JP6421966B2 - GAME MEMBER AND GAME MACHINE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming member that distributes a flowing game ball into a plurality of flow paths, and a gaming machine including the gaming member.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pachinko machine that includes a sorting device that sorts a flowing game ball into a plurality of flow paths and that can detect an abnormal bias of a sorting destination is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The distribution device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an entrance of a game ball, a first outlet opened just above the first starting port, a second outlet opened just above the second starting port, and an entrance. And a distribution member that alternately distributes the path of the game ball to the first outlet and the second outlet.

JP 2012-235833 A

  In the pachinko machine described above, the game ball that flows down is switched to one of the two starting ports by the sorting member. However, if the game balls are only distributed to one of the two start ports, there is a fear that the game flow will not change so much that the interest of the game cannot be maintained.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming member capable of changing the distribution destination of the flowing down game balls in various ways, and a gaming machine including the gaming member.

A gaming member according to the first aspect of the present invention is a gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine, and a entrance port through which a gaming ball flowing down a gaming area provided on the front surface of the gaming board can enter And a game path that allows a game ball that has entered the entrance to flow down, and a game ball that is connected to a downstream end of the entrance path and that flows down the entrance path is discharged. A branch section, a flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch section can flow, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch section, and perpendicular to the front surface of the game board A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis, and includes a distribution member that distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any of the at least three guide paths, and the entrance path The downstream end of the discharge guide is a discharge guide for discharging the game ball toward the sorting member. Both of the three guide paths extend in a direction different from the first guide path, and extends between the first guide path and the first guide path extending to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion with the distribution member interposed therebetween. A first passage port provided on the downstream side of the first guide path through which a game ball flowing down the first guide path can pass, and the two second guide paths A second passing port provided on one downstream side of the path through which the game ball flowing down one of the second guiding paths can pass , and flowing down the first guiding path and not passing through the first passing port A first specific game ball, which is a game ball, is allowed to flow down, flows down the first specific guide path different from any of the three guide paths, one of the second guide paths, and the second passage port . second specific game ball is a possible falling a game ball that does not pass, to which of the three guideways And a different second specific guideway, said first specific guideway and the second specific guideway in the direction in which the two second guide path are arranged, Ru provided between the two second guide path.
A gaming member according to the second aspect of the present invention is a gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine, and a game entrance into which a gaming ball flowing down a gaming area provided on the front surface of the gaming board can enter And a game path that allows a game ball that has entered the entrance to flow down, and a game ball that is connected to a downstream end of the entrance path and that flows down the entrance path is discharged. A branch section, a flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch section can flow, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch section, and perpendicular to the front surface of the game board A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis, and includes a distribution member that distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any one of the at least three guide paths; The downstream end portion is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member. The three guide paths extend in a direction different from the first guide path, and extend between the first guide path and the first guide path extending to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion with the sorting member interposed therebetween. A first passage port provided on the downstream side of the first guide path through which a game ball flowing down the first guide path can pass, and the two second guide paths A second passing port provided on one downstream side of the path through which the game ball flowing down one of the second guiding paths can pass, and flowing down the first guiding path and not passing through the first passing port A first specific game ball, which is a game ball, is allowed to flow down, flows down the first specific guide path different from any of the three guide paths, one of the second guide paths, and the second passage port. A second specific game ball, which is a game ball that does not pass through, can flow down, and any of the three guide paths Comprising second and a particular guide path, a case where the first specific game ball flows down the first specific guideway and a case where the first specific game ball flowing down a second specific guideway.
A gaming member according to a third aspect of the present invention is a gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine, and a entrance hole into which a gaming ball flowing down a gaming area provided on the front surface of the gaming board can enter And a game path that allows a game ball that has entered the entrance to flow down, and a game ball that is connected to a downstream end of the entrance path and that flows down the entrance path is discharged. A branch section, a flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch section can flow, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch section, and perpendicular to the front surface of the game board A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis, and includes a distribution member that distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any one of the at least three guide paths; The downstream end portion is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member. The three guide paths extend in a direction different from the first guide path, and extend between the first guide path and the first guide path extending to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion with the sorting member interposed therebetween. A first passage port provided on the downstream side of the first guide path through which a game ball flowing down the first guide path can pass, and the two second guide paths A second passing port provided on one downstream side of the path through which the game ball flowing down one of the second guiding paths can pass, and flowing down the first guiding path and not passing through the first passing port A first specific game ball, which is a game ball, is allowed to flow down, flows down the first specific guide path different from any of the three guide paths, one of the second guide paths, and the second passage port. A second specific game ball, which is a game ball that does not pass through, can flow down, and any of the three guide paths Comprising second and a particular guideway, the second specific game ball flowing down the second specific guideway sometimes passes through the first passage opening.
A gaming member according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine, and a game entrance into which a gaming ball flowing down a gaming area provided on the front surface of the gaming board can enter And a game path that allows a game ball that has entered the entrance to flow down, and a game ball that is connected to a downstream end of the entrance path and that flows down the entrance path is discharged. A branch section, a flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch section can flow, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch section, and perpendicular to the front surface of the game board A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis, and includes a distribution member that distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any one of the at least three guide paths; The downstream end portion is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member. The three guide paths extend in a direction different from the first guide path, and extend between the first guide path and the first guide path extending to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion with the sorting member interposed therebetween. A first passage port provided on the downstream side of the first guide path through which a game ball flowing down the first guide path can pass, and the two second guide paths A second passing port provided on one downstream side of the path through which the game ball flowing down one of the second guiding paths can pass, and flowing down the first guiding path and not passing through the first passing port A first specific game ball, which is a game ball, is allowed to flow down, flows down the first specific guide path different from any of the three guide paths, one of the second guide paths, and the second passage port. A second specific game ball, which is a game ball that does not pass through, can flow down, and any of the three guide paths And a second specific guide path consisting of
The distribution member includes a regulation surface that is a wall that prevents the game ball from entering the distribution member, and a passage opening that is an opening through which the game ball can enter the distribution member. A game in which the regulation surface and the passage opening alternately rotate so as to face the discharge guide portion, and among the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion, the game has entered the distribution member The ball is guided from the distribution member to the first guide path, while the game ball that does not enter the distribution member is guided to one of the two second guide paths.

  According to this, when a game ball flowing down the game area enters the entrance, the game ball flows down the entrance path and is discharged to the branch portion. The game balls discharged to the branching portion are distributed to at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branching portion by a sorting member that can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the front surface of the game board. . Therefore, it is possible to change the distribution destination of the flowing game balls in various ways.

Further , the regulation surface and the passage opening alternately face the discharge guide portion by the rotation of the sorting member. The game ball discharged from the discharge guide portion at a timing facing the passage opening easily enters the distribution member and is guided to the first guide path. The game ball discharged from the discharge guide portion at the timing facing the regulation surface is easily guided to one of the two second guide paths without entering the distribution member. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult to predict where the game balls will be allocated.

  First detection means capable of detecting at least a part of the game balls flowing down the first guide path is provided, and the distribution member enters the passage port among the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion. You may rotate so that the ratio of a game ball may become smaller than the ratio of the game ball which does not enter the said passage. In this case, the ratio of the game balls detected by the first detection means among the game balls discharged from the discharge guide part can be suppressed.

  Two second detection means each capable of detecting at least a part of the game balls flowing down the two second guide paths are provided, and the first detection means detects the game balls when the game machines are detected. The first detection signal for executing the lottery is output, and the two second detecting means may output a second detection signal for causing the gaming machine to execute the second lottery when each of the two second detecting means detects the game ball. Good. In this case, it is possible to cause the gaming machine to execute different lottery depending on whether the game ball is detected by the first detection means and when the game ball is detected by the second detection means, thereby diversifying the game contents. it can.

A gaming member according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine, and a game entrance into which a gaming ball flowing down a gaming area provided on the front surface of the gaming board can enter And a game path that allows a game ball that has entered the entrance to flow down, and a game ball that is connected to a downstream end of the entrance path and that flows down the entrance path is discharged. A branch section, a flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch section can flow, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch section, and perpendicular to the front surface of the game board A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis, and includes a distribution member that distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any one of the at least three guide paths; The downstream end portion is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member. The three guide paths include a first guide path extending on the opposite side of the discharge guide portion across the distribution member, and a plurality of second guide paths extending in a direction different from the first guide path. The distribution member includes a regulation surface that is a wall that prevents the game ball from entering the distribution member, and a passage that is an opening through which the game ball can enter the distribution member. The game balls that have entered the inside of the sorting member among the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion are rotated so that the regulation surface and the passage opening alternately face the discharge guide portion. The game ball that is guided from the sorting member to the first guide path while not entering the inside of the sorting member is guided to one of the plurality of second guide paths, and passes through the first guide path. The distribution member includes first detection means capable of detecting at least a part of a flowing game ball. The plurality of second guides rotate so that a proportion of game balls that enter the passage opening is smaller than a proportion of game balls that do not enter the passage opening among the game balls discharged from the discharge guide section. A plurality of second detection means capable of detecting at least a part of the game balls flowing down the road, wherein the first detection means causes the gaming machine to execute a first lottery when the game balls are detected; One detection signal is output, and each of the plurality of second detection means outputs a second detection signal for causing the gaming machine to execute a second lottery when a game ball is detected.

