JP7526313B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that allows gaming.

Amusement machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines include those equipped with operation units that can be operated by players.

Among these types of gaming machines, there are some that are equipped with an operation unit that has an operation part that can be operated in a predetermined direction, and a movable body that is rotatable around a rotation axis that faces left and right inside the operation part and can be seen through an operation cover of the operation part (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-189184 A

The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 above is capable of rotating a movable body in response to a player's operation, but there is a problem in that the rotation of the movable body alone is not interesting enough.

The present invention was made with an eye on these problems, and aims to provide an amusement machine that can increase interest through the movement of the movable body.

The gaming machine of means A is
A gaming machine capable of executing variable display of specific identification information and capable of being controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
a movable body capable of a first movement in a first direction, a second movement in a second direction different from the first direction, and a third movement different from the first movement and the second movement;
A motion detection means capable of detecting a motion of a player;
A display means capable of displaying the specific identification information and special identification information having lower visibility than the specific identification information;
A light-transmitting cover part that is contactable by a player and covers the movable body;
Equipped with
a movable body that is capable of performing a combination of at least two of the first action, the second action, and the third action in response to an action of a player , and that generates vibration as the third action;
the display means is capable of displaying the special identification information when the movable body is performing the first motion, the second motion, and the third motion;
The first action and the second action by the movable body do not affect the cover portion to move the cover portion,
It is characterized by:
Furthermore, the gaming machine of the first means is
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of playing a game,
A first performance unit capable of moving in a first direction between a first predetermined position and a first specific position (for example, a first performance unit 510 capable of moving linearly in the vertical direction between a first origin position and a first performance position);
a plurality of second performance units capable of moving in a second direction different from the first direction between a second predetermined position and a second specific position (e.g., second performance units 520L, 520R capable of rotating in the up, down, left and right directions between a second origin position and the second performance position, third performance units 530L, 530R capable of rotating in the up, down, left and right directions between a third origin position and the third performance position, and fourth performance units 540L, 540R capable of rotating in the up, down, left and right directions between a fourth origin position and the fourth performance position);
Equipped with
The first performance unit arranged at the first predetermined position and the plurality of second performance units arranged at the second predetermined position can be recognized as one performance movable body (e.g., the first movable body 501),
A drive unit (e.g., a first drive mechanism 560, a first performance motor 560L, 560R) that operates the first performance unit between the first predetermined position and the first specific position,
The second performance parts are connected to the first performance part and can move in the second direction in response to the movement of the first performance part in the first direction by the drive part (for example, the second performance parts (second performance parts 520L, 520R, third performance parts 530L, 530R and fourth performance parts 540L, 540R) are connected to the first performance part 510 via link members (such as axes or arms), and are capable of rotating in a second direction (left/right, up/down) different from the first direction (up/down) by transmitting the power of the first drive mechanism 560 via the link members in response to the movement of the first performance part 510 driven by the first drive mechanism 560 in the first direction (up/down). See FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the number of parts and wiring required to drive multiple second performance sections can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while improving the performance effect.

The gaming machine of the second aspect is the gaming machine of the first aspect,
The plurality of second performance parts (e.g., second performance parts 520L, 520R, third performance parts 530L, 530R, fourth performance parts 540L, 540R) are connected to the first performance part (e.g., first performance part 510) via link members (e.g., connecting member 523, first shaft parts 541c, 542c of fourth performance parts 540L, 540R, first arm body 564, second arm 565, fourth performance parts 540L, 540R), and are operated by transmitting the power of the drive parts (e.g., first drive mechanism 560, first performance motors 560L, 560R) from the first performance part via the link members (see FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the power of the drive unit can be preferably transmitted to multiple second performance units.

The gaming machine of the third aspect is the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect,
The first performance unit (e.g., the first performance unit 510) has a light emitting means (e.g., an LED board 514),
A power transmission member (e.g., a first arm body 564) is provided for transmitting the power of the drive unit (e.g., a first drive mechanism 560, a first performance motor 560L, 560R) to the first performance unit,
The power transmission member has a wiring cover (e.g., a wiring cover member 567) for protecting a wiring member (e.g., a wiring member 509) for electrically connecting the light emitting means and an electrical component (e.g., a performance control board 12) provided outside the first performance unit,
The wiring cover is disposed at a connection portion (e.g., connection portion 570) between the first performance portion and the power transmission member so as to restrict movement of the wiring member in the vicinity of the connection portion (see FIG. 35).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the wiring member from being pinched near the connection portion and breaking of the wiring.

The gaming machine of the fourth aspect is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The plurality of second performance units include
An upper first movable part and an upper second movable part (e.g., second performance parts 520L and 520R),
A lower first movable part arranged below the upper first movable part and a lower second movable part arranged below the upper second movable part (for example, a third performance part 530L, 530R and a fourth performance part 540L, 540R located on the lower left and right sides of the second performance parts 520L, 520R, respectively),
having
The upper first movable part and the upper second movable part can be brought into contact with and separated from each other by being driven in the second direction in response to the operation of the first performance part in the first direction by the drive part (e.g., first drive mechanism 560, first performance motors 560L, 560R) (e.g., parts that can be moved into and separated from each other so as to be positioned at a second performance position where the second performance parts 520L, 520R abut and combine at the center when the first performance part 510 moves to the performance position; see FIG. 36 ).
The lower first movable part and the lower second movable part can be brought into contact with and separated from each other by being driven in the second direction in response to the movement of the first performance part in the first direction by the drive part (for example, when the first performance part 510 moves to a performance position, the parts can be moved into and separated from each other so as to be located at the second and third performance positions where the third performance parts 530L, 530R and the fourth performance parts 540L, 540R come into contact with or are adjacent to each other at the center and combine together. See FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, a single movable body for performance is formed by combining multiple performance parts, thereby improving the design.

The gaming machine of means 5 is the gaming machine according to means 4,
The lower first movable part and the lower second movable part (e.g., the third performance part 530L, 530R) are attracted to each other by a magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet 534) at the second predetermined position (e.g., the third performance position) (see FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
This feature can improve the design at a given position.

The gaming machine of the sixth aspect is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5) is provided,
At least a portion of the first performance unit (e.g., the first performance unit 510) is superimposed on the front side of the display means at the first predetermined position (e.g., the first performance position);
The second performance section (e.g., the second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R, the fourth performance section 540L, 540R) is at least partially overlapped in front of the display means at the second predetermined position (e.g., the second to fourth performance positions),
The first performance section arranged at the first predetermined position and the second performance section arranged at the second predetermined position at least partially overlap each other in the front-rear direction (for example, a portion of the first performance section 510 arranged at the first performance position that partially overlaps the front side of the first performance section 510 arranged at the first performance position in the second to fourth performance positions. See FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
This feature makes it possible to create powerful effects using movable objects at low cost.

The present invention may have only the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention, or may have the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention as well as configurations other than the invention-specific matters.

1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a pachinko game machine; FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the game state transitions. An explanatory diagram to explain the opening patterns of the variable winning ball device and the special variable winning ball device in the KT state. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first passage forming unit and a second passage forming unit are removed from a game board. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a first passage forming unit as viewed obliquely from the front right, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a first passage forming unit as viewed obliquely from the rear right. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover member is removed from a base member of the first passage forming unit. FIG. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a first passage forming unit. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in a low base state, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in a jackpot game state. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in a high base state, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in a small hit game state. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 8, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 11A, and FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 8, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 1A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the flow of game balls in the first passage section and the second passage section as viewed from the front, and FIG. 1B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the flow of game balls in the fourth passage section as viewed from the front. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of game balls in the second passage section as viewed from above, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of game balls in the fourth passage section as viewed from above. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the game ball when the second start winning occurs, (B) is when the small winning pattern stops, and (C) is when the special winning port opens. 1A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a first passage forming unit, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of FIG. 13 is a rear view showing the wiring state on the rear surface of the first passage formation unit. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a push button. An exploded oblique view showing the structure of the performance element. (A) is a front view showing the performance body, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F of (A). 1A is a right side view showing a state in which the operating body is in the operation non-detection position, and FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in FIG. 22A, and FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G showing a state in which the operating body is in the operation detection position. 24A is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. 24A, and FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G showing the state in which the rotor is in the separation position. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Figure 24(A). 13A to 13E are diagrams illustrating examples of the operation of the director. 13A to 13G are diagrams illustrating examples of various effects during variable display. (H) to (J) are diagrams for explaining examples of various performance operations during variable display. FIG. 1A is a front view showing the first performance device and the second performance device before operation, and FIG. 1B is a front view showing the first performance device after operation and the second performance device before operation. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the second performance device before operation, and FIG. 1B is a front view showing the second performance device after operation. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a first performance device and a second performance device. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the first performance device seen diagonally from the front right. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the first performance device as seen diagonally from the rear right. 1A is an explanatory diagram of the wiring cover member when the first performance device is in the origin position, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of the wiring cover member when the first performance device is in the performance position. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first movable body is in an origin position, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first movable body is in a performance position. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a second performance device. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the second movable body as seen diagonally from the front right. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the second movable body as seen diagonally from the rear right. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the second movable body is in the origin position, (B) is the state when the second movable body is in the middle of moving to the first performance position, (C) is the state when the second movable body is in the first performance position, (D) is the state when the second movable body is in the middle of moving to the second performance position, and (E) is the state when the second movable body is in the second performance position.

(Basic explanation)
First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (which also applies to the configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be described.

(Configuration of Pachinko Game Machine 1, etc.)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine in this embodiment, showing the layout of the main components. A pachinko game machine (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as a game machine) 1 is roughly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 constituting the game board surface, and a game machine frame (base frame) 3 supporting and fixing the game board 2. A game area Y, which is generally circular in front view and surrounded by a guide rail 2b, is formed on the game board 2. Game balls as game media are shot into this game area Y from a ball shooting device (not shown). In addition, a glass door frame 50 having a glass window 50a is provided on the game machine frame 3 so as to be rotatable around the left side, and the game area Y can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 50, and the game area Y can be seen through the glass window 50a when the glass door frame 50 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 2 is made of a translucent synthetic resin such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or methacrylic resin and is generally rectangular when viewed from the front. It is mainly composed of a board plate (not shown) on which obstacle nails (not shown) and guide rails 2b are provided on the front surface of the game board, and a spacer member (not shown) that is integrally attached to the back side of the board plate. The game board 2 may also be made of plywood.

At a predetermined position on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, to the left of the game area Y), a first special pattern display device 4A and a second special pattern display device 4B are provided which perform a variable display (also called a special pattern game) of special patterns (also called special patterns) as multiple types of special identification information. Each of these is made up of a 7-segment LED or the like. The special patterns are represented by numbers showing "0" to "9" or lighting patterns such as "-". The special patterns may include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off.

Note that the "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, a variable display of multiple types of special symbols (the same applies to other symbols described below). Variations include updating the display of multiple symbols, scrolling the display of multiple symbols, transforming one or more symbols, and enlarging/reducing one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols described below, multiple types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of decorative symbols described below, multiple types of decorative symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more decorative symbols are transformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that variations also include a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed flashing. At the end of the variable display, a specified special symbol is displayed stationary (also called derived or derived display) as the display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described below). Note that the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or variation.

The special pattern variably displayed on the first special pattern display device 4A is also called the "first special pattern," and the special pattern variably displayed on the second special pattern display device 4B is also called the "second special pattern." A special pattern game using the first special pattern is also called the "first special pattern game," and a special pattern game using the second special pattern is also called the "second special pattern game." There may be only one type of special pattern display device that variably displays the special patterns.

In addition, a right-hit indicator 26 is provided below the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to encourage a right-hit operation, which aims to fire the ball to the right of the game area. The right-hit indicator 26 is, for example, composed of an LED, and its lighting is controlled by the game control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the CPU 103) mounted on the main board 11 (see FIG. 2).

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the play area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or an organic EL (electro luminescence) device, and displays various presentation images. The image display device 5 may also be composed of a projector and a screen. Various presentation images are displayed on the image display device 5.

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special game or the second special game, multiple types of decorative patterns (such as patterns showing numbers, etc.) that are different from the special patterns are variably displayed as decorative identification information. Here, in synchronization with the first special game or the second special game, decorative patterns are variably displayed (for example, scrolled vertically or updated) in each of the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The special game and the variable display of decorative patterns that are executed in synchronization are collectively referred to as simply variable display.

For example, a display area is provided on the screen of the image display device 5 for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending. In this embodiment, a first pending display area 5A is provided for displaying a pending display corresponding to the variable display of the first special chart, and a second pending display area 5B is provided for displaying a pending display corresponding to the variable display of the second special chart. Note that a display area may be provided on the screen of the image display device 5 for displaying an active display corresponding to the variable display being executed. The pending display and active display are collectively referred to as a variable display-compatible display corresponding to the variable display.

A right-hit notification LED 37 is provided to the right of the image display device 5 to prompt the player to perform a right-hit operation. The right-hit notification LED 37 is controlled to light up by the performance control CPU 120 mounted on the performance control board 12 (see FIG. 2).

The number of reserved variable displays is also called the reserved memory number. The reserved memory number corresponding to the first special game is also called the first reserved memory number, and the reserved memory number corresponding to the second special game is also called the second reserved memory number. The sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is also called the total reserved memory number.

In addition, a first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B, each of which includes a plurality of LEDs, are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first hold memory number by the number of lit LEDs, and the second hold indicator 25B displays the second hold memory number by the number of lit LEDs.

Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A having a first start winning hole is provided. A game ball that wins in the first start winning hole is guided to the back of the game board 2 and detected by the first start hole switch 22A. When a game ball is detected by the first start hole switch 22A, a predetermined number of game balls (1 ball) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

A passing gate 41 is provided to the right of the image display device 5. A game ball that passes through the passing gate 41 is detected by the gate switch 21.

A special variable winning ball device 7 that forms the large winning opening 702A is provided below the passage gate 41. The special variable winning ball device 7 extends in the left-right direction at a slight incline, and by moving the plate-shaped large winning opening door 702B, which is formed as the bottom surface of the flow path through which the game balls flow, forward and backward, the large winning opening 702A located below the large winning opening door 702B can be changed between a first state (also called an open state) in which the game ball can win and a second state (also called a closed state) in which the game ball cannot win. In a jackpot game state that occurs when a specific display result (jackpot pattern) is derived and displayed on the first special pattern display device 4A or the second special pattern display device 4B, the special variable winning ball device 7 moves the large winning opening door 702B forward from the second state in which the large winning opening door 702B has been moved backward toward the rear, and executes opening control to set the large winning opening 702A, which is the winning area, to the first state.

Below the special variable winning ball device 7, there are a special variable winning ball device 17 that forms a special winning port 703A for small wins, and a variable winning ball device 6B that has a second starting winning port. As shown in FIG. 1, the special variable winning ball device 17 is arranged on the left side, and the variable winning ball device 6B is arranged adjacent to it on the upper right. These special variable winning ball devices 17 and variable winning ball devices 6B extend in the left-right direction in a slightly inclined state, and by moving the plate-shaped starting winning port door 701B and the special winning port door 703B, which are formed as the bottom surface of the flow path through which the game balls flow, forward and backward, the special winning port 703A located below the special winning port door 703B and the second starting winning port located below the starting winning port door 701B are changed between a first state (also called an open state) in which the game balls can win and a second state (also called a closed state) in which the game balls cannot win.

In a small win game state that occurs when a predetermined display result (small win pattern) is derived and displayed on the first special pattern display device 4A or the second special pattern display device 4B, the special variable winning ball device 17 executes opening control to move the special winning port door 703B backward from the second state in which the special winning port door 703B is moved forward toward the front, and to set the special winning port 703A, which is the winning area, to the first state. Also, when a pattern is derived and displayed on the normal pattern display device 20 due to a hit, the variable winning ball device 6B executes opening control to move the start winning port door 701B backward from the second state in which the start winning port door 701B is moved forward toward the front, and to set the second start winning port, which is the winning area, to the first state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the special variable winning ball device 17 is slightly larger than the variable winning ball device 6B. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the special variable winning ball device 17 and the variable winning ball device 6B are formed in such a manner that the large winning opening door 702B is slightly inclined from the upper right to the lower left, so that the game balls on the special variable winning ball device 17 and the variable winning ball device 6B move from the upper right to the lower left on the special variable winning ball device 17 and the variable winning ball device 6B when the special variable winning ball device 17 and the variable winning ball device 6B are in the second state. As shown in FIG. 1, the special variable winning ball device 17 and the variable winning ball device 6B are arranged next to each other, so if the large winning opening door 702B of the variable winning ball device 6B is moved backward and the second start winning opening is in the first state, the game ball that falls onto the variable winning ball device 6B without winning the special variable winning ball device 7 will win the second start winning opening and will not flow toward the special variable winning ball device 17. On the other hand, if the second start winning opening is not in the first state, the game ball will move over the large winning opening door 702B of the variable winning ball device 6B and be guided toward the special variable winning ball device 17. At this time, if the large winning opening door 702B of the special variable winning ball device 17 is moved backward and the special winning opening 703A is in the first state, the game ball will win the special winning opening 703A. Furthermore, if the special winning opening 703A is not in the first state, the game ball will pass over the large winning opening door 702B of the special variable winning ball device 17.

