch 81 that detects the entry of game balls into the normal winning port 22 and the normal winning port 24. Note that, for the normal winning port 22 and the normal winning port 24, a configuration in which a common normal winning port switch 81 is used is given as an example, but for example, two winning port switches may be installed and the entry of game balls into each of the normal winning ports 22, 24 may be detected individually.

[0085] In either case, the winning detection signals of these switches are input via an input / output driver (not shown) to the main control CPU 72. Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, normal winning port switch 81, probability variable switch 85, and non-probability variable switch 86 are transmitted via a panel relay terminal board 87, which is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, etc. for relaying each winning detection signal.

[0086] The display operations of the normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol activation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are controlled based on control signals from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, thereby controlling the lighting state of each LED. Furthermore, these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are mounted on a single integrated display board 89, as described above, and are installed in the game board unit 8. Control signals are transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to this integrated display board 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

[0087] The game board unit 8 is also provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 that displaces an opening / closing member 28a that guides a game ball to the second start winning port 29 in the variable start winning device 28, a probability variable gate solenoid 90 that displaces an opening / closing member 31e that opens and closes the probability variable gate 31c in the variable winning device 31, and a special prize port solenoid 97 that displaces an opening / closing member 31b that opens and closes the special prize port 31a in the variable winning device 31. The normal electric accessory solenoid 88, the probability variable gate solenoid 90, and the special prize port solenoid 97 operate (excite) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, displacing the respective opening / closing members between a protruding position (first position) and a retracted position (second position). Note that control signals for these solenoids 88, 90, and 97 are also transmitted from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

[0088] In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed on the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed on the inner frame assembly 7. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and when the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7, it generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

[0089] A payout control device 92 (payout means) is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. This payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and this payout control CPU 94 is also configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 96 and RAM 98 together with a CPU core (not shown). The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal along with the prize ball instruction command.

[0090] A payout motor 102 (e.g., a stepping motor, payout means) and a payout device board 100 are installed in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is provided on this payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on a payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and causes the specified number of game balls to be paid out from the prize ball case. The paid-out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through a payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, a payout path ball out switch 104 is installed upstream of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed downstream of the payout motor 102. Each time a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a counting signal from the payout counting switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100. Furthermore, when a ball runs out upstream of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball out switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 transmits the input counting signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the ball out state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100.

[0092] Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the rear when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) actually dispensed are released onto the upper tray 6b through the flow path unit 173. However, when the upper tray 6b is filled with game balls, any further paid-out game balls flow into the lower tray 6c as described above. Furthermore, when the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 turns ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends any further prize ball dispense operations even if it receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and stores the number of remaining prize balls that have not yet been dispensed in RAM 98. The memory in RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so information on the number of remaining prize balls that have not yet been dispensed will not be lost even if a power outage (including a momentary power outage) occurs during play.

[0093] A launch control board 108 and a launch solenoid 110 are installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. A ball feed solenoid 111 is installed within the tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. The ball feed solenoid 111 operates to send game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position within the launcher case. The launch solenoid 110 strikes the game balls sent to the launch position, and as described above, continuously (intermittently) launches the game balls one by one toward the game area 8a. The launch interval between game balls is, for example, about 0.6 seconds (up to 100 balls per minute).

[0094] Meanwhile, the handle unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation of the firing handle by the player (so-called stroke). The touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (firing handle) from a change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. The firing stop switch 116 then generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in response to the player's operation.

[0095] A launch relay terminal board 118 is installed in the tray unit 6, and signals from the launch lever volume 112, touch sensor 114, and launch stop switch 116 are sent to the launch control board 108 via the launch relay terminal board 118. A drive signal from the launch control board 108 is also applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When a player operates the launch handle, the launch lever volume 112 generates an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) according to the amount of operation, and the launch solenoid 110 is driven based on this signal. This adjusts the strength with which the gaming ball is launched according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the launch control board 108 stops driving the launch solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when a launch stop signal is input from the launch stop switch 116. In addition, a game ball lending device connection terminal board 120 is connected to the launch relay terminal board 118, and if a card unit is not connected to this game ball lending device connection terminal board 120, the drive circuit of the launch control board 108 also stops driving the launch solenoid 110.

[0096] The tray unit 6 also incorporates a point display board 122 and a lending and return switch board 123. The point display board 122 is provided with a point display indicator (a 3-digit 7-segment LED). The lending and return switch board 123 is also equipped with switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, an operation signal is transmitted from the lending and return switch board 123 to the card unit via the gaming ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. The card unit also transmits a point signal indicating the remaining points of the valuable medium to the point display board 122 via the gaming ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the point display board 122 drives the display based on the point signal and numerically displays the remaining points of the valuable medium. In addition, if no valuable medium has been inserted into the card unit, or if the remaining points of the inserted valuable medium have reached 0, the display circuit of the point display board 122 can drive the display to display a demo (a display encouraging the insertion of valuable medium).

[0097] The pachinko machine 1 also has a performance control device 124 (performance control computer) as part of its control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance that accompanies the progress of a game in the pachinko machine 1. The performance control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which a performance control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The performance control CPU 126 incorporates semiconductor memories such as ROM 128 and RAM 130 as main memories, along with a CPU core (not shown). The performance control device 124 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 in a position covered by a back cover unit 178.

[0098] The performance control device 124 is also equipped with input / output drivers and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and an audio drive circuit 134. The performance control CPU 126 controls the performance based on performance commands sent from the main control CPU 72, and issues commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and audio drive circuit 134 to light up the various lamps 46, 50 and the panel lamp 53, and to actually output sound effects, voices, etc. from the speakers 54a to 54d.

[0099] The performance control device 124 and main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communications harness (not shown). However, communication between them is unidirectional, from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, and communication does not occur in the reverse direction. Note that the communications harness may be of a parallel type depending on the bus width of the various commands sent from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, or may be of a serial type depending on the hardware configuration of each driver IC (I / O).

[0100] The lamp drive circuit 132 includes switching elements such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC and MOSFET (not shown), and switches (or switches the duty) the drive voltage applied to various lamps including LEDs to manage their operation such as lighting and blinking. The various lamps include not only the lamps 46 and 50 but also a board lamp 53 for decoration and presentation that is installed on the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 corresponds to the LED built into the presentation unit, or the LED built into the variable start winning device 28, variable winning device 31, etc.

[0101] The sound driving circuit 134 is a sound generator that incorporates, for example, a sound ROM, a sound control IC, an amplifier, and the like (not shown), and this sound driving circuit 134 drives the speakers 54a to 54d to output sound.