A gaming machine according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes the gaming member. According to this, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the distribution destinations of the flowing-down game balls are changed in various ways.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the distribution determination table. 2 is a perspective view of a sorting device 30. FIG. It is a front view of the distribution apparatus 30 of a steady state. FIG. 3 is a development view of components as seen from an oblique front of the sorting apparatus 30. FIG. 3 is a development view of components as seen from an oblique rear side of the sorting device 30. 3 is a perspective view of a rotation drive mechanism 300. FIG. 3 is a side view of a rotation drive mechanism 300. FIG. It is a front view of the rotation drive mechanism 300 in a steady state. It is a front view of the rotational drive mechanism 300 of a 1st displacement position. It is a front view of the distribution apparatus 30 of a 1st displacement position. It is a front view of the rotational drive mechanism 300 of a 2nd displacement position. It is a front view of distribution device 30 of the 2nd displacement position. It is a flowchart of a distribution error detection process. It is a flowchart of an error determination process. It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of a modification. It is a flowchart of the distribution error detection process of a modification.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings to be referred to are used for explaining the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the configuration and flowcharts of the apparatus described are not intended to be limited only to them, but are merely illustrative examples. is there.

<1. Mechanical configuration of pachinko machine 1>
The mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main body frame 19 to which a game board 2 having a substantially square shape and a front surface can be attached and detached. The game board 2 mounted on the main body frame 19 is disposed on the upper part of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 is held between the main body frame 19 and the front frame 18 attached to the front side of the main body frame 19. The front frame 18 holds a transparent glass plate and protects the front surface of the game board 2. An electric decoration member 35 that can be lit or blinked during the game is provided so as to surround the glass plate of the front frame 18. Speakers 48 are respectively provided at both corners of the upper portion of the front frame 18.

  An upper plate 5 is provided at the lower part of the game board 2. The upper plate 5 supplies game balls to the launching device 37 (see FIG. 2) and receives the prize balls paid out from the prize ball dispensing device 49 (see FIG. 2). An operation button 9 is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 5. A lower plate 6 for receiving a prize ball is provided immediately below the upper plate 5. On the right side of the lower plate 6, a launch handle 7 for adjusting the launch of the game ball by the launch device 37 is provided. A substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by the guide rail 3 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. An effect device 8 for executing various effects is provided in the approximate center of the game area 4.

  Normal symbol operation gates 10 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the production device 8. A distribution device 30 is provided below the rendering device 8. On the right side of the distribution device 30, a special winning opening 16 is provided. The big winning opening 16 includes an opening / closing member, and the game ball can win the big winning opening 16 only when the opening / closing member is opened. Two first special symbol start ports 14 arranged on the left and right and a second special symbol start port 15 having a movable member are provided below the sorting device 30.

  First to third passage ports 11 to 13 to be described later are disposed inside the sorting device 30 (see FIG. 5). The first special symbol starting port 14 on the left side is easy to win a game ball that has passed through the first passing port 11. The first special symbol starting port 14 on the right side is easy to win a game ball that has passed through the second passing port 12. When the opening / closing member of the second special symbol start port 15 is not opened, the game ball that has passed through the third passage port 13 can easily win the second special symbol start port 15. When the opening / closing member of the second special symbol start port 15 is opened, not only the game ball that has passed through the third passage port 13 but also the game ball flowing down near the second special symbol start port 15 can be won. It becomes.

  An LCD (display screen 28) on which various videos for producing a game are displayed is provided in front of the effect device 8. The display screen 28 displays a plurality of demo symbols for notifying the player of the result of the jackpot determination. The plurality of demo symbols start to change when the game ball wins one of the first special symbol start port 14 and the second special symbol start port 15, and after that change, is confirmed and displayed in a combination according to the result of the jackpot determination The

  A symbol display section 24 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the lower right side of the game board 2. The symbol display unit 24 includes a special symbol display unit, a normal symbol display unit, a special symbol memory number display LED, and a normal symbol memory number display LED. The special symbol display unit includes two 7-segment LEDs, and displays a special symbol indicating the result of the jackpot determination. The normal symbol display unit displays the result of the normal hit determination by turning on and off the LED. The special symbol memory number display LED displays the number of game balls (the so-called “special symbol operation holding ball number”) for which the result of the jackpot determination has not been displayed yet. The normal symbol memory number display LED displays the number of game balls for which the normal hit determination result has not been displayed yet (so-called “normal symbol operation holding ball number”).

  The flow of the game in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be schematically described. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 10, the normal hit determination is performed. When it is determined that the hit is normal, the normal hit game is executed. In the normal hit game, the opening / closing member of the second special symbol start port 15 is opened for a predetermined time. When the game ball wins the first special symbol start opening 14, a jackpot determination based on the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as a first jackpot determination) is performed. When the game ball wins the second special symbol start opening 15, a jackpot determination based on the second special symbol (hereinafter, second jackpot determination) is performed. If it is determined to be a win in either the first or second jackpot determination, a jackpot game is executed. In the jackpot game, the big prize opening 16 is opened a predetermined number of times. When a game ball wins the opened big winning opening 16, a prize ball is awarded to the player.

  In the present embodiment, two patterns of 16 rounds and 4 rounds are provided as the number of times of opening of the big prize opening 16 (so-called round number) in the big hit game. When it is determined to be a win in the second jackpot determination, there is a higher probability that 16 rounds of the jackpot game will be executed than when it is determined to be a win in the first jackpot determination. That is, the second special symbol is a special symbol that is more advantageous to the player than the first special symbol (in other words, the second special symbol start port 15 is more advantageous than the first special symbol start port 14).

<2. Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 1>
The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 40 of the pachinko machine 1 mainly includes a main board 41, a sub control board 58, a lamp driver board 46, an effect control board 43, a payout control board 45, and a relay board 47.

  The main board 41 controls the main control of the pachinko machine 1. The main board CPU unit 50 of the main board 41 is provided with a CPU 51 that performs various arithmetic processes, a RAM 52 that temporarily stores data, and a ROM 53 that stores a control program and the like. An interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the main board CPU unit 50. The main board 41 executes a program each time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57.

  The main board 41 is connected via the I / O interface 54 to the sub control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, the output port 55, the first detection switch 71, the second detection switch 72, the third detection switch 73, The first start port switch 74, the second start port switch 75, and the third start port switch 76 are connected. The output port 55 outputs information on the pachinko machine 1 to a game hall management computer (not shown).

  The first detection switch 71 detects a game ball that has passed through the first passage port 11 and outputs a detection signal to the main board 41. The second detection switch 72 detects a game ball that has passed through the second passage port 12 and outputs a detection signal to the main board 41. The third detection switch 73 detects the game ball that has passed through the third passage port 13 and outputs a detection signal to the main board 41. The first start port switch 74 detects a game ball won in the left first special symbol start port 14 and outputs a detection signal to the main board 41. The second start port switch 75 detects a game ball won in the first special symbol start port 14 on the right side and outputs a detection signal to the main board 41. The third start port switch 76 detects a game ball won in the second special symbol start port 15 and outputs a detection signal to the main board 41. The detection signals output from the first start port switch 74 and the second start port switch 75 function as signals that cause the CPU 51 to execute a jackpot determination based on the first special symbol. The detection signal output from the third starter switch 76 functions as a signal for causing the CPU 51 to execute a jackpot determination based on the second special symbol.

  The sub control board 58 includes a CPU 581, a RAM 582, and a ROM 583, and is connected to the lamp driver board 46, the effect control board 43, the operation buttons 9, the speaker 48, and a distribution motor 330 described later. The sub-control board 58 performs comprehensive control related to effects in accordance with commands transmitted from the main board 41. The lamp driver board 46 performs light emission control of the electric decoration member 35. The effect control board 43 includes a CPU 43 a and the like, and controls display of the display screen 28 in accordance with a command received from the sub control board 58. The payout control board 45 includes a CPU 45a and the like. The payout control board 45 controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 in accordance with a command transmitted from the main board 41, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls.