In addition, in this embodiment, the special variable winning ball device 7, the special variable winning ball device 17 and the variable winning ball device 6B are formed with a number of regulating pieces that slow down the flow speed of the game balls flowing down over the large winning opening door 702B. In this embodiment, the provision of regulating pieces in the special variable winning ball device 7, the special variable winning ball device 17 and the variable winning ball device 6B changes the flow direction of the game balls flowing down from the upper left to the lower right or from the upper right to the lower left, so that they snake with a forward and backward movement component, and the time it takes for the game balls to flow down is delayed more than if there were no regulating pieces.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the special variable winning ball device 17 is positioned on the left side, and the variable winning ball device 6B is positioned on the right side. However, the special variable winning ball device 17 and the large winning opening door 702B of the variable winning ball device 6B are formed to slope gently from the upper right to the lower left, and when the large winning opening door 702B is not retracted and is in the second state, the game balls are configured to flow from the variable winning ball device 6B toward the special variable winning ball device 17. In this sense, it can be said that the variable winning ball device 6B is located upstream, and the special variable winning ball device 17 is located downstream.

A switch (first count switch 23) capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the large prize opening 702A is provided in the large prize opening 702A. When a game ball is detected by the first count switch 23, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15 balls) are paid out as prize balls based on the detection information. Therefore, if the special variable prize ball device 7 is controlled to be open and the large prize opening 702A is in the first state, the player is in an advantageous state. On the other hand, if the special variable prize ball device 7 is controlled to be closed and the large prize opening 702A is in the second state, the player is unable to pass (enter) the game ball through the large prize opening 702A to obtain a prize ball, which is unfavorable to the player.

In the special winning hole 703A, a switch (second count switch 24) capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning hole 703A is provided. When a game ball is detected by the second count switch 24, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out as prize balls based on the detection information. Here, when a game ball passes (enters) the special winning hole 703A that is in the first state in the special variable winning ball device 17, the number of prize balls is smaller than when the game ball enters the large winning hole 702A, but more prize balls are paid out than when the game ball passes (enters) other winning holes, such as the first start winning hole 1 or the second start winning hole. Therefore, if the special variable winning ball device 17 is controlled to open and the special winning hole 703A is in the first state, it becomes an advantageous state for the player. On the other hand, if the special variable winning ball device 17 is controlled to close and the special winning opening 703A is in the second state, the player will be at a disadvantage because the game ball cannot pass (enter) the special winning opening 703A to obtain a winning ball.

In addition, a second start opening switch 22B capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the second start opening is provided in the second start opening of the variable winning ball device 6B. When a game ball is detected by the second start opening switch 22B, a predetermined number of game balls (1 ball) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

In addition, a second start opening switch 22C capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the second start opening is provided in the second start opening of the winning ball device 6C. When a game ball is detected by the second start opening switch 22C, a predetermined number of game balls (one ball) are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

Hereinafter, the first start winning port and the second start winning port may be collectively referred to as the start winning port or the start port.

In addition, in this pachinko game machine 1, the passing gate 41, the special variable winning ball device 7 (large winning opening 702A), the variable winning ball device 6B (second start winning opening), the winning ball device 6C and the special variable winning ball device 17 (special winning opening 703A) are located on the right side of the play area, so when playing a big win or in a KT state (so-called small win time), the player aims to the right of the play area and performs a firing operation (so-called right-hitting operation).

At predetermined positions on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, four positions are provided at the lower left and right of the game area), general winning openings 10 are provided which are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when a game ball enters one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

The entry of a game ball into each winning port, including the general winning port 10, is also called a "winning". In particular, a winning ball into a starting port (first starting winning port, second starting winning port) is also called a starting winning.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (to the left of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is made up of a 7-segment LED or the like, and performs a variable display of normal symbols as multiple types of normal identification information different from the special symbols. The normal symbols are represented by numbers showing "0" to "9" or lighting patterns such as "-". The normal symbols may also include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of normal symbols is also called a normal symbol game.

A normal symbol pending display 25C is provided above the normal symbol display 20. The normal symbol pending display 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the normal symbol pending memory count, which is the number of normal symbol games that are pending execution, by the number of lit LEDs.

In this pachinko game machine 1, the variable display of normal symbols is executed based on the game ball passing through the pass gate 41, so the pass gate 41 serves as a normal start area, but when a jackpot symbol is derived and displayed, the game transitions to a jackpot game state based on the game ball passing through the pass gate 41, so the pass gate 41 also serves as an operating area. Therefore, the pass gate 41 is configured as a dual-purpose gate that serves as both a normal start area and an operating area.

In addition to the above features, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with windmills that change the direction and speed of the game balls, as well as numerous obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area, there is an outlet that takes in game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes.

Speakers 8L and 8R for playing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and gaming effect LEDs 9 for playing gaming effects are provided around the periphery of the gaming area.

A first performance device 500 and a second performance device 800 having movable bodies that operate according to the performance are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2 (not shown in FIG. 1).

At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a ball-hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 is provided, which is operated by the player or the like to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming area using the ball-hitting device.

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area, a ball supply tray (upper tray) is provided to hold (store) gaming balls dispensed as prize balls or gaming balls loaned from a predetermined ball loaning machine so that they can be supplied to the ball launching device. Below the upper tray, a ball supply tray (lower tray) is provided from which prize balls are dispensed when the upper tray is full.

At a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area, a push button 31 is provided that the player can press to give a predetermined command. The operation of the push button 31 is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 2).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a push button 31 is provided as a detection means for detecting the player's actions (operations, etc.), but detection means other than the push button 31 may also be provided.

(Outline of game progress)
In this pachinko game machine 1, when the game state is in the normal state, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (so-called left hit operation) by aiming at the left side of the game area. When the player rotates the ball hitting operation handle 30 provided in the pachinko game machine 1 to perform a left hit operation and the game ball enters the first start winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game is started by the first special symbol display device 4A.

In addition, if the game ball enters (wins) the start winning hole during the period when the special game is being played or during the period when the game is controlled to a big win game state or a small win game state (when a start winning occurs but the special game based on the start winning cannot be played immediately), the special game based on that entry will be put on hold until a specified upper limit number (for example, 4).

In the first special game, if a specific special symbol (a big win symbol, for example, "7"; the actual symbol varies depending on the type of big win, as described below) is displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it is a "big win". Also, if a special symbol other than the big win symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") is displayed as a stopped symbol, it is a "miss". Note that even in the first special game, it may be configured so that there is an extremely low probability that a small win symbol will be displayed as a stopped symbol, resulting in a "small win".

After the display result in the first special game becomes "jackpot," the game state is controlled to a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player, provided that the game ball has passed through the passage gate 41.

In the jackpot game state, the large prize opening 702A formed by the special variable prize ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) has elapsed, or the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 702A reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 9), whichever comes first. The predetermined period is the upper limit period during which the large prize opening 702A can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the upper limit opening period. A cycle in which the large prize opening 702A is opened in this way is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until the predetermined upper limit number of times (15 times or 2 times) is reached.

In the jackpot gaming state, the player can obtain prize balls by making the gaming ball enter the big prize opening 702A. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The more rounds there are in the jackpot gaming state, and the longer the upper limit opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

The "jackpot" has a jackpot type set. For example, there are multiple types of opening modes of the jackpot opening 702A (number of rounds and maximum opening period) and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, special state (high probability state), KT state, high base state, etc.), and the jackpot type is set according to these. There may be jackpot types that allow many prize balls to be obtained, and jackpot types that allow few or no prize balls to be obtained.

After the jackpot game state ends, the game may be controlled to a special state, KT state, or high base state depending on the type of jackpot mentioned above.

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

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

In the high base state, control (time-saving control) is executed to shorten the average special symbol fluctuation time (the period during which the special symbol fluctuates) more than in the normal state (time-saving state), and control (high opening control, high base control) is also executed to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole of the variable winning ball device 6B by, for example, increasing the probability of a "normal symbol hit" in a normal symbol game more than in the normal state. The high base state is an advantageous state for the player, as it is a state in which the fluctuation efficiency of the special symbols (especially the second special symbol) is improved.

The probability of a special bonus state, KT state, or high base state will continue until one of the end conditions is met first, such as a certain number of special games being played, or the start of the next jackpot game state. A state in which the end condition is that a certain number of special games have been played is also called a "number-cut probability of a special bonus state, etc."

The normal state refers to a game state other than advantageous states such as a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player, and special states such as a probability state, KT state, and high base state, and is a state in which the pachinko game machine 1, such as the probability that the display result in the special game will be a "jackpot", is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state of the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed and the specified return process is not executed after the power is turned on).

When the jackpot game ends and the game state is controlled to a high probability state, KT state, or high base state, it is advantageous for the player to perform a firing operation (right-hit operation) aiming at the right side of the game area. When the player performs a right-hit operation by rotating the ball-hitting operation handle 30 provided on the pachinko game machine 1, and the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, a normal pattern game is started by the normal pattern display 20. Note that if the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the period during which the previous normal pattern game is being played (if the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 but the normal pattern game based on that passing cannot be played immediately), the normal pattern game based on that passing is put on hold up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In this normal game, if a specific normal symbol (a normal winning symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than a normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal losing". When a "normal winning" occurs, an opening control is performed to keep the variable winning ball device 6B in an open state for a predetermined period of time (the second starting winning port is opened).

When a game ball enters the second start winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game is started by the second special symbol display device 4B.

In the second special game, if a specific special symbol (a big win symbol, for example, "7"; the actual symbol varies depending on the type of big win described below) is displayed as the confirmed special symbol, it is a "big win", and if a specific special symbol different from the big win symbol (a small win symbol, for example, "2") is displayed as a small win, it is a "small win". Also, if a special symbol different from the big win or small win symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") is displayed as a losing symbol, it is a "losing".

After the display result in the second special game becomes "big win", the game state is controlled to a big win game state that is advantageous to the player, provided that the game ball has passed through the passage gate 41. After the display result in the second special game becomes "small win", the game state is controlled to a small win game state.

In the small win game state, the special winning hole 703A formed by the special variable winning ball device 17 is opened in a predetermined opening state. In addition, like the big win type, a small win type may also be set for the "small win".

After the small win game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the game state is controlled to continue as it was before the special game display result became a "small win" (however, if the special game when the "small win" occurs is the special game for the specified number of times in the number-cutoff, the game state will naturally be changed).

The game state may change based on the game ball passing through a specific area (e.g., a specific area in the big win opening 702A) during the big win game state. For example, when the game ball passes through the specific area, the game state may be controlled to a probability variable state after the big win game state.
(Progression of the performance, etc.)

In the pachinko game machine 1, various effects (effects that notify the progress of the game or liven up the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The effects are described below. The effects are performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the display, they may also be performed by audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and/or by turning on/off the game effect LED 9, operating the first effect device 500 and the second effect device 800, etc.

As an effect that is executed according to the progress of the game, in the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C and 5R provided on the image display device 5, a variable display of decorative patterns begins in response to the start of the first or second special pattern game. At the timing when the display result (also called the determined special pattern) in the first or second special pattern game is displayed statically, the determined decorative pattern (a combination of three decorative patterns) which is the display result of the variable display of the decorative patterns is also displayed statically (derived).

During the period from when the variable display of the decorative symbols starts to when it ends, the state of the variable display of the decorative symbols may become a predetermined reach state (a reach is achieved). Here, a reach state refers to a state in which the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 continue to be variable displayed when the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed form part of a jackpot combination, which will be described later.

In addition, when the above-mentioned reach state occurs during the variable display of the decorative symbols, a reach effect is executed. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, multiple types of reach effects are executed with different rates (also called jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation) of the display result (the display result of the special game or the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols) becoming a "jackpot" depending on the performance state. Reach effects include, for example, a normal reach and a super reach, which has a higher jackpot reliability than a normal reach.

When the display result of the special game is a "jackpot", a fixed decorative pattern that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns on the screen of the image display device 5 (the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns is a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decorative patterns (for example, "7") are displayed stopped in line on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "center", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

In the case of a "probability jackpot" that is controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, odd decorative symbols (e.g., "7") are displayed in a line, and in the case of a "non-probability jackpot (normal jackpot)" that is not controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, even decorative symbols (e.g., "6") may be displayed in a line. In this case, odd decorative symbols are also called probability jackpot symbols, and even decorative symbols are also called non-probability jackpot symbols (normal symbols). After a reach state is reached with non-probability jackpot symbols, a promotion effect may be executed that ultimately results in a "probability jackpot".

When the display result of the special game is a "small win", a fixed decorative pattern (such as "1 3 5") that is a predetermined small win combination is derived on the screen of the image display device 5 as a display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is a "small win"). As an example, decorative patterns that constitute chance eyes are displayed stationary on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Note that a common fixed decorative pattern may be derived and displayed when the display result of the special game is a "big win" of some big win types (big win types in a big win game state that are the same as a small win game state) and when it is a "small win".

When the display result of the special game is a "miss," the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern does not become a reach state, and the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may display a fixed decorative pattern of a non-reach combination (also called a "non-reach miss") as a "non-reach miss" (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be a "non-reach miss"). Also, when the display result is a "miss," after the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a reach state, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may display a fixed decorative pattern of a predetermined reach combination (also called a "reach miss") that is not a jackpot combination as a "reach miss" (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be a "reach miss").

The effects that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute include displaying the variable display compatible display (reserved display or active display) described above. In addition, as other effects, for example, a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability is executed during the variable display of the decorative pattern. Preview effects include a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display currently being executed, and a look-ahead preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is on hold). As a look-ahead preview effect, an effect that changes the display mode of the variable display compatible display (reserved display or active display) to a mode different from normal may be executed.

In addition, in the image display device 5, a pseudo consecutive performance may be executed in which a single variable display appears to be multiple variable displays by temporarily pausing the decorative pattern during the variable display and then restarting the variable display.

During a big win game state, a big win performance is executed to notify the player of the big win game state. As a big win performance, a performance to notify the number of rounds or a promotion performance to indicate that the value of the big win game state will increase may be executed. Also, during a small win game state, a small win performance to notify the player of the small win game state is executed. In addition, a common performance may be executed during a small win game state and a big win game state for some big win types (a big win type of a big win game state in the same manner as a small win game state, for example, a big win type in which the game state after that is a high probability state), so that the player cannot know whether he is currently in a small win game state or a big win game state. In such a case, a common performance may be executed after the end of the small win game state and after the end of the big win game state, so that it is not possible to distinguish whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state.

In addition, for example, when a special game or the like is not being executed, a demo (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer waiting demo performance is executed).

(Board configuration)
The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, a performance control board 12, a sound control board 13, an LED control board 14, a relay board 15, etc., as shown in Fig. 2. In addition, various boards, such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, a power supply board, etc., are arranged on the back of the pachinko game machine 1.

The main board 11 is the main control board, and has the function of controlling the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko game machine 1 (execution of the special game (including management of reserved balls), execution of the regular game (including management of reserved balls), big win game state, small win game state, game state, etc.). The main board 11 has a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, etc.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, a random number circuit 104, and an I/O (Input/Output port) 105.

The CPU 103 executes the programs stored in the ROM 101 to perform processes that control the progress of the game (processes that realize the functions of the main board 11). At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (such as data on fluctuation patterns, performance control commands, and tables referenced when making various decisions) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. The RAM 102 serves as a backup RAM in which the stored contents are preserved for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped in part or in whole. Note that all or part of the programs stored in the ROM 101 may be deployed to the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

The random number circuit 104 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (gaming random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The gaming random numbers may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 105 is configured to include, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals described below) are input, and an output port for transmitting various signals (signals for controlling (driving) the first special pattern display device 4A, the second special pattern display device 4B, the normal pattern display device 20, the first hold display device 25A, the second hold display device 25B, the normal hold display device 25C, etc., solenoid drive signals).

The switch circuit 110 takes in detection signals (such as a detection signal indicating that a game ball has passed or entered and a switch has been turned on) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, start port switches (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), and count switches (first count switch 23 and second count switch 24)) and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signal indicates that the game ball has passed or entered.

The solenoid circuit 111 transmits solenoid drive signals (such as signals to turn on solenoid 81, solenoid 82, and solenoid 83) from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for the normal electric device, the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door 702B, and the solenoid 83 for the special prize opening 703A.

As part of controlling the progress of the game, the main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) supplies presentation control commands (commands that specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) to the presentation control board 12 according to the progress of the game. The presentation control commands output from the main board 11 are relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the presentation control board 12. The presentation control commands include, for example, various determination results in the main board 11 (for example, the display results of the special game (including the type of jackpot), the variable pattern used when executing the special game (described in detail later)), the game status (for example, the start or end of the variable display, the opening status of the big prize opening 702A, the occurrence of a win, the number of reserved memories, the game status), the occurrence of an error, etc.

The performance control board 12 is a sub-control board independent of the main board 11, and has the function of receiving performance control commands and executing performances (various performances according to the progress of the game, including various notifications such as driving the movable body 32, notifying errors, and notifying of power outage recovery) based on the received performance control commands.