[0102] In this embodiment, a glass frame illumination board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the audio drive circuit 134 are applied to the various lamps 46, 50 and speakers 54a-54d via the glass frame illumination board 136. A performance switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136. When a player operates the performance switching button 45, a contact signal is input to the performance control device 124 via the glass frame illumination board 136. A jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136. When a player rotates the jog dial 45a, a rotation signal is input to the performance control device 124 via the glass frame illumination board 136. While the example shown here shows the performance switching button 45 and jog dial 45a connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, if a tray illumination board is installed, the performance switching button 45 and jog dial 45a may be connected to the tray illumination board instead.

[0103] In addition, a panel illumination board 138 is installed on the game board unit 8, and the board lamps 53 are connected to this panel illumination board 138. The drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 are applied to the board lamps 53 via the panel illumination board 138.

[0104] Furthermore, the performance unit 60 is controlled by a performance control CPU 126. The performance control CPU 126 controls the motor that drives the movable body 61 of the performance unit 60, the lighting of the LED built into the movable body 61, and the like.

[0105] The LCD 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and its display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8. An inverter board 158 is also installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and this inverter board 158 generates AC power applied to the backlight (e.g., a cold cathode fluorescent lamp) of the LCD 42. A performance display control device 144 is also installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation of the LCD 42 is controlled by the performance display control device 144. The performance display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146, which is a general-purpose central processing unit, and a circuit board (performance display control board) on which a display processor VDP 152 is mounted. The display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 148 and RAM 150 with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is also configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as image ROM 154 and VRAM 156 with a processor core (not shown). It should be noted that the VRAM 156 can use a part of its storage area as a frame buffer.

[0106] A basic program for controlling the performance is stored in ROM 128 of performance control CPU 126, and performance control CPU 126 executes performance control in accordance with this program. As described above, performance control includes control of performance using various lamps 46, 50, etc. and speakers 54a-54d, as well as control of performance using image display using liquid crystal display 42. Performance control CPU 126 transmits basic information related to the performance (for example, a performance number) to display control CPU 146, and upon receiving this, display control CPU 146 performs control to display specific images for the performance based on the basic information.

[0107] The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. Upon receiving this, the VDP 152 accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads out the necessary image data from there, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Furthermore, the VDP 152 loads the image data into a frame buffer on the VRAM 156 for each frame (still image per unit time), and individually drives each pixel (full-color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here.

[0108] Additionally, a power supply control unit 162 (power supply control means) is mounted on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. This power supply control unit 162 incorporates a switching power supply circuit and can generate the necessary power (e.g., DC +34V, +12V, etc.) from external power (e.g., AC 24V, etc.) taken in from the island equipment via a power cord 164. The power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control unit 70, payout control unit 92, performance control unit 124, and inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control unit 92, and to the card unit via the gaming ball etc. dispensing device connection terminal board 120. Low-voltage power (e.g., DC +5V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (e.g., a three-terminal regulator) built into each device. As mentioned above, the power supply control unit 162 is earthed to the island equipment via a ground wire 166.

[0109] The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are output to the outside from the external terminal board 160 via the payout control device 92. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are compiled, for example, by a hall computer (not shown) in the gaming parlor. Note that although a configuration in which signals are output via the payout control device 92 is given as an example here, a configuration in which external information signals are output directly from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 is also possible.

[0110] [Description of the production unit] Next, the configuration of the production unit 60 will be described in detail.

[0111] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the performance unit 60 when the movable body 61 is in the initial position. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the performance unit 60 when the movable body 61 is in the lowered position. Note that Figs. 6 and 7 are partially omitted for the purpose of explaining the present invention (in particular, the state in which the cover covering the front side of the shock absorbing mechanism 63 has been removed is shown).

[0112] 6 and 7, the performance unit 60 includes a movable body 61, a movable device 62 for moving the movable body 61, and an impact absorbing mechanism 63 for absorbing the impact applied to the freely falling movable body 61. The movable device 62 is provided on the axis side of the integrated door unit 4b (in other words, on the left side of the play area), and the impact absorbing mechanism 63 is provided on the free end side of the integrated door unit 4b (in other words, on the right side of the play area). The movable body 61 is provided between the movable device 62 and the impact absorbing mechanism 63.

[0113] The movable body 61 moves between an initial position and a lowered position, which is displaced by free fall from the initial position. The movable body displaced to the lowered position is returned to the initial position by being raised by the movable device 62. The movable body 61 is equipped with movable parts 64 to 66. When the movable body 61 falls to the lowered position, the movable parts 64 to 66 appear from behind the front cover 67 of the movable body 61 in conjunction with the fall of the movable body 61. Specifically, the movable part 64 protrudes upward in conjunction with the fall of the movable body 61, and further, the movable part 65 rotates clockwise and the movable part 66 rotates counterclockwise, so that the movable part 65 and the movable part 66 become one. In other words, the movement of the movable body 61 includes not only vertical movement but also movement by the movable parts 64 to 66. When the movable body 61 falls to the lowered position due to such movement, the overall part becomes a part with a sword motif. The front cover 67 incorporates an LED and a lens, and the LED emits light when the movable body 61 moves or when a specific movement pattern is selected.

[0114] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the movable device 62 as seen from the inside.

[0115] 8, the movable device 62 includes a motor 200 that serves as a drive source when moving the movable body 61 from the lowered position to the initial position, a pair of shafts 201 that extend in the vertical direction, and a movable body lift 202 that pushes up the movable body 61 from the lowered position to the initial position in conjunction with the driving of the motor 200. A guide portion 61a is provided at one end of the movable body 61 to guide the movable body 61 so that the movable direction of the movable body 61 is the vertical direction. The guide portion 61a is inserted into the shaft 201. This allows the movable body 61 to move freely in the vertical direction along the shaft 201.

[0116] The movable body lift 202 is also supported by a shaft 201 and is movable up and down along the shaft 201. The movable body 61 is held in the initial position by the action of a stopper 203. When the assistance of the stopper 203 is released by the driving of the solenoid 204, the movable body 61 falls freely to the lowered position.

[0117] Then, when the movable body 61 that has dropped to the lowered position is to be moved to the initial position, the motor 200 is driven. When the motor 200 is driven, the drive belt 205 is driven in conjunction with this. When the drive belt 205 is driven, the movable body lifting lift 202 rises. When the movable body lifting lift 202 rises, the movable body 61 is pushed up to the initial position. When the movable body 61 is pushed up to the initial position, the movable body 61 is held again by the stopper 203. Then, after pushing up the movable body 61 to the initial position, the movable body lifting lift 202 returns to the lowered position.