  The relay board 47 is connected to a normal electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 77, a normal symbol operation switch 70, a special prize opening / closing solenoid 78, a special prize opening switch 79, and the symbol display unit 24. The ordinary electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 77 opens and closes the opening / closing member of the second special symbol start port 15 during the normal winning game. The normal symbol operation switch 70 detects a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 10. The big prize opening / closing solenoid 78 opens and closes the opening / closing member of the big prize opening 16 during the big hit game. The big prize opening switch 79 detects a game ball won in the big prize opening 16.

  The power supply board 42 is connected to the main board 41 and the launching device 37, and supplies stabilized DC power to each board and the launching device 37. The launching device 37 launches one game ball to the game area 4 at regular intervals (0.6 seconds in the pachinko machine 1).

<3. Sorting determination table 500>
The distribution determination table 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The distribution determination table 500 is stored in the ROM 583 of the sub control board 58. The sorting determination table 500 is an unauthorized operation for each of the three detection areas (specifically, the first to third passage ports 11 to 13) provided in the sorting device 30 according to the magnitude of the sorting rate. An abnormal level that indicates the possibility of gradual occurrence is determined. The distribution ratio is the ratio of the game balls that have passed through each of the first to third passage ports 11 to 13 out of the total number of the game balls that have passed through any of the first to third passage ports 11 to 13.

  The manufacturer preliminarily calculates the distribution ratios of the first to third passage ports 11 to 13 of the distribution device 30 by calculation, simulation, actual test, and the like in the appropriate gaming state (hereinafter referred to as a standard). Value). As an example, the reference value of the distribution ratio of the first passage port 11 and the second passage port 12 is 35%, and the reference value of the distribution ratio of the third passage port 13 is 30%. When the actual distribution rate exceeds an allowable error with respect to the reference value, it is considered that an abnormal bias (hereinafter referred to as a distribution error) has occurred in the distribution destination of the game balls in the distribution device 30.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when the actual distribution rate of the first passage port 11 falls within an allowable error of 10% above and below the reference value of the first passage port 11, the abnormal level is “ 0 ". As the actual distribution rate of the first passage port 11 deviates from the allowable error, the corresponding abnormality level increases in the order of “1” and “2”. The same applies to the second passage port 12.

  The second special symbol which is more advantageous than the first special symbol has a great influence on the profit balance of the player and the hall. In the present embodiment, the game ball passing through the third passage port 13 is likely to win the second special symbol start port 15. Accordingly, the third passing port 13 is set with an abnormal level strictly more than the first passing port 11 and the second passing port 12. Specifically, when the actual distribution rate of the third passage port 13 falls within an allowable error of 5% above and below the reference value of the third passage port 13, the abnormal level is “0”. As the actual distribution rate of the first passage port 11 deviates from the allowable error, the corresponding abnormality level increases in the order of “1” to “3”.

  The distribution determination table 500 defines an error notification mode corresponding to each abnormal level. The notification mode of the present embodiment indicates a light emission color that blinks or lights up the electrical decoration member 35 corresponding to each abnormal level. When the abnormal level is “0”, the light emission color of the illumination member 35 is “white” indicating a normal state. When the abnormal level is “1” to “3”, the light emission colors of the electrical decoration members 35 are “blue”, “yellow”, and “red”, which indicate abnormal states, respectively. That is, as the abnormal level is higher, the illumination member 35 is lit or blinks in a color with a stronger visual impression.

<4. Sorting device 30>
With reference to FIGS. 4-7, the whole structure of the distribution apparatus 30 is demonstrated. In the following description, the lower left side, the upper right side, the upper left side, the lower right side, the upper side, and the lower side in FIG. 4 are defined as the front side, the rear side, the left side, the right side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively. Each direction of the sorting device 30 matches each direction of the pachinko machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the sorting apparatus 30 includes a ball guide unit 100, a mounting plate 120, a mechanism installation unit 140, a rear member 160, and a rotation drive mechanism 300. The ball guide portion 100 is fixed to the front surface of the mounting plate 120. The mechanism installation unit 140 is fixed to the back surface of the mounting plate 120. The rear member 160 is fixed to the rear part of the mechanism installation part 140. The mechanism installation part 140 and the rear member 160 are fixed to the front surface of the game board 2 in a state where the mechanism installation part 140 and the rear member 160 are inserted from the front side into an attachment hole (not shown) formed in the game board 2 (see FIG. 1). . Thereby, the ball guide unit 100 is arranged in the game area 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ball guide portion 100 is formed to be bilaterally symmetric in a front view, and includes a front surface 101 extending in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a plurality of wall portions 102 to 113 extending rearward from the front surface 101. including. Between the ball guide portion 100 and the mounting plate 120, the ball entrance 80, the discharge ports 81 to 85, the communication ports 86 to 89, the installation portion 90, the flow passages 91 to 95, the branch portion 99, and the first to the above-described first to. The third passage ports 11 to 13 are formed symmetrically as will be described below.

  The entrance 80 is an opening provided in the center of the upper end of the ball guide unit 100 and into which a game ball flowing down the game area 4 can enter. The walls 102 and 103 extend from the entrance 80 to the lower left side and the lower right side, respectively. Each upper end of the walls 102 and 103 forms a flow path 91 extending downward from the entrance 80. A lower end portion (discharge guide portion 91A) of the flow channel 91 is connected to a branch portion 99 described later.

  On the lower right side of the wall portion 102, a wall portion 110 that extends to the lower left side along the wall portion 102 is provided. On the lower left side of the wall portion 103, a wall portion 111 that extends to the lower right side along the wall portion 103 is provided. The walls 110 and 111 are arranged side by side with a longer interval in the left-right direction than the entrance 80. A region sandwiched between the wall portions 110 and 111 is an installation portion 90 on which the sorting movable body 310 is rotatably installed. The distribution movable body 310 is a rotating body that can rotate around a shaft portion 319 perpendicular to the front surface of the game board 2. In the installation part 90, the outline of the distribution movable body 310 and each upper end part of the wall parts 110 and 111 have contact | connected in front view.

  A channel 92 extending from the branch part 99 to the lower left side is formed between the wall parts 102 and 110. Below the lower end portions of the wall portions 102 and 110, wall portions 104 and 105 extending in the vertical direction are provided side by side. A detection hole 71 </ b> A (see FIG. 6) of the first detection switch 71 is disposed in a region sandwiched between the wall portions 104 and 105. A region sandwiched between the wall portions 104 and 105 is the first passage port 11. The lower end portion of the flow path 92 and the first passage port 11 face each other in the vertical direction. A clearance between the lower end portion of the wall portion 102 and the upper end portion of the wall portion 104 is a discharge port 84. A gap between the lower end portion of the wall portion 110 and the upper end portion of the wall portion 105 is a communication port 86.

  A channel 93 extending from the branch part 99 to the lower right side is formed between the wall parts 103 and 111. Wall portions 106 and 107 extending in the vertical direction are provided side by side on the lower side of the lower end portions of the wall portions 103 and 111, respectively. A detection hole 72A (see FIG. 6) of the second detection switch 72 is disposed in a region sandwiched between the wall portions 106 and 107. A region sandwiched between the walls 106 and 107 is the second passage port 12. The lower end portion of the flow path 93 and the second passage port 12 face each other in the vertical direction. A clearance between the lower end portion of the wall portion 103 and the upper end portion of the wall portion 106 is a discharge port 85. A gap between the lower end portion of the wall portion 111 and the upper end portion of the wall portion 107 is a communication port 88.

  A wall portion 112 extends from the lower end portion of the wall portion 110 toward the lower right side. The flow path 94 extends downward from the communication port 86 through the walls 105 and 112. A wall portion 113 extends from the lower end portion of the wall portion 111 toward the lower left side. The channel 95 extends downward from the communication port 88 through the wall portions 107 and 113. A channel 96 extending downward from the installation portion 90 is formed between the wall portions 112 and 113.

  Wall portions 108 and 109 extending in the vertical direction are provided below the lower end portions of the wall portions 112 and 113 side by side. A detection hole 73A (see FIG. 6) of the third detection switch 73 is disposed in a region sandwiched between the walls 108 and 109. A region sandwiched between the walls 108 and 109 is the third passage port 13. The lower end portion of the flow channel 96 and the third passage port 13 face each other in the vertical direction. A clearance between the lower ends of the walls 108 and 109 is a discharge port 83. A gap between the lower end portion of the wall portion 112 and the upper end portion of the wall portion 108 is a communication port 87. A gap between the lower end portion of the wall portion 113 and the upper end portion of the wall portion 109 is a communication port 89.

