JP5574082B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a starting port is arranged and formed at the lower center of the gaming area, and the game ball that has entered the starting port is placed on the back side of the gaming board. A ball passage that guides the player to flow downward is provided, and a starter switch is provided in the middle of the ball passage so as to detect a game ball that has entered the starter. The special symbol as the identification information is variably displayed by using as a trigger.

JP 2000-140326 A

  In the gaming machine, an illegal act of causing a plastic plate (hereinafter also referred to as a “cell”) prepared in an elongated belt shape to enter the ball passage may be performed.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can effectively prevent an illegal act in a ball passage including a detection switch.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention
A gaming machine comprising a ball passage through which a game ball circulates and a detection switch for detecting a game ball through the ball passage,
The ball passage extends to the upstream side so as to branch in a direction different from the guide path, and a guide path through which the insert is easily guided when the insert is inserted into the spherical path from the downstream side. A branch path that is difficult to guide the insert is formed,
The detection switch is provided upstream of the branch path or the branch path;
The branch path of the ball path and the branch part of the branch path are formed so that the game ball can be circulated in a substantially free state ,
In the taxiway, at least the top of the crossing corner on the upstream side formed by intersecting the branch path is closer to the branch path than the extension line of the inner wall surface of the branch path downstream of the branch path in the ball path. It is characterized by being located .

The gaming machine according to the present invention is preferably
The ball path has a margin of 1/4 to 1/2 of the diameter of the game ball except for the branch path and the branch portion of the branch path.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is preferably
The detection switch is arranged at a position where the center of one of the game balls stored when the game ball is stored in the branch path is located.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fraudulent act in a ball path provided with a detection switch can be prevented effectively.

The front view which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The perspective view of the front side of the pachinko machine of FIG. The perspective view of the front frame of the pachinko machine of FIG. The front view which shows an example of a game board. The perspective view of the game board of FIG. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the back surface of the pachinko machine of FIG. The perspective view of the back side of the game board of FIG. The rear view of the game board of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of the electrical constitution of a pachinko machine. The front view of the game board which has arrange | positioned the ball assembly board. The front view of a ball assembly board. The principal part enlarged front view of a ball assembly board. The front view of the game board which has arrange | positioned the ball | bowl assembly board which concerns on another Example. The principal part enlarged front view of the ball | bowl assembly board which concerns on another Example. The principal part enlarged front view of the ball path which concerns on another Example. The principal part enlarged front view of the ball path which concerns on another Example. The front view of the ball passage concerning other examples. The front view of the ball passage concerning other examples. The schematic diagram which shows the example which provided the protective wall in the ball passage. The front view of the ball passage concerning other examples. The front view of the ball passage concerning other examples.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machines”) are listed as gaming machines.

(Configuration of front side of pachinko machine)
1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front frame of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 that is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. I have. Below, the structure of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 is demonstrated separately.

  The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. The outer frame 11 may be made of a light metal such as resin or aluminum. This is because such a configuration can reduce the weight of the pachinko machine.

  On the other hand, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set so as to extend vertically on the opposite side (left side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1) from the position where the handle (game ball launching handle 18 described later) is installed as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The inner frame 12 can be sufficiently opened to the front side with the opening / closing axis as the axis. If the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is in the vertical direction on the handle installation location side (the right side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1), the game ball launching handle is opened when the inner frame 12 is opened. This is because the 18 heads and the like interfere with adjacent pachinko machines and card units (ball lending units), and the inner frame 12 cannot be fully opened. The inner frame 12 is made of a synthetic resin, specifically, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. By doing so, the advantages of high viscosity and high impact resistance and low cost production are exhibited.

  Further, the inner frame 12 has a lower pan unit 13 at the lowermost part thereof, and a front frame set 14 attached to the left and right sides of the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable about a vertical opening / closing axis, and a resin base 25. (See FIG. 6) and a game board 30 (to be described later) attached to the rear side of the resin base 25. Each of these configurations will be described in detail below.

  The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the front frame base member as a part of the front frame set 14. On the front side of the lower plate unit 13, a lower plate 15, a ball removal lever 17, a game ball launching handle 18, and an effect button 79 are provided. The lower tray 15 serving as a ball receiving tray is provided at substantially the center of the lower tray unit 13 and plays a role of stopping a game ball discharged from the discharge port 16 when the upper tray described later becomes full. is there. The ball removal lever 17 is for removing a game ball in the lower tray 15, and by moving the ball removal lever 17 to the left in FIG. 1, a predetermined location on the bottom surface of the lower tray 15 is opened. The game ball stopped in the lower plate 15 can be discharged to the player's ball storage box (dollar box) through the opening on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball launching handle 18 is disposed so as to protrude to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15. In accordance with the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball is driven toward a game board 30 described later by a game ball launching device having a launch solenoid. A sound output port 24 for outputting sound from a speaker is provided at the upper part of the front frame set 14.

  On the other hand, an upper plate 19 as a receiving tray for game balls is provided integrally with the front frame set 14 at a lower portion of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above). The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them to the game ball launching device 38 while aligning them in a line. In addition, an effect button 79 for the player to perform an operation such as changing the background of the decorative symbol display device 42 is provided at the lower left of the upper plate 19.

  In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around it (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state in the big hit game state or the like. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing a light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and lighting or blinking in the big hit gaming state, it is in a big hit gaming state It is the structure which alert | reports.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button, a return button, and a frequency display unit. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with a bill or a card inserted in a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. Done. The ball lending button is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. The The return button is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display section displays remaining amount information such as a card. Note that the ball lending operation unit 120 is not required for a pachinko machine in which a game ball is directly rented from the ball lending device unit to the upper plate without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine can be achieved.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 30, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the game board 30. The game board 30 includes a first prize-winning device 33, a second prize-winning device 33 including a general prize-winning port, a variable prize-winning device 32, an upper start-up port 33a and a lower start-up port 33b (configured by an operation chucker 33b). A second start winning device 34 having a start opening (configured with a through gate), a special symbol display device 371A, a normal symbol display device 371B, a variable display device unit 35 having a decorative symbol display device 42, and the like are provided. The general winning device 31, the variable winning device 32, the first starting winning device 33, the second starting winning device 34, the variable display device unit 35, etc. are formed in each through hole formed in the game board 30 by router processing. The game board 30 is attached from the front side with wood screws or the like. In addition, a pair of opening and closing blades 60 are provided at the entrance of the lower start port 33b, and an open position for guiding the game ball and a closed position where the game ball is difficult to enter the lower start port 33b can be taken. The opening / closing blade 60 is driven by a solenoid SL1 disposed on the back side of the game board 30. In addition, a large winning opening (inlet of the accommodating portion) 61 is disposed below the lower start opening 33b. The special winning opening 61 will be described later. In the special winning opening 61, a ball detection switch SW1 is provided.

  A game ball enters the above-described general winning device 31, variable winning device 32 and first start winning device 33, and the detected ball is detected by a detection switch (a winning port switch, a count switch, an operating port switch, etc.) described later. Based on the output of the detection switch, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not entered the various winning devices etc. are guided through the out port 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). It has become. A number of nails are implanted in the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (instruments) are arranged.

  The special symbol display device variably displays a special symbol as identification information with the winning of the first start winning device 33 as a trigger, and the decorative symbol display device 42 fluctuates a decorative symbol corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol. The normal symbol display device variably displays the normal symbol with the passage of the second start winning device 34 as a trigger.

  The special symbol display device is composed of nine LED segments of the first display section in the display device 371A, which will be described later, and the display content is controlled by a main control device 261 described later.

  The decorative design display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a display control device to be described later. On the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, symbols as identification information are displayed at three locations, upper, middle, and lower. These symbols are scrolled and variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) is provided with a large liquid crystal display having a size of 10 inches or 12 inches, for example.