The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control unit 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I/O 125.

The performance control CPU 120 executes the programs stored in the ROM 121 to perform processing for executing performances together with the display control unit 123 (processing for realizing the above-mentioned functions of the performance control board 12, including determining the performance to be executed). At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

The presentation control CPU 120 may instruct the display control unit 123 to execute a presentation based on a detection signal from the push sensor 35B (a signal that is output when an operation by the player is detected and that appropriately indicates the content of the operation).

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), CGROM (Character Generator ROM), VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes the performance based on instructions to execute the performance from the performance control CPU 120.

The display control unit 123 displays the effect image on the image display unit 5 by supplying a video signal corresponding to the effect to be executed to the image display unit 5 based on an instruction to execute the effect from the effect control CPU 120. The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 and an LED signal (a signal designating the on/off state of the LED) to the LED control board 14 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the effect image and to turn on/off the game effect LED 9 and the right hit notification LED 37. The display control unit 123 also supplies signals to operate the effect body 302, the first movable body 501, and the second movable body 800L, 800R described later to the effect body 302, the first movable body 501, and the second movable body 800L, 800R, or to the drive circuit that drives the effect body 302, the first movable body 501, and the second movable body 800L, 800R.

The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits that drive the speakers 8L and 8R, and drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, causing the speakers 8L and 8R to output the sound designated by the sound designation signal.

The LED control board 14 is equipped with various circuits that drive the game effect LED 9 and the right hit notification LED 37, and drives the game effect LED 9 and the right hit notification LED 37 based on the LED signal, turning the game effect LED 9 and the right hit notification LED 37 on and off in the manner specified by the LED signal. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the sound output and the turning on and off of the LEDs.

In addition, the control of audio output, turning on/off the LEDs (such as supplying sound designation signals and LED signals), and control of the performance body 302, the first movable body 501, and the second movable bodies 800L and 800R (such as supplying signals to operate the performance body 302, the first movable body 501, and the second movable bodies 800L and 800R) may be performed by the performance control CPU 120.

The random number circuit 124 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (random numbers for performance) used to execute various performances. The random numbers for performance may be updated by the performance control CPU 120 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 includes an input port for taking in performance control commands transmitted from, for example, the main board 11, and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound designation signals, LED signals).

Boards other than the main board 11, such as the performance control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the LED control board 14, are also called sub-boards. As with the pachinko game machine 1, multiple sub-boards may be provided for different functions, or one sub-board may be configured to have multiple functions.

(Game state transition)
Here, the transition of the game state in this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the way of transition of the game state of the pachinko game machine 1. First, in this embodiment, in the low probability/low base state (normal state (non-KT state)), the player performs the shooting operation (left shot) of the game ball aiming at the left of the game area. Therefore, in the normal state, the start winning occurs mainly in the first start winning hole, and the variable display of the first special pattern is mainly executed. Also, since the variable display of the first special pattern is mainly executed, when a jackpot occurs in the low probability/low base state, a 10R probability jackpot, a 6R probability jackpot, or a 6R normal jackpot mainly occurs.

(Explanation of KT status)
Next, the game state in this embodiment will be described. First, the game state in this embodiment includes a normal state (low probability/non-KT state) and a KT state (so-called small hit time) in which a small hit is more likely to occur than in the normal state. Furthermore, there are two types of KT states, a first KT state and a second KT state. In this embodiment, the game state includes a case where it is controlled to a low probability state and a non-KT state (low probability/non-KT state: normal state), a case where it is controlled to a low probability and a first KT state (low probability/first KT state), a case where it is controlled to a high probability and a first KT state (high probability/first KT state), and a case where it is controlled to a high probability and a second KT state (high probability/second KT state).

In the first KT state, as described below, small hits are likely to occur and the special variable winning ball device 17 is likely to be in the first state, but the opening time of the upstream variable winning ball device 6B is extremely long, and even if a small hit occurs, there are very few cases where the game ball wins in the downstream special variable winning ball device 17 (for example, about one ball per 100 fluctuations). Specifically, in the first KT state, the state is controlled to a state where small hits are likely to occur and is controlled to a high base state so that the opening time of the variable winning ball device 6B is long. In addition, in the second KT state, as described below, the upstream variable winning ball device 6B is difficult to open, but when a small hit occurs, the game ball is likely to win in the downstream special variable winning ball device 17. Specifically, in the second KT state, the state is controlled to a state where small hits are likely to occur and is controlled to a low base state so that the variable winning ball device 6B is difficult to open.

The KT state is a game state in which a small win is more likely to occur than in the normal state (low probability/non-KT state). Specifically, in this embodiment, the probability of a normal win and the variable winning ball device 6B entering the first state is higher in the KT state than in the normal state. And since the ratio of small wins determined when the first special symbol changes is low, while the ratio of small wins determined when the second special symbol changes is high (excluding the case of forced misses, which will be described later), the KT state is a game state in which a small win is more likely to occur than in the normal state. As a result, in the KT state, small wins occur frequently mainly by changing the second special symbol, making it a game state advantageous to the player.

The configuration for making the KT state a gaming state in which small wins are more likely to occur than in the normal state is not limited to this. For example, even in the KT state, the probability of a normal win and the variable winning ball device 6B entering the first state is the same as in the normal state (for example, 10% or 100%), but the special pattern change time (variable display time) of the change pattern selected when the second special pattern changes can be configured to be shorter in the KT state than in the normal state, so that the ratio of the number of changes per certain time in the KT state is higher than in the normal state, making the KT state a gaming state in which small wins are more likely to occur than in the normal state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the time required for the game ball to pass through the pass gate 41 and reach the variable winning ball device 6B is configured to be 0.6 seconds or more. Specifically, this is adjusted by the installation positions of the pass gate 41 and the variable winning ball device 6B, and the nail group that forms the flow path of the game ball. Although the details will be described later, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 6B can be controlled to an open state based on the game ball passing through the pass gate 41. In the first KT state described later, the time from when the game ball passes through the pass gate 41 to when the variable winning ball device 6B is controlled to an open state is 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than the 0.6 seconds required for the game ball to pass through the pass gate 41 and reach the variable winning ball device 6B. Therefore, when a game ball passes through the pass gate 41 in the first KT state and the variable winning ball device 6B is controlled to an open state, the game ball can win the variable winning ball device 6B as it is.

As shown in FIG. 3, if a 10R guaranteed jackpot occurs in the low probability/low base state, the state transitions to a high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the high probability/low base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs. Also, if a 6R guaranteed jackpot occurs in the low probability/low base state, the state transitions to a high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the high probability/high base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs. Also, if a 6R normal jackpot occurs in the low probability/low base state, the state transitions to a low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the low probability/high base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs or 50 variable displays end.

In this embodiment, after transitioning to the KT state (high probability/high base state, low probability/high base state, high probability/low base state), the player aims the ball to the right of the play area and launches it (hits to the right). Therefore, in the KT state, a start winning entry into the second start winning hole occurs primarily, and the variable display of the second special symbol is primarily executed. Also, since the variable display of the second special symbol is primarily executed, when a jackpot occurs in the KT state, it primarily occurs as a 10R special jackpot, a 6R special jackpot, a 2R special jackpot, or a 2R regular jackpot.

As shown in FIG. 3, when a 10R or 2R jackpot occurs in the high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state), the state transitions to a high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the high probability/low base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs. Also, when a 6R jackpot occurs in the high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state), the state transitions to a high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the high probability/high base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs. In this embodiment, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, the probability of a 6R jackpot is 50% in total, so once the high probability/high base state is entered, the high probability/high base state will loop at a rate of 50%. In addition, if a 2R normal jackpot occurs in a high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state), after the jackpot play ends, the state will transition to a low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state), and the low probability/high base state will be maintained until the next jackpot occurs or 50 variable displays are completed.

As shown in FIG. 3, if a 10R or 2R jackpot occurs in the low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state), the state transitions to the high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the high probability/low base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs. Also, if a 6R jackpot occurs in the low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state), the state transitions to the high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the high probability/high base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs. Also, if a 2R normal jackpot occurs in the low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state), the state transitions to the low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the low probability/high base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs or 50 variable displays are completed. In this embodiment, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, the probability of a 2R normal jackpot is 35%, so once the low probability/high base state is reached, the low probability/high base state will loop at a rate of 35%. If a 6R normal jackpot or 2R normal jackpot occurs and the low probability/high base state is reached, and 50 variable displays are completed without the next jackpot occurring, the state will transition to the low probability/low base state (normal state (non-KT state)) as shown in FIG. 3.

3, when a 10R or 2R jackpot occurs in a high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state), the state transitions to a high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state) after the jackpot play ends, and the high probability/low base state is maintained until the next jackpot occurs. In this embodiment, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, the probability of a 10R or 2R jackpot occurring is 15%, so once the high probability/low base state is entered, the high probability/low base state will loop at a rate of 15%. In addition, if a 6R guaranteed jackpot occurs in the high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state), if the game ball enters the V area (not shown) during the jackpot game, the state will transition to a high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state) after the jackpot game ends, and the high probability/high base state will be maintained until the next jackpot occurs. In addition, if a 2R normal jackpot occurs in the high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state), the state will transition to a low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state) after the jackpot game ends, and the low probability/high base state will be maintained until the next jackpot occurs or 50 variable displays are completed.

In FIG. 3, the case where the variable display of the first special symbol is executed in the low probability/low base state (normal state (non-KT state)) is described, but there is also a possibility that the variable display of the second special symbol is executed at a low rate. In this case, if a 10R or 2R probability jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a high probability/low base state (high probability/2nd KT state). Also, if a 6R probability jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a high probability/high base state (high probability/1st KT state). Also, if a 2R normal jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a low probability/high base state (low probability/1st KT state), and the low probability/high base state will be maintained until the next jackpot occurs or 50 variable displays are completed.

Also, in FIG. 3, a case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed in the high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state) is described, but there is also a possibility that the variable display of the first special symbol is executed at a low rate. In this case, if a 10R sure-variable jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state). Also, if a 6R sure-variable jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state). Also, if a 6R normal jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state), and the low probability/high base state will be maintained until the next jackpot occurs or 50 variable displays are completed.

Also, in FIG. 3, a case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed in the low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state) is described, but there is also a possibility that the variable display of the first special symbol is executed at a low rate. In this case, if a 10R sure-variable jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state). Also, if a 6R sure-variable jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state). Also, if a 6R normal jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state), and the low probability/high base state will be maintained until the next jackpot occurs or 50 variable displays are completed.

Also, in FIG. 3, a case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed in the high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state) is described, but there is also a possibility that the variable display of the first special symbol is executed at a low rate. In this case, if a 10R special jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a high probability/low base state (high probability/second KT state). Also, if a 6R special jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a high probability/high base state (high probability/first KT state). Also, if a 6R normal jackpot occurs, the state will transition to a low probability/high base state (low probability/first KT state), and the low probability/high base state will be maintained until the next jackpot occurs or 50 variable displays are completed.

Next, the opening pattern of the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17 in the KT state will be explained. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the opening pattern of the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17 in the KT state. Also, Figure 4 (A) shows the opening pattern of the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17 in the first KT state, and Figure 4 (B) shows the opening pattern of the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17 in the second KT state.

First, the opening pattern of the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17 in the first KT state will be described with reference to FIG. 4(A). As shown in FIG. 4(A), when the game ball shot out to the right of the game area by the player passes through the passing gate 41 and is detected by the gate switch 21, the variable display of the normal pattern is executed on the normal pattern display device 20, and if it is determined that the normal pattern is a win, the winning pattern is derived and displayed on the normal pattern display device 20, and if it is determined that it is a loss, the losing pattern is derived and displayed on the normal pattern display device 20. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the variable display time of the normal pattern is set to 0.2 seconds, and the pattern determination time for deriving and displaying the winning pattern and the losing pattern is set to 0.2 seconds. Then, when a winning symbol is derived and displayed, as shown in FIG. 4(A), after the symbol determination time of 0.2 seconds has elapsed and the time before the second start winning hole opening process of 0.1 seconds has elapsed, the variable winning ball device 6B is put into the first state for 5.5 seconds, and a game ball can enter the second start winning hole constituted by the variable winning ball device 6B.

In addition, some of the game balls shot to the right of the game area in the first KT state can win in the second start winning hole of the winning ball device 6C. In other words, the variable display of the second special pattern in the second KT state is executed by a game ball winning in the second start winning hole of the variable winning ball device 6B and a game ball winning in the second start winning hole of the winning ball device 6C.

When the variable winning ball device 6B is in the first state, if a game ball enters the second start winning hole or enters the winning ball device 6C, the variable display of the second special pattern is executed, and if it is decided to be a small win, the small win pattern is derived and displayed on the second special pattern display device 4B. When the small win pattern is derived and displayed, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the special variable winning ball device 17 is in the first state for 0.8 seconds, and the game ball can enter the special winning hole 703A. However, in the first KT state, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the opening time of the downstream special variable winning ball device 17 is short at 0.8 seconds, while the opening time of the upstream variable winning ball device 6B is long at 5.5 seconds. Therefore, in the first KT state, although small wins are likely to occur, it is extremely rare for a game ball to enter the special winning hole 703A (for example, about one ball for every 100 variable displays).

In the first KT state, as shown in FIG. 4(A), after the opening of the variable winning ball device 6B is completed, the next variable winning ball device 6B can be opened only after at least 0.5 seconds have elapsed, which is the sum of the variable display time of the next normal pattern of 0.2 seconds, the pattern determination time of 0.2 seconds, and the processing time before the opening of the second start winning port of 0.1 seconds. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the first KT state, a closing period of at least 0.5 seconds is provided as an interval period after the opening of the variable winning ball device 6B.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the first KT state, after the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 in a state where the normal pattern is not being changed, the variable winning ball device 6B is controlled to the open state after 0.5 seconds, which is the sum of the variable display time of the normal pattern of 0.2 seconds, the pattern determination time of 0.2 seconds, and the second start winning port opening pre-processing time of 0.1 seconds, have elapsed, and the time required for the game ball to reach the variable winning ball device 6B after passing through the passing gate 41 is about 0.6 seconds. In this way, in the first KT state, the time from when the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 in a state where the normal pattern is not being changed until the variable winning ball device 6B is controlled to the open state is shorter than the time from when the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 in a state where the normal pattern is not being changed until the game ball reaches the variable winning ball device 6B, so the game ball will reach the variable winning ball device 6B when the variable winning ball device 6B is already controlled to the open state. Therefore, in the first KT state, a game ball that passes through the passage gate 41 when the normal pattern is not changing is more likely to win in the variable winning ball device 6B.

Next, the opening pattern of the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17 in the second KT state will be described with reference to FIG. 4(B). As shown in FIG. 4(B), when the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 and is detected by the gate switch 21, the variable display of the normal pattern is executed in the normal pattern display device 20, and if it is determined that the normal pattern is a hit, the winning pattern is derived and displayed in the normal pattern display device 20, and if it is determined that the normal pattern is a miss, the losing pattern is derived and displayed in the normal pattern display device 20. Note that the second KT state in this embodiment is also a low base state in which time-saving control is not executed, so compared to the first KT state, which is also a high base state in which time-saving control is executed, the variable display time of the normal pattern is set to 1.0 seconds, which is longer, and the probability of winning the normal pattern is set low (for example, 1/100). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4(B), in the second KT state, it is extremely rare for a normal winning to occur, so the variable winning ball device 6B is less likely to enter the first state than in the first KT state.

In the second KT state, like the first KT state, some of the game balls shot to the right of the game area can enter the second start winning hole constituted by the winning ball device 6C. In other words, the second KT state is a state in which the game ball is more likely to reach the special variable winning ball device 17 without entering the second start winning hole of the variable winning ball device 6B than in the first KT state, and the variable display of the second special pattern is executed mainly by the game ball entering the second start winning hole constituted by the winning ball device 6C. The variable display of the second special pattern is executed mainly by the game ball entering the second start winning hole constituted by the winning ball device 6C, and if it is decided to be a small win, the small win pattern is derived and displayed on the second special pattern display device 4B. When a small winning symbol is derived and displayed, the special variable winning ball device 17 is put into the first state for 0.8 seconds, as shown in FIG. 4(B), and the game ball is allowed to enter the special winning hole 703A.

In the second KT state, unlike the first KT state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal symbol is set low, and the variable display time of the normal symbol is long at 1.0 seconds. Therefore, in the second KT state, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the opening time of the upstream variable winning ball device 6B is short and the variable display time of the normal symbol is long, so compared to the second KT state, it is easier for the game ball to enter the downstream special variable winning ball device 17 and for the game ball to win the special winning port 703A.