[0118] For example, when a specific variation pattern with a higher jackpot expectation rate than other variation patterns is selected, when a step-up variation in which the mode of the variation is changed stepwise is executed, or when the variation switching button 45 is operated during execution of an operation variation in which the variation switching button 45 can be operated, the variation control CPU 126 causes the movable body 61 to freely fall from the initial position to the descending position. Then, upon completion of the variation, the variation control CPU 126 returns the movable body 61 from the descending position to the initial position.

[0119] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the shock absorbing mechanism 63 as viewed from the inside.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 9, a shock absorbing piece 61b is provided at the other end of the movable body 61. The shock absorbing piece 61b protrudes in the falling direction (i.e., downward). The shock absorbing mechanism 63 also includes a shock absorbing member 206. The shock absorbing member 206 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone. The shock absorbing member 206 is disposed on the falling path of the shock absorbing piece 61b. When the movable body 61 falls from the initial position, the shock absorbing piece 61b falls onto and comes into contact with the shock absorbing member 206. As a result, the movable body 61 stops at the lowered position while the shock of the fall is absorbed.

[0121] The shock absorbing mechanism 63 is provided with a cover 207 that covers the front side. The cover 207 is provided with a recess 207a that faces the movable body 61 and extends vertically. The shock absorbing pieces 61b are housed in gaps in the recess 207a so as not to come into contact with the inner walls of the recess 207a. The relative positional relationship is set so that the shock absorbing pieces 61b do not come into contact with the inner walls of the recess 207a even when the movable body 61 moves between the initial position and the lowered position.

[0122] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the movable body 61 in the initial position with the front cover 67 removed. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the movable body 61 in the lowered position with the front cover 67 removed.

[0123] 10 and 11, the movable body 61 includes a plurality of parts. Specifically, it includes a movable arm 208 for returning the movable accessories 64 to 66 to their initial positions, a motor 209 and a gear 210 for moving the movable arm 208, a photosensor 211 for detecting that the movable arm 208 has returned to its initial position, a pair of rotating arms 212 for rotating the movable accessories 65 and 66, and a gear box 213 for moving the movable accessory 64 up and down.

[0124] When the movable body 61 falls freely, the movable arm 208 rotates counterclockwise, and in conjunction with this, the movable accessory 64 protrudes upward via the gear in the gear box 213. In addition, the rotating arm 212 moves within the groove-shaped guide 214, and in conjunction with this, the movable accessories 65 and 66 each rotate.

[0125] When the movable body 61 returns to the initial position, the motor 209 is driven, and the movable arm 208 rotates clockwise via the gear 210. Then, in conjunction with the rotation of the movable arm 208, the movable accessory 64 moves downward via the gear in the gear box 213, and the movable accessory 64 is stored behind the front cover 67 of the movable body 61. Also, in conjunction with the rotation of the movable arm 208, the rotating arm 212 moves within the guide 214, and the movable accessories 65, 66 are stored behind the front cover 67 of the movable body 61. Then, as described above, the movable body 61 rises toward the initial position due to the driving of the motor 200.

[0126] The timing of movement of the movable parts 64 to 66 and the timing of movement of the movable body 61 are not limited to the timing shown in this embodiment, but can be set appropriately depending on the type of presentation and the flow of game processing.

[0127] Fig. 12 is a front view showing the movable body 61 in the initial position with the front cover 67 removed. Fig. 13 is a front view showing the movable body 61 in the lowered position with the front cover 67 removed.

[0128] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the multiple parts provided on the movable body 61 are arranged so that when the part placement area of ​​the movable body 61 is divided into one side area 215 and the other side area 216 along the vertical center line L extending up and down, the number of parts is greater in the one side area 215 than in the other side area 216.

[0129] In particular, parts for moving the relatively heavy movable accessories 64 to 65 (i.e., parts for moving the movable body 61), such as the motor 209, gear 210, movable arm 208, and photo sensor 211, are arranged in one area 215. As a result, the center of gravity of the movable body 61 is located in the area 215 on one side.

[0130] Furthermore, in the movable body 61, multiple parts such as the motor 209, gear 210, movable arm 208, and photosensor 211 are attached with screws whose axial direction is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable body 61 (i.e., the front-to-rear direction). By attaching them in this manner, it is possible to prevent the screws from coming loose due to the impact when the movable body 61 falls freely.

[0131] The rotating arms 212 are arranged symmetrically, and the gearbox 213 is provided on the center line L, so it does not contribute to the center of gravity of the movable body 61. The connectors that connect the electrical components used in the movable body 61 are connected in the left-right direction, and many parts such as covers for the movable body 61 are assembled from the front and back. In this way, by making the connector connection direction and cover assembly direction intersect with the direction in which the movable body 61 moves, these are prevented from falling off due to impact.

[0132] As described above, when comparing one side and the other side of the vertical center line L extending up and down, the movable body 61 is configured so that the center of gravity is located on one side, and therefore the moment acting on the shaft 201 can be made smaller than in a configuration in which the center of gravity is located on the other side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the load on the shaft 201 can be reduced. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of the movable body due to problems such as damage to the shaft 201. Furthermore, since the load on the shaft 201 when the movable body 61 is raised can be reduced, the movable body 61 can be raised without increasing the torque of the motor 200. Furthermore, when the movable body 61 freely falls, the load on the part that falls onto the shock absorbing member 206 can be reduced, preventing damage to the parts.

[0133] Furthermore, when comparing one end and the other end in the left-right direction of the movable body 61 (in other words, one end and the other end) without using the vertical center line L extending up and down as the boundary, the position of the center of gravity is closer to one end. Since the center of gravity is closer to one end, the moment acting on the shaft 201 can be made smaller than in a configuration in which the center of gravity is closer to the other end. Therefore, in this embodiment, the load on the shaft 201 can be reduced. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of the movable body due to problems such as damage to the shaft 201. Furthermore, since the load on the shaft 201 when lifting the movable body 61 can be reduced, the movable body 61 can be lifted without increasing the torque of the motor 200. Furthermore, when the movable body 61 freely falls, the load on the part that falls onto the shock absorbing member 206 can be reduced, preventing damage to the parts.