  The normal symbol display device includes two lamps for normal symbols (hereinafter also referred to as a first lamp and a second lamp) arranged in a display device 371B described later. In this embodiment, the first lamp for ordinary symbols has an outer shape of “◯”, while the second lamp is provided adjacent to the right side of the first lamp, and the outer shape of the first lamp is “ X ”shape. In the normal symbol display device, for example, the display symbols (ordinary symbols) by the first and second lamps change every time the game ball passes through the second start winning device 34, specifically, the first and second lamps. Are alternately turned on, and the lower start port 33b of the first start winning device 33 is activated (opened) for a predetermined time when stopped by the first lamp. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second start winning device 34 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times that the game ball is held is displayed on the hold lamp 801a. The first and second lamps may be a plurality of display units that are variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is repeatedly operated in an open state and a normal closed state in which a game ball is easy to win in a big win. However, the specific configuration will be described later. In short, when the special symbol display device is in a specific display mode (when the confirmed symbol after the decoration symbol display device 42 is stopped is a combination of specific symbols set in advance), the special gaming state is Occur. Then, the variable winning device 32 is in a ball receiving state and allows a game ball to be won. Specifically, the ball receiving state of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly released a predetermined number of times, with a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings taken as one round. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the first start prize-winning device 33 is held up to 4 times, and the number of times of holding is lit and displayed on the hold lamp 800a. Note that the hold lamp 800a may be configured to be variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30 and is fired as the game ball launching handle 18 is rotated. The game balls are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is composed of a ring-shaped metal plate, and includes an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. On the rear edge of the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 (edge facing the game board 30), a plurality of hooks 56 are provided at predetermined intervals, and the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 are The game board 30 is attached to the game board 30 so as to hit the basket 56. The inner rail 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about 1/4 of the upper part, and the outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side) faces the inner rail 51. In such a case, a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and a spherical guide passage is formed by a portion (the left portion facing) where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. The ball guide passage is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is opened.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 51 (upper left portion in FIG. 4). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide path between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide path again. Yes.

  The game area is partitioned and formed in a substantially circular shape by the inner peripheral part (inner and outer rails) of the rail unit 50. In particular, in this embodiment, the game castle partitioned on the board surface of the game board 30 is more than conventional. It is much larger.

(Back view of pachinko machine)
Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10.

  First, an overall outline of the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. On the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 (actually, the back surface of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30), various control boards are arranged so as to be lined up and down, left and right, or stacked in front and back, A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into three mounting bases to form three control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. . In this case, the main control device 261 composed of a main control board, a power supply monitoring board, a board box that accommodates these boards, and a sealing unit that seals the board box is unitized into one unit, and the display control board and the display control board A display control device 45 composed of a board box that houses the sub-control board and a sub-control board 262 that contains the sub-control board and the sub-control board is mounted on an outer packaging member 82 to be described later. A payout control board 311 comprising a payout control board, a board box (payout control board case) for housing the payout control board, and a sealing unit for sealing the board box; a power supply board; a launch control board; It consists of a board box (power supply / launch control board case 203A) that houses these boards. It is unitized by mounting a power-firing controller in a single mount. Here, for convenience, each unit will be referred to as a “first control board unit 201”, a “second control board unit 202”, and a “third control board unit 203” in the order described above.

  In addition, since the payout mechanism and the protective cover are also integrated with the third control board unit 203 and the resin portion is generally sometimes referred to as a back pack, the third control board unit 203 is referred to as a “back pack unit 203”. Also called. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  As will be described later, the first control board unit 201 is configured to be able to be attached without using a fastener such as a screw or a tool, although it is necessary to release the sealed state with a tool when removing the first control board unit 201. The second control board unit 202 and the back pack unit 203 are configured to be detachable without using any tools or the like in units. Further, in addition to this, each of the units 201 to 203 has a structure in which a support shaft portion is provided in part and can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. This is also a device for making it possible to easily check a hidden configuration or the like even if the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one behind the other.

  The first control board unit 201 described above has a main control board that controls the progress of the game and a power supply monitoring board that manages power supply monitoring. The main control board and the power monitoring board are housed in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box includes a box base having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit so that the board box cannot be opened. Is sealed.

  Any configuration can be applied to the sealing unit as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, and the sealing process by the sealing unit prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing. Even if an unauthorized opening is performed, such a situation can be detected early and easily.

  The second control board unit 202 includes a display control device 45 that controls display of the decorative symbol display device 42 according to an instruction from the main control board, and a sub control board that controls sound lamp control according to an instruction from the main control board. The display control device 45 includes a decorative symbol display device 42 and a display control board as a unit, is accommodated in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like, and is attached to the back side of an outer packaging member 82 described later. The sub control board is accommodated in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like, and is attached to the back side of the display control device 45.

  Next, the third control board unit (back pack unit) 203 has a payout control board, a power supply board, a firing control board, and a card unit connection board. The payout control board controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls, and the power supply board and the launch control board generate and output predetermined power supply voltages required by various control devices and the like, and the game ball launch handle 18 by the player The firing solenoid is controlled according to the operation. Also, the card unit connection board is electrically connected to the ball rental operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and receives a command for a ball rental operation by a player and pays it out. Output to the substrate. Note that a card unit connection board is not required in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

  The payout control board is housed in a payout control board case (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the power supply board and the fire control board are a power supply / fire control board case 203A made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is stored inside. The card unit connection board is housed in a card unit connection board case (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control board, the box base and the box cover constituting the board case (encapsulating means) are connected to each other by the sealing unit (sealing means) so as not to be opened, like the main control board described above. Is sealed.

  The payout control board is electrically connected to a state return switch.For example, when the state return switch is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogging in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is slowly rotated forward. The ball clogging can be eliminated (return to normal state).

  The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-formed back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated.

  The back pack 351 is formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a substantially flat base portion 353 and a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the electric accessory unit (center accessory). The sub-control board is also enclosed.) A large number of ventilation holes are provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 354. Each of the vent holes has a long hole shape, and the vent holes are provided adjacent to each other at a relatively close position. Therefore, the back surface of the back pack 351 can be easily opened by cutting the resin portion between the adjacent vent holes. That is, a predetermined test or the like can be easily performed by cutting the resin portion between the air holes and exposing the display control device and the like inside the resin portion.

  In addition, the base portion 353 is provided with a payout mechanism portion 352 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 351, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows (two rows) of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, the tank rail 356 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A case rail 357 is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 through a payout passage or the like (not shown).

  The tank rail 356 and a vibrator 359 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356 are unitized so as to be integrated. If a ball is clogged near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 359 is driven. In this way, the clogging of the balls is resolved.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control board to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power from the outside. ing. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, AC 24V main power via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching the power switch.

  An inner frame opening detection switch (not shown) for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12 so that the inner frame 12 is opened. And output from the inner frame open detection switch to the computer for the hall (in the pachinko parlor). In addition, a front frame opening detection switch (not shown) is provided on the left side of the inner frame opening detection switch. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the front frame opening detection switch is opened in the hall (in the pachinko store). ) Is output to the computer.

(Electric configuration of pachinko machine and various control processes)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a power supply device 313, a power supply monitoring device 540, a main control device 261, a sub control device 262, a payout control device 311, a display control device 45, and the like. In the following, these devices will be described in detail individually. The power supply monitoring device 540 and the main control device 261 are sealed by the sealing unit as described above.

  Next, the configuration of the main controller 261 will be described. The main controller 261 is equipped with an MPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 501 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. A certain RAM 503 and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The RAM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off. The RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. There is an area for.

  Note that the power failure signal SG1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 501 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Is input immediately, the NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 includes a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub control device 262, a special symbol display device, a normal symbol display device, and a special symbol hold display device 800 in the power supply monitoring device 540. The normal symbol hold display device 801 and other switches not shown are connected. The special symbol display device is composed of nine LED segments as described above, and the normal symbol display device is composed of the first and second lamps for the normal symbol as described above. As described above, the display device 800 includes the holding lamp 800a that displays the number of the holding balls related to the special symbol, and the normal symbol holding display device 801 as described above holds the holding lamp that displays the number of the holding balls related to the normal symbol. 801a.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The MPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is configured to hold (backup) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261. The RAM 513 is provided with an area for temporarily storing various data.

  As with the MPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SG1 is also input to the NMI terminal of the MPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure. When input to the MPU 511, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 via a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A main controller 261 and a payout motor 358a are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch solenoid, and the launch solenoid is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the sensor signal detects that a connection signal indicating that the payout control device 311 is connected to the card unit is output, and that the player is touching the game ball launching handle 18. The firing control device 312 outputs a firing permission signal to the main control device 261 on the condition that the firing stop switch for stopping the firing is not operated. The main controller 261 that has input the firing permission signal outputs a firing solenoid control signal to the firing controller 312. As a result, the launch control device 312 drives the launch solenoid in response to the launch solenoid control signal, and as a result, the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle.