(Winning unit 700)
Next, the winning unit 700 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 18. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first passage forming unit and the second passage forming unit are removed from the game board. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first passage forming unit is seen from the right diagonal front and from the right diagonal rear, respectively. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is removed from the base member of the first passage forming unit. Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the first passage forming unit. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in a low base state (A) and a big win game state (B). Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of game balls in a high base state (A) and a small win game state (B). Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of A-A in Fig. 8, and a cross-sectional view of B-B in Fig. 8. In Fig. 12, (A) is an enlarged view of the main part of Fig. 11(A), and (B) is an enlarged view of the main part of Fig. 11(B). In Fig. 13, (A) is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8 taken along C-C, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8 taken along D-D. In Fig. 14, (A) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the flow of game balls in the first passage and the second passage as viewed from the front, and (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the flow of game balls in the fourth passage as viewed from the front. In Fig. 15, (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of game balls in the second passage as viewed from above, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of game balls in the fourth passage as viewed from above. In Fig. 16, (A) is an explanatory view showing the flow of game balls when the second start winning occurs, (B) is a view showing the flow of game balls when the small winning pattern stops, and (C) is a view showing the flow of game balls when the special winning port is opened. 17A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the first passage forming unit, and FIG. 17B is an E-E cross-sectional view of FIG. 17A. FIG. 18 is a rear view showing the wiring state at the rear of the first passage forming unit. In the following, the near side of FIG. 1 is the front (front, front) side of the pachinko game machine 1, and the far side is the rear (rear) side, and the explanation is based on the up, down, left and right directions when the pachinko game machine 1 is viewed from the front side. In the present embodiment, the front side of the pachinko game machine 1 is the surface facing the player who plays the pachinko game machine 1.

As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the winning unit 700 has a variable winning ball device 6B, a winning ball device 6C, a special variable winning ball device 7, and a special variable winning ball device 17, and is composed of a first passage forming unit 700A that forms multiple winning passages including a game ball passage 710 that guides game balls so that they can enter the variable winning ball device 6B, the special variable winning ball device 7, and the special variable winning ball device 17, and a winning ball passage 711 that guides winning balls that have entered the winning ball device 6C, and a second passage forming unit 700B that forms a winning ball passage for guiding game balls that have entered each winning port out of the pachinko game machine 1 on the back side of the game area Y.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first passage forming unit 700A is attached to the game board 2 by a plurality of screws N1 so as to be inserted from the front into a hole 2H formed in the lower right side of the game board 2, and the second passage forming unit 700B is attached to the game board 2 by a plurality of screws N2 from the front side of the game board 2. By attaching the first passage forming unit 700A and the second passage forming unit 700B to the game board 2, the game ball passage 710 and the winning ball passage 711 are arranged on the front side of the game board 2, and the various winning holes on the first passage forming unit 700A side are connected to the winning ball passage on the second passage forming unit 700B side, and the first passage forming unit 700A and the second passage forming unit 700B are integrated.

(First passage forming unit 700A)
As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the first passage forming unit 700A is composed of a base member 721 attached to the game board 2 with a screw N1, and a cover member 731 arranged on the front side of the base member 721. The base member 721 and the cover member 731 are transparent members made of a synthetic resin material having translucency. An inlet 723 through which game balls can flow is formed in the upper part of the first passage forming unit 700A, and a winning ball device 6C (second start winning port) is formed on the left side of the inlet 723. In addition, an outlet 724 through which game balls can flow out is formed on the left side of the first passage forming unit 700A.

A game ball that enters the first passage forming unit 700A through the inlet 723 is guided by the game ball passage 710, and if it does not enter any of the winning ports, it is discharged to the left side through the outlet 724. A game ball that enters the winning ball device 6C (second start winning port) is guided by the winning ball passage 711, and after being detected by the second start port switch 22C, is guided toward the second passage forming unit 700B.

The base member 721 is composed of a plate-shaped rear wall portion 721A arranged along the game board surface (front surface) of the game board 2, and a restricting portion 721B protruding from the rear surface of the rear wall portion 721A. The rear wall portion 721A is formed with through holes 725A-725E for guiding game balls that have entered various winning ports to the rear side, and a plurality of through holes through which the start winning port door 701B, the large winning port door 702B, and the special winning port door 703B can be inserted. An LED board 726 having a plurality of winning unit LEDs 201 on the front surface is attached to the lower front surface of the rear wall portion 721A. In addition, a display unit 727 in which the right hit notification LED 37, the first special symbol LED 211, the second special symbol LED 212, the first reserved LED 221, and the second reserved LED 222 are unitized is attached to the front right side of the LED board 726. In addition, the solenoids 81 to 83 are attached to the regulating portion 721B, and it also forms a guide wall that guides the game balls entering through the through holes 725A to 725E toward the second passage forming unit 700B.

The cover member 731 is composed of a plate-shaped front wall portion 731A that is arranged along the game board surface (front surface) of the game board 2, and a restricting portion 731B that protrudes from the back surface of the front wall portion 731A and forms the passage walls of each game ball passage.

By combining the base member 721 and the cover member 731, game ball passages through which game balls can pass and various winning holes are formed between the front wall portion 731A of the cover member 731 and the rear wall portion 721A of the base member 721. These game ball passages and various winning holes are arranged in the game area Y.

As shown in FIG. 8, between the rear wall portion 721A and the front wall portion 731A of the first passage forming unit 700A, there is formed a game ball passage 710 that guides game balls that flow into the inlet 723, and a winning ball passage 711 that guides game balls that enter the winning ball device 6C (second start winning port) diagonally downward to the left toward the through hole 725B.

The game ball passage 710 guides the game ball that has flowed into the inlet 723 downward to the left, so that it can flow out from the outlet 724. In detail, the game ball passage 710 has a first passage section 710A that guides the game ball that has flowed into the inlet 723 downward, a second passage section 710B that is provided downstream of the first passage section 710A and guides the game ball diagonally downward to the left, a third passage section 710C that is provided downstream of the second passage section 710B and guides the game ball downward, and a fourth passage section 710D that is provided downstream of the third passage section 710C and guides the game ball diagonally downward to the left.

The special variable winning ball device 7 has a large winning opening 702A that opens to the right on the left side of the first passage section 710A that faces the vertical direction. The large winning opening door 702B is movable in a direction that intersects with the flow direction of the game balls and is arranged to incline downward toward the left side. The special variable winning ball device 7 can be changed between a first state (easy entry state) in which the large winning opening door 702B protrudes toward the first passage section 710A side, making it easy for game balls to enter the large winning opening 702A, and a second state (difficult entry state) in which the large winning opening door 702B retreats from the first passage section 710A to the game board 2 side, making it difficult for game balls to enter the large winning opening 702A.

In addition, a branch passage section 710E is formed downstream of the first passage section 710A, and some of the game balls that have flowed down the first passage section 710A are guided to the second passage forming unit 700B via the through hole 725E. In other words, the entrance of the branch passage section 710E forms an outlet.

The second start winning port 701A of the variable winning ball device 6B is provided on the bottom wall of the second passage section 710B facing the left and right direction so as to open upward, and the second start winning port 701A can be moved in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the game balls and can be opened and closed by the start winning port door 701B arranged to incline downward toward the left side. The variable winning ball device 6B can be changed between a first state (easy entry state) in which the start winning port door 701B retreats from the first passage section 710A to the game board 2 side, making it easy for the game balls to enter the second start winning port 701A, and a second state (difficult entry state) in which the start winning port door 701B protrudes toward the second passage section 710B side, making it difficult for the game balls to enter the second start winning port 701A and allowing the game balls to flow down the upper surface of the start winning port door 701B toward the left side. In this way, the starting winning door 701B forms part of the bottom wall of the second passage section 710B in the second state.

The third passage portion 710C, which faces the vertical direction, has a predetermined length and forms a step to position the third passage portion 710C lower than the second passage portion 710B.

The special winning opening 703A of the special variable winning ball device 17 is provided on the bottom wall of the fourth passage section 710D facing the left and right direction so as to open to the top, and the special winning opening 703A can be moved in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the game balls and can be opened and closed by the special winning opening door 703B arranged to incline downward toward the left side. The special variable winning ball device 17 can be changed between a first state (easy entry state) in which the special winning opening door 703B retreats from the fourth passage section 710D to the game board 2 side, making it easy for the game balls to enter the special winning opening 703A, and a second state (difficult entry state) in which the special winning opening door 703B protrudes toward the fourth passage section 710D side, making it difficult for the game balls to enter the special winning opening 703A and allowing the game balls to flow down the top surface of the special winning opening door 703B to the left side. In this way, the special winning door 703B forms part of the bottom wall of the fourth passage section 710D in the second state.

In addition, a plurality of regulating portions are formed on the opposing surfaces of the front wall portion 731A and the rear wall portion 721A in the first passage portion 710A to the fourth passage portion 710D as delay means for delaying the movement of the game ball as it passes through the passage portion. The regulating portions will be described later.

In the first passage forming unit 700A (winning unit 700) configured in this manner, as shown in FIG. 9(A), when the variable winning ball device 6B, the special variable winning ball device 7, and the special variable winning ball device 17 are all controlled to the second state (difficult-to-enter state), a game ball that flows into the inlet 723 in the low base state passes through the game ball passage 710 in the order of the first passage section 710A, the second passage section 710B, the third passage section 710C, and the fourth passage section 710D, and flows out from the outlet 724. In addition, some game balls enter the outlet and pass through the branch passage section 710E.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9(B), when the special variable winning ball device 7 is controlled to the first state (easy entry state) and the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17 are controlled to the second state (difficult entry state), the game ball that flows into the inlet 723 during a jackpot game state is guided to the left by the large winning opening door 702B while flowing down the first passage section 710A, and is able to enter the large winning opening 702A.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10(A), when the variable winning ball device 6B is controlled to the first state (easy entry state) and the special variable winning ball device 7 and the special variable winning ball device 17 are both controlled to the second state (difficult entry state), a game ball that flows into the inlet 723 in the high base state passes through the game ball passage 710 in the order of the first passage section 710A and the second passage section 710B, and becomes able to enter the second start winning port 701A while flowing down the second passage section 710B.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10(B), when the special variable winning ball device 17 is controlled to the first state (easy entry state) and the special variable winning ball device 7 and the variable winning ball device 6B are both controlled to the second state (difficult entry state), the game ball that flows into the inlet 723 passes through the game ball passage 710 in the order of the first passage section 710A, the second passage section 710B, the third passage section 710C, and the fourth passage section 710D, and becomes able to enter the special winning port 703A while flowing down the fourth passage section 710D.

(First passage section 710A)
Next, the first passage portion 710A will be described with reference to Fig. 7, Fig. 13, and Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 7, Fig. 13, and Fig. 14, the first passage portion 710A is located closer to the large prize opening door 702B than the large prize opening door 702B. A plurality of regulating portions 740B extending in the left-right direction are formed on the front surface of the rear wall portion 721A in a portion corresponding to the upstream side so as to protrude toward the passage side. The rear surface of the front wall portion 731A in the portion corresponding to the upstream side of the large prize opening door 702B is formed with a restricting portion 740F extending in the left-right direction so as to protrude toward the aisle side. The regulating portions 740F, 740B are positioned offset from the opposing positions in the downstream direction of the game ball.

In other words, the front and rear regulating sections 740F, 740B are arranged alternately in the direction in which the game ball flows down, and the game ball falling downward through the first passage section 710A comes into contact with the front and rear regulating sections 740F, 740B alternately, causing the game ball to flow down in a meandering motion with a front-to-rear component (so-called zigzag motion), reducing the flow speed of the game ball. This prevents the game ball from falling forcefully onto the top surface of the large prize opening door 702B and damaging the large prize opening door 702B.

As shown in FIG. 14, a guide wall 741 is formed near the inlet 723 in the first passage 710A so as to slope diagonally downward to the right, guiding game balls falling from above toward the right side. Also, a guide wall 742 is formed on the right side below the big prize door 702B in the first passage 710A so as to slope diagonally downward to the left, guiding game balls falling from above toward the second passage 710B on the left side.

Therefore, game balls that flow in from the left side of the inlet 723 are guided to the right side by the guide wall 741, so that in a jackpot game state, they are more likely to be guided to the right side of the top surface of the big prize opening door 702B, that is, to the upper side of the incline. In addition, game balls that pass through the right side of the big prize opening door 702B are guided diagonally downward to the left by the guide wall 742.

As shown in Figures 7, 13, and 14, a restricting portion 743 extending in the left-right direction is formed between the large prize opening door 702B and the guide wall portion 742 in the rear wall portion 721A so as to protrude toward the aisle side, so that the game ball guided diagonally downward to the left by the guide wall portion 742 can be guided toward the front wall portion 731A.

(Second passage section 710B)
Next, the second passage portion 710B will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. As shown in FIGS. 11(A), 12(A), 13(B) and 14(A), The second passage portion 710B is formed by a bottom wall portion 745 arranged to be inclined downward from the first passage portion 710A toward the third passage portion 710C on the left side, a front wall portion 731A, and a rear wall portion 721A. A second start winning opening 701A that opens upward is formed on the downstream side of the bottom wall portion 745, and the second start winning opening 701A can be opened and closed by a start winning opening door 701B.

As shown in FIG. 12(A), a recess 746 is formed in the front surface of the rear wall 721A in a portion corresponding to the second passage section 710B, and the front-to-rear dimension L1 (passage width dimension) of the second passage section 710B is longer than the front-to-rear dimension L2 of the first passage section 710A, the third passage section 710C, and the fourth passage section 710D (L1>L2).

As shown in Figures 12(A) and 14, a plurality of regulating portions 751, 752, and 753 are formed at predetermined intervals in the direction of the flow of the game ball on the front surface of the recess 746 in the rear wall portion 721A, and a plurality of regulating portions 761, 762, and 763 are formed at predetermined intervals in the direction of the flow of the game ball on the part corresponding to the recess 746 on the rear surface of the front wall portion 731A.

Referring to FIG. 12(A), FIG. 14, and FIG. 7, the restricting portion 751 is composed of a pair of upper and lower triangular plate portions that are generally triangular in plan view, and only the lower triangular plate portion is arranged so that it can abut against the game ball flowing down on the bottom wall portion 745. The restricting portion 752 is composed of four triangular plate portions that are generally triangular in plan view and arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction, and a vertically long plate portion that extends in the vertical direction to connect these four triangular plate portions, and only the lower two triangular plate portions and the lower part of the vertically long plate portion are arranged so that they can abut against the game ball flowing down on the bottom wall portion 745. The restricting portion 753 is composed of a vertically long plate portion that extends along the left side edge of the recessed portion 746. In addition, the protruding dimensions of the restricting portions 751, 752, and 753 from the front surface of the recessed portion 746 are longer in the order of the restricting portion 751, the restricting portion 753, and the restricting portion 752.

On the other hand, the restricting portion 761 is composed of a vertically elongated plate portion that is generally trapezoidal in side view. The restricting portion 762 is composed of a triangular plate portion that is generally triangular in plan view and a horizontally elongated plate portion that faces left and right and is disposed above the triangular plate portion. The restricting portion 763 is composed of a triangular plate portion that is generally triangular in side view. The protruding dimensions of the restricting portions 761, 762, and 763 from the rear surface of the front wall portion 731A are longer in the order of restricting portion 761, restricting portion 763, and restricting portion 762.

Of these restricting portions 751, 752, 753 and restricting portions 761, 762, 763, restricting portion 752 and restricting portion 762 have the same protruding dimension L5, which is longer than the other restricting portions 751, 753, 761, 763.

These front and rear regulating parts 751, 752, 753 and regulating parts 761, 762, 763 are positioned offset from their opposing positions in the direction of the downstream flow of the game ball. In other words, the front and rear regulating parts 751, 752, 753 and regulating parts 761, 762, 763 are alternately positioned in the direction of the downstream flow of the game ball. As shown in FIG. 12(A), the front-to-rear distance L3 between at least the front and rear regulating parts 752 and 762 with the longest protruding length is shorter than the diameter 2R of the game ball (2R>L3).

As a result, the game ball flowing down the second passage portion 710B to the left comes into contact with the regulating portions 761, 751, 762, 752, 763, and 753 in an alternating front-to-back manner, and flows down in a meandering manner (so-called zigzag motion) with a forward-to-back component of movement, so the flow speed (movement speed) of the game ball is reduced compared to when the game ball flows down in a straight line to the left (see FIG. 15 (A)).

The front and rear regulating sections 751, 752, 753 and regulating sections 761, 762, 763 therefore constitute a first delay means for delaying the time required for the game ball to flow down the second passage section 710B which extends from the upstream side of the second start winning port 701A to near the downstream end of the upper surface of the start winning port door 701B in the second state, in other words, for delaying the movement of the game ball as it passes over the upper surface of the start winning port door 701B.

As shown in Fig. 13(A) and Fig. 14(A), the restricting portion 761 arranged at the most upstream side is capable of contacting the game ball guided diagonally downward to the left by the guide wall portion 742 and guided toward the front wall portion 731A by the restricting portion 743, and is capable of guiding the game ball so as to push it back upstream. Therefore, not only can the game balls flowing into the second passage portion 710B be retained more, but also some game balls are guided to flow from the upstream outlet into the branch passage portion 710E. In addition, since the protruding piece 747 is protruding from the upstream edge of the bottom wall portion 745, i.e., the lower side of the outlet, the game balls flowing in from the first passage portion 710A are guided at a higher rate to the second passage portion 710B than to the outlet.