  The wall portion 104 extends below the wall portion 105. A clearance between the lower end portion of the wall portion 104 and the wall portion 108 is a discharge port 81. The discharge port 81 is provided directly below the first passage port 11 and communicates with the lower end portion of the flow path 94. The wall portion 106 extends below the wall portion 107. A clearance between the lower end portion of the wall portion 106 and the wall portion 109 is a discharge port 82. The discharge port 82 is provided directly below the second passage port 12 and communicates with the lower end of the flow path 95.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mounting plate 120 has a substantially square plate-like main body 121 in a front view. A cylindrical attachment portion 122 in which a later-described rotating plate 311 is held is provided on the upper portion of the plate-shaped main body 121. A shaft support portion 129 through which a shaft portion 319 described later is inserted is provided at the rear end portion of the attachment portion 122. Three attachment holes 123 to 125 into which the rear portions of the first to third detection switches 71 to 73 are fitted are provided in the lower portion of the plate-shaped main body 121. The detection holes 71A to 73A of the first to third detection switches 71 to 73 fitted in the three attachment holes 123 to 125 are respectively arranged in the first to third passage ports 11 to 13 (see FIG. 5).

  The mechanism installation unit 140 includes a box-shaped main body 141 that opens to the front side. A link member 320 described later is accommodated in the internal region 142 of the main body 141. An opening 143 that exposes the inner region 142 to the rear is formed above the rear end of the main body 141. A motor fixing portion 148 and a shaft support portion 149 are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the opening 143 on the back surface of the main body portion 141. The motor fixing unit 148 is a member that fixes a sorting motor 330 described later. The shaft support portion 149 is a hole that supports a front end portion of a shaft portion 351 described later.

  The rear member 160 has a box-shaped main body 161 that opens to the front side. A distribution motor 330 and link members 340 and 350, which will be described later, are accommodated in the internal region 162 of the main body 161. A shaft support portion 169 that is a hole portion that supports a rear end portion of a shaft portion 351 described later is provided on the upper end side of the main body portion 161.

<5. Rotation Drive Mechanism 300>
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the rotation drive mechanism 300 includes a sorting movable body 310, link members 320, 340, 350, and a sorting motor 330. The distribution movable body 310 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is in a reference position during rotation (hereinafter, steady state). In the following description, the positional relationship of each part will be described based on the steady state movable movable body 310.

  The sorting movable body 310 includes a rotating plate 311, a front plate 312, regulating surfaces 313 and 314, and a shaft portion 319. The rotating plate 311 is a circular plate, and a shaft portion 319 projects rearward from the center of the back surface. In a state where the rotating plate 311 is held by the mounting portion 122 of the mounting plate 120, the rear end portion of the shaft portion 319 protrudes rearward from the shaft support portion 129 of the mounting plate 120. The front plate 312 is disposed on the front side of the rotating plate 311 and has a semicircular shape corresponding to the upper half of the rotating plate 311.

  Between the front plate 312 and the rotating plate 311, a passage port 315 and restriction surfaces 313 and 314 are provided. The passage opening 315 is an opening through which a game ball can enter the distribution movable body 310. The restriction surface 313 extends from the upper left edge of the passage port 315 to the lower left side. The restriction surface 314 extends from the upper right edge of the passage port 315 to the lower right side. The restricting surfaces 313 and 314 are wall surfaces that prevent the game ball from entering the distribution movable body 310. The passage port 315 and the regulation surfaces 313 and 314 are disposed in the installation unit 90 (see FIG. 5). The front plate 312 is formed with a window portion 312A that is a slit that exposes a game ball passing through the inside of the sorting movable body 310 to the front side.

  A connecting portion 321 and a shaft portion 322 are provided at both ends of the link member 320. The connecting portion 321 is inserted and connected to a shaft portion 319 that protrudes rearward from the shaft support portion 129 of the mounting plate 120. The shaft portion 322 is provided at a position different from the connecting portion 321 in a front view, and protrudes rearward from the connecting portion 321. The sorting motor 330 is a stepping motor that supplies power for rotating the sorting movable body 310. A connecting part 341 and a shaft part 342 are provided at both ends of the link member 340. The output shaft of the sorting motor 330 is inserted and connected to the connecting portion 341. The shaft portion 342 is provided at a position different from the connecting portion 341 in a front view, and protrudes rearward from the connecting portion 341.

  The link member 350 is a plate-like member that extends in the vertical direction, and includes a shaft portion 351, a bearing portion 352, and a sliding groove 353. The shaft portion 351 is provided at the upper end portion of the link member 350 and protrudes in the front-rear direction. The bearing portion 352 is a U-shaped member that is provided at substantially the center in the longitudinal direction of the link member 350 and opens downward. The shaft portion 322 of the link member 320 enters the inner region 162 of the rear member 160 through the opening 143 of the mechanism installation portion 140 and is disposed inside the bearing portion 352. The sliding groove 353 is a groove provided in the lower part of the link member 350 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the link member 350. The shaft portion 342 of the link member 340 is inserted into the sliding groove 353.

  A reflection sensor 331 capable of detecting a detection plate (not shown) that rotates with the sorting movable body 310 is provided above the sorting motor 330. When the sorting movable body 310 is in a steady state, the reflection sensor 331 detects the detection plate. The CPU 581 of the sub control board 58 can specify the rotational position of the sorting movable body 310 based on the detection signal output from the reflection sensor 331.

<6. Operation Mode of Distributing Movable Body 310>
With reference to FIGS. 5-14, the operation | movement aspect of the distribution movable body 310 and the flow-down aspect of the game ball in the ball guide part 100 are demonstrated. As shown in FIGS. 5, 12, and 14, when the game ball that has flowed down the game area 4 enters the entrance 80, the game ball that has flowed down the flow path 91. The game ball that has flowed down the flow path 91 is discharged to the branching portion 99 via the discharge guide portion 91A that is the lower end portion of the flow path 91. At this time, the discharge guide portion 91 </ b> A discharges the game ball downward toward the sorting movable body 310.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the sorting movable body 310 is in a steady state, the passage port 315 faces the discharge guide portion 91A in the vertical direction. Therefore, the game ball discharged to the branching portion 99 is likely to enter the distribution movable body 310 from the passage port 315. Moreover, the clearance gap between the control surface 313 and the wall part 110 is smaller than the diameter of a game ball. The gap between the regulation surface 314 and the wall 111 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, the game balls that have not entered the distribution movable body 310 are guided to one of the flow paths 92 and 93 without entering the installation unit 90.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the steady state movable movable body 310, when the sorting motor 330 rotates the link member 340 clockwise in front view, the shaft portion 342 moves in the sliding groove 353. Meanwhile, the link member 350 is rotated clockwise about the shaft portion 351. The shaft portion 322 disposed in the bearing portion 352 also rotates in the clockwise direction, and the shaft portion 319 connected to the connecting portion 321 also rotates in the clockwise direction. Thereby, the distribution movable body 310 rotates clockwise in a front view to a rotation position (hereinafter, first displacement position) shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. When the sorting movable body 310 rotates from the first displacement position to the steady state, an operation opposite to the above is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the sorting movable body 310 is in the first displacement position, the regulating surface 313 faces the discharge guide portion 91A in the vertical direction. The gap between the regulation surface 313 and the wall 110 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. The wall 111 closes a part of the passage opening 315 from above so that the opening width of the passage opening 315 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, the game ball discharged to the branch part 99 is prevented from entering the passage port 315 by the restriction surface 313. A game ball that has not entered the distribution movable body 310 is guided to one of the flow paths 92 and 93 without entering the installation unit 90.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the steady state movable movable body 310, when the sorting motor 330 rotates the link member 340 counterclockwise in a front view, the shaft portion 342 moves in the sliding groove 353. While moving, the link member 350 is rotated counterclockwise about the shaft portion 351. Accordingly, the shaft portion 322 disposed in the bearing portion 352 also rotates counterclockwise, and the shaft portion 319 connected to the connecting portion 321 also rotates counterclockwise. Thereby, the distribution movable body 310 rotates counterclockwise in a front view to a rotation position (hereinafter referred to as a second displacement position) shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. When the sorting movable body 310 rotates from the second displacement position to the steady state, an operation opposite to the above is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the sorting movable body 310 is in the second displacement position, the regulation surface 314 faces the discharge guide portion 91A in the up-down direction. The gap between the regulation surface 314 and the wall 111 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. The wall 110 closes a part of the passage opening 315 from above so that the opening width of the passage opening 315 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, the game ball discharged to the branch part 99 is prevented from entering the passage port 315 by the restriction surface 314. A game ball that has not entered the distribution movable body 310 is guided to one of the flow paths 92 and 93 without entering the installation unit 90.