  The sub control device 262 controls the ringing control of the effect speaker 810 and the like in accordance with the change display of the decoration symbol based on the command from the main control device 261, the lighting (flashing) control of the effect lamp 811, and the main control device 261. The function to edit the command to the display control device 45 based on the command from and send it to the display control device 45 is achieved. The MPU 550 of the sub-control device 262 includes a ROM 551 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 550, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 552 that is used as a work memory or the like. An input / output port 554 is connected to the MPU 550 via a bus line 553 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 554 is connected to a speaker, a lamp, an effect button 79 for executing a predetermined display effect during variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42, and a main control device 261. Examples of the effect button 79 include a display effect button such as a step-up notice for notifying that the possibility of a big hit state is high depending on the manner in which predetermined characters appear sequentially. When an effect button 79 is pressed, an effect designation command for executing a predetermined effect is generated and transmitted to the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The display control device 45 controls the variation display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42. The display control device 45 includes an MPU 521 having a RAM 523 used as a work RAM, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, and an output port 529. I have.

  The MPU 521 receives a symbol display command (stop symbol command, variation pattern command, confirmation command, etc.) transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or based on the received command. A predetermined calculation process is performed to control the image controller 526 (specifically, generation of an internal command for the image controller 526). The program ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 521 and fixed values, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for background images. The RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, and the like that are used when the MPU 521 executes various programs.

  The image controller 526 is configured by a VDP (Video Display Processor). The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since it is an IC chip, it is also called a “drawing chip” and its entity is a drawing. It can be said to be a microcomputer chip with built-in processing software. The image controller 526 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in the reading and writing of data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing, and sets the output port 529. And output to the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the content of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. The character ROM 525 holds bitmap image data of various display patterns, a color palette table to be referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image, and the like. In particular, a symbol code (symbol number) is assigned to each symbol image data in the bitmap format, and at the command level, each symbol image can be managed only by the symbol code. Note that a plurality of character ROMs 525 may be provided, and image data and the like may be stored in each character ROM 525 in a shared manner. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 522 is stored in the character ROM 525.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operating voltages to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through the power supply path. As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in a voltage of 24 volts AC supplied from the outside, drives a switch, a motor, etc., has a voltage of 12 volts, a voltage of 5 volts for logic, and a RAM backup. A backup voltage or the like is generated, and the 12 volt voltage, the 5 volt voltage, and the backup voltage are supplied to the power supply monitoring device 540, the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311, the display control device 45, and the like. The main control device 261 is supplied with operating voltages (voltages of 12 volts and 5 volts) via the power supply monitoring device 540. In addition, an operating voltage (12 volts and 5 volts) is supplied to the launch controller 312 via the main controller 261.

The power monitoring device 540 includes a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure or the like, and a reset circuit 544 that outputs a reset signal.
The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power shutdown) occurs when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SG1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. By the output of the power failure signal SG1, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the NMI interrupt process. Note that the power supply unit 541 outputs a voltage of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the NMI interrupt processing even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Is maintained at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt process.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal SG2 for clearing backup data to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 when the RAM erase switch is pressed. Note that transmission of a signal to the payout control device 311 is performed via the main control device 261.
When the RAM erase signal SG2 is input when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 clear the respective backup data.

  The reset circuit 544 is a circuit that outputs a reset signal in order to initialize the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, the sub control device 262, and the display control device 45. The reset signal from the reset circuit 544 is directly given to the main control device 261, but the payout control device 311, the sub control device 262, and the display control device 45 are connected via the power supply device 313. It has come to be given.

  Here, the display contents of the special symbol display device, the normal symbol display device, and the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device as a symbol for showing the occurrence of the jackpot to the player, and the decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 are two. Types are provided. The decorative symbol is a symbol that changes in synchronization with the special symbol. The decorative symbol starts changing at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol starts to change, and at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol changes. To stop the fluctuation. This decorative design is provided in order to provide a player with a variety of display effects so that the player is not bored.

  First, the display contents of the special symbol display device will be described. The special symbol variation display is expressed by a change in the lighting pattern of the nine LED segments. The variation display of the special symbol is started based on winning of the game ball to the start winning device 33, and the variation display of the special symbol is simultaneously stopped after a certain time. After the stop, a lighting pattern indicating a big hit or a lighting pattern indicating a loss is displayed. In the case of a loss, a variation display is performed again based on winning to the start winning device 33. The number of times that the game ball has won the start winning device 33 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times that the game ball is held is lit and displayed on the hold lamp 800a of the special symbol hold display device 800.

  Next, display contents of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. On the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, three decorative symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are displayed in three display areas divided into an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage. These decorative symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scroll-displayed from right to left. The decorative symbol is composed of, for example, a main symbol composed of numbers “1” to “9” and a sub symbol smaller than the main symbol, and a symbol row of the decorative symbol is formed by each of the main symbol and the sub symbol. In each symbol row formed with decorative symbols, the main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub-designs are arranged between the main symbols. When a winning to the start winning device 33, that is, a start winning occurs, the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the variable display is stopped after a lapse of a certain time according to the changing pattern. 3 nine decorative symbols are displayed as a display result. In the variable display won in the big win lottery, the display control device 45 controls the three main symbols so that they stop on a vertical or diagonal straight line among the nine decorative symbols. The jackpot is indicated. On the other hand, in the variable display out of the big hit lottery, the display control device 45 controls the game so that three identical main symbols do not stop vertically or diagonally among the nine decorative symbols. The occurrence of detachment is shown to the person.

  Next, the display contents of the normal symbol display device will be described. The normal symbol variation display is expressed by alternately lighting the first lamp (appearance is ◯ shape) and the second lamp (appearance is X shape). The normal symbol variation display is started on the condition that the game ball passes through the second start winning device 34, and the regular symbol variation display stops after a certain period of time. And when it stops by a 1st lamp | ramp, it is comprised so that the 1st start prize-winning apparatus 33 may be in an operation state only for predetermined time (open | released). The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second start winning device 34 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times that the game ball is held is displayed on the hold lamp 801a of the normal symbol hold display device 801.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the MPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses various counter information during the game to set up a jackpot lottery or a symbol display setting of a special symbol display device. Specifically, a counter group related to the special symbol and a counter group related to the normal symbol are provided. First, a counter group related to special symbols will be described. As a group of counters related to the special symbol, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol counter C2 used for the selection of the jackpot symbol of the special symbol display device, and the special symbol display device when the special symbol display device is out and fluctuates. Stop pattern selection counter C3 used for selection of stop patterns (corresponding to reach lottery for reaching or completely disabling in the variation of decorative symbols), and initial values used for setting initial values of the jackpot random number counter C1 A random number counter CINI1 and variation type counters CS1 to CS3 for determining a type used for variation pattern selection are provided.

  Here, the variation pattern means each pattern (form) in a case where features having common features of variation display are divided.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI1, CS1 to CS3 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 700 including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game to the start winning device 33 is performed. The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are stored in accordance with the winning timing of the ball.

Next, the specific contents of each counter will be described in detail.
The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 738, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 738), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Note that the random number initial value counter CINI1 is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 738), and is updated once every timer interruption and within the remaining time of normal processing. Will be updated repeatedly. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start winning device 33. The number of random number values that are jackpots is set at low probability and high probability, and the number of random numbers that are jackpots at low probability is 2, and the value is “373, 727” There are 14 random numbers that are big hits at high probability, and the values are “59, 109, 163, 211, 263, 317, 367, 421, 479, 523, 577, 631, 683, 733”. is there. High probability means a state in which a special symbol combination is a jackpot due to the combination of a specific symbol that is a predetermined probability variation symbol and the subsequent jackpot probability has increased as added value, so-called probability change. Time (when the probability is low) refers to a case where the probability variation state is not such.