(Third passage section 710C)
Next, the third passage portion 710C will be described. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 14B, the third passage portion 710C is configured such that the flow of air flows downward from the downstream end of the second passage portion 710B toward the fourth passage portion 710D. A vertically extending restricting portion 780 is formed in a portion of the rear surface of the front wall portion 731A corresponding to the lower portion of the third passage portion 710C so as to protrude toward the passage. This makes it possible to guide the falling game ball toward the rear wall portion 721A while slowing down the flow speed.

(Fourth passage section 710D)
Next, the fourth passage portion 710D will be described with reference to Figs. 11, 12 and 14. As shown in Figs. 11(B), 12(B) and 14(B), the fourth passage portion The third passage portion 710C is formed of a bottom wall portion 775 that is disposed so as to incline downward from the third passage portion 710C toward the outlet port 724 on the left side, a front wall portion 731A, and a rear wall portion 721A. On the downstream side of section 775, a special winning opening 703A that opens upward is formed, and this special winning opening 703A can be opened and closed by a special winning opening door 703B.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the front-to-rear dimension L2 (passage width dimension) of the fourth passage section 710D is the same as that of the first passage section 710A and the third passage section 710C, and is shorter than the front-to-rear dimension L1 of the second passage section 710B (L1>L2).

As shown in Figures 12(B) and 14, a number of regulating portions 771, 772, 773, and 774 are formed at predetermined intervals on the front surface of the rear wall portion 721A in the direction in which the game ball flows downward, and a number of regulating portions 781, 782, and 783 are formed at predetermined intervals on the back surface of the front wall portion 731A in the direction in which the game ball flows downward.

Referring to Fig. 12(B), Fig. 14 and Fig. 7, the restricting portions 771, 772, 773 and 774 are configured with vertically elongated plate portions extending in the vertical direction. The restricting portions 781, 782 and 783 are configured with triangular plate portions that are generally triangular in side view and have shorter vertical dimensions than the restricting portions 771, 772, 773 and 774. The protruding dimension of the restricting portions 771, 772, 773 and 774 from the front surface of the rear wall portion 721A and the protruding dimension of the restricting portions 781, 782 and 783 from the rear surface of the front wall portion 731A are the same dimension L6.

These front and rear regulating portions 771, 772, 773, 774 and regulating portions 781, 782, 783 are positioned offset from their opposing positions in the direction in which the game ball flows downstream. In other words, the front and rear regulating portions 771, 772, 773, 774 and regulating portions 781, 782, 783 are alternately positioned in the direction in which the game ball flows downstream. As shown in FIG. 12(B), the front-to-rear separation dimension L4 between regulating portions 771, 772, 773, 774 and regulating portions 781, 782, 783 is shorter than the diameter 2R of the game ball (2R>L4).

As a result, the game ball flowing down the fourth passage section 710D to the left comes into contact with the regulating sections 771, 781, 772, 782, 773, and 783 in an alternating front-to-back manner, and flows down in a meandering manner (so-called zigzag motion) with a forward-to-back component of movement, so the flow speed (movement speed) of the game ball is reduced compared to when the game ball flows down in a straight line to the left (see FIG. 15 (B)).

These regulating sections 771, 772, 773, 774 and regulating sections 781, 782, 783 therefore constitute a second delay means for delaying the time required for the game ball to flow down the fourth passage section 710D which extends from the upstream side of the special winning opening 703A to near the downstream end of the upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B in the second state, in other words, for delaying the movement of the game ball as it passes over the upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B.

(Movement of the gaming ball in the second passage portion 710B and the fourth passage portion 710D)
Next, the second passage portion 710B and the fourth passage portion 710D will be described based on Figures 12, 15, and 16. As shown in Figure 15 (A), the second passage portion 710B is a passage extending from the upstream side of the second start winning opening 701A to the downstream side of the second start winning opening 701A. When the variable winning ball device 6B is in the second state, the start winning opening door 701B constitutes a part of the bottom wall portion 745, so that the game ball flows down toward the second start winning opening 701A, and then passes through the upper surface of the start winning opening door 701B and is guided to the downstream side. When the variable winning ball device 6B is in the first state, the start winning opening door 701B is retracted and the second start winning opening 701A is opened, so that the game ball can enter the second start winning opening 701A.

The front wall 731A and rear wall 721A corresponding to the second passage 710B are provided with alternating regulating sections 751, 752, 753 and regulating sections 761, 762, 763 as first delay means in the direction of the flow of the game ball, so that the movement of the game ball is delayed when it moves on the bottom wall 745 upstream of the second start winning port 701A, and when the variable winning ball device 6B is in the second state, the movement of the game ball is delayed when it moves on the top surface of the start winning port door 701B.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the fourth passage section 710D is a passage extending from the upstream side of the special winning opening 703A to the downstream side of the special winning opening 703A on the downstream side of the second passage section 710B. When the special variable winning ball device 17 is in the second state, the special winning opening door 703B forms part of the bottom wall section 775, so that the game ball flows down toward the special winning opening 703A, and then passes through the upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B and is guided downstream. When the special variable winning ball device 17 is in the first state, the special winning opening door 703B is retracted and the special winning opening 703A is opened, so that the game ball can enter the special winning opening 703A.

The front wall 731A and rear wall 721A corresponding to the fourth passage 710D are provided with alternating regulating sections 771, 772, 773, 774 and regulating sections 781, 782, 783 as first delay means in the direction of the flow of the game ball, so that the movement of the game ball is delayed when it moves on the bottom wall 745 upstream of the special winning opening 703A, and when the special variable winning ball device 17 is in the second state, the movement of the game ball is delayed when it moves on the top surface of the special winning opening door 703B.

Here, we compare the time T1 required for the game ball to flow down the distance L11 of the passage section including the second start winning port 701A from an upstream position to a downstream position in the second passage section 710B with the time T2 required for the game ball to flow down the distance L12 of the passage section including the special winning port 703A from an upstream position to a downstream position in the fourth passage section 710D.

The distances L11 and L12 are the same, and the inclination angle of the start winning door 701B and the bottom wall 745 relative to the horizontal plane is the same as the inclination angle of the special winning door 703B and the bottom wall 775 relative to the horizontal plane. However, as shown in Figures 12 (A) and 12 (B), the front-to-back dimension L1 (passage width dimension) of the second passage portion 710B is longer than the front-to-back dimension L2 of the fourth passage portion 710D (L1>L2), and the restriction portions 751, 752, and 753 of the second passage portion 710B and the restriction portions 761, 7 The protruding dimension L5 of the restricting portions 752 and 762, which have the largest protruding dimension among the restricting portions 62 and 763, is longer than the protruding dimension L6 of the restricting portions 771, 772, 773, and 774 and the restricting portions 781, 782, and 783 of the fourth passage portion 710D (L5>L6), and furthermore, the front-to-rear separation dimension L3 between the largest front and rear restricting portions in the second passage portion 710B is shorter than the front-to-rear separation dimension L4 between the largest front and rear restricting portions in the fourth passage portion 710D (L3<L4).

In other words, the second passage section 710B in which the variable winning ball device 6B is provided has a longer front-to-rear dimension (passage width dimension) than the fourth passage section 710D in which the special variable winning ball device 17 is provided, and the maximum protruding dimension of the regulating parts 751, 752, 753, 761, 762, and 763 constituting the first delay means is longer than the maximum protruding dimension of the regulating parts 771, 772, 773, 774, 781, 782, and 783 constituting the second delay means, so that each passage is The ball's forward and backward swing is large as it flows down toward the left side, and the opening between at least one pair of adjacent front and rear restricting sections in the flow direction is narrow, so the ball flows down toward the left side while meandering forward and backward. This not only makes the game ball move slower through the second passage section 710B than the game ball that moves through the fourth passage section 710D, but also makes the movement distance longer due to the larger forward and backward component.

Therefore, the degree of delay in the movement of the game ball caused by the regulating units 751, 752, 753, 761, 762, and 763 constituting the first delay means is greater than the degree of delay in the movement of the game ball caused by the regulating units 771, 772, 773, 774, 781, 782, and 783 constituting the second delay means, so that the time T1 required for the game ball to flow down the distance L11 is longer than the time T2 required for the game ball to flow down the distance L12 (T1>T2). Note that the degree of delay is the ratio of the moving speed and the time required for the game ball to flow down the first delay means or the second delay means while meandering back and forth, relative to the moving speed and the time required for the game ball to flow down the upper surface of the start winning door 701B or the special winning door 703B toward the downstream third passage section 701C without meandering back and forth.

In this way, the second passage section 710B and the fourth passage section 710D are configured such that the movement speed of the game ball when it passes through the variable winning ball device 6B (upper surface of the start winning opening door 701B) is slower than the movement speed of the game ball when it passes through the special variable winning ball device 17 (upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B) by having different front-to-rear dimensions of the passage and different protruding dimensions from the wall of the regulating parts that constitute the first delay means and the second delay means.

(Flow-down behavior of game balls in the second KT state)
Next, the flow behavior of the game balls in the game ball passage 710 in the second KT state will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in Figure 16 (A), when a player plays with a right-handed hand, game balls can flow into the inlet 723 of the winning unit 700 or the winning ball device 6C, and the game balls that flow into the inlet 723 flow down the game ball passage 710 and then flow out from the outlet 724. When most of the game balls launched at regular intervals (for example, 0.6 second intervals) by the player's right-hand hit operation flow sequentially into the inlet 723, the second passage section 710B is provided with a first delay means (regulators 751, 752, 753 and regulators 761, 762, 763) and the fourth passage section 710D is provided with a second delay means (regulators 771, 772, 773, 774 and regulators 781, 782, 783), so that the moving speed of the game balls in each passage section is slower than the moving speed when they move linearly toward the third passage section 710C without the first or second delay means.

As a result, multiple game balls flow down at the same time, but because the degree of delay by which the first delay means delays the movement of the game balls is greater than the degree of delay by which the second delay means delays the movement of the game balls, there are many situations in which more game balls flow down the second passage section 710B than the fourth passage section 710D. Here, when the game state is the second KT state and a game ball wins in the winning ball device 6C, the variable display of the second special pattern is initiated.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16(B), when the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes a small win and the small win symbol is displayed stationary, for example, two game balls P1 and P2 flow down the top surface of the special winning port door 703B in the fourth passage section 710D, and for example, four game balls P3 to P6 flow down the second passage section 710B.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 16(C), when the special winning door 703B opens based on the small winning symbol being stopped and displayed, the game balls P1 and P2 on the top surface of the special winning door 703B fall and enter (win) the special winning door 703A. However, because the movement of the subsequent game balls P3 to P6 has been delayed by the first delay means, it becomes difficult for these game balls P3 to P6 to enter the special winning door 703A together with the game balls P1 and P2. Therefore, when the special winning door 703A is opened based on the occurrence of a small winning, excessive winning is prevented from occurring due to a large number of game balls entering all at once.

In other words, in a single game ball passage 710 in which two variable winning ball devices are arranged on the upstream and downstream sides, the degree of delay in the movement of the game ball caused by the first delay means provided in the second passage section 710B is greater than the degree of delay in the movement of the game ball caused by the second delay means provided in the fourth passage section 710D, so the movement speed of the game ball passing through the top surface of the start winning port door 701B is slower than the movement speed of the game ball passing through the top surface of the special winning port door 703B, and game balls are more likely to become stuck in the second passage section 710B than in the fourth passage section 710D.

In addition, by delaying the movement of the game balls P1 and P2 on the upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B by the second delay means, it is possible to allow multiple game balls P1 and P2 to win at the same time in the special winning opening 703A when the special winning opening 703A is opened based on the occurrence of a small win, while by delaying the movement of the game balls flowing down the second passage section 710B on the upstream side of the fourth passage section 710D by the first delay means, it is possible to prevent the game balls P1 and P2 flowing down the upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B from winning excessively, as well as subsequent balls P3 to P6, etc., when the special winning opening 703A is opened, and therefore it is possible to optimize the degree of delay of the game balls in each of the upstream variable winning ball device 6B and the downstream special variable winning ball device 17.

In addition, a third passage section 710C is provided between the second passage section 710B and the fourth passage section 710D, which guides the game ball in a forward/backward direction that intersects with the flow direction of the game ball in these passage sections (e.g., diagonally downward to the left). This increases the time required for a subsequent ball flowing down the second passage section 710B to reach the fourth passage section 710D, thereby preventing excessive game balls from winning in the special winning opening 703A when the special winning opening 703A is opened.

In addition, in this embodiment, the degree of delay in the movement of the game balls caused by the first delay means provided in the second passage section 710B is greater than the degree of delay in the movement of the game balls caused by the second delay means provided in the fourth passage section 710D, thereby preventing the game balls P1 and P2 flowing down the top surface of the special winning opening door 703B, as well as subsequent balls P3 to P6, from winning excessively when the special winning opening 703A is opened. For example, as shown in Figures 15 (A) and (B), the second start winning opening 701A is formed smaller than the special winning opening 703A, and the degree of delay in the movement of the game balls caused by the first delay means is made greater than the degree of delay in the movement of the game balls caused by the second delay means, thereby preventing an excessive number of game balls flowing down the top surface of the start winning opening door 701B from winning excessively when the second start winning opening 701A is opened.

Next, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, a light diffusion section 790 is formed in an uneven shape in the area corresponding to the second passage section 710B, the third passage section 710C, and the fourth passage section 710D on the back surface of the rear wall section 721A of the first passage formation unit 700A (see the areas shown by dots in Figures 17 and 18).

The LED board 726 is disposed below the second passage section 710B, the third passage section 710C, and the fourth passage section 710D between the front wall section 731A and the rear wall section 721A, and is disposed approximately parallel to the front wall section 731A and the rear wall section 721A, and a plurality of winning unit LEDs 201 are provided on the front surface of the LED board 726. The plurality of winning unit LEDs 201 are angle LEDs capable of emitting seven colors of light and capable of irradiating light along the front surface of the LED board 726, and are provided so as to be able to irradiate the walls of the second passage section 710B and the fourth passage section 710D, which are constituted by a part of the restricting section 731B of the cover member 731, from below. In addition, the walls of the second passage section 710B and the fourth passage section 710D, which are part of the restricting section 731B, are also formed with uneven light diffusion sections 791.

When the winning unit LED 201 emits light, the light from the winning unit LED 201 enters the walls of the second passage section 710B and the fourth passage section 710D, which are the restricting section 731B, and is diffused by the light diffusion section 791, causing the walls of the second passage section 710B and the fourth passage section 710D to emit light. Furthermore, the light that enters the rear wall section 721A from the restricting section 731B is reflected forward by the light diffusion section 790, diffused, and emitted forward, causing the second passage section 710B, the third passage section 710C, the fourth passage section 710D, the second start winning port 701A, and the special winning port 703A to emit light.

In addition, if the winning unit LED 201 is placed on the back side of the rear wall 721A so that it can irradiate light from the rear to the front, the wiring member C20 etc. described later may get in the way. However, in order to provide a game ball passage 710 in the game area Y formed on the front side of the game board 2, the winning unit LED 201 can be placed in the space below the passage formed between the front wall 731A and the rear wall 721A, so that it is possible to improve space efficiency while achieving an ideal light-emitting performance.

Also, as shown in FIG. 18, on the rear side of the rear wall 721A, the wiring member C1 for electrically connecting the LED board 726 and the performance control board 12 is wired in a roughly inverted C-shape in rear view from the bottom to the upper left along the portion corresponding to the light diffusion section 790. In this way, even when the wiring member C1 is wired on the rear side of the rear wall 721A made of a transparent member, by wiring the wiring member C1 along the rear side of the uneven light diffusion section 790, the light diffusion section 790 impairs visibility from the front, making it difficult for the player to see the wiring member C1 through the rear wall 721A, thereby preventing a decrease in design.

In addition, wiring member C2 for electrically connecting the solenoid 81 and the performance control board 12, wiring member C3 for electrically connecting the solenoid 82 and the performance control board 12, wiring member C4 for electrically connecting the solenoid 83 and the performance control board 12, wiring member C5 for electrically connecting the second start port switch 22C and the performance control board 12, wiring member C6 for electrically connecting the first count switch 23 and the performance control board 12, and wiring member C7 for electrically connecting the second count switch 24 and the performance control board 12 are all gathered on wiring member C1 on the back side of the light diffusion section 790, and each wiring member C1 to C7 is converged at multiple points by bundling member B, making it possible to realize a unit with multiple winning ports and consolidating wiring space.

As shown in FIG. 17(A), the first path forming unit 700A of the winning unit 700 is equipped with an LED board 726 having multiple winning unit LEDs 201 for illuminating the game ball path 710, so that by simply attaching the first path forming unit 700A to the game board 2, the winning unit LEDs 201 for effects can also be provided on the game board 2. Also, the first path forming unit 700A of the winning unit 700 is equipped with a display unit 727 having a display section, so that by simply attaching the first path forming unit 700A to the game board 2, the display unit 727 capable of displaying various information other than the paths can also be provided on the game board 2.