  That is, the closer the rotational position of the sorting movable body 310 is to the steady state, the easier the game ball enters the passage port 315. The game ball that has entered the passage 315 passes through the inside of the sorting movable body 310, is discharged to the opposite side (that is, the lower side) from the discharge guide portion 91A, and flows down the flow path 96. The game ball that has flowed down the flow path 96 is likely to enter the third passage port 13 that faces the flow path 96 in the vertical direction. The game ball that has entered the third passage port 13 is detected by the third detection switch 73 and then discharged from the discharge port 83 to the outside of the sorting device 30 (that is, the game area 4). The discharged game balls are likely to win a second special symbol starting port 15 (see FIG. 1) provided immediately below the third passage port 13.

  Depending on the behavior of the game ball flowing down the flow path 96, the game ball may flow into the flow path 94 via the communication port 87, or the game ball may flow into the flow path 95 via the communication port 89. There is. In these cases, the game ball is discharged to the outside of the sorting device 30 via either the discharge port 81 or 82.

  On the other hand, the closer the rotational position of the sorting movable body 310 is to either the first or second displacement state, the easier it is for the game balls to be sorted to either of the flow paths 92 and 93. The game balls that have flowed down the flow path 92 mainly enter the first passage port 11 that faces the flow path 92 in the vertical direction. The game ball that has entered the first passage port 11 is detected by the first detection switch 71 and then discharged from the discharge port 81 to the outside of the sorting apparatus 30. The discharged game ball is likely to win a prize on the left first special symbol start port 14 (see FIG. 1) provided immediately below the first passage port 11.

  Depending on the behavior of the game ball flowing down the flow path 92, the game ball is discharged to the outside of the sorting device 30 via the discharge port 84, or the game ball flows into the flow path 94 via the communication port 86. Sometimes. The game balls that have flowed into the flow path 94 are mainly discharged from the discharge port 81 to the outside of the sorting apparatus 30. However, depending on the behavior of the game ball flowing down the flow path 94, the game ball may enter the third passage port 13 through the communication port 87.

  The game balls that have flowed down the flow path 93 mainly enter the second passage port 12 that faces the flow path 93 in the vertical direction. The game ball that has entered the second passage port 12 is detected by the second detection switch 72 and then discharged from the discharge port 82 to the outside of the sorting device 30. The discharged game ball is easy to win a prize on the right first special symbol starting port 14 (see FIG. 1) provided immediately below the second passage port 12.

  Depending on the behavior of the game ball flowing down the flow path 93, the game ball is discharged to the outside of the sorting device 30 via the discharge port 85, or the game ball flows into the flow path 95 via the communication port 88. Sometimes. The game balls that have flowed into the flow path 95 are mainly discharged from the discharge port 82 to the outside of the sorting apparatus 30. However, depending on the behavior of the game ball flowing down the flow path 95, the game ball may enter the third passage port 13 through the communication port 89.

  Among the game balls that have entered the entrance 80, game balls that have been discharged from the discharge port 81 through the flow path 94 and game balls that have been discharged from the discharge port 82 through the flow path 95 are designated as first special balls. It flows down toward the second special symbol starting port 15 through the side of the symbol starting port 14. At this time, if the opening / closing member of the second special symbol start port 15 is opened, the game ball may win the second special symbol start port 15.

  As described above, the sorting motor 330 can rotate the sorting movable body 310 around the shaft portion 319. Furthermore, the distribution motor 330 can control at least one of the rotation direction, the rotation speed, and the rotation range of the distribution movable body 310 by controlling the rotation of the link member 340. In the present embodiment, the CPU 581 controls the sorting motor 330 to alternately move the sorting movable body 310 from the steady state to the first change position and the second displacement position. Thereby, the sorting movable body 310 rotates around the shaft portion 319 so that the regulating surfaces 313 and 314 and the passage port 315 alternately face the discharge guide portion 91A.

  The rotating distribution movable body 310 can distribute the game balls that have entered the entrance 80 toward any one of the first to third passages 11 to 13. The closer the rotational position of the sorting movable body 310 is to the steady state, the easier the game ball enters the passage port 315 and passes through the third passage port 13. The closer the rotational position of the sorting movable body 310 is to the first or second displacement state, the easier the game ball passes through either the first passage port 11 or the second passage port 12.

  Further, the CPU 581 controls the sorting motor 330 so that the proportion of game balls that enter the passage port 315 out of the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion 91 </ b> A is smaller than the proportion of game balls that do not enter the passage port 315. In this way, the rotation speed and rotation range of the sorting movable body 310 are controlled. Therefore, the game ball discharged from the discharge guide portion 91 </ b> A is easier to pass through either the first passage port 11 or the second passage port 12 than the third passage port 13. That is, the game ball discharged from the discharge guide portion 91 </ b> A is easier to win the first special symbol start port 14 than the second special symbol start port 15. The jackpot determination based on the second special symbol that is advantageous to the player is executed more frequently than the jackpot determination based on the first special symbol.

  The third start port switch 76 that has detected the game ball won in the second special symbol start port 15 outputs a detection signal that causes the pachinko machine 1 to execute a jackpot determination based on the second special symbol. The first start port switch 74 and the second start port switch 75 that have detected a game ball won in the first special symbol start port 14 each output a detection signal that causes the pachinko machine 1 to execute a jackpot determination based on the first special symbol. To do. Therefore, when the game ball wins the first special symbol start port 14 (that is, when either the first start port switch 74 or the second start port switch 75 detects the game ball), the second special symbol start When the game ball wins the mouth 15 (that is, when the third start port switch 76 detects the game ball), the pachinko machine 1 can execute different lotteries, and the game contents can be diversified.

<7. Illustrative effects of sorting device 30>
In the sorting apparatus 30 of the present embodiment, when a game ball flowing down the game area 4 enters the entrance 80, the game ball flows down the flow path 91 and is discharged to the branch portion 99. The game balls discharged to the branch portion 99 are divided into three flow paths 92 extending in different directions from the branch portion 99 by the distribution movable body 310 that can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the front surface of the game board 2. 93 or 96. Therefore, it is possible to change the distribution destination of the flowing game balls in various ways.

  By the rotation of the sorting movable body 310, the regulating surfaces 313, 314 and the passage port 315 alternately face the discharge guide portion 91A. The game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion 91A at the timing facing the passage port 315 are likely to enter the distribution movable body 310 and be guided to the flow path 96. A game ball discharged from the discharge guide portion 91A at a timing facing the regulating surfaces 313 and 314 is not guided into the distribution movable body 310 and is easily guided to one of the flow paths 92 and 93. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult to predict where the game balls will be allocated.

  The third detection switch 73 can detect at least a part of the game ball flowing down the flow path 96. The distribution movable body 310 rotates so that the proportion of game balls that enter the passage port 315 out of the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion 91 </ b> A is smaller than the proportion of game balls that do not enter the passage port 315. Therefore, the proportion of game balls detected by the third detection switch 73 among the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion 91A can be suppressed.

  The sorting motor 330 can rotate the sorting movable body 310 about the shaft portion 319 and can control at least one of the rotation direction, the rotational speed, and the rotation range of the sorting movable body 310. Therefore, the distribution ratio of the game balls with respect to a plurality of distribution destinations (that is, the three flow paths 92, 93, 96) can be variously changed only by controlling the rotation of the distribution movable body 310.

  The distribution motor 330 rotates the distribution movable body 310 alternately in one direction and the other direction within a predetermined rotation range so that the regulation surfaces 313, 314 and the passage port 315 alternately face the discharge guide portion 91A. . Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to predict the distribution destination of the game balls by simple control of swinging the sorting movable body 310 within a predetermined rotation range.

<8. Sorting error detection processing>
With reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the distribution error detection process executed by the sub control board 58 will be described. In the sub control board 58, when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on or a reset switch (not shown) is pressed (that is, when the pachinko machine 1 is initialized), the CPU 581 stores the program stored in the ROM 583. Then, the distribution error detection process is started.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the distribution error detection process, the detection counters K1 to K3 stored in the RAM 582 are each reset to “0” (S1). The detection counter K1 is a counter that indicates the number of game balls (first individual detection number) detected by the first detection switch 71. The detection counter K2 is a counter indicating the number of game balls (second individual detection number) detected by the second detection switch 72. The detection counter K3 is a counter that indicates the number of game balls (third individual detection number) detected by the third detection switch 73.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the first detection switch 71 is ON (S3). When the first detection command is received from the main board 41, it is determined that the first detection switch 71 is ON (S3: YES). The first detection command is a command transmitted from the main board 41 to the sub control board 58 every time a game ball is detected by the first detection switch 71. In this case, the detection counter K1 is incremented by “1” (S5).