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines a symbol at the time of a jackpot when the special symbol display device stops changing the special symbol. For example, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is incremented by one within a range of 0 to 4, and the maximum value (that is, 4). After reaching this value, it returns to 0. For example, when the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “0” or “1”, nine LED segments are stopped at a specific lighting pattern, and the combination of stop symbols in this case is a non-specific symbol (normally Of jackpot symbol).

  When the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “2”, “3”, “4”, the nine LED segments stop in a specific lighting pattern different from the above, and the stop symbol of this case The combination means a specific symbol (probability variation symbol).

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start winning device 33.

  The stop pattern selection counter C3 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In the present embodiment, the special symbol variation display is configured to be expressed by nine LED segments. Therefore, in the case of the special symbol, there is no concept of reach, and a stop pattern corresponding to reach is designated as a stop pattern selection counter C3. It is decided to decide. On the other hand, in the case of a decorative symbol, since three decorative symbols are stopped, there is a reach. Therefore, in the case of a decorative design, the reach lottery is determined by the stop pattern selection counter C3. That is, in the case of a decorative design, after the reach has occurred, the final stop symbol is shifted by one shift before and after the reach symbol, and the stop symbol is stopped before and after the reach symbol. It is decided to draw “reach other than front / rear off” to stop and “complete out” that does not cause reach. For example, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 0 to 201 corresponds to complete detachment, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 202 to 208 corresponds to anteroposterior detachment reach, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 209 to 238 lies other than detachment anteroposterior. Applicable.

  Here, “reach” refers to a combination of symbols that stop before the decorative symbol displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 starts changing display, and the combination of symbols that stop first is the same symbol (in a decorative symbol having a plurality of effective lines). A combination of jackpot symbols, suggesting to the player that the jackpot will be a big win depending on the display result of the symbols that are the same symbol on any active line) and satisfy the jackpot condition Is a display that makes a player expect the game, and is a type of entertainment production. An interesting effect is that a predetermined symbol represented by reach is displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 in the middle of variable display, a specific sound is output from a speaker, or a vibration motor is used. This is an effect that causes the player to expect that the display result after the change display will be a big hit with the change display, such as vibrating the game ball launch handle 18.

  The stop pattern selection counter C3 is periodically updated (once every timer interruption in this embodiment) and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball is won by the start winning device 33.

The variation type counter CS1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS2 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 240, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240). For example, the variation type counter CS3 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 162, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 162) and then returns to 0.
The variation type counter CS1 determines a rough symbol variation mode such as a reach type such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and the variation type counter CS2 further refines a symbol such as normal reach A, normal reach B, etc. The variation mode is determined, and the variation type counter CS2 determines, for example, the addition / subtraction of the variation time in the case of a slip stop variation. Therefore, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 to CS3.

  The counters CS <b> 1 to CS <b> 3 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of the counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the special symbol by the special symbol display device and the decorative symbol display device 42.

  Next, a counter group related to normal symbols will be described. The counter group related to the normal symbol includes a winning random number counter C4 used for winning lottery and an initial value random number counter CINI2 used for setting an initial value of the winning random number counter C4.

  The hit random number counter C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 701 including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, the second start winning device 34 is provided. The value of the hit random number counter C4 is stored in accordance with the passing of the game ball.

  Next, the specific contents of the winning random number counter C4 and the initial value random number CINI2 will be described in detail. The winning random number counter C4 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 250, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). When the winning random number counter C4 makes one round, the value of the winning initial value random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C4. The initial value random number counter CINI2 is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the winning random number counter C4 (value = 0 to 250), and is updated once per timer interrupt and within the remaining time of normal processing. Will be updated repeatedly. The winning random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 701 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball passes through the second start winning device 34. The number of random number values hit by the hit random number counter C4 is 149, and the value is “5 to 153”.

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, if importance is attached to irregularity, the big hit random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, the hit random number counter C4, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case. It is desirable to leave.

The details of each control process executed by the MPU 501 in the main controller 261 will not be described here.
However, in summary, as described above, by winning the start winning device 33, the main control device 261 performs a lottery with a predetermined probability, and when winning, it shifts to a special gaming state. Thus, the variable winning device 32 enters a winning ball receiving state.

(Variable winning device and collection unit)
In this embodiment, the variable winning device 32 is configured as follows.
The basic configuration of the variable winning device 32 is to house a winning ball from a large winning opening 61 having a width that allows a plurality of gaming balls to pass in the lateral direction of the game board 30 in a housing portion (not shown). A detection sensor (not shown) is detected from a discharge portion provided in the storage portion.

  Then, a start winning device 33 (33a and 33b: see FIGS. 4 and 5) for entering a game ball flowing down the flowing space between the window portion 101 and the game board 30 into the game area of the game board 30 is provided. A winning lottery with a predetermined probability is performed by the main control device 261 by entering the starting prize winning device 33, and the game state is shifted to the special game state by the corresponding lottery. In the special game state, At least once, the variable winning device 32 is switched from the non-ball receiving state to the ball receiving state, and in the ball receiving state, a predetermined number of winning balls received from the large winning opening 61 are received in the receiving portion by the detection sensor. A predetermined number of award balls are paid out by detecting the above.

(Feature configuration)
In the pachinko machine 10, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 10, a ball assembly plate 62 is disposed at the lower part of the back surface of the game board 30. The ball assembly plate 62 is a substantially plate-like body made of resin that extends horizontally from the vicinity of the left end of the game board 30 to the vicinity of the right end. As shown in FIG. 11, screw insertion holes are provided at a plurality of locations including both end portions and intermediate portions. 62P is drilled, and is fixed to the back surface of the game board 30 by a wood screw through the screw insertion hole 62P.

  The ball assembly plate 62 communicates with the general winning device 31 and the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622 communicating with the upper start port 33a and the lower start port 33b of the first start winning device 33, respectively. The third ball passage 623 is integrally formed. As shown in FIG. 10, the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622 correspond to the first start winning device 33 in the central portion of the ball assembly plate 62, and the third ball passage 623 includes the general winning device. Corresponding to 31, they are arranged and formed on the left part of the ball assembly plate 62. The first sphere passage 621, the second sphere passage 622, and the third sphere passage 623 have a substantially rectangular cross section from the front surface of the sphere assembly plate 62 and are recessed in the thickness direction (that is, a cross section from the rear surface of the sphere assembly plate 62). It is a groove in which a single game ball that circulates in a generally rectangular shape and bulges backward in a hollow shape can be distributed with a slight margin (a margin of several millimeters). The collective plate 62 is fixed to the game board 30 and is closed on the back surface of the game board 30.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first spherical passage 621 extends vertically from a position slightly to the right of the lower end edge of the spherical assembly plate 62 (slightly left in FIG. 12) to the vicinity of the upper end of the spherical assembly plate 62. The upper end is closed in a planar shape, and branches from the position slightly above the center in the height direction to the upper left (upper right in FIG. 12) and extends slightly. Extends vertically to the left, extends slightly to the left (right in FIG. 12) along the upper edge of the ball assembly plate 62, and communicates with the upper start opening 33 a at the center of the upper end of the first start winning device 33. As a whole, it has a substantially y-shaped shape (a symmetric shape in FIG. 12) and is bifurcated.

  When, for example, a cell F1 shown in FIG. 12 is inserted into the first sphere passage 621 from below, the cell F1 enters the first sphere passage 621 in a straight line along the vertical direction until reaching the upper end. . At this time, the cell F1 can only enter the first ball passage 621 linearly, and for example, it is difficult to make a left turn on the way (right turn in FIG. 12) and enter the branch portion. Further, as shown in the figure, even when the game ball M1 flowing down in the first ball passage 621 is supported at the tip of the cell F1 and the game ball M1 is lifted upward, the game ball is similarly M1 can only lift the inside of the first ball passage 621 linearly, and it is difficult to enter the branch portion.

  That is, in the first ball passage 621, a portion extending vertically upward from the branch point of the branch portion extends on the same straight line as a portion below the first branch, and the cell F1 and the game ball M1 inserted from the downstream side. On the other hand, the portion that extends from the branch point to the upper left (upper right in FIG. 12) and communicates with the upper starting port 33a is the guide path 621G. A branch path 621D extends to the upstream side so as to branch in a direction different from that of 621G, and is difficult to guide inserted objects such as the cell F1 and the game ball M1.