(Push button 31)
Next, the push button 31 will be described with reference to Figs. 19 to 29. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a push button. Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the push button. Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the performance body. Fig. 22 is a front view showing the performance body (A), and (B) is an F-F sectional view of (A). Fig. 23 is a right side view showing the state in which the operation body is in the operation non-detection position (A), and (B) is a G-G sectional view showing the state in which the operation body is in the operation non-detection position. Fig. 24 is a G-G sectional view of Fig. 22 (A), and (B) is a G-G sectional view showing the state in which the operation body is in the operation detection position. Fig. 25 is a H-H sectional view of Fig. 24 (A), and (B) is a G-G sectional view showing the state in which the rotating body is in the separation position. Fig. 26 is a I-I sectional view of Fig. 24 (A). Figs. 27 are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of the performance body (A) to (E). 28A to 28G are diagrams for explaining examples of the operation of various effects during variable display. FIG. 29H to 29J are diagrams for explaining examples of the operation of various effects during variable display.

As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the push button 31 mainly comprises a base body 301 fixed below the glass window 50a in the glass door frame 50, a performance body 302 supported by the base body 301, a front cover 303 attached to the base body 301 so as to cover the front sides of the base body 301 and the performance body 302, and a left cover 304L and a right cover 304R attached to the base body 301 so as to cover the left and right sides of the base body 301 and the performance body 302. The front cover 303, the left cover 304L, and the right cover 304R are made of a non-transparent synthetic resin material.

The base body 301 mainly comprises a horizontal base portion 301A arranged substantially horizontally, left and right support portions 301L, 301R extending diagonally upward and forward from the left and right sides of the horizontal base portion 301A, and an inclined base portion 301B arranged above the horizontal base portion 301A at an angle such that the rear side is positioned higher than the front side.

As shown in Figures 20 and 22 to 24, a rotary motor 310 is fixed at a lower position on the left side surface of the right support part 301R, and a drive gear 320 fixed to the drive shaft 310A of the rotary motor 310, a driven gear 321 meshing with the drive gear 320, a driven gear 322 meshing with the driven gear 321, and a driven gear 323 meshing with the driven gear 322 are each provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis facing in the left-right direction.

On the other hand, on the right side surface of the left support portion 301L, driven gear 331, which is connected coaxially with driven gear 321 via connecting shaft 324, driven gear 332 which meshes with driven gear 331, and driven gear 323 which meshes with driven gear 322 are each provided rotatably about a rotation axis facing in the left-right direction. Therefore, when drive gear 320 is rotated by rotation motor 310, driven gears 321 to 323 rotate, and driven gears 331 to 333 rotate in conjunction with each other via connecting shaft 324.

For ease of explanation, in Figure 20, the driven gears 323, 323 are provided on the performance body 302 side (see Figure 21 for the driven gear 323), but in reality they are rotatably provided on the support parts 301L, 301R.

Support shafts 340A-340C are erected diagonally upward and forward at the left and right positions of the front edge and at the center of the rear edge of the inclined base part 301B to guide the operating body 350 (described later) so that it can move diagonally up and down, and a compression spring 341 is attached to the outer periphery of each support shaft 340A-340C to urge the operating body 350 upward. In addition, a push sensor 35B (see Figure 2) is provided on the inclined base part 301B to detect the operation of the operating body 350.

As shown in FIG. 24, the performance body 302 is mainly composed of an operating body 350 which constitutes a displacement section supported on the base body 301 so as to be movable in an obliquely upward and downward direction between an upper non-operation detection position (see FIG. 23(A)) and an operation detection position (see FIG. 23(B)) below and behind the non-operation detection position, a fixed body 360 which is fixed to the base body 301, and a rotating body 380 which can rotate around the fixed body 360 by the rotation of driven gears 323, 323.

As shown in Figures 21 to 26, the operating body 350 is configured in a substantially spherical shape by an operating base 351 and an operating cover 352 that is attached to the upper part of the operating base 351. Through holes 353A to 353C are formed in the operating base 351, and the support shafts 340A to 340C of the horizontal base part 301A are inserted into these through holes 353A to 353C from below. A compression spring 341 is fitted between the operating base 351 and the horizontal base part 301A in the support shafts 340A to 340C, and the heads of the support shafts 340A to 340C restrict the operation base 351 from moving upward from the operation detection position, so that the operating body 350 is constantly maintained in the operation detection position by the biasing force of the compression spring 341.

In addition, the support shafts 340A to 340C are provided below the rotating body 380, and are positioned so as not to overlap or intersect with the rotating body 380 (see FIG. 24). In addition, a vibration motor 312 is attached to the operation base 351.

The operation cover 352 is made of a transparent synthetic resin material having translucency, and the fixed body 360 and the rotating body 380 arranged inside the operation body 350 can be seen through the operation cover 352. In addition, when the push button 31 is attached to the glass door frame 50, the upper surface and front surface of the operation cover 352 are not covered by the front cover 303, the left cover 304L, and the right cover 304R and are exposed to the outside, forming an operation section that can be pressed by the player (see FIG. 19).

In addition, semicircular cutouts 352L and 352R are formed on the left and right sides of the operation cover 352 to avoid interference with the support parts 301L and 301R of the base body 301.

The fixed body 360 is mainly composed of a fixed base 361, a fixed cover 362 attached to the top of the fixed base 361, a board base 363 arranged between the fixed base 361 and the fixed cover 362, and an LED board 364 fixed to the top surface of the board base 363 and having a number of performance LEDs 313 on the top surface capable of emitting light upward.

The fixed base 361 has a drive mechanism 361A and shafts 361L and 361R extending from the drive mechanism 361A to the left and right. The opening/closing motor 311 is attached to the bottom surface of the drive mechanism 361A. On the top surface of the drive mechanism 361A, there are a drive gear 365 fixed to the drive shaft (not shown) of the opening/closing motor 311 protruding upward, driven gears 366L and 366R arranged to be rotatable around a rotation axis facing up and down on the left and right of the drive gear 365 and meshing with the drive gear 365, and slide members 367L and 367R arranged to be slidable in the left and right direction on the top surfaces of the drive mechanism 361A and the shafts 361L and 361R, and used to slide the rotating body 380 in the left and right direction.

A connecting shaft 366A protrudes from an eccentric position on the upper surface of each of the driven gears 366L and 366R, and the connecting shaft 366A is inserted into a long hole 367A facing the front-rear direction formed in the slide members 367L and 367R. The slide members 367L and 367R are guided between the fixed base 361 and the upper board base 363 so that they can move left and right. Therefore, when the opening/closing motor 311 rotates the drive gear 365 and the driven gears 366L and 366R forward and backward, the slide members 367L and 367R move left and right between a close position (see FIG. 25(A)) where they are close to each other and a separated position (see FIG. 25(B)) where they are separated left and right.

The fixed cover 362 is made of a transparent synthetic resin material and has a hemisphere 362A and shafts 362L and 362R extending from the hemisphere 362A to the left and right. The surface of the hemisphere 362A is formed in a diamond cut shape, and the backs of the hemisphere 362A and the shafts 362L and 362R are formed with uneven light diffusion sections 368 (see FIG. 26). The hemisphere 362A is provided to cover the front side of the LED board 364, so that the light from the performance LED 313 can be diffused and emitted to the outside. In addition, a part of the light incident on the hemisphere 362A from the performance LED 313 is guided to the shafts 362L and 362R, and is diffused by the light diffusion sections 368 formed on the backs of the shafts 362L and 362R so that it can be emitted to the outside.

The board base 363 has a board section 363A on which the LED board 364 is arranged, and a wiring cover section 363B extending to the right side from the board section 363A, and is arranged between the fixed base 361 and the fixed cover 362 to divide the space formed by the fixed base 361 and the fixed cover 362 into upper and lower sections. Thus, the lower surface of the board base 363 forms a space for arranging the drive mechanism sections such as the slide members 367L and 367R, while the upper surface of the board base 363 forms a wiring space in which the wiring member C20 for connecting the LED board 364 and the performance control board 12 can be wired (see FIG. 26).

The wiring member C20, one end of which is connected, is arranged along the wiring space formed by the wiring cover part 363B and the shaft part 362R of the fixed cover 362, and is routed to the right side from the right end part of the wiring cover part 363B. In addition, a light diffusion part 368 is formed on the inner surface of the shaft part 362R, making it difficult to see the wiring member C20 inside from the outside of the fixed cover 362.

The rotating body 380 has rotating parts 381L, 381R that are shaped like a hollow sphere divided into left and right halves, and movable rings 382L, 382R and connecting rings 383L, 383R that are rotatably mounted on a substantially cylindrical shaft portion (hereinafter referred to as shaft portions 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R) that faces left and right and is formed by shaft portions 361L, 361R of the fixed base 361 and shaft portions 362L, 362R of the fixed cover 362.

The rotating parts 381L, 381R are made of a synthetic resin material that is transparent and colored a predetermined color (e.g., red), and the inner surface is formed with an uneven light diffusion part 385. In addition, the side surface is formed with a hole part 384 into which the shaft parts 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R can be inserted, and around the hole part 384, two insertion holes 387 are formed into which the connecting shaft 386 for connecting and fixing the driven gears 323, 333 of the base body 301 to the connecting rings 383L, 383R can be inserted.

The movable rings 382L, 382R are formed with circular openings 389 into which the shafts 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R can be inserted. The ends 367B of the slide members 367L, 367R are placed in the openings 389, and the movable rings 382L, 382R are rotatable relative to the slide members 367L, 367R and are non-detachably engaged outward. The movable rings 382L, 382R are secured to the rotating parts 381L, 381R via screws so that the ends 367B of the slide members 367L, 367R placed in the openings 389 are sandwiched between the rotating parts 381L, 381R from the left and right.

Moveable rings 382L, 382R have two insertion holes 388 formed on the periphery of opening 389, and by inserting these insertion holes 388 into connecting shaft 386, they are guided by connecting shaft 386 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. In other words, movable rings 382L, 382R and rotating parts 381L, 381R integrated with movable rings 382L, 382R are guided by connecting shaft 386 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction.

The driven gears 323, 333, which are integrated with the connecting rings 383L, 383R via the connecting shaft 386, have circular openings 334 into which the shafts 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R can be inserted, and are supported by the left and right support parts 301L, 301R of the base body 301 so as to be rotatable around the shafts 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R.

As shown in Figures 23 to 26, the fixed body 360 is fixed to the base body 301 by fixing the left and right shaft portions 361L, 362L, 361R, and 362R in through holes 335 formed in the support portions 301L and 301R so as not to rotate relative to each other, and the ends of the shaft portions 361L, 362L, 361R, and 362R are exposed to the sides through the through holes 335. In addition, openings are formed in the right end faces of the right shaft portions 361R and 362R, so that the wiring member C20 can be routed outward from the support portion 301R.

Rotating parts 381L, 381R, movable rings 382L, 382R, connecting rings 383L, 383R, and driven gears 323, 333 are rotatably inserted into the shaft parts 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R facing the left and right directions. Therefore, when the driven gears 323, 333 rotate by rotating the rotation motor 310, the movable rings 382L, 382R and rotating parts 381L, 381R inserted into two connecting shafts 386 parallel to the shaft parts 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R rotate around the shaft parts 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R.

In addition, the opening/closing motor 311 rotates the drive gear 365 and driven gears 366L, 366R forward and backward, causing the slide members 367L, 367R to move left and right between a close position (see FIG. 25(A)) and a separated position (see FIG. 25(B)). As a result, the left and right rotating parts 381L, 381R slide left and right between a combined position (origin position) where the left and right rotating parts 381L, 381R come into contact with or come close to each other to form a spherical body, as shown in FIG. 25(A), and a separated position where the left and right rotating parts 381L, 381R separate from each other and the spherical body is separated into left and right bodies, as shown in FIG. 25(B).

(Example of operation of push button 31)
Next, an example of the operation of the push button 31 will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 27. The push button 31 is mainly composed of a base body 301, an operating body 350 that is provided so as to be displaceable relative to the base body 301, a fixed body 360 that is fixed to the base body 301, and a performance body 302 that is made up of a rotating body 380 that is rotatable relative to the fixed body 360, with the hollow rotating body 380 disposed inside the hollow operating body 350 and the fixed body 360 disposed inside the rotating body 380.

As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the push button 31 has an operating body 350 on the performance body 302 that can move diagonally up and down between an upper non-operation detection position (see Figures 23(A) and 24(A)) and a lower operation detection position (see Figures 23(B) and 24(B)). Normally, it is maintained in the operation non-detection position by the force of the compression spring 341, and moves to the operation detection position when the operation cover 352 is pressed downward. At the operation detection position, the push sensor 35B detects a detection part (not shown) provided on the operation base 351, detecting a pressing operation (action) by the player. Also, when the hand is released, it is urged to the operation non-detection position by the force of the compression spring 341.

As shown in FIG. 24, the upward movement of the operating body 350 is restricted by the operation base 351 abutting against the heads of the support shafts 340A-340C in the operation non-detection position, and the downward movement is restricted by the predetermined portion 351A of the operation base 351 abutting against the predetermined portion 301T of the inclined base portion 301B of the base body 301 in the operation detection position. On the other hand, the operation cover 352 that can be operated by the player is arranged so as not to come into contact with other members such as the support portions 301L, 301R in both the operation non-detection position and the operation detection position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, in both the operation non-detection position and the operation detection position, there is no contact because a gap S is formed between the support portions 301L, 301R and the cutout portions 352L, 352R of the operation cover 352.

Therefore, even if a player presses down hard on the operation cover 352 and receives an impact, the operation cover 352 is unlikely to break, and injury to the player can be suppressed. Furthermore, this gap S is covered by the left cover 304L and the right cover 304R, preventing the player's fingers from getting pinched, etc.

The operating body 350 is movably guided by the three support shafts 340A-340C with respect to the inclined base portion 301B of the base body 301, and is maintained in a non-operation detection position by being urged upward by the urging force of the compression spring 341, and the insertion holes 353A-353C of the operating base 351 are formed with a larger diameter than the support shafts 340A-340C. Therefore, it can be vibrated by the vibration motor 312. In detail, the operating body 350 includes a reciprocating motion in which the operating base 351 moves diagonally up and down along the support shafts 340A-340C, and a reciprocating motion in which the operating base 351 tilts forward, backward, left, and right due to the play between the support shafts 340A-340C and the insertion holes 353A-353C.

The vibrations generated by the vibration motor 312 are also transmitted to the base body 301 via the support shafts 340A-340C, and are transmitted from the base body 301 not only to the fixed body 360 and the rotating body 380, but also to the glass door frame 50 and the gaming machine frame 3, allowing the entire pachinko gaming machine 1 to vibrate. The vibrations can also be transmitted to the player via the ball-hitting operation handle 30.

In addition, of the performance body 302, only the operating body 350 displaces (moves) relative to the base body 301 in response to the player's operation; the fixed body 360 and the rotating body 380 do not move in response to the operation of the operating body 350, so that the external force caused by the player's operation is not directly transmitted to the rotating body 380, which is capable of rotating operation, or the fixed body 360 to which its drive mechanism is attached, which causes disconnection or malfunction. In addition, the wiring member C20 is routed around the top side of the wiring cover portion 363B within the right-side shaft portions 361R, 362R, so that the rotating body 380 is not affected by the operation of the operating body 350.

As shown in FIG. 25, the rotating body 380 can be rotated vertically around the shafts 361L, 362L, 361R, 362R facing left and right and supported by the base body 301 by the rotation motor 310, and the opening/closing motor 311 causes the sliding members 367L, 367R to slide left and right between the close position and the separated position, causing the rotating parts 381L, 381R to slide left and right between the combined position (see FIG. 25(A)) and the separated position (see FIG. 25(B)). In this way, the rotating body 380 can perform a vertical rotation operation by the rotation motor 310, a left and right sliding movement operation by the opening/closing motor 311, and a vertical rotation movement and a sliding movement operation by the rotation motor 310 and the opening/closing motor 311, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 27(A), when the rotating parts 381L, 381R of the rotating body 380 are located at the combined position, which is the origin position, in the performance body 302 configured in this manner, the internal rotating body 380 is visible through the operation cover 352 of the operating body 350, but the fixed body 360 inside the rotating body 380 is difficult to see.

The performance body 302 is capable of a sliding action (first action) in which the opening/closing motor 311 causes the rotating parts 381L, 381R of the rotating body 380 to slide linearly left and right (first direction), as shown in FIG. 27(B); a rotation action (second action) in which the rotating motor 310 causes the rotating parts 381L, 381R of the rotating body 380 to rotate vertically (second direction), as shown in FIG. 27(C) and (D); and a reciprocating action (third action) in which the vibration motor 312 causes the operating body 350 to vibrate and reciprocate in three dimensional directions, up and down, front and back, and left and right, as shown in FIG. 27(E).

Also, as shown in Figures 27 (C) and (D), when the rotating parts 381L, 381R of the rotating body 380 are rotating vertically, the performance control CPU 120 performs light emission control to sequentially light up the multiple performance LEDs 313 clockwise (or counterclockwise) when viewed from the front, that is, in a horizontal rotation direction different from the second direction, the vertical rotation direction, thereby performing a light emission performance in which the hemispherical fixed cover 362, which emits the light of these performance LEDs 313 outward, appears to be rotating. In other words, by simultaneously performing the rotation of the structure by the rotating parts 381L, 381R and the rotational light emission control by the performance LEDs 313, the rotation can be made to look better, increasing interest.