  When the first detection switch 71 is OFF (S3: NO), or after the execution of S5, it is determined whether or not the second detection switch 72 is ON (S7). When the second detection command is received from the main board 41, it is determined that the second detection switch 72 is ON (S7: YES). The second detection command is a command transmitted from the main board 41 to the sub control board 58 every time a game ball is detected by the second detection switch 72. In this case, the detection counter K2 is incremented by “1” (S9).

  When the second detection switch 72 is OFF (S7: NO), or after the execution of S9, it is determined whether the third detection switch 73 is ON (S11). When the third detection command is received from the main board 41, it is determined that the third detection switch 73 is ON (S11: YES). The third detection command is a command transmitted from the main board 41 to the sub control board 58 every time a game ball is detected by the third detection switch 73. In this case, the detection counter K3 is incremented by “1” (S13).

  When the third detection switch 73 is OFF (S11: NO), or after executing S13, the total detection number T is calculated (S15). The total detection number T is the total number of game balls detected by the first to third detection switches 71 to 73. In S15, the sum of the first to third individual detection numbers indicated by the detection counters K1 to K3 is calculated as the total detection number T.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated total detection number T is equal to or greater than a specified value (S17). The specified value of S17 indicates the number of samplings required to appropriately determine the sorting error of the sorting device 30, and is “100”, for example. When the total detection number T is equal to or greater than the specified value (S17: YES), since the total detection number T has reached the required sampling number, an error determination process described later is executed (S19). On the other hand, when the total detection number T is less than the specified value (S17: NO), the normal state is notified because the total detection number T has not reached the required sampling number (S21). Specifically, as in the case where the abnormal level is “0”, the electrical decoration member 35 blinks or lights up in “white” (see FIG. 3). After execution of S19 or S21, the process returns to S3.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the error determination process (S19), the distribution rate F1 of the first passage port 11 is calculated (S31). Specifically, a value representing the ratio of the first individual detection number indicated by the detection counter K1 in percentage (%) with the total detection number T as a reference is calculated as the distribution ratio F1. The abnormal level L1 corresponding to the calculated distribution rate F1 is specified with reference to the distribution determination table 500 shown in FIG. 3 (S33).

  Similarly, the distribution rate F2 of the second passage 12 is calculated based on the total number of detections T and the second number of individual detections indicated by the detection counter K2 (S35). The abnormal level L2 corresponding to the calculated distribution rate F2 is specified with reference to the distribution determination table 500 (S37). Based on the total detection number T and the third individual detection number indicated by the detection counter K3, the distribution rate F3 of the third passage port 13 is calculated (S39). An abnormal level L3 corresponding to the calculated distribution rate F3 is specified with reference to the distribution determination table 500 (S41).

  It is determined whether any one of the specified abnormality levels L1 to L3 is a specified value or more (S43). The specified value in S43 indicates a lower limit value of an abnormal level that is regarded as causing a sorting error in the sorting device 30, and is “1”, for example. If any of the abnormal levels L1 to L3 is equal to or higher than the specified value (S43: YES), an error notification indicating that a distribution error has occurred based on the largest abnormal level among the abnormal levels L1 to L3. Is executed (S45). Specifically, with reference to the distribution determination table 500, a notification mode corresponding to the largest abnormality level is specified. The electrical decoration member 35 blinks or is lit in the color indicated by the specified notification mode.

  When all of the abnormal levels L1 to L3 are less than the specified value (S43: NO), since a distribution error has not occurred, the normal state is notified as in step S21. After execution of S45 or S47, the process returns to the distribution error detection process (FIG. 5).

  The light emission aspect of the electrical decoration member 35 in this embodiment is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, while the game is in progress on the pachinko machine 1, the electrical decoration member 35 blinks or lights up normally in white. In the distribution error detection process (FIG. 15), after the pachinko machine 1 is turned on or reset, the normal state is notified until the total detection number T reaches “100” (S17: NO, S21). At this time, since the illumination member 35 blinks in white or lighting, the light emission mode of the illumination member 35 does not change from the normal time.

  For example, when the distribution ratios F1 to F3 when the total detection number T reaches “100” are “28%”, “39%”, and “33%”, respectively, refer to the distribution determination table 500. Thus, the abnormal levels L1 to L3 are all specified as “0” (S31 to S41). In this case, since the abnormal levels L1 to L3 are all less than “1”, the normal state is notified (S43: NO, S47). At this time, since the illumination member 35 blinks or lights in white, the light emission mode of the illumination member 35 does not change from the normal time.

  For example, when the distribution ratios F1 to F3 when the total detection number T reaches “200” are “18%”, “32%”, and “50%”, respectively, refer to the distribution determination table 500. Thus, the abnormal levels L1 to L3 are respectively identified as “1”, “0”, and “3” (S31 to S41). In this case, since the abnormal levels L1 and L3 are “1” or more, an error notification is executed (S43: YES, S45). At this time, since the illumination member 35 blinks or lights in yellow corresponding to the maximum abnormality level L3 “3”, the light emission mode of the illumination member 35 changes from the normal time. For example, the manager of the hall can visually recognize that a sorting error has occurred in the sorting device 30 of the pachinko machine 1.

<9. Example of action and effect of pachinko machine 1>
In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game ball that has entered the entrance 80 of the sorting device 30 may be distributed to any one of the first to third passages 11 to 13. Starting from a predetermined timing, the total number of detections T, which is the total number of game balls that have passed through any of the first to third passage openings 11 to 13, and the first to third passage openings 11 to 13 have passed. The first to third individual detection numbers that are the number of game balls are counted (S1 to S15). Based on the counted total detection number T and the first to third individual detection numbers, distribution ratios F1 to F3, which are ratios of game balls that have passed through the first to third passage openings 11 to 13, are calculated. (S31 to S41). When at least one of the distribution ratios F1 to F3 exceeds a predetermined threshold, a predetermined error is notified (S43: YES, S45). Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormal bias of the distribution destination generated in the distribution device 30 that distributes the flowing game balls to the plurality of detection regions (first to third passage ports 11 to 13).

  Abnormal levels L1 to L3 corresponding to the distribution rates F1 to F3 are specified based on the distribution determination table 500 (S33, S37, S41). Of the plurality of predetermined error notification modes, an error is notified by a notification mode corresponding to the specified abnormality levels L1 to L3 (S45). Accordingly, error notification is performed in a manner corresponding to the distribution destination bias, so that, for example, a hall manager can easily determine the distribution destination bias.

  In the error notification (S45), the electric decoration member 35 is turned on or blinked in a manner different from that during the game. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide an electrical decoration member dedicated to error notification, the structure of the pachinko machine 1 can be suppressed from becoming complicated. Further, the error notification is performed by the electric decoration member 35 used in the game, so that the player can make it difficult to detect the error notification.

  When the total number of game balls detected by the first to third detection switches 71 to 73 reaches a predetermined value from the initial state of the pachinko machine 1, an error determination process is executed (S17: YES, S19). In this case, it is possible to suppress deterioration in error detection accuracy due to insufficient sampling of the number of detected game balls.

  When the total number of game balls detected by the first to third detection switches 71 to 73 has not reached a predetermined value from the initial state of the pachinko machine 1, a normal state is notified (S17: NO, S21). In this case, erroneous notification of errors due to insufficient sampling of the number of detected game balls can be suppressed.

<10. Modified example>
In the above-described embodiment and the modifications described later, the sorting device 30 corresponds to the “game member” of the present invention. The flow path 91 corresponds to the “entrance path” of the present invention. The flow paths 92, 93, and 96 correspond to “at least three guide paths” of the present invention. The sorting movable body 310 corresponds to the “sorting member” of the present invention. The flow path 96 corresponds to the “first guide path” of the present invention. The flow paths 92 and 93 correspond to “a plurality of second guide paths” of the present invention. The third detection switch 73 corresponds to the “first detection means” of the present invention. The first detection switch 71 and the second detection switch 72 correspond to “a plurality of second detection means” of the present invention. The third passage port 13 corresponds to the “first detector” of the present invention. The first passage port 11 and the second passage port 12 correspond to “a plurality of second detection units” of the present invention. The sorting motor 330 corresponds to the “driving means” of the present invention. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

(1) For example, the first to third passage openings 11 to 13 may be a winning opening that activates a special symbol when a game ball is won, or a start gate that activates a normal symbol when a game ball passes. In the pachinko machine 1 of the modified example shown in FIG. 17, the normal symbol operation gate 10, the first special symbol start port 14, and the second special symbol start port 15 (see FIG. 1) are not provided, and the sorting device 30. An ordinary electric accessory 17 having an opening / closing member is provided on the lower side. In the control unit 40 (see FIG. 2) of the present modification, the first to third start port switches 74 to 76, the big winning port opening / closing solenoid 78, and the normal symbol operation switch 70 are not provided.