[0134] That is, in the present invention, by positioning the center of gravity on one side, it is possible to reduce the load on the axis of the movable body that moves around one side as an axis, both when comparing one side and the other side by dividing the movable body by the center line and when comparing one side and the other side without dividing the movable body by the center line. In particular, in the present invention, the movable body 61 is configured to move in conjunction with the execution of the performance, and when the frequency of movement of the movable body 61 increases, such as when the game transitions to a game state where the selection rate of the variation pattern in which the movable body 61 moves is high, the load on the axis 201 can be reduced.

[0135] [Starting unit configuration] Next, the configuration of the starting port unit 300 will be described in detail.

[0136] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the start port unit 300. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a base member 301 provided in the start port unit 300. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the start port unit 300.

[0137] In this embodiment, a start opening unit 300 is provided to form the first start winning opening 26. The start opening unit 300 is attached to the surface of the game board 8b.

[0138] The starting hole unit 300 includes a base member 301, a front ornament 302, and a seal 303. The base member 301 is detachably screwed to the surface of the game board 8b via a screw hole 301a.

[0139] A pair of winning hole forming pins 304 extending in the front-rear direction are attached to the base member 301. When the front ornament 302 is attached to the base member 301, an area defined by the base member 301, the front ornament 302, and the winning hole forming pins 304 is formed. This area becomes the first starting winning hole 26. The winning hole forming pins 304 are made of metal. Therefore, by deforming the winning hole forming pins 304, it is possible to change the winning rate for the first starting winning hole 26 that is set when the pachinko machine 1 is shipped. Specifically, widening the winning hole forming pins 304 on both the left and right increases the winning rate, and narrowing the winning hole forming pins 304 on both the left and right decreases the winning rate.

[0140] In addition, a ball passage 305 is formed in the base member 301, through which the game ball that has entered the first start winning port 26 passes. The game ball that has passed through the ball passage 305 is detected by the first start winning port switch 80 provided on the back side of the game board 8b, and is collected after detection.

[0141] An attachment surface 302a for the sticker 303 is provided on the front surface of the front ornament 302. The attachment surface 302a for the sticker 303 is formed on the front surface of the front ornament 302 in substantially the same shape as the sticker 303 but slightly larger than the sticker 303.

[0142] The attachment surface 302a is formed in a stepped portion that is one step lower than the surrounding surface (i.e., a recessed portion formed on the front surface of the front ornament 302), and this stepped portion has a step corresponding to the thickness of the sticker 303.

[0143] Furthermore, a positioning guide 302b is formed on the attachment surface 302a of the sticker 303, and the sticker 303 is formed with a notch having substantially the same shape as the positioning guide 302b.

[0144] When attaching the sticker 303 to the attachment surface 302a, the sticker 303 can be attached in an accurate position by inserting the notch of the sticker 303 into the positioning guide 302b. The surface of the sticker 303 is flat, and when the sticker 303 is attached to the attachment surface 302a, there is no difference in level between the surface of the sticker 303 and the surrounding surfaces. As a result, when the sticker 303 is attached to the front ornament 302, the front surface of the front ornament 302 is flat or approximately flat.

[0145] Three screw holes 302c are formed in the attachment surface 302a, and the front ornament 302 is detachably fastened to the front side of the base member 301 by screws 306 through these screw holes 302c. Note that the front ornament 302 is positioned when attached to the base member 301 by inserting a positioning pin 301b formed on the front side of the base member 301 into a positioning hole 302d formed in the front ornament 302.

[0146] The seal 303 is then attached to the attachment surface 302a with the front ornament 302 attached to the base member 301. Therefore, when the front ornament 302 is attached to the base member 301, the screw 306 that connects the front ornament 302 and the base member 301 is covered with the seal 303.

[0147] Furthermore, sticker 303 is made of, for example, weak paper that tears easily, and is attached to attachment surface 302a with a strong adhesive, so that when sticker 303 is peeled off, sticker 303 tears along the way, leaving a mark.

[0148] The front decoration 302 is made of a transparent resin. A pattern is printed on a portion of the sticker 303, but the portion other than the printed pattern is transparent. The pattern on the sticker 303 is a pattern related to the effects executed by the pachinko machine 1, and has a decorative function. Examples of patterns related to the effects include characters related to the effects, motifs related to the effects, and patterns related to the effect mode.

[0149] With this configuration, the ball passage 305 formed in the base member 301 can be seen through the transparent portion of the sticker 303 and the front ornament 302. The area where the visibility of the ball passage 305 is not obstructed by the pattern of the sticker 303 is larger than the area where the visibility of the ball passage 305 is obstructed by the pattern of the sticker 303.

[0150] Since the front decoration 302 is entirely transparent, the winning hole forming pin 304 can also be seen.

[0151] Conventionally, the starting port unit was equipped with a sensor that detects game balls and was connected to a circuit board by a connector or the like, making it difficult to remove the starting port unit alone. However, in this embodiment, by configuring the game ball that has entered the first starting winning port 26 to be detected on the back side of the board, no connecting part such as a connector is provided, making it possible to remove the starting port unit 300 more easily than conventional configurations.

[0152] Therefore, even though it is difficult to deform the winning hole forming pin 304 when the starting hole unit 300 is assembled, by removing the starting hole unit 300 and the front ornament 302, it is possible to deform the winning hole forming pin 304 more easily than before.

[0153] This makes it easy to change the winning rate. However, in this embodiment, the seal 303 is attached to the attachment surface 302a, thereby covering the screw 306 for attaching the front ornament 302 to the base member 301. When the seal is peeled off, a trace remains.

[0154] Therefore, when the winning rate of the first start winning slot 26 is changed, the player can recognize that the winning rate has been changed by the traces left by the sticker 303. This makes it possible to prevent the winning rate of the first start winning slot 26 from being changed. This gives the player a sense of security that this machine is a machine that cannot drastically reduce the winning rate of the first start winning slot 26.

[0155] In particular, the first start winning slot 26 is a winning slot that not only awards prize balls when a game ball enters it, but also determines whether a jackpot has been won, making it a more advantageous winning slot than the regular winning slots 22 and 24, which only award prize balls. Furthermore, since the winning slots with higher advantages are configured to leave traces of changes in the winning rate, the player's sense of security can be further enhanced. In this embodiment, at least the printed pattern on the sticker 303 overlaps with the screw 306 (i.e., the joint). This makes it difficult to understand the assembly structure of the start opening unit 300 from the outside, preventing the start opening unit 300 from being disassembled or removed through fraudulent acts known as cheating.