In addition to the rotational movement of the rotating body 380 and the rotational light emission control by the performance LED 313, the vibration motor 312 can cause the operating body 350 to move back and forth in three dimensions, as shown in FIG. 27 (E).

In this way, the performance control CPU 120 can individually execute a sliding movement (first action) in the left-right direction (first direction) of the rotating body 380 in the performance body 302, a rotation movement (second action) in the vertical direction (second direction) different from the first direction of the rotating body 380, and a reciprocating movement (third action) different from the first and second actions of the operating body 350, and can also execute a combination of at least two or more of the first, second, and third actions.

(Examples of various effects during variable display)
Next, based on Figure 28, using the variable display of Super Reach as an example, an example of operation in various presentations executed by the presentation control CPU 120 while the variable display of Super Reach is being executed will be described.

As shown in FIG. 28(A), for example, after the variable display of the Super Reach has begun, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the variable display state becomes normal reach and the normal reach presentation begins, as shown in FIG. 28(B). Next, before the timing of switching from normal reach to super reach, as shown in FIG. 28(C), the presentation control CPU 120 begins an operation promotion presentation that encourages the operation of the push button 31.

In the operation promotion performance, an operation promotion image Z1 consisting of a button image imitating the push button 31, a time gauge image showing the operation valid period, and a text image saying "Press!" is displayed for a predetermined period. At this time, the push button 31 is in a non-operation state in which the operating body 350 is maintained in a non-operation detection position and does not perform a reciprocating motion (third motion), the rotating body 380 is in a non-operational state in which no sliding motion (first motion) or rotation motion (second motion) is performed at the combined position (origin position), and the performance LED 313 is in a non-illuminating state. Next, as shown in Figures 28 (D) and (E), a super reach performance begins in which ally character Z2 and enemy character Z3 face off against each other.

Then, as shown in FIG. 28(F), when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the super reach effect, the reduced display of the effect image Z4 begins, and the rotating body 380 on the push button 31 is separated into left and right by a first action. Next, as shown in FIG. 28(G), the separated left and right rotating bodies 380 begin to rotate vertically by a second action, and the rotating light-emitting effect by the effect LED 313 begins.

Furthermore, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 29(A), a deciding operation display is started to notify whether or not a jackpot has been hit, and an operation promotion display that promotes operation of the push button 31 is started. Here, an operation promotion image Z5 consisting of a button image larger than the button image in FIG. 28(C) is displayed for a predetermined period of time. Note that the operation promotion image Z5 is a button image that imitates (corresponds to) the push button 31 in which the rotating body 380 separated into left and right by a first operation rotates vertically by a second operation, while a rotational light-emitting display is performed by the performance LED 313.

Next, as shown in FIG. 29(I), if the variable display result is a jackpot, when the operation of the push button 31 is detected or the operation valid period has elapsed without any operation being detected, a jackpot notification image Z6 is displayed to notify that the ally character Z2 has defeated the enemy character Z3 and won the battle, and the push button 31 causes the rotating body 380, which was separated into left and right by the first operation, to rotate vertically by the second operation while the performance LED 313 performs a rotational light-emitting performance, and the operating body 350 moves back and forth in three dimensions, i.e., vibrates, by the third operation, thereby notifying that the variable display result is a jackpot.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 29(J), if the variable display result is a miss, when the operation of the push button 31 is detected or the operation valid period has elapsed without any operation being detected, a miss notification image Z7 is displayed to notify the player that the ally character Z2 has been knocked down by the enemy character Z3 and has lost the battle. In response to this, the second action, the third action, and the rotational light-emitting effect of the push button 31 are stopped, and the first action returns the rotating body 380 to the combined position, thereby notifying the player that the variable display result is a miss.

In this way, in the super reach presentation, the player presses the operating body 350 of the push button 31, causing it to move (displace) from a non-operation detection position to an operation detection position, and based on the player's operation (motion) being detected by the push sensor 35B, the push button 31 performs a combination of multiple actions, such as a second action (vertical rotation) of the rotating body 380 and a third action (vibration) of the operating body 350 by the vibration motor 312, thereby increasing interest.

(About each production device)
The first performance device 500 and the second performance device 800 will be described with reference to Fig. 30 to Fig. 32. Fig. 30 (A) is a front view showing the first performance device and the second performance device before operation, and (B) is a front view showing the first performance device after operation and the second performance device before operation. Fig. 31 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the second performance device before operation, and (B) is a front view showing the second performance device after operation. Fig. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing the first performance device and the second performance device.

As shown in Figures 30 to 32, the first performance device 500 has a base frame 550 fixedly installed between the image display device 5 and the game board 2, and a plurality of first performance units 510, second performance units 520L, 520R, third performance units 530L, 530R, and fourth performance units 540L, 540R movably mounted on the base frame 550. The first movable body 501 is movable between an origin position located at the top of the base frame 550 and a performance position (see Figure 30(B)) below the origin position (see Figure 30(A)). By moving the first movable body 501 from the origin position to the performance position, the first performance unit 510, second performance units 520L, 520R, third performance units 530L, 530R, and fourth performance units 540L, 540R form a single structure (in this embodiment, the head of a specified character).

The second performance device 800 has second movable bodies 800L, 800R operably attached to both the left and right sides of the base frame 550, and the second movable bodies 800L, 800R can be moved from the origin position (see FIG. 30) toward the front side of the image display device 5 toward the center of the image display device 5, which is the performance position (see FIG. 31(A)), or moved from the origin position (see FIG. 30) toward the front side of the image display device 5 toward the center of the image display device 5, which is the performance position, and the decorative members 803, 803 can be tilted to face each other (see FIG. 31(B)).

(First performance device 500)
Next, the first performance device 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 30 and Figs. 32 to 36. Fig. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the first performance device as seen from the right front. Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the first performance device 500. This is an exploded perspective view of the performance device, seen diagonally from the rear right.

As shown in Figures 30 and 32, the first performance device 500 includes a base frame 550, a first performance unit 510 that is movable in the vertical direction between a first origin position (see Figure 30(A)) and a first performance position (see Figure 30(B)), second performance units 520L, 520R that are movable in a direction different from the movement direction of the first performance unit 510 between a second origin position (see Figure 30(A)) and a second performance position (see Figure 30(B)), third performance units 530L, 530R that are movable in a direction different from the movement direction of the first performance unit 510 between a third origin position (see Figure 30(A)) and a third performance position (see Figure 30(B)), and third performance units 530L, 530R that are movable in a direction different from the movement direction of the first performance unit 510 between a fourth origin position (see Figure 30(A)) and a fourth performance position (see Figure 30(B)). It is mainly composed of a first movable body 501 having a fourth performance unit 540L, 540R that can move in a direction, a first drive mechanism 560 that operates the first performance unit 510 between a first origin position and a first performance position, and a base holding frame 559 that holds a control board (not shown) that controls the first drive mechanism 560 and the first performance motors 560L, 560R of the first drive mechanism 560 and is arranged on the upper rear side of the base frame 550. The first performance unit 510 arranged at each performance position, the second performance units 520L, 520R, the third performance units 530L, 530R, and the fourth performance units 540L, 540R can be recognized as a single structure (in this embodiment, the head of a specified character) (see FIG. 30(B)).

The second performance unit 520L, 520R, the third performance unit 530L, 530R and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R are directly or indirectly connected to the first performance unit 510, and in response to the movement of the first performance unit 510 from the first origin position to the first performance position by the first drive mechanism 560, the second performance unit 520L, 520R can move from the second origin position to the second performance position, the third performance unit 530L, 530R can move from the third origin position to the third performance position, and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R can move from the fourth origin position to the fourth performance position.

As shown in Figures 32 and 33, the base frame 550 has, in order from the top, first slits 552L, 552R that penetrate in the front-rear direction and extend diagonally, first shafts 551L, 551R that protrude forward, guide rails 553L, 553R (see Figure 32) that extend in the up-down direction and are fixed to the left side edge or the right side edge, second shafts 554L, 554R that protrude forward, arc-shaped second slits 555L, 555R that penetrate in the front-rear direction, and third shafts 556L, 556R that protrude forward.

As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the first performance section 510 is arranged on the front side of the base frame 550, and is mainly composed of a movable member 511, a decorative member 512 arranged on the front side of the movable member 511, an axis member 513 fixed to the lower end of the movable member 511 and protruding further forward than the decorative member 512, an LED board 514 (see dashed line frame in Figure 34) arranged between the movable member 511 and the decorative member 512 and having multiple LEDs 514A (see Figure 2) for the first performance section, and a wiring holder 515 (see dashed line frame in Figure 34) attached to the back side of the movable member 511.

The movable member 511 has first performance section rails 511a, 511b extending in the vertical direction, first slits 511c, 511d penetrating in the front-to-rear direction and extending diagonally, and second slits 511e, 511f (see dashed line frame in Figure 34) penetrating in the front-to-rear direction and extending left-to-right. The first performance section rails 511a, 511b are slidably arranged along the guide rails 553L, 553R of the base frame 550.

The decorative member 512 has a light-transmitting portion formed of transparent resin, and the light emitted from the first performance portion LED 514A of the LED board 514 can be transmitted through the light-transmitting portion. In addition, a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the center of the shaft member 513.

The second performance units 520L and 520R have a connecting member 523 that rotatably connects the second performance units 520L and 520R. Note that the left and right second performance units 520L and 520R have substantially the same configuration, so the explanation of the second performance unit 520R will be simplified.

A first shaft portion 521a protrudes from the right side of the back surface of the second performance portion 520L, and a through hole penetrating in the front-to-rear direction is formed in the center of the first shaft portion 521a (see FIG. 34). A second shaft portion 521b protrudes from the left end of the back surface of the second performance portion 520L. The second shaft portion 521b is inserted into the first slit 552L of the base frame 550 and is capable of sliding along the first slit 552L.

Similar to the second performance section 520L, a first shaft section 522a and a second shaft section 522b are formed on the back surface of the second performance section 520R, and the second shaft section 522b is inserted into the first slit 552R of the base frame body 550 and is capable of sliding along the first slit 552R.

A pair of left and right shafts, a first shaft 523a and a second shaft 523b, protruding rearward, are formed in the left-right central portion of the rear side of the connecting member 523 (see FIG. 34). The first shaft 523a is inserted into the through hole of the first shaft 521a of the second performance part 520L, and the second shaft 523b is inserted into the through hole of the first shaft 522a of the second performance part 520R. As a result, the second performance part 520L can rotate around the first shaft 523a, and the second performance part 520R can rotate around the second shaft 523b. In addition, since the first shaft 523a has a longer dimension in the front-rear direction than the first shaft 521a of the second performance part 520L, the rear end protruding from the first shaft 521a of the second performance part 520L is fixed to the through hole of the shaft member 513. That is, the second performance parts 520L and 520R are connected to the shaft member 513 of the first performance part 510 via the first shaft part 523a of the connecting member 523.

The third performance units 530L and 530R are located on the front side of the first performance unit 510 and below the second performance units 520L and 520R, respectively, and have fourth gears 533L and 533R. Note that the third performance units 530L and 530R have approximately the same configuration, so the explanation of the third performance unit 530R will be simplified.

The rear side of the third performance unit 530L has a first shaft portion 531a formed on one end side (upper side) that protrudes rearward, a second shaft portion 531b located below the first shaft portion 531a and protruding rearward, and a permanent magnet 534 fixed to the other end (lower side) (see Figure 34). Like the third performance unit 530L, the third performance unit 530R has a first shaft portion 532a, a second shaft portion 532b, and a permanent magnet 534 (see Figure 34).

The fourth performance units 540L, 540R are located between the first performance unit 510 and the third performance unit 530L, 530R, and below the second performance units 520L, 520R, and have third arms 543L, 543R and fourth arms 544L, 544R. Note that the fourth performance units 540L, 540R have approximately the same configuration, so the description of the fourth performance unit 540R will be simplified.

The fourth performance section 540L has a through hole 541a penetrating in the front-rear direction and an arc-shaped slit 541b penetrating in the front-rear direction. In addition, a first shaft portion 541c and a second shaft portion 541d protruding rearward are formed on the back side of the fourth performance section 540L. The first shaft portion 531a of the third performance section 530L is inserted into the through hole 541a of the fourth performance section 540L. Since the first shaft portion 531a has a longer dimension in the front-rear direction than the through hole 541a, the back side end protruding from the through hole 541a is fixed to the fourth gear 533L. The second shaft portion 531b of the third performance section 530L is inserted into the slit 541b of the fourth performance section 540L, and the second shaft portion 531b can slide along the slit 541b. The first shaft portion 541c is inserted into the first slit 511c of the movable member 511 and is slidable along the first slit 511c, and since its length in the front-to-rear direction is longer than the first slit 511c, its rear end protrudes from the first slit 511c and is rotatably attached to the first through hole 543a of the third arm 543L. In other words, the fourth performance portion 540L is connected to the movable member 511 of the first performance portion 510 via the first shaft portion 541c and the third arm 543L.

Similar to the fourth performance section 540L, the fourth performance section 540R is formed with a through hole 542a, a slit 542b, a first shaft portion 542c, and a second shaft portion 542d. The first shaft portion 532a of the third performance section 530R is inserted into the through hole 542a of the fourth performance section 540R, and the rear end of the first shaft portion 532a protruding from the through hole 541a is fixed to the fourth gear 533R. The second shaft portion 532b of the third performance section 530R is inserted into the slit 542b of the fourth performance section 540R, and the second shaft portion 532b can slide along the slit 542b. The first shaft portion 542c of the fourth performance portion 540R is inserted into the first slit 511d of the movable member 511 and is slidable along the first slit 511d, and the rear end portion protruding from the first slit 511d is rotatably attached to the first through hole 543a of the third arm 543R. In other words, the fourth performance portion 540R is connected to the movable member 511 of the first performance portion 510 via the first shaft portion 542c and the third arm 543R.

The third arms 543L and 543R have a first through hole 543a penetrating in the front-rear direction at one end (upper end) and a second through hole 543b penetrating in the front-rear direction at the other end (lower end). The third arm 543L is rotatable around the second shaft portion 554L by inserting the second shaft portion 554L of the base frame 550 into the second through hole 543b. The third arm 543R is rotatable around the second shaft portion 554R by inserting the second shaft portion 554R of the base frame 550 into the second through hole 543b.

The fourth arms 544L and 544R have a gear portion 544a protruding forward at one end (upper end), a through hole 544b penetrating in the front-rear direction at the other end (lower end), and a shaft portion 544c protruding backward at the center of the back side in the vertical direction, and the gear portion 544a has a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction. The fourth arm 544L is rotatable around the second shaft portion 541d by inserting the second shaft portion 541d of the fourth performance portion 540L into the through hole of the gear portion 544a, and the gear portion 544a is meshed with the fourth gear 533L. The fourth arm 544L is rotatable around the third shaft portion 556L by inserting the third shaft portion 556L of the base frame body 550 into the through hole 544b. Furthermore, the shaft portion 544c of the fourth arm 544L is inserted into the second slit 555L of the base frame 550 and is capable of sliding along the second slit 555L.

The fourth arm 544R has the second shaft 542d of the fourth performance part 540R inserted into the through hole of the gear part 544a, so that it can rotate around the second shaft 542d, and the gear part 544a is meshed with the fourth gear 533R. The fourth arm 544R has the third shaft 556R of the base frame 550 inserted into the through hole 544b, so that it can rotate around the third shaft 556R. Furthermore, the shaft part 544c of the fourth arm 544R is inserted into the second slit 555R of the base frame 550, so that it can slide along the second slit 555R.

The third arm 543L and the fourth arm 544L attached to the base frame 550 and the fourth performance section 540L are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and the line segment between the first through hole 543a of the third arm 543L and the through hole of the gear section 544a of the fourth arm 544L and the line segment between the second through hole 543b of the third arm 543L and the through hole 544b of the fourth arm 544L are approximately parallel to each other. In other words, the base frame 550, the fourth performance section 540L, the third arm 543L, and the fourth arm 544L form a parallel link.

The third arm 543R and the fourth arm 544R attached to the base frame 550 and the fourth performance section 540R are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and the line segment between the first through hole 543a of the third arm 543R and the through hole of the gear section 544a of the fourth arm 544R and the line segment between the second through hole 543b of the third arm 543R and the through hole 544b of the fourth arm 544R are approximately parallel to each other. In other words, the base frame 550, the fourth performance section 540R, the third arm 543R and the fourth arm 544R form a parallel link.

The third performance unit 530L is connected to the fourth performance units 540L and 540R via the first and second shafts 531a and 531b and the fourth gear 533L, and the third performance unit 530R is connected to the fourth performance units 540L and 540R via the first and second shafts 532a and 532b and the fourth gear 533R. In other words, the third performance units 530L and 530R are connected to the first performance unit 510 via the fourth performance units 540L and 540R.