  In this case, the detection signals output from the first detection switch 71 and the second detection switch 72 function as signals that cause the CPU 51 to execute the first normal hit determination. The detection signal output from the third detection switch 73 functions as a signal for causing the CPU 51 to execute the second normal hit determination. If it is determined to be a win in either the first or second normal hit determination, a normal hit game is executed. In the normal hit game, the ordinary electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 77 (see FIG. 2) opens the opening / closing member of the ordinary electric accessory 17 a predetermined number of times. When a game ball wins the opened ordinary electric accessory 17, the prize ball is given to the player. Note that it is preferable that the second ordinary hit determination has a higher probability of being determined as a hit than the first ordinary hit determination. In this case, the third passage port 13 is a normal design starting gate that is more advantageous than the first passage port 11 and the second passage port 12.

  In this modified example, since the sorting device 30 and the error determination process (FIG. 16) are the same as those in the above embodiment, the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the 1st-3rd detection switches 71-73 with which the distribution apparatus 30 is provided output the signal which makes the pachinko machine 1 perform lottery. Specifically, the first detection switch 71 and the second detection switch 72 that have detected the game balls that have passed through the first passage port 11 and the second passage port 12 respectively cause the pachinko machine 1 to execute the first normal hit determination. Each detection signal is output. The third detection switch 73 that has detected the game ball that has passed through the third passage port 13 outputs a detection signal that causes the pachinko machine 1 to execute the second normal hit determination.

  Therefore, when a game ball passes through either the first passage port 11 or the second passage port 12 (that is, when either the first detection switch 71 or the second detection switch 72 detects a game ball), When the game ball passes through the third passage port 13 (that is, when the third detection switch 73 detects the game ball), it is possible to cause the pachinko machine 1 to execute different lotteries and diversify the game contents. it can.

(2) In the distribution apparatus 30, the distribution destination of the game balls by the distribution movable body 310 is not limited to the three flow paths 92, 93, 96, and the distribution destination may be four or more flow paths. The distribution movable body 310 may be any structure that can distribute the game ball to any of at least three flow paths. It is not necessary to provide a gate or a winning opening (and a detection switch) corresponding to a plurality of flow paths to which game balls are distributed, or a gate or a prize corresponding to at least one of the plurality of flow paths to which game balls are distributed. A mouth (and a detection switch) may be provided.

  However, in order to execute the distribution error detection process (see FIG. 15), at least three detection regions (in the above embodiment, the first to third passage ports 11 to 11) to which the game balls are distributed by the distribution movable body 310. 13) is required. In this case, it is preferable to provide a detection switch for detecting a game ball that wins or passes through each detection region for all detection regions to which the game ball is distributed.

  Furthermore, in the distribution error detection process (see FIG. 15) of the above embodiment, the case where the distribution error is detected for all of the first to third passage ports 11 to 13 is illustrated. However, in the distribution error detection process, it is only necessary to perform distribution error detection for at least one of all detection areas to which game balls are distributed. For example, among all the detection areas to which the game balls are distributed, detection of the distribution error may be performed only for the detection area that is most advantageous to the player (in the above embodiment, the third passage port 13).

  When the game ball wins either the first special symbol start port 14 or the second special symbol start port 15 (that is, when the game ball is detected by any of the first to third start port switches 74 to 76) ), All the same lottery may be executed by the pachinko machine 1, or all different lotteries may be executed by the pachinko machine 1. Similarly, when the game ball passes through any of the first to third passage ports 11 to 13 (that is, when the game ball is detected by any of the first to third detection switches 71 to 73), All the same lottery may be executed by the machine 1, or all different lotteries may be executed by the pachinko machine 1. In addition, some of the first to third passage openings 11 to 13 may be winning holes for operating special symbols, and the rest may be start gates for operating ordinary symbols.

(3) The operation mode of the sorting movable body 310 is not limited to that which swings within a predetermined rotation range, and may be one which rotates in one direction, for example. The rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation range, and the like of the distribution movable body 310 may be set to optimum values according to the distribution rate assumed for each game ball distribution destination.

  In the said embodiment, although error notification is performed by the light emission mode of the electrical decoration member 35 (S45), the mode of error notification can be changed. For example, the error notification may be performed by sound output from the speaker 48 or a light emission mode of a light emitter different from the electrical decoration member 35. The electrical decoration member 35 is not limited to that provided on the front frame 18, and may be provided on the front surface of the game board 2.

  In the above embodiment, error notification is executed in different notification modes according to the abnormal level (S45). Instead, when a distribution error occurs, error notification may be executed in a common manner. The normal state notification (S21, S47) may not be executed.

  In the above embodiment, the total detection number T and the first to third individual detection numbers are counted from the timing when the pachinko machine 1 is initialized (S1 to S15), but the timing for calculating the total detection number and the individual detection number (In other words, the timing for resetting the detection counters K1 to K3) can be changed. For example, when the total detection number T reaches a specified number of times (for example, 300 times), the detection counters K1 to K3 may be reset similarly to S1. In addition, when the number of jackpot determinations based on special symbols in the pachinko machine 1 (so-called rotation speed) reaches a specified number (for example, 500 times), the detection counters K1 to K3 may be reset as in S1.

(4) History information of detection results by the first to third detection switches 71 to 73 may be stored, and a sorting error may be determined based on the history information. Specifically, in the distribution error detection process of the modification shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether any of the first to third detection switches 71 to 73 is ON (S101). If any of the first to third detection commands is received from the main board 41, it is determined that any of the first to third detection switches 71 to 73 is ON (S101: YES). In this case, detection history information indicating which of the first to third detection commands is received is stored in the RAM 582 in time series (S103).

  When all of the first to third detection switches 71 to 73 are OFF (S101: NO), or after the execution of S103, the total history number M that is the total number of detection history information stored in the RAM 582 is a specified value ( For example, it is determined whether it is 100) or more (S105). When the total history number M is equal to or greater than the specified value (S105: YES), it is determined whether the total history number M is equal to or less than the upper limit number (for example, 300) (S107). When the total history number M exceeds the upper limit number (S107: NO), the detection history information is deleted from the RAM 582 in order of oldest acquisition date and time so that the total history number M becomes equal to the upper limit number (S109). As a result, the same number of detection history information as the upper limit number is stored in the RAM 582 in the order of acquisition date and time.

  When the total history number M is less than or equal to the upper limit number (S107: YES), or after the execution of S109, the error determination process shown in FIG. 16 is executed (S111). When the total history number M is less than the specified value (S105: NO), the normal state is notified as in S21 (S113). After execution of S111 or S113, the process returns to S101.

  Of the detection history information stored in the RAM 582, the number of detection history information indicating that the first to third commands have been received corresponds to the first to third individual detection numbers, respectively. In the error determination process (see FIG. 16), the ratio of the first command detection history information (first individual detection number) to the total history number M is calculated as the distribution rate F1 (S31). Similarly, the distribution ratio F2 is calculated based on the total history number M and the detection history information (second individual detection number) of the second command (S35). Based on the total history number M and the detection history information (third individual detection number) of the third command, the distribution rate F3 is calculated (S39). Other processes are the same as in the above embodiment.

  According to this modification, when the total history number M is less than 100, the normal state is notified (S105: NO, S113). When the total history number M is 100 to 300, a normal state or a distribution error is notified based on the detection history information stored in the RAM 582 (S107: YES, S45 or S47). When the total history number M exceeds 300, a normal state or a distribution error is notified based on 300 pieces of detection history information with new acquisition dates and times (S107: NO, S45, or S47). Thereby, based on the latest detection result by the 1st-3rd detection switches 71-73, the distribution error of the distribution apparatus 30 can be determined correctly. In this modification, it is needless to say that the distribution error may be detected in at least one of all the detection areas to which the game balls are distributed (for example, the detection area most advantageous to the player). .

(5) All elements described in claims, specification and drawings (for example, control unit 40, distribution device 30, rendering device 8, first to third passage ports 11 to 13, first to third detection) The switches 71 to 73, the special winning opening 16 and the like) may be physically single or plural unless there is a clear description that consciously limits the number, and the arrangement may be changed as appropriate. You don't mind. Further, the names (element names) given to the elements are merely given for convenience in describing the present case, and there is no particular awareness that a special meaning is caused thereby. Therefore, what is an element is not limitedly interpreted only by the element name. For example, the “distribution device 30” may be hardware alone or may include software.