  In the branch path 621D of the first ball path 621, a first start port switch 621S is provided slightly above the center in the height direction of the linear portion extending vertically in parallel with the guide path 621G. A game ball M1 flowing down the ball passage 621 is detected. The first start port switch 621S is disposed so as to intersect the branch path 621D of the first ball path 621 while projecting the connector portion rearward (front side in FIG. 12) (not shown).

  As indicated by an arrow A1 in FIG. 12, when the game ball M1 enters the upper start opening 33a, the game ball M1 enters the upper end of the branch path 621D of the first ball path 621 from the upper start opening 33a and enters the branch path. It flows down 621D, and on the way, it is detected as a winning ball by passing through the first starter switch 621S, and then discharged downward from the lower end of the first ball passage 621 through a branch point. .

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, when the game ball M1 that has flowed down is supported and retained at the tip of the cell F1 at a position downstream of the branch point of the branch path 621D in the first ball path 621. After that, the game balls M1 flowing down thereafter are successively connected to this, and stored in the first ball passage 621 in a line so as to extend from the branch point to the upstream side in the branch path 621D. .

  At this time, for example, even if a large number of stored game balls M1 are to be lifted all at once by the cell F1, as shown by an arrow A2 in FIG. 12, the game balls M1 enter the guide path 621G upward from the branch point. Since the game ball M1 stored in the branch path 621D is in contact with the game ball M11 located at the branch point, the game ball at the branch point is merely guided. Even if it is slightly shifted from the upstream side to the downstream side as M11 moves up and down, there is no movement that affects the presence or absence of detection by the first start port switch 621S. Each remains substantially in the same position within 621D.

  At this time, one of the game balls M1 stored in a line in the branch path 621D (in this embodiment, the game ball M12 connected to the game ball M11 located at the branch point is the first ball). In this case, the first start port switch 621S is arranged at a position where the center of the fifth game ball M13) comes. For example, when the first start port switch 621S is disposed at a contact point where two of the game balls M1 stored in a line in the branch path 621D are in contact with each other, the two balls are connected to the first start port switch 621S. Even if it is positioned so as to be back and forth, it is difficult to detect it, so it is likely that it is determined to be absent. On the other hand, when the first start port switch 621S is arranged at the position where the center of the predetermined game ball M13 comes as described above, the game ball M13 is correctly detected.

  The detection range of the first start port switch 621S has a certain width in the game ball distribution direction, and the game ball M1 stored in the branch path 621D is located upstream or downstream as described above. Even when it is slightly deviated, the same game ball M13 is detected as being within the detection range. That is, the first start port switch 621S can detect the game ball M1 including the deviation in the detection range.

  As described above, when the game ball M13 stored in the branch path 621D is detected and the first start port switch 621S is kept on, an injustice is made (that is, in the first ball path 621). A game ball M1 is determined to be stored), and a signal for informing it is output to the outside so that an illegal act is effectively detected.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the second ball passage 622 has a lower right side of the first start winning device 33 from a position slightly to the right (slightly to the left in FIG. 12) of the lower end edge of the ball assembly plate 62. It extends vertically to the position (lower left in FIG. 12) and its upper end is obstructed in a planar shape, and slightly extends from a position slightly above the center in the height direction to upper left (upper right in FIG. 12). The upper end of the first start winning device 33 communicates with the lower start port 33b at the center of the lower end of the first start prize-winning device 33. As a whole, as with the first ball passage 621 described above, It has a y-shape (its symmetrical shape in FIG. 12) and is bifurcated.

  In the second sphere passage 622, as in the case of the first sphere passage 621 described above, the portion extending vertically upward from the branching point of the branching portion extends on the same straight line as the portion below it, The insertion path such as the cell F2 and the game ball M2 inserted from the downstream side is a guide path 622G that is easy to be guided. On the other hand, the branch start point 33b branches from the branch point to the upper left (upper right in FIG. 12). The portion that extends until it communicates with is a branch path 622D that extends upstream so as to branch in a direction different from that of the guide path 622G, and through which inserts such as the cell F2 and the game ball M2 are difficult to guide.

  A second start port switch 622S is provided at a position connected to the branch path 622D of the second ball passage 622 at the center of the lower end portion of the first start prize-winning device 33. A game ball M2 flowing down is detected. Similar to the case of the first start port switch 621S, the second start port switch 622S is a game ball located at the branch point when the game balls M2 are stored in a line in the branch path 622D. When the connected game ball is the first ball, the first game ball M23 is centered on the center of the fifth game ball M23 so that the connector portion protrudes rearward (front side in FIG. 12) (not shown). Is arranged so as to cross the center of the lower end of the start winning device 33.

  The second ball passage 622 has a slightly shorter overall length, a point where the branch path 622D is not bent at the upper end, and a second start port switch 622S is provided in the first start winning device 33. Except for the points and the like, the configuration is almost the same as the first spherical passage 621 described above, and the functional spherical passage is substantially equivalent to the first spherical passage 621.

(Function)
As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622 through which the game balls M1 and M2 circulate, and the game balls M1 and M2 through which the first and second ball passages 621 and 622 circulate. In the configuration including the first start port switch 621S and the second start port switch 622S which are detection switches for detecting the first and second ball passages 621 and 622, the first and second ball passages 621 and 622 are provided. When the inserted objects such as the cells F1, F2, and the game balls M1, M2 are inserted from the downstream side, the guide paths 621G, 622G are easily guided, and the guide paths 621G, 622G are in different directions. Branching paths 621D and 622D that extend to the upstream side so as to branch and are difficult to guide the inserted material are formed, and the first start port switch 621S is connected to the branching path 621D. Since the second start port switch 622S is provided at the lower end of the first start winning device 33 upstream of the branch path 622D, the second start path switch 622S is provided in the first ball path 621 or the second ball path 622. Even if the inserted objects such as the cells F1, F2, and the game balls M1, M2 are inserted from the downstream side, the inserted objects are guided exclusively by the guide paths 621G, 622G and are not easily guided by the branch paths 621D, 622D. An illegal act by inserting an insert into the branch paths 621D and 622D is difficult. At this time, guide paths 621G and 622G and branch paths 621D and 622D are formed in the first and second ball paths 621 and 622, and the first and second start port switches 621S and 622S are provided on the branch paths 621D and 622D side. Since the configuration is provided, fraud countermeasures are effectively implemented with a simple configuration without adding another component or member.

  Further, a position where the predetermined game balls M13 and M23 can be detected when the game balls M1 and M2 are stored in the branch paths 621D and 622D (the positions where the centers of the predetermined game balls M13 and M23 come in this embodiment) ), The first start port switch 621S and the second start port switch 622S are arranged, so that the game balls M13 and M23 are correctly detected, and the first start port switch 621S to the second start port switch 622S are turned on. When the signal continues, an illegal output is effectively detected by outputting a signal for informing the outside.

  Moreover, since the upper end which is the termination | terminus of the said guidance paths 621G and 622G is obstruct | occluded, even if the game balls M1 and M2 are inserted in these guidance paths 621G and 622G, it does not leak from an upper end.

(Modification)
The pachinko machine 10 can be variously modified as listed below, for example.

(1) In the embodiment described above, the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622 extend uniformly while maintaining a constant cross-sectional size and shape as a whole. Although it is a spherical passage that can be circulated with a certain margin, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, the branch path and the branch portion of the branch path are narrowed to such an extent that a margin is not substantially formed. You may make it make it. The fourth sphere passage 624 and the fifth sphere passage 625 shown in the figure are the same as the first sphere passage 621 and the sphere passage 621 in the above embodiment except for the configuration of the branch paths 624D and 625D and the branch portions 624N and 625N of the branch paths 624D and 625D. The configuration is the same as that of the second ball passage 622, and a description thereof will be omitted. The branch paths 624D and 625D of the fourth ball path 624 and the fifth ball path 625 have a width (distance between side walls) W1 and a depth (a set of balls) slightly exceeding the diameter (about 11 mm) of the game balls M4 and M5. A depth of recessing in the thickness direction from the front surface of the plate 63), and the game balls M4 and M5 can be circulated with substantially no allowance, and the branch paths 624D and 625D are branched. The portions 624N and 625N are portions where the side wall (the left side in FIG. 13) opposite to the side where the branch paths 624D and 625D branch is within a range in the length direction substantially corresponding to the width of the branch paths 624D and 625D. Accordingly, the game balls M41 and M51 located at the branch point are allowed to circulate up and down with substantially no allowance.