[0156] [Effects of this embodiment] In this embodiment, a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine 1) capable of playing games includes a movable body (in this example, a movable body 61) that includes one side and the other side and moves around the one side as an axis. The movable body includes multiple parts, and when the area of ​​the movable body is divided into the one side area and the other side area, the multiple parts are arranged so that the number of parts in the one side area is greater than the other side area (in this example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, a movable arm 208, a motor 209, a gear 210, a photosensor 211, etc. are arranged on one side). When the movable body moves, a part of the other side (in this example, a shock absorbing piece 61b) can abut against a specific location (in this example, a shock absorbing member 206). This reduces the load on the axis 201 of the movable body 61.

[0157] Furthermore, parts for moving the movable body (in this example, movable arm 208, motor 209, gear 210, and photosensor 211) are arranged only on the one side, the center of gravity of the movable body is located on the one side, the movable body falls freely at a predetermined timing, and when the movable body falls freely, a part of the other side (in this example, shock absorbing piece 61b) comes into contact with the specific location (in this example, shock absorbing member 206), thereby absorbing the shock of the free fall. Therefore, the load on the shaft 201 of the movable body 61 can be reduced.

[0158] In this embodiment, a gaming machine capable of playing games (in this example, pachinko machine 1) includes a gaming board (in this example, gaming board 8b), a specific component (in this example, front decoration 302) provided on the surface of the gaming board, a decorative layer (in this example, sticker 303) provided on the front of the specific component, and a ball passage (in this example, ball passage 305) provided behind the decorative layer, and at least a portion of the decorative layer is formed so that gaming balls passing through the ball passage can be seen (in this example, part of the sticker is transparent), and when the decorative layer is peeled off from the specific component, traces of the decorative layer remain. This makes it possible to prevent the winning rate for starting winning slot 26 from being changed, allowing players to play with peace of mind.

[0159] Furthermore, the decorative layer may cover at least the joint of the specific part (in this example, the screw 306), and the specific part (in this example, the front ornament 302) may be formed of a transparent material, and the specific part may be configured so that the area over which the decorative layer does not obstruct visibility of the ball path is larger than the area over which the decorative layer obstructs visibility of the ball path. Therefore, by visually observing the game ball passing through the ball path 305, it is possible to confirm that the winning rate for the starting winning slot 26 has not been changed, allowing the player to play with peace of mind.

[0160] [Second embodiment] Next, a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 28. The pachinko machine according to the second embodiment differs from the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment in the sliding mechanism (moving mechanism) that enables the movable body to slide (move). Therefore, the sliding mechanism of the movable body of the second embodiment will be described in detail below, and descriptions of other common configurations will be omitted.

[0161] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a movable device provided in a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the movable device shown in Fig. 17. In the following, the directions of the arrows shown in the figures are defined as the "front-rear direction," the "left-right direction," and the "up-down direction."

[0162] [Description of moving device] As shown in Fig. 17, movable device 400 includes movable body 401, a substantially rectangular base member 402 to which movable body 401 is attached, and a pair of support members (not shown) that support both longitudinal ends of base member 402. Movable body 401 is slidable (movable) on the front side of base member 402 between an initial position (see Fig. 23 described later) and a lowered position (see Fig. 27 described later). In other words, the trajectory along which movable body 401 slides is a linear trajectory as indicated by the dotted arrow in Fig. 17. The pair of support members are linearly extending members provided on the free end side and the fixed end side of the pachinko machine.

[0163] [Explanation of moving parts] As shown in FIG. 18, the movable body 401 has a plurality of (two in this example) first bosses (sliding members) 403a, 403b. The two first bosses 403a, 403b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction at the center of the upper part of the rear side of the movable body 401. Each of the first bosses 403a, 403b is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the rear side of the movable body 401 toward the base member 402. A common first bushing (shock absorbing member) 404 is attached to the first bosses 403a, 403b. As a result, the first bosses 403a, 403b are connected to each other via the first bushing 404. The two first bosses 403a, 403b and the first bushing 404 are inserted into a first guide portion (described later) of the base member 402 while being fixed with screws 405a, 405b. Details of the first bushing 404 will be described later.

[0164] Furthermore, the movable body 401 is supported by the base member 402 via a plurality of (two in this example) arm members 406a and 406b. Of the two arm members 406a and 406b, one arm member 406a (on the right in FIG. 18) supports the movable body 401 on the right side of the base member 402, and the other arm member 406b (on the left in FIG. 18) supports the movable body 401 on the left side of the base member 402.

[0165] One arm member 406a has a second boss (sliding member) 406a1 at one end thereof. Like the two first bosses 403a and 403b described above, the second boss 406a1 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the back side of one arm member 406a toward the base member 402. A second bush (shock absorbing member) 407 is attached to this second boss 406a1. The second boss 406a1 and the second bush 407 are fixed with screws 408 and inserted into a second guide portion of the base member 402, which will be described later. The second bush 407 will be described in detail later.

[0166] The other arm member 406b has a third boss (sliding member) 406b1 at one end thereof. Similar to the second boss 406a1 described above, the third boss 406b1 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the back surface side of the other arm member 406b toward the base member 402. A third bushing (shock absorbing member) 409 is attached to this third boss 406b1. The third boss 406b1 and the third bushing 409 are fixed with screws 410 and inserted into a third guide portion (described later) of the base member 402.

[0167] Although detailed description will be omitted, a movable accessory is arranged on the back side of the movable body 401 (reference numerals 401a and 401b in Figs. 25 to 28 described later), and the other end of one arm member 406a is rotatably attached to this movable accessory (401b). The other end of the other arm member 406b is also rotatably attached to this movable accessory (401a). As with the first embodiment, when the movable body 401 slides, the movable accessory appears in conjunction with it, and when the movable body 401 descends to the lowered position, the overall accessory is configured to have a sword motif.

[0168] In addition, base member 402 has a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is equipped with a motor and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the motor, and returns movable body 401, which has slid to a lowered position, to its initial position. Furthermore, base member 402 has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism normally locks movable body 401 at its initial position, but when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when a "jackpot" is won), it unlocks and allows movable body 401 to lower.

[0169] [Base material description] 18, the base member 402 has a plurality of guide portions (guide holes) 411. The plurality of guide portions 411 include a first guide portion 411a, a second guide portion 411b, and a third guide portion 411c. The first guide portion 411a, the second guide portion 411b, and the third guide portion 411c are formed at different positions on the base member 402.

[0170] Specifically, first guide portion 411a is a through-hole formed in a straight line from the upper end to the lower end in the center of base member 402 (see also FIG. 24 described later). In other words, the shape of this first guide portion 411a is the same as the trajectory of the sliding of movable body 401. The above-mentioned two first bosses 403a, 403b are inserted into this first guide portion 411a with first bushings 404 attached. This allows the two first bosses 403a, 403b and first bushings 404 to slide along first guide portion 411a.