  Furthermore, it is easy for a person skilled in the art to determine whether a plurality of elements among all the above elements should be integrally configured as appropriate, or whether one element is divided into a plurality of elements. It is. Accordingly, the adoption of a gaming machine having a structural difference within that range only because it is not described in this embodiment does not mean that the right according to the present invention is avoided. . The same applies to differences in obvious ranges that can be easily considered by those skilled in the art from the present embodiment in the configuration and shape of each element.

1 Pachinko Machine 2 Game Board 4 Game Area 11 First Passage Port 12 Second Passage Port 13 Third Passage Port 30 Sorting Device 71 First Detection Switch 72 Second Detection Switch 73 Third Detection Switch 80 Entrance Ports 91, 92 , 93, 96 Flow path 91A Discharge guide part 99 Branching part 310 Sorting movable body 313 Regulation surface 314 Regulation surface 315 Passage port 330 Sorting motor

Claims (9)

A gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine,
An entrance that allows a game ball flowing down a game area provided in front of the game board to enter;
An entry path that is a flow path through which a game ball that has entered the entrance entrance can flow down,
A branch part connected to the downstream end of the ball path and from which the game balls flowing down the ball path are discharged;
A flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch portion can flow down, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch portion;
A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis perpendicular to the front surface of the game board, and distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any of the at least three guide paths Members,
With
The downstream end portion of the entrance path is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member,
The at least three guide paths extend in a direction different from the first guide path, and extend between the first guide path and the first guide path that extends to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion across the distribution member. And two second guideways lined up
A first passage port provided on the downstream side of the first guide path, through which a game ball flowing down the first guide path can pass ;
A second passage opening provided on one downstream side of the two second guide paths, through which a game ball flowing down one of the second guide paths can pass ;
Flows down the first guide path, a first specific game ball is a possible stream of the three guideways any the first specific guideway varies of a and game ball which does not pass through the first passage opening,
It flows down one of the second guide path, and wherein the second passage port second specific game ball is a game ball that does not pass a possible falling of the second specific guideway different from any of the three guideways It equipped with a door,
The gaming member, wherein the first specific guide path and the second specific guide path are provided between the two second guide paths in a direction in which the two second guide paths are arranged . A gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine,
An entrance that allows a game ball flowing down a game area provided in front of the game board to enter;
An entry path that is a flow path through which a game ball that has entered the entrance entrance can flow down,
A branch part connected to the downstream end of the ball path and from which the game balls flowing down the ball path are discharged;
A flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch portion can flow down, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch portion;
A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis perpendicular to the front surface of the game board, and distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any of the at least three guide paths Members,
With
The downstream end portion of the entrance path is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member,
The at least three guide paths extend in a direction different from the first guide path, and extend between the first guide path and the first guide path that extends to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion across the distribution member. And two second guideways lined up
A first passage port provided on the downstream side of the first guide path, through which a game ball flowing down the first guide path can pass;
A second passage opening provided on one downstream side of the two second guide paths, through which a game ball flowing down one of the second guide paths can pass;
A first specific game ball that is a game ball that flows down the first guide path and does not pass through the first passage, and is different from any of the three guide paths;
A second specific guide path which is capable of flowing down the second specific game ball which is a game ball flowing down the one second guide path and not passing through the second passage, and is different from any of the three guide paths. When
With
A gaming member characterized in that the first specific game ball may flow down the first specific guide path and the first specific game ball may flow down the second specific guide path. A gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine,
An entrance that allows a game ball flowing down a game area provided in front of the game board to enter;
An entry path that is a flow path through which a game ball that has entered the entrance entrance can flow down,
A branch part connected to the downstream end of the ball path and from which the game balls flowing down the ball path are discharged;
A flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch portion can flow down, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch portion;
A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis perpendicular to the front surface of the game board, and distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any of the at least three guide paths Members,
With
The downstream end portion of the entrance path is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member,
The at least three guide paths extend in a direction different from the first guide path, and extend between the first guide path and the first guide path that extends to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion across the distribution member. And two second guideways lined up
A first passage port provided on the downstream side of the first guide path, through which a game ball flowing down the first guide path can pass;
A second passage opening provided on one downstream side of the two second guide paths, through which a game ball flowing down one of the second guide paths can pass;
A first specific game ball that is a game ball that flows down the first guide path and does not pass through the first passage, and is different from any of the three guide paths;
A second specific guide path which is capable of flowing down the second specific game ball which is a game ball flowing down the one second guide path and not passing through the second passage, and is different from any of the three guide paths. When
With
Yu TECHNICAL member characterized in that if there is said second specific game ball flowing down the second specific guiding path passes through said first passage opening.   The game ball that has flowed down the first specific guide path and the game ball that has flowed down the second specific guide path can both flow down to the lower end of the game area. A game member according to any one of the above. A gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine,
An entrance that allows a game ball flowing down a game area provided in front of the game board to enter;
An entry path that is a flow path through which a game ball that has entered the entrance entrance can flow down,
A branch part connected to the downstream end of the ball path and from which the game balls flowing down the ball path are discharged;
A flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch portion can flow down, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch portion;
A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis perpendicular to the front surface of the game board, and distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any of the at least three guide paths Members,
With
The downstream end portion of the entrance path is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member,
The at least three guide paths extend in a direction different from the first guide path, and extend between the first guide path and the first guide path that extends to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion across the distribution member. And two second guideways lined up
A first passage port provided on the downstream side of the first guide path, through which a game ball flowing down the first guide path can pass;
A second passage opening provided on one downstream side of the two second guide paths, through which a game ball flowing down one of the second guide paths can pass;
A first specific game ball that is a game ball that flows down the first guide path and does not pass through the first passage, and is different from any of the three guide paths;
A second specific guide path which is capable of flowing down the second specific game ball which is a game ball flowing down the one second guide path and not passing through the second passage, and is different from any of the three guide paths. When
With
The distribution member includes a regulation surface that is a wall that prevents the game ball from entering the distribution member, and a passage that is an opening through which the game ball can enter the distribution member. , The regulation surface and the passage port are rotated so as to alternately face the discharge guide portion,
Of the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion, the game balls that have entered the distribution member are guided from the distribution member to the first guide path, and enter the distribution member. not game ball is Yu Technical member you characterized in that it is guided to one of the two second guide path. Comprising first detection means capable of detecting at least a part of a game ball flowing down the first guide path;
The allocating member rotates so that a proportion of game balls that enter the passage opening is smaller than a proportion of game balls that do not enter the passage opening among the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion. The gaming member according to claim 5, characterized in that: Two second detection means each capable of detecting at least a part of a game ball flowing down the two second guide paths,
The first detection means outputs a first detection signal for causing the gaming machine to execute a first lottery when a game ball is detected;
The game member according to claim 6, wherein the two second detection means output a second detection signal for causing the gaming machine to execute a second lottery when each of the two second detection means detects a game ball. A gaming member provided on a gaming board of a gaming machine,
An entrance that allows a game ball flowing down a game area provided in front of the game board to enter;
An entry path that is a flow path through which a game ball that has entered the entrance entrance can flow down,
A branch part connected to the downstream end of the ball path and from which the game balls flowing down the ball path are discharged;
A flow path through which the game balls discharged to the branch portion can flow down, and at least three guide paths extending in different directions from the branch portion;
A rotating body that is rotatable about a single axis perpendicular to the front surface of the game board, and distributes the game balls discharged to the branch portion to any of the at least three guide paths A member and
The downstream end portion of the entrance path is a discharge guide portion that discharges the game ball toward the sorting member,
The at least three guide paths include a first guide path that extends to the opposite side of the discharge guide portion across the distribution member, and a plurality of second guide paths that extend in a direction different from the first guide path. Including
The distribution member includes a regulation surface that is a wall that prevents the game ball from entering the distribution member, and a passage that is an opening through which the game ball can enter the distribution member. , The regulation surface and the passage port are rotated so as to alternately face the discharge guide portion,
Of the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion, the game balls that have entered the distribution member are guided from the distribution member to the first guide path, and enter the distribution member. A game ball that is not played is guided to one of the plurality of second guide paths,
Comprising first detection means capable of detecting at least a part of a game ball flowing down the first guide path;
The sorting member rotates so that a proportion of game balls that enter the passage port is smaller than a proportion of game balls that do not enter the passage port among the game balls discharged from the discharge guide portion,
A plurality of second detection means capable of detecting at least a part of the game balls flowing down the plurality of second guide paths,
The first detection means outputs a first detection signal for causing the gaming machine to execute a first lottery when a game ball is detected;
The plurality of second detecting means, when each detecting a game ball, outputs a second detection signal for causing the gaming machine to execute a second lottery.   A gaming machine comprising the gaming member according to claim 1.

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