  According to the above configuration, for example, the game balls M4 and M5 flowing down are supported at the tips of the cells F4 and F5 at positions downstream of the branch points of the branch paths 624D and 625D in the fourth and fifth ball passages 624 and 625. In the case of the stay, the game balls M4 and M5 flowing down thereafter are sequentially connected to the branch as in the case of the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622. Are stored in the fourth and fifth ball passages 624 and 625 in a row so as to extend upstream from the point in the branch paths 624D and 625D. At this time, from the game balls M41 and M51 located at the branch point Since the game balls M4 and M5 stored in the upstream of the branch paths 624D and 625D are lined up in a row with substantially no room, each game ball M4 and M5 can move in the distribution direction. Other than that Can not be substantially floating in direction (width direction or the like), thus never misalignment occurs by the game ball M4, M5 are floating in the width direction or the like. Here, for example, when the game balls M41 and M51 located at the branch point are moved up and down by the cells F4 and F5, the game balls M4 and M5 stored in the branch paths 624D and 625D are located at the branch point. Since the game balls M41 and M51 are supported in contact with the game balls M41 and M51, the game balls M4 and M5 in the branch paths 624D and 625D are slightly shifted from the upstream side to the downstream side by the vertical movement of the game balls M41 and M51 at this branch point. However, the positions of these game balls M4 and M5 are not shifted due to other factors. In other words, the positional deviation that can occur in the game balls M4 and M5 stored in the branch paths 624D and 625D is minimized so as to be only the positional deviation caused by the vertical movement of the gaming balls M41 and M51 located at the branch point. It has been. As a result, the game ball at the detection position of the fourth start port switch 624S and the fifth start port switch 625S (the fifth ball when the game ball connected to the game balls M41 and M51 located at the branch point is the first ball) Game balls) M43 and M53 are more reliably detected. At this time, for example, unlike the configurations of the fourth and fifth ball passages 624 and 625, the branch path allows the game balls to flow with a margin, and the game stored in the branch path If the ball can move in the width direction, etc., it is possible to cause a position shift, the more the amount of the stored game ball shift is accumulated, the larger the distance from the branch point, According to the configuration of the fourth and fifth ball passages 624 and 625, the positional deviation that can occur in the game balls M4 and M5 is suppressed to a certain minimum amount even at a position away from the branch point, and therefore the detection can be reliably performed. The same is ensured. That is, a detection switch can be provided at a position away from the branch point without impairing the reliability of detection.

  In this case, in other than the branching path and the branching part of the branching path, even if the game ball moves in the width direction or the like, even if a positional deviation occurs, the reliability of the detection is not affected. From the viewpoint of making it better, etc., as with the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622 in the above embodiment, one game ball can be circulated with a margin of, for example, several millimeters. It is desirable to keep it. Or conversely, this margin may be further increased except for the branch path and the branch portion of the branch path (not shown). The larger the allowance is in areas other than the branch path and the branch portion of the branch path, the more the game ball can move, so that it becomes more difficult to operate the game ball with a cell or the like, for example. However, for example, if this margin becomes large enough to be slightly less than the diameter of the game ball, conversely, two game balls cannot easily pass side by side in the width direction, that is, ball clogging tends to occur, and the margin is large. As the space occupied by the ball passage increases, the margin within the range in which the two game balls are difficult to line up in the width direction, for example, about the radius of the game ball or less (for example, 1/4 to the diameter of the game ball) It is desirable to leave a margin of about 1/2, more preferably about 1/3 to 1/2.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the straight portions including the guide paths 621G and 622G of the first sphere passage 621 and the second sphere passage 622 maintain the same width and extend vertically. For example, the first portion shown in FIG. Like the 6-ball path 626, the side wall 626H on the side of the branch path 626D in the guide path 626G may be formed at a position outside the side wall 626L below this (the branch direction side of the branch path 626D). According to this, the inserted article can be more easily guided to the guide path 626G.

  Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, among the intersection corners formed by the intersection of the branch paths, the upstream intersection corner may be partially shifted to the branch side. As in the case of the sixth ball path 626, the inserted article can be more easily guided to the guide path. In the seventh ball passage 627 shown in the figure, when the branch path 627D intersects, an acute angle crossing angle portion 627A is formed on the upper side which is the upstream side, and an obtuse angle crossing angle portion 627B is formed on the lower side. However, the top portion 627P of the upper intersection angle portion 627A is located on the branch path 627D side with respect to the extension line E1 of the inner wall surface of the branch path 627D side of the downstream section 627L than the branch path 627D in the seventh ball path 627, The inner wall surface on the branch path 627D side of the guide path 627G extends slightly above the top portion 627P of the upper intersection angle portion 627A and then intersects the extension line E1. Thus, for example, when an insertion object is inserted from the downstream side, the insertion object is guided to the guide path 627G side along the inner wall surface of the guide path 627G on the branch path 627D side, and thus to the guide path 627G side. It is easier to be guided. That is, as in the sixth ball path 626 to the seventh ball path 627, the top of the intersection corner formed by intersecting at least the branch path in the guide path is located downstream of the branch path in the ball path. By setting it as the structure located in the branch path side rather than the extension line of the inner wall surface of a branch path side, it can make it easier to guide an insertion thing to a guide path.

(3) In the embodiment described above, the first sphere passage 621 and the second sphere passage 622 are formed in a substantially y shape. However, the shape of the sphere passage has a branch shape including a guide path and a branch path. Any shape can be used as long as it has, for example, it may be roughly V-shaped or the like, and further, a shape that branches into three or more branches (not shown), for example, two or more points as shown in FIG. The shape may be branched at. In the eighth ball passage 628 shown in the figure, a plurality of branch paths 628D are branched in a tree shape from a plurality of branch points, and the main flow path is a guide path 628G. However, it flows down while being detected by the detection switch 628S in the middle of each branch path 628D, and joins at each branch point.

(4) In the above embodiment, the first sphere passage 621 and the second sphere passage 622 are configured in a generally y-shaped overall shape from a plurality of straight portions, but for example, as shown in FIG. It is good also as a spherical passage of the shape containing a part. In the ninth spherical passage 629 shown in the figure, a meandering portion 629W extending in the vertical direction while meandering right and left is formed in the lower portion, and a branch path 629D branches from slightly above the center in the height direction upstream from the meandering portion 629W. In addition, a detection switch 629S is provided in the branch path 629D, and the guide path 629G extends above the branch point of the branch path 629D. In the ninth ball passage 629, the meandering portion 629W extends while being bent without communicating with a straight line, but since it communicates with a single path, for example, a sufficiently flexible cell is provided. If it is used, it is not impossible to make it approach. Therefore, a configuration in which the branch path 629D is branched and the detection switch 629S is provided in the branch path 629D is effective.

(5) In the embodiment described above, the branch paths 621D and 622D of the first ball path 621 and the second ball path 622 branch sideways (left and right direction). You may make it make it do (not shown). That is, in the space on the back side of the game board, the branch path can be branched in any direction according to the layout of the members.

(6) In the above embodiment, when the game balls M1 and M2 are stored in the branch paths 621D and 622D, the first game ball connected to a predetermined game ball, that is, a game ball located at the branch point, is the first ball. In this case, the first start port switch 621S and the second start port switch 622S are arranged at positions where the fifth game balls M13 and M23 can be detected. The detection switch is connected to the branch path or the branch path. As long as it is upstream, it can be provided at any position. However, if it is placed too close to the branch point, there is a risk of fraudulent acts due to insertions.On the other hand, if it is placed too far away from the branch point, the amount of stored game ball misalignment will be accumulated accordingly. 2 and 7 balls, more preferably 3 balls when the game ball connected to the game ball located at the branch point is the first ball. It is desirable to provide a detection switch at a position where the sixth to sixth game balls can be detected.