[0171] In the above description, the shape of the first guide portion 411a is the same as the trajectory along which the movable body 401 slides, but this configuration is not limited thereto. The shape of the first guide portion 411a may be similar to the trajectory along which the movable body 401 slides. For example, the shape of the first guide portion 411a may be formed in a straight line that is slightly inclined toward the right or left from the upper end to the lower end. The shape of the first guide portion 411a may also be formed to be slightly curved to the extent that it can be considered a straight line from the upper end to the lower end. In this way, the shape of the first guide portion 411a does not necessarily have to be the same as the trajectory along which the movable body 401 slides, but it is sufficient that the shape is at least similar to the trajectory along which the movable body 401 slides.

[0172] The second guide portion 411b is a through-hole formed in a shape that slopes gently downward from the right side of the base member 402 toward the center (see also FIG. 24 described later). In other words, the shape of the second guide portion 411b is different from that of the first guide portion 411a and differs from the trajectory along which the movable body 401 slides. The second boss 406a1 described above, with the second bush 407 attached, is inserted into the second guide portion 411b. This allows the second boss 406a1 and the second bush 407 to slide along the second guide portion 411b.

[0173] The third guide portion 411c is a through-hole formed in a shape that slopes gently downward from the left side of the base member 402 toward the center (see also FIG. 24, which will be described later). In other words, like the second guide portion 411b, the shape of the third guide portion 411c is different from the trajectory along which the movable body 401 slides. The third boss 406b1, with the third bush 409 attached, is inserted into the third guide portion 411c. This allows the third boss 406b1 and the third bush 409 to slide along the third guide portion 411c.

[0174] The "multiple moving mechanisms" constituting the present invention include a first moving mechanism constituted by two first bosses 403a, 403b, a first bush 404, and a first guide portion 411a, a second moving mechanism constituted by a second boss 406a1, a second bush 407, and a second guide portion 411b, and a third moving mechanism constituted by a third boss 406b1, a third bush 409, and a third guide portion 411c.

[0175] In the above, the "shape" of the first guide portion 411a is synonymous with, for example, the shape, outline, contour, appearance, or form of the first guide portion 411a. The same applies to the "shape" of the second guide portion 411b and the "shape" of the third guide portion 411c.

[0176] [Explanation of the first bush] Next, the first bushing 404 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19 is a front perspective view of the first bushing 404 shown in Figure 18, and Figure 20 is a rear perspective view of the first bushing 404.

[0177] 19 and 20, the first bushing 404 is made by molding a resin material such as polyacetal (POM) and is formed to connect the two first bosses 403a, 403b. Specifically, the first bushing 404 has two cylindrical first mating portions 404a, 404b and a track-shaped first flange portion 404c that connects the upper ends of the first mating portions 404a, 404b.

[0178] Each of the first mating portions 404a, 404b is formed so as to be able to fit with each of the first bosses 403a, 403b. Specifically, the inner diameter r1 of each of the first mating portions 404a, 404b is slightly larger than the outer diameter of each of the first bosses 403a, 403b, and is set to, for example, 5.1 mm.

[0179] Furthermore, each of the first engagement portions 404a, 404b is formed so as to be insertable into the first guide portion 411a of the base member 402. Specifically, the outer diameter R1 of each of the first engagement portions 404a, 404b is slightly smaller than the width of the first guide portion 411a, and is set to, for example, 7.1 mm. By setting the outer diameter R1 in this manner, the first engagement portions 404a, 404b, which engage the two first bosses 403a, 403b, fit into the first guide portion 411a without any gaps. This allows the first bushing 404 (the two first engagement portions 404a, 404b) to absorb impacts applied when the movable body 401 slides. Therefore, when the movable body 401 slides from the initial position to the lowered position, the movable body 401 can slide stably without shaking in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The height H1 of each of the first engagement portions 404a, 404b is greater than the depth of the first guide portion 411a, and is set to, for example, 4.0 mm.

[0180] The first flange 404c is formed to have greater strength than the second flange of the second bushing 407 (described later). Specifically, the first flange 404c is formed such that its outer circumferential portion 404c1 is thicker than its inner circumferential portion 404c2. For example, the thickness of the outer circumferential portion 404c1 is set to 2.0 mm, and the thickness of the inner circumferential portion 404c2 is set to 1.0 mm. In other words, the outer circumferential portion 404c1 is 1.0 mm thicker than the inner circumferential portion 404c2. This prevents damage to the first bushing 404 due to a collision between the first bushing 404 and the lower end of the first guide portion 411a, even when the movable body 401 descends to the lower position. The width of the first flange 404c is set to, for example, 11.0 mm.

[0181] When attaching the first bushing 404 configured in this manner to the two first bosses 403a, 403b, first, the two first bosses 403a, 403b are inserted into the first guide portion 411a from the front side of the base member 402 (see FIG. 18). Then, the first bosses 403a, 403b are engaged with the two first engagement portions 404a, 404b of the first bushing 404. This allows the first bushing 404 to be attached to the two first bosses 403a, 403b. The first bushing 404 and the two first bosses 403a, 403b are then slidable along the first guide portion 411a. At this time, the first flange portion 404c of the first bushing 404 abuts against the periphery of the first guide portion 411a.

[0182] [Explanation of the second bush] Next, the second bushing 407 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 21 and 22. Figure 21 is a front perspective view of the second bushing 407 shown in Figure 18, and Figure 22 is a rear perspective view of the second bushing 407. Note that since the second bushing 407 and the third bushing 409 are the same member, only the second bushing 407 will be described below, and a description of the third bushing 409 will be omitted.

[0183] 21 and 22, second bushing 407 is molded from a resin such as polyacetal (POM) and includes a cylindrical second engagement portion 407a and a substantially ring-shaped second flange portion 407b formed at the upper end of second engagement portion 407a. Second engagement portion 407a is formed so as to be able to engage with second boss 406a1. Specifically, the inner diameter r2 of second engagement portion 407a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of second boss 406a1, and is set to, for example, 5.1 mm.