(7) In the above embodiment, the first start port switch 621S and the second start port switch 622S are arranged so that the connector portion protrudes from the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622. In such an arrangement, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 19, a protective wall for protecting the detection switch may be provided. In the tenth ball passage 630 shown in the figure, the detection switch 630S is arranged so that the connector portion 630C protrudes from the tenth ball passage 630, and is located slightly downstream from the detection switch 630S. Further, a protective wall 631 is provided on the outer surface of the tenth spherical passage 630 so as to cover the entire protruding portion of the detection switch 630S from below. A stay 631T is provided between the lower surface of the protective wall 631 and the outer surface of the tenth ball passage 630.

  When the detection switch is arranged so that the connector part protrudes from the ball passage, the on / off state of the detection switch is switched by, for example, attacking the connector part with a cell or the like from below to cause a contact failure. In some cases, an illegal act of posing as if a game ball has won a prize may be made. By providing the protective wall 631 that protects at least the connector part 630C of the detection switch 630S as described above, an attack on the connector part 630C is performed. It is possible to prevent cheating by.

(8) In the above embodiment, the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622 are inserted with inserts such as the cells F1, F2, and the game balls M1, M2 in the first and second ball passages 621, 622. The guide passages 621G and 622G are easy to guide when inserted from the downstream side, and the guide passages 621G and 622G extend to the upstream side so as to branch in a different direction, and the insert is difficult to guide. Although the branch paths 621D and 622D are formed, any branch path may be used as long as it is less likely to guide the inserted article than at the guide path. In this case, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 20, even if the branch path branches at a slightly smaller angle with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion object, at least the guide path is relative to the insertion direction of the insertion object. If the object branches at an angle larger than the angle formed by the operator, the insert is less likely to be guided than on the taxiway. In the eleventh ball passage 632 shown in the figure, the guide path 632G extends at 0 ° with respect to the insertion direction A3 of the insert F6, that is, along the insertion direction A3 of the insert F6, and the branch path 632D. However, the branch F6 is branched at a small angle α (= about 10 °) with respect to the insertion direction A3 of the insert F6, so that the insert F6 is less likely to be guided than in the guide path 632G. ing.

  On the other hand, for example, as in the first sphere passage 621 and the second sphere passage 622 of the above-described embodiment, for example, about 30 ° to 90 °, more preferably 45 ° with respect to the insertion direction of the inserts F1 and F2. By making a branching path extending in another direction at a large angle of about 90 ° (about 69 ° for the branching path 621D of the first spherical passage 621 and about 45 ° for the branching path 622D of the second spherical passage 622), etc. The inserts F1 and F2 can be made difficult to guide regardless of the comparison with the ease of guiding the insert in the guide path.

(9) In the above embodiment, the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622 are inserted with the inserted objects such as the cells F1 and F2, the game balls M1 and M2 in the first and second ball passages 621 and 622. The guide passages 621G and 622G are easy to guide when inserted from the downstream side, and the guide passages 621G and 622G extend to the upstream side so as to branch in a different direction, and the insert is difficult to guide. The branch paths 621D and 622D are formed. However, as shown in FIG. 21, for example, as long as it has a branch structure, it is easy (or difficult to guide) the inserted article in any branch direction. Even if it is a ball passage where no difference is observed, it is possible to obtain a fraud prevention effect.

  In the twelfth ball passage 633 shown in FIG. 21, a first passage 633G extending in a predetermined direction and a second passage 633D extending upstream so as to branch in a direction different from the first passage 633G are formed. A detection switch 633S is provided in the second passage 633D. In the twelfth ball passage 633, a single wire passage 633L extends linearly from the downstream side to the upstream side, and the first passage 633G is linearly bent from the upstream end of the single wire passage 633L to one side. And the second passage 633D extends linearly so as to bend obliquely to the other side symmetrically with the first passage 633G, and has a generally Y-shaped branch shape as a whole. . In the twelfth ball passage 633, both the first passage 633G and the second passage 633D have the same angle β (= approximately) with respect to the insertion direction A4 of the insertion object F7 when the insertion object F7 is inserted from the downstream side. Each extending in the direction of about 45 °.

  In the configuration of the twelfth ball passage 633, the first passage 633G and the second passage 633D are bilaterally symmetric. Therefore, when an insert F7 such as a cell is inserted into the twelfth ball passage 633 from the downstream side. Although it is easy to be guided to the first passage 633G and the second passage 633D to the same extent, since the branch F7 is guided to both sides, it is not always fixed to which side. Therefore, it is not always guided to the second passage 633D in which the detection switch 633S is arranged. Therefore, it is difficult to reliably operate the insertion switch F7 on the detection switch 633S. Therefore, the illegal act by inserting the insertion thing F7 in 2nd channel | path 633D by this is suppressed. At this time, as in the case of the above embodiment, the first passage 633G and the second passage 633D are formed in the twelfth ball passage 633, and the detection switch 633S is provided on the second passage 633D side. With this structure, fraud countermeasures are effectively implemented.

  In the configuration of the twelfth ball passage 633, the detection switch 633S can detect a predetermined game ball M63 in the second passage 633D when the game ball M6 is stored in the second passage 633D. (In this example, the game ball M62 connected to the game ball M61 located at the branch point is located at the center of the fifth game ball M63 when the game ball M62 is the first ball). When the sphere M63 is correctly detected and the detection switch 633S continues to be turned on, a signal for informing this is output to the outside, so that an illegal act is effectively detected.

  Note that “when the game ball M6 is stored in the second passage 633D” means that when the game ball M6 is also stored in the first passage 633G, as shown in FIG. This is when the game ball M6 is stored in 633D.

  The detection switch may be arranged at a position where a predetermined game ball can be detected, that is, a position where the predetermined game ball can be accommodated within the detection range of the detection switch. If the center of the predetermined game ball M63 is arranged like the passage 633, the predetermined game ball M63 can be detected more reliably regardless of the detection range of the detection switch 633S.

  In addition, as described above, the “first passage extending in a predetermined direction” and the “second passage extending upstream so as to branch in a direction different from the first passage” as in this example are inserted in any case. While there is no difference in the ease of guidance (or difficulty of guidance) of an object, on the other hand, the “guide path where the inserted article is easy to guide” and the “guide path” as in the above embodiment are also used. This is a broad concept including a “branch path that extends to the upstream side so as to branch in a different direction and is difficult to guide the inserted material”. That is, “guidance” is a subordinate concept included in “first passage” and “branch” is included in “second passage”, and “guidance” and “branch” described in this specification are Both correspond to “first passage” and “second passage”, respectively.

(10) In the above embodiment, the first ball passage 621 and the second ball passage 622 are ball passages that communicate with the upper start port 33a and the lower start port 33b of the first start winning device 33, respectively. The same configuration as the first ball passage 621 to the second ball passage 622 can be applied to a ball passage communicating with an arbitrary winning opening such as a general winning opening in addition to the start opening.

(11) In the embodiment, the first type of pachinko machine 10 has been exemplified, but the present invention can also be applied to a second type of pachinko machine.

  This specification discloses all of the following inventions.

The gaming machine according to the present invention has as means 1,
A gaming machine comprising a ball passage through which a game ball circulates and a detection switch for detecting a game ball through the ball passage,
The ball passage extends to the upstream side so as to branch in a direction different from the guide path, and a guide path through which the insert is easily guided when the insert is inserted into the spherical path from the downstream side. A branch path that is difficult to guide the insert is formed,
The detection switch is provided on the upstream side of the branch path or the branch path.

In the present invention, the “insert” means any one that can be inserted into the ball passage from the downstream side, and includes, for example, an elongated plastic plate (cell) or the like, All of the boosted game balls and the like are included.
Further, the “branch path in which the inserted article is difficult to be guided” means a branch path in which the inserted article is less likely to be guided than at the guide path. In this case, for example, when the insertion object is inserted into the ball path from the downstream side, the branch path is slightly smaller than the direction (vertical or oblique direction) through which the insertion object reaches the branch point of the branch path. Even if the branch is made at an angle, the inserted article is guided more than at the guide path if at least the guide path branches at an angle larger than the angle formed with respect to the insertion direction of the inserted article. It will be difficult. However, it is better to guide the insert through a branch path extending in another direction at an angle as large as possible (for example, about 30 ° to 90 °, more preferably about 45 ° to 90 °) with respect to the insertion direction of the insert. It is desirable to make it difficult. In addition, the guide path where the insert is easily guided and the branch path where the insert is difficult to guide may be a guide path where the game balls are easily connected and a branch path where the game balls are not easily connected.

  According to the configuration of the above means 1, even if an insertion object such as a cell is inserted into the spherical passage from the downstream side, the insertion object is guided exclusively by the guide path and is not easily guided by the branch path. It is possible to make it difficult to cheat by inserting an insert through the road. At this time, since the guide path and the branch path are formed in the ball path and the detection switch is provided on the branch path side, fraud countermeasures can be effectively taken with a simple configuration.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means 1 as means 2,
The detection switch is arranged at a position where a predetermined game ball can be detected when the game ball is stored in the branch path.

In the present invention, “when the game ball is stored in the branch road” means that the game ball is stored in the branch path while the game ball is also stored in the taxiway. is there.
The “position where a predetermined game ball can be detected” is a position where the predetermined game ball can be accommodated within the detection range of the detection switch. For example, the position where the center of the predetermined game ball comes Then, it is desirable that the game ball can be detected more reliably regardless of the detection range of the detection switch.

  According to the configuration of the means 2, when the predetermined game ball is correctly detected and the detection switch is continuously turned on, a fraudulent act can be detected effectively by outputting a signal informing this to the outside. Can do.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means 2 as means 3,
The predetermined game ball is a second to seventh game ball when the game ball connected to the game ball located at the branch point is the first ball.

  According to the configuration of the above means 3, it is difficult for the detection switch to be too close to the branch point to establish a fraudulent act due to an insertion object, while the detection switch is too far away from the branch point and the stored game It is unlikely that there will be a risk that the amount of displacement of the sphere will accumulate and become large and affect the certainty of detection.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 3, as the means 4.
The end of the guide path is blocked.

  According to the configuration of the means 4, for example, even if a game ball is inserted into the guide path, it does not leak from the terminal end.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 4, as the means 5,
The branch path of the ball passage and the branch portion of the branch path are formed so that the game ball can be circulated in a substantially free state.

  According to the configuration of the above means 5, when a game ball is stored in the branch path, the positional deviation that can occur in the game ball is only the positional deviation that occurs due to the movement of the game ball located at the branch point. As a result, the game ball at the detection position of the detection switch can be detected more reliably. At this time, even at a position away from the branch point, the positional deviation that can occur in the game ball is suppressed to a certain minimum amount, and therefore a detection switch can be provided without impairing the detection reliability.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 5, as the means 6.
In the taxiway, at least the top of the crossing corner formed by intersecting the branch path is located on the branch path side with respect to the extension line of the inner wall surface of the branch path on the downstream side of the branch path in the ball path. It is characterized by.

  According to the configuration of the means 6, the inserted article can be more easily guided to the guide path.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 6, as the means 7.
The detection switch is disposed so that the connector portion protrudes from the spherical passage, and at least a protective wall that protects the connector portion is provided.

  According to the configuration of the means 7, an illegal act due to an attack on the connector part of the detection switch can be prevented.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes means 8 as
A gaming machine comprising a ball passage through which a game ball circulates and a detection switch for detecting a game ball through the ball passage,
A first passage extending in a predetermined direction and a second passage extending upstream so as to branch in a direction different from the first passage are formed in the spherical passage,
The detection switch is provided at a position upstream of the second passage or the second passage and capable of detecting a predetermined game ball when the game ball is stored in the second passage. It is characterized by that.

In the present invention, “when the game ball is stored in the second passage” means that the game ball is stored in the second passage while the game ball is stored in the first passage without any gap. It's time.
In this case, it is desirable for the first passage to be more easily connected with game balls than the second passage. For example, if the first passage extends in the vertical direction or near the vertical direction where gravity is more easily applied, and the second passage extends in a direction greatly deviating from the vertical direction than the first passage, the first passage However, game balls are more likely to be connected than in the second passage. For example, when the first passage and the second passage extend at the same angle with respect to the vertical direction, the first passage is formed longer than the second passage, or the second passage is branched. If the downstream side of the point is formed so as to extend on the extension of the first passage, the first passage becomes easier to connect the game balls than the second passage.
The “position where a predetermined game ball can be detected” is a position where the predetermined game ball can be accommodated within the detection range of the detection switch. Then, it is desirable that the game ball can be detected more reliably regardless of the detection range of the detection switch.

  According to the configuration of the means 8, even if an insertion object such as a cell is inserted into the ball passage from the downstream side, the ball passage includes the first passage where the detection switch is not disposed and the first passage where the detection switch is disposed. Since it has a shape branched into two passages, it is difficult to reliably operate the inserted object on the detection switch, and therefore, it is possible to suppress illegal acts caused by inserting the inserted object in the second passage. Can do. At this time, since the first passage and the second passage are formed in the ball passage and the detection switch is provided on the second passage side, the countermeasure against fraud can be effectively taken with a simple structure.

  Further, according to the configuration of the means 8, the detection switch can detect a predetermined game ball when the game ball is stored in the second passage on the upstream side of the second passage or the second passage. Therefore, when a predetermined game ball is correctly detected and the detection switch continues to be turned on, a signal for informing this is externally output to effectively detect fraud. it can.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of means 8 as means 9,
The predetermined game ball is a second to seventh game ball when the game ball connected to the game ball located at the branch point is the first ball.

  According to the configuration of the means 9, it is difficult for the detection switch to be too close to the branch point to establish a fraudulent act due to the insertion object, while the detection switch is too far away from the branch point and the stored game. It is unlikely that there will be a risk that the amount of displacement of the sphere will accumulate and become large and affect the certainty of detection.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the means 8 or 9, as the means 10.
The end of the first passage is blocked.

  According to the configuration of the means 10, for example, even if a game ball is inserted into the first passage, it does not leak from the end.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 8 to 10, as the means 11.
The second passage of the ball passage and the branching portion of the second passage are formed so that the game ball can be circulated in a substantially free state.

  According to the configuration of the means 11, when a game ball is stored in the second passage, the positional deviation that can occur in the gaming ball is only the positional deviation that occurs due to the movement of the gaming ball located at the branch point. Thus, it is possible to more reliably detect the game ball at the detection position of the detection switch. At this time, even at a position away from the branch point, the positional deviation that can occur in the game ball is suppressed to a certain minimum amount, and therefore a detection switch can be provided without impairing the detection reliability.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 8 to 11, as the means 12.
In the first passage, at least the top of the intersecting corner formed by intersecting the second passage is greater than the extension line of the inner wall surface of the second passage on the downstream side of the second passage in the spherical passage. It is located on the side of two passages.

  According to the configuration of the means 12, the inserted article can be more easily guided to the first passage.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 8 to 12, as the means 13.
The detection switch is disposed so that the connector portion protrudes from the spherical passage, and at least a protective wall that protects the connector portion is provided.

  According to the configuration of the means 13, it is possible to prevent an illegal act due to an attack on the connector portion of the detection switch.

  The present invention can be widely implemented as long as it is a pachinko gaming machine.

621: First ball passage 622: Second ball passage 621S: First start port switch (detection switch)
622S: Second start port switch (detection switch)
F1, F2: Cells (inserts)
M1, M2: game balls (inserts)
621G, 622G: Taxiway 621D, 622D: Branch road

Claims (3)

A gaming machine comprising a ball passage through which a game ball circulates and a detection switch for detecting a game ball through the ball passage,
The ball passage extends to the upstream side so as to branch in a direction different from the guide path, and a guide path through which the insert is easily guided when the insert is inserted into the spherical path from the downstream side. A branch path that is difficult to guide the insert is formed,
The detection switch is provided upstream of the branch path or the branch path;
The branch path of the ball path and the branch part of the branch path are formed so that the game ball can be circulated in a substantially free state ,
In the taxiway, at least the top of the crossing corner on the upstream side formed by intersecting the branch path is closer to the branch path than the extension line of the inner wall surface of the branch path downstream of the branch path in the ball path. A gaming machine characterized by being located .   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the ball passage has a margin of ¼ to ½ of a diameter of a game ball in a portion other than the branch path and a branch portion of the branch path.   The detection switch is arranged at a position where the center of any of the game balls stored when the game ball is stored in the branch path is located. The gaming machine described in 1.

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