[0184] Furthermore, the second engagement portion 407a is formed so as to be insertable into the second guide portion 411b of the base member 402. Specifically, the outer diameter R2 of the second engagement portion 407a is slightly smaller than the width of the second guide portion 411b, and is set to, for example, 7.1 mm. By setting the outer diameter R2 in this manner, the second engagement portion 407a, which engages the second boss 406a1, fits into the second guide portion 411b without any gap. This allows the second bushing 407 (second engagement portion 407a) to absorb impacts applied when the movable body 401 slides. Therefore, when the movable body 401 slides between the initial position and the lowered position, the movable body 401 can slide stably without shaking in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The height H2 of the second engagement portion 407a is greater than the depth of the second guide portion 411b, and is set to, for example, 4.0 mm.

[0185] The second flange 407b has a straight portion 407b1 at its outer periphery. This straight portion 407b1 is formed for the purpose of making the cut surface clean when the second flange 407b of the second bushing 407 is separated from other components using cutting means such as nippers during the manufacturing process. The thickness of the second flange 407b is set to, for example, 1.0 mm. The outer diameter of the portion of the second flange 407b excluding the straight portion 407b1 is set to, for example, 11.0 mm.

[0186] In this way, the shape of the second bushing 407 (and the shape of the third bushing 409) is different from the shape of the first bushing 404. On the other hand, the shape of the second boss 406a1 engaged with the second bushing 407, the shape of the third boss 406b1 engaged with the third bushing 409, and the shapes of the first bosses 403a and 403b engaged with the first bushing 404 are all the same.

[0187] When attaching the second bushing 407 configured in this manner to the second boss 406a1, first, insert the second boss 406a1 into the second guide portion 411b from the front side of the base member 402. Then, the second boss 406a1 is engaged with the second engagement portion 407a of the second bushing 407. This allows the second bushing 407 to be attached to the second boss 406a1. The second bushing 407 and the second boss 406a1 are then slidable along the second guide portion 411b. At this time, the second flange portion 407b of the second bushing 407 abuts against the periphery of the second guide portion 411b.

[0188] [Explanation of the movement of the moving body] Next, the operation of movable body 401 will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 28. Figure 23 is a front view of movable body 401 in the initial position, and Figure 24 is a rear view of movable body 401 in the initial position. Also, Figure 25 is a front view of movable body 401 in the intermediate position, and Figure 26 is a rear view of movable body 401 in the intermediate position. Furthermore, Figure 27 is a front view of movable body 401 in the lowered position, and Figure 28 is a rear view of movable body 401 in the lowered position. Note that the intermediate position is a position approximately halfway between the initial position and the lowered position.

[0189] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, when movable body 401 is in the initial position, first bushing 404 and two first bosses 403a, 403b are located at the upper end of first guide section 411a. Second bushing 407 and second boss 406a1 are located at the upper end of second guide section 411b. Third bushing 409 and third boss 406b1 are located at the upper end of third guide section 411c. When a predetermined condition is met in this state (for example, a "jackpot" is won), movable body 401 begins to descend (free fall) from the initial position to the descending position.

[0190] At this time, the first bushing 404 and the two first bosses 403a, 403b slide downward along the first guide portion 411a. Since the first bosses 403a, 403b are connected via the first bushing 404, they slide together along the first guide portion 411a. The second bushing 407 and the second boss 406a1 slide downward and left along the second guide portion 411b. The third bushing 409 and the third boss 406b1 slide downward and right along the third guide portion 411c. In this way, the movable body 401 slides toward the intermediate position.

[0191] As shown in Figures 25 and 26, when the movable body 401 is in the intermediate position, the first bushing 404 and the two first bosses 403a and 403b are located in the center of the first guide section 411a. The second bushing 407 and the second boss 406a1 are located slightly to the right and above the center of the second guide section 411b. The third bushing 409 and the third boss 406b1 are located slightly to the left and above the center of the third guide section 411c. At this time, parts of the movable accessories 401a and 401b appear from the back side of the movable body 401.

[0192] The movable body 401 continues to descend due to the momentum of sliding to the intermediate position. At this time, the first bushing 404 and the two first bosses 403a and 403b slide further downward along the first guide portion 411a. The second bushing 407 and the second boss 406a1 slide further downward and left along the second guide portion 411b. The third bushing 409 and the third boss 406b1 slide further downward and right along the third guide portion 411c. In this way, the movable body 401 slides to the lower position.

[0193] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, when movable body 401 is in the lowered position, first bushing 404 and two first bosses 403a, 403b are located at the lower end of first guide section 411a. Second bushing 407 and second boss 406a1 are located at the lower end of second guide section 411b. Third bushing 409 and third boss 406b1 are located at the lower end of third guide section 411c. At this time, movable props 401a, 401b appear from the back side of movable body 401 and, together with movable body 401, form a prop with a sword motif.

[0194] Here, when movable body 401 slides to the lower position, the magnitude of the impact applied to first bushing 404 from the lower end of first guide portion 411a is greater than the magnitude of the impact applied to second bushing 407 from the lower end of second guide portion 411b or the magnitude of the impact applied to third bushing 409 from the lower end of third guide portion 411c. Therefore, in this embodiment, first bushing 404 is formed to have higher strength than second bushing 407 or third bushing 409 as described above, and will not break even when such a large impact is applied.

[0195] Furthermore, the first bush 404, the second bush 407, and the third bush 409 can absorb the impact that is applied when the movable body 401 slides, so that the movable body 401 can slide stably without shaking in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0196] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the movable body 401 was lowered to the lowered position, the first bushing 404 and the two first bosses 403a and 403b, the second bushing 407 and the second boss 406a1, and the third bushing 409 and the third boss 406b1 slide in the opposite direction to the above, thereby returning the movable body 401 to its initial position.

[0197] [Effects of this embodiment] In this embodiment, a gaming machine (in this example, a pachinko machine) capable of playing games is provided with a movable body (in this example, movable body 401) and a plurality of moving mechanisms that enable the movable body to move (in this example, a first moving mechanism composed of two first bosses 403a, 403b, a first bush 404, and a first guide portion 411a, a second moving mechanism composed of a second boss 406a1, a second bush 407, and a second guide portion 411b, and a third moving mechanism composed of a third boss 406b1, a third bush 409, and a third guide portion 411c), and the plurality of moving mechanisms are provided at different positions from each other and have impact absorbing members (in this example, first bush 404, second bush 407, and third bush 409) that can absorb impacts applied when the movable body moves, and the shapes of the impact absorbing members differ depending on the positions of the plurality of moving mechanisms. Therefore, the shape of each shock absorbing / absorbing member can be changed to an optimum shape depending on the magnitude of the shock applied to each shock absorbing member, thereby making it difficult for the movement mechanism that enables the movable body to move to be damaged.

[0198] The plurality of moving mechanisms further includes guide holes that can guide the shock absorbing member. One of the guide holes (first guide portion 411a in this example) has a shape similar to the path of movement of the movable body, and the other guide holes (second guide portion 411b or third guide portion 411c in this example) have a shape different from the path of movement of the movable body. The shock absorbing member guided by the one guide hole (first bushing 404 in this example) is stronger than the shock absorbing member guided by the other guide holes (second bushing 407 or third bushing 409 in this example). Here, when the movable body moves, the magnitude of the shock imparted to the shock absorbing member due to a collision with the end of one guide hole is greater than the magnitude of the shock imparted to the shock absorbing member due to a collision with the end of the other guide hole. Therefore, by adjusting the strength of the plurality of shock absorbing members as described above, the shock absorbing member inserted into one guide hole is less likely to be damaged. Therefore, the movement mechanism that enables the movable body to move can be made even less susceptible to damage.

[0199] Each of the multiple movement mechanisms further includes a sliding member (in this example, two first bosses 403a, 403b, a second boss 406a1, or a third boss 406b1) that is inserted into the guide hole with the shock absorbing member attached, and the shapes of the multiple sliding members are the same regardless of the positions of the multiple movement mechanisms. This makes it possible to roughly equalize the impacts applied to the shock absorbing members from each sliding member when the movable body moves. This prevents damage to the shock absorbing members caused by variations in the magnitude of the impacts applied to the shock absorbing members from each sliding member. This reliably makes it difficult for the movement mechanism that enables the movable body to be damaged.

[0200] [Other variations of the above embodiment] In the above two embodiments, the movable body 401 is configured to slide linearly from the initial position to the lowered position, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, the movable body 401 may be provided on the rear side of the lower part of the game board and configured to slide linearly from the initial position to the raised position. In other words, the present invention can be applied not only to the upper movable body but also to the lower movable body. In this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be achieved.

[0201] In the above embodiment, since the movable body 401 slides downward from the initial position to the lowered position, the first guide portion 411a is a through-hole formed in a straight line from the upper end to the lower end in the center of the base member 402, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the movable body slides obliquely from the initial position to the lowered position, the first guide portion 411a may be a through-hole formed in a straight line inclined in a specific range of the base member 402 similar to the trajectory of the sliding of the movable body 401.

[0202] In the second embodiment, the second guide portion 411b is a through hole formed in a shape that slopes gently downward from the right side toward the center of the base member 402, and the third guide portion 411c is a through hole formed in a shape that slopes gently downward from the left side toward the center of the base member 402, but this configuration is not limited to this. The shapes of the second guide portion 411b and the third guide portion 411c only need to be different from the shape of the first guide portion 411a, and various shapes can be adopted depending on, for example, the configuration of the movable body.

[0203] In the second embodiment, the number of the moving mechanisms is three, but the number is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0204] In the second embodiment, the two first bosses 403a, 403b and the first bushing 404 are inserted into the first guide portion of the base member 402 while being fixed by the screws 405a, 405b, but this configuration is not limiting. As long as the first bushing 404 can be sufficiently fixed to the two first bosses 403a, 403b, the screws 405a, 405b are not essential. The same applies to the second bushing 407 and the second boss 406a1, and the third bushing 409 and the third boss 406b1.

[0205] In the second embodiment described above, first guide portion 411a is configured to have the same shape as the path of sliding of movable body 401, and first bushing 404 is formed to be stronger than second bushing 407 and third bushing 409, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, second guide portion 411b may be configured to have the same shape (similar shape) as the path of sliding of movable body 401, and second bushing 407 may be formed to be stronger than first bushing 404 and third bushing 409. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0206] In the second embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 404c1 of the first flange 404c of the first bushing 404 is made thicker than the inner portion 404c2, thereby making the first bushing 404 stronger than the second bushing 407 or the third bushing 409. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first bushing 404 may be made of a material stronger than the material of the second bushing 407 or the third bushing 409. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0207] In the first embodiment described above, a movable body that moves in the vertical direction was used as an example, but this is not limited to this. For example, a movable body that rotates, a movable body that moves in the horizontal direction, or another movable body that moves in a manner different from the above embodiment may also be applied.

[0208] In the first embodiment described above, the ball passage is made visible by making part of the seal 303 transparent, but the ball passage may also be made visible in a manner different from the above embodiment, for example, by forming a notch in part of the seal, or by forming a hole for visibility in the seal, or by forming the seal by die-cutting.

[0209] In the above first embodiment, an example was given in which a decorative layer is provided on a specific part that forms the first starting winning opening 26, but a decorative layer may also be provided on a specific part that forms a winning opening other than the starting winning opening, such as an attacca (movable door) that opens and closes the large winning opening.

[0210] In the first embodiment described above, a sticker attached to a specific part was used as an example of a decorative layer, but a decorative layer different from that of the above embodiment may also be provided, such as a layer that is integrally formed so that it cannot be removed without scraping it off, like paint or printing on a specific part.

[0211] In the first embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko machine was given, but the present invention may also be applied to other types of gaming machines, such as slot machines in which the number of bets is set using medals and credits as gaming value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0212] 401 Movable body 403a, 403b First boss (sliding member, moving mechanism) 404 First bush (shock absorbing member, moving mechanism) 411a First guide part (guide hole, movement mechanism) 406a1 Second boss (sliding member, moving mechanism) 407 Second bush (shock absorbing member, moving mechanism) 411b Second guide part (guide hole, movement mechanism) 406b1 Third boss (sliding member, moving mechanism) 409 Third Bush (shock absorbing member, moving mechanism) 411c Third guide part (guide hole, movement mechanism)

Claims

1. In a gaming machine capable of playing games, A movable body and a plurality of movement mechanisms that can move the movable body, the plurality of movement mechanisms are provided at different positions from each other and each have an impact absorbing member capable of absorbing an impact given when the movable body moves, the shape of the impact absorbing member varies depending on the positions of the plurality of movement mechanisms; the plurality of movement mechanisms further have three guide holes that can guide the impact absorbing member; a shape of one of the three guide holes is similar to a trajectory along which the movable body moves; the other two of the three guide holes have shapes different from the trajectory along which the movable body moves; the other two guide holes are arranged in a positional relationship that is a mirror image of the first guide hole, A gaming machine characterized in that the impact absorbing member guided into one of the guide holes is formed to have higher strength than the impact absorbing members guided into the other two guide holes.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, A gaming machine characterized in that the impact absorbing member guided by one of the guide holes has a longer length in the direction in which the movable body moves and has the same length in a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable body moves as the impact absorbing members guided by the other two guide holes.

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