The first drive mechanism 560 is mainly composed of first performance motors 560L, 560R connected to the control board described above, first gears 561L, 561R (see Figure 34) attached to the drive shafts of the first performance motors 560L, 560R, second gears 562L, 562R (see Figure 33) meshing with the first gears 561L, 561R, third gears 563L, 563R (see Figure 33) meshing with the second gears 562L, 562R, a first arm body 564 which follows the rotation of the third gear 563L and transmits electricity used to operate the first performance motors 560L, 560R to the first performance section 510, and a second arm 565 which follows the rotation of the third gear 563R. The third gears 563L and 563R have a shaft portion 563a that protrudes radially outward from the outer diameter end and protrudes forward in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 33).

The first arm body 564 is mainly composed of a first arm member 566 and a wiring cover member 567 for protecting a wiring member 509 that is attached to the first arm member 566 and electrically connects the LED board 514 to the performance control board 12, including a relay board, etc., provided on a board holding frame 559 outside the first performance section 510.

The first arm member 566 is formed with, in order from one end (right end) side, a first shaft portion 566a (see FIG. 33) that protrudes forward, a second shaft portion 566b (see FIG. 34) that is formed on the back side of the first shaft portion 566a and protrudes backward in an arc shape, a slit 566c that penetrates in the front-rear direction and extends along the longitudinal direction, and a through hole 566d that penetrates in the front-rear direction. The first shaft portion 566a is inserted into the second slit 511e of the movable member 511 and is slidable along the second slit 511e. The shaft portion 563a of the third gear 563L is inserted into the slit 566c and is slidable relatively along the slit 566c. In addition, the first arm member 566 is rotatable around the first shaft portion 551L of the base frame 550, with the first shaft portion 551L being inserted into the through hole 566d.

A circular eaves portion 567a is formed at one end of the wiring cover member 567 located at the center in the left-right direction, and an arc-shaped rising portion 567b is formed at the outer diameter end of the eaves portion 567a, protruding forward in the front-to-rear direction and extending concentrically with the eaves portion 567a.

The first arm body 564 has a hollow portion between the first arm member 566 and the wiring cover member 567 that communicates from one end side (the eaves portion 567a side) to the other end side (the through hole 566d side), and the wiring member 509 can be arranged in the hollow portion (see Figure 35).

The second arm 565 is formed with, in order from one end (left end), a first shaft portion 565a (see FIG. 33) that protrudes forward, a slit 565c that penetrates in the front-rear direction and extends along the longitudinal direction, and a through hole 565d that penetrates in the front-rear direction. The first shaft portion 565a is inserted into the second slit 511f of the movable member 511 and is slidable along the second slit 511f. The shaft portion 563a of the third gear 563R is inserted into the slit 565c and the shaft portion 563a is relatively slidable along the slit 565c. In addition, the first shaft portion 551R of the base frame 550 is inserted into the through hole 565d of the second arm 565 and is rotatable around the first shaft portion 551R.

(Operation example of first rendering device 500)
Next, an example of the operation of the first performance device 500 will be described based on Fig. 35 and Fig. 36. Fig. 35 (A) is an explanatory diagram of the wiring cover member when the first performance device is in the origin position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram of the wiring cover member when the first performance device is in the performance position. Fig. 36 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the first movable body is in the origin position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the first movable body is in the performance position. Note that Fig. 36 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of each performance unit.

As shown in FIG. 36, the first performance device 500 drives the first performance motors 560L, 560R of the first drive mechanism 560 to move the first performance unit 510 from the first origin position to the first performance position, and as the first performance unit 510 moves, the second performance units 520L, 520R move from the second origin position to the second performance position, the third performance units 530L, 530R move from the third origin position to the third performance position, and the fourth performance units 540L, 540R move from the fourth origin position to the fourth performance position, with each of these performance units forming a single structure (in this embodiment, the character's head). The operation of the first movable body 501 will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 36(A), when the first movable body 501 is located at the origin position, the first performance unit 510 is partially overlapped with the front side of the image display device 5 at the first origin position, the second performance unit 520L, 520R is partially overlapped with the front side of the image display device 5 at the second origin position, the third performance unit 530L, 530R is partially overlapped with the front side of the image display device 5 at the third origin position, and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R is partially overlapped with the front side of the image display device 5 at the fourth origin position. In addition, the first performance unit 510 located at the first origin position, the second performance unit 520L, 520R located at the second origin position, the third performance unit 530L, 530R located at the third origin position, and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R located at the fourth origin position at least partially overlap each other in the front-to-rear direction.

By driving the first performance motors 560L and 560R, the first gears 561L and 561R, the second gears 562L and 562R, and the third gears 563L and 563R are driven. At this time, the shaft portion 563a of the third gear 563L rotates in a clockwise direction and slides relatively from left to right along the slit 566c of the first arm body 564. Accordingly, the first arm body 564 rotates in a clockwise direction around the first shaft portion 551L of the base frame body 550. Similarly, the shaft portion 563a of the third gear 563R, which rotates in a counterclockwise direction, moves relatively from right to left along the slit 565c of the second arm 565. Accordingly, the second arm 565 rotates in a clockwise direction around the first shaft portion 551R of the base frame body 550.

The right end of the first arm body 564 absorbs left-right movement as the first shaft portion 566a moves back and forth left and right within the second slit 511e of the movable member 511. Similarly, the left end of the second arm 565 absorbs left-right movement as the first shaft portion 565a moves back and forth left and right within the second slit 511f of the movable member 511. As a result, the first arm body 564 and the second arm 565 move the first performance portion 510 in a straight line downward from the first origin position towards the first performance position.

The wiring member 509 is pulled from the rotation center side of the first arm body 564 toward the tip, and then wrapped around the top of the second shaft portion 566b toward the wiring holder 515 below. As shown in FIG. 35 in particular, the wiring cover member 567 prevents the wiring member 509 from being pinched near the connection portion 570 between the first arm body 564 and the base frame body 550 as the first arm body 564 rotates, thereby preventing the wiring member 509 from being broken.

In detail, when the first arm body 564 rotates downward, the wiring member 509 is easily bent at the right end side (the side of the eaves 567a) of the wiring cover member 567 (see FIG. 35B). In other words, the wiring member 509 has a length with a margin in advance so as not to hinder the rotation of the first arm body 564, and the first shaft portion 565a of the first arm body 564 is connected to the second slit 511e of the first performance part 510 so as to be movable in the left-right direction and rotatable. Therefore, the wiring member 509 cannot be fixed at the connection portion 570 between the first arm body 564 and the first performance part 510. Therefore, when the first arm body 564 rotates downward, the wiring member 509 is bent in the vicinity of the connection portion 570. Therefore, the eaves portion 567a of the wiring cover member 567 is arranged to cover the vicinity of the connection portion 570 from the rear side, thereby restricting the wiring member 509 from bending backward, and the rising portion 567b restricts the wiring member 509 from protruding outward beyond the eaves portion 567a. As a result, the wiring member 509 protrudes significantly toward the rear side, preventing it from being pinched between the first arm body 564 and the base frame body 550 when the first movable body 501 returns from the performance position to the origin position, for example.

The first arm member 566 is capable of supporting the wiring member 509 by the second shaft portion 566b, and prevents the wiring member 509 from hanging down in an unintended position, thereby preventing the wiring member 509 hanging down in an unintended position from being pinched between the first arm body 564 and the base frame body 550.

The eaves portion 567a of the wiring cover member 567 is circular with its center at the second shaft portion 566b and is formed to widely cover the periphery of the connection portion 570 consisting of the second shaft portion 566b and the second slit 511e. Therefore, even if the wiring member 509 is significantly deformed and bent in response to the rotation of the first arm body 564, it is prevented from protruding to the rear side, and is prevented from being pinched between the first arm body 564 and the base frame body 550.

Returning to FIG. 36, when the first performance section 510 moves from the first origin position to the first performance position, the second performance sections 520L, 520R move downward following the first performance section 510. In conjunction with this, the second shaft sections 521b, 522b of the second performance sections 520L, 520R are guided from the left and right ends to the center end along the first slits 552L, 552R of the base frame body 550.

As a result, when the second performance parts 520L, 520R move from the second origin position to the second performance position, the first axis parts 521a, 522a of the second performance parts 520L, 520R move downward, while the second performance parts 520L, 520R rotate in opposite directions when viewed from the front around the first axis part 523a and the second axis part 523b, and come into contact with each other.

When the first performance section 510 moves from the first origin position to the first performance position, the fourth performance sections 540L, 540R move along the first slits 511c, 511d of the first performance section 510, with the first shaft sections 541c, 542c following the movement of the first performance section 510. As the first shaft sections 541c, 542c move, the third arms 543L, 543R rotate around the second shaft sections 554L, 554R of the base frame 550, and the fourth arms 544L, 544R also rotate around the third shaft sections 556L, 556R of the base frame 550. As a result, the fourth performance sections 540L, 540R rotate while maintaining the posture when they are in the fourth origin position.

In addition, when the first performance section 510 moves from the first origin position to the first performance position, the third performance section 530L, 530R moves together with the fourth performance section 540L, 540R, and the fourth gears 533L, 533R rotate in response to the rotation of the gear section 544a of the fourth arms 544L, 544R.

As a result, the third performance parts 530L, 530R rotate around the first axis parts 531a, 532a in response to the movement of the fourth performance parts 540L, 540R, so that the lower ends of the third performance parts 530L, 530R are attracted to each other and come into contact with each other at the third performance position by the permanent magnets 534, 534.

In this way, the first movable body 501 has a first performance section 510 that can be moved in a first direction (up and down) by the first drive mechanism 560, and a plurality of performance sections (second performance sections 520L, 520R, third performance sections 530L, 530R, and fourth performance sections 540L, 540R) that can be moved in a second direction different from the first direction, and the second performance sections 520L, 520R are connected to the first performance section 510 by the first shaft section 523a and The fourth performance units 540L and 540R are connected to the first performance unit 510 via the third arms 543L and 543R, and the third performance units 530L and 530R are connected to the fourth performance units 540L and 540R via the first shaft units 531a and 532a, and are indirectly connected to the first performance unit 510 via the fourth performance units 540L and 540R. The second performance units 520L and 520R and the fourth performance units 540L and 540R are connected at one end to the operable first performance unit 510 and at the other end to a fixed base frame body 550.

Therefore, when the first performance unit 510 moves in a first direction (up and down) by the first drive mechanism 560, the second performance units 520L, 520R rotate in a second direction (left and right, up and down) around the first shaft unit 523a and the second shaft unit 523b facing in the front and rear direction while moving up and down in response to the first performance unit 510, the fourth performance units 540L, 540R rotate in the second direction (left and right, up and down) around the second shaft unit 554L, 554R and the third shaft unit 556L, 556R facing in the front and rear direction, and the third performance units 530L, 530R rotate in the second direction (left and right, up and down) around the first shaft unit 531a, 532a facing in the front and rear direction while rotating in response to the fourth performance units 540L, 540R.

In other words, the multiple second performance units (second performance units 520L, 520R, third performance units 530L, 530R, and fourth performance units 540L, 540R) are connected to the first performance unit 510 via link members (such as axes or arms), and the power of the first drive mechanism 560 is transmitted via the link members in response to the movement of the first performance unit 510 in a first direction (up and down) driven by the first drive mechanism 560, allowing the second performance units to rotate in a second direction (left-right, up and down) different from the first direction (up and down). Since there is no need to provide a drive mechanism for each of the multiple second performance units, the number of parts and wiring required to drive the multiple second performance units can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

More specifically, the first performance section 510, which is driven by the first performance motors 560L, 560R, is provided with an LED board 514 having an electrical component, the first performance section LED 514A, and the wiring member 509 connecting the LED board 514 and the performance control board 12 is wired using a first arm body 564 for transmitting power from the first performance motor 560L to the first performance section 510.

In other words, the first movable body 501 has electrical components such as an LED board 514 arranged on it, and the first performance unit 510 has a certain weight, and is driven by the first performance motors 560L, 560R, while the other second performance units (second performance units 520L, 520R, third performance units 530L, 530R, and fourth performance units 540L, 540R) that do not have electrical components are at least lighter than the first performance unit 510 and are configured to follow the movement of the first performance unit 510, thereby reducing the number of components and wiring required to drive the multiple second performance units and thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Note that the electrical components can achieve the same effect not only if they are light-emitting means such as LEDs, but also if they are driving sources such as motors or solenoids.

In addition, while the first performance unit 510 can move in a first direction (up and down), the second performance units 520L, 520R, the third performance unit 530L, 530R and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R can move in a second direction (left and right, up and down) that is different from the first direction (up and down). This makes the movements more complex than if the first performance unit 510, the second performance units 520L, 520R, the third performance units 530L, 530R and the fourth performance units 540L, 540R all moved in the same direction, thereby enhancing the performance effect.

In addition, while the first performance section 510 moves linearly in the vertical direction, the second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R and the fourth performance section 540L, 540R rotate. In other words, the difference in the operating mode of the first performance section 510 from the second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R and the fourth performance section 540L, 540R makes the movement of each performance section more complex, thereby enhancing the performance effect.

The second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R and the fourth performance section 540L, 540R are each composed of a pair of left and right members arranged on the left and right sides of the first performance section 510, and when the first performance section 510 is located at the origin position, the second performance section 520L, 520R is located on the left and right sides, and the third performance section 530L, 530R and the fourth performance section 540L, 540R are located on the left and right sides below the second performance section 520L, 520R, respectively. In other words, as shown in FIG. 36(A), when the first performance section 510 is located at the origin position, each is located at the second to fourth origin positions separated on the left and right sides, while as shown in FIG. 36(B), when the first performance section 510 moves to the performance position, each operates so as to be able to be separated and attached to be located at the second to fourth performance positions where they abut or come close to each other and combine at the center side.

Therefore, when the first movable body 501 is located at the origin position, the first performance unit 510, the second performance unit 520L, 520R, the third performance unit 530L, 530R, and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R are arranged separately, making it difficult to recognize them as a single performance movable body (first movable body 501). On the other hand, when the first movable body 501 is located at the performance position, the first performance unit 510, the second performance unit 520L, 520R, the third performance unit 530L, 530R, and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R make it easy to recognize them as a single performance movable body (first movable body 501). This provides a sense of surprise to the player and improves the design of the performance.

In addition, the second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R and the fourth performance section 540L, 540R can further emphasize the sense of unity by overlapping a portion of them on the front side of the first performance section 510 located at the first performance position when they are in the second to fourth performance positions. Furthermore, when they are in the first to fourth performance positions, the overlap area in the front-to-rear direction with the image display device 5 of the first performance section 510, the second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R and the fourth performance section 540L, 540R is larger than when they are located at the first to fourth origin positions, thereby realizing a powerful performance.

In addition, the second performance units 520L, 520R rotate upward around the first axis 523a and the second axis 523b located in the left-right central position of the first performance unit 510, and the third performance units 530L, 530R rotate downward around the first axis 531a and the second axis 531b located on the left and right sides of the first performance unit 510. This allows the upper second performance units 520L, 520R and the lower third performance units 530L, 530R to perform opposite movements, making the movements more complex.

In addition, the third performance part 530L and the third performance part 530R are attracted to each other by permanent magnets 534, 534 at the third performance position, which prevents the tips of the third performance part 530L and the third performance part 530R from separating from each other at the third performance position due to play in gears, etc., thereby improving the design at the third performance position.

In addition, when the first movable body 501 moves to the performance position, the performance control CPU 120 can realize a more powerful performance by displaying a highlight image (e.g., an effect image) around the first movable body 501 in the display area of the image display device 5.

In addition, such a movable body effect that moves the first movable body 501 from the origin position to the effect position can be executed at various times, such as the timing of the development to a super reach during the variable display period of the effect pattern (for example, the timing of FIG. 28(D)), the timing of the deciding effect (for example, the timing of FIG. 29(I)), or the timing before the variable display mode becomes a reach mode, as shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. Also, it may be executable outside the variable display period of the pattern (for example, during the execution period of a big win game state or a small win game state, or during a demo effect period). Also, it may be executable together with the first action, second action, third action, etc. of the effect body 302 of the push button 31.

(Second production device 800)
Next, the second performance device 800 will be described with reference to Figs. 30, 31, and 37 to 39. Fig. 37 is an exploded perspective view showing the second performance device. Fig. 38 shows the second movable 39 is an exploded perspective view of the second movable body as seen from the right front and the right rear.

As shown in Figures 30, 31, and 37, the second performance device 800 has a base body 810 fixedly installed at the bottom of the base frame body 550 between the image display device 5 and the game board 2, and second movable bodies 800L, 800R operably attached to the left and right sides of the base body 810. The second movable bodies 800L, 800R can move between an origin position (see Figure 30) on the lower front side of the base body 810 and a first performance position (see Figure 31 (A)) above the origin position, and between the origin position and a second performance position (see Figure 31 (B)) above the origin position and different from the first performance position. In other words, the second movable bodies 800L, 800R can move between the first performance position and the second performance position by passing through the origin position.

The base body 810 is mainly composed of a base body side base member 811, a base body side cover member 812 attached to the front side of the base body side base member 811, and base body side drive mechanisms 820L, 820R provided at both the left and right ends of the base body 810. The base body side base member 811 is composed of side members 811L, 811R arranged on the left and right, respectively, and a center member 811C connecting the side members 811L, 811R. Similarly, the base body side cover member 812 is composed of side members 812L, 812R arranged on the left and right, respectively, and a center member 812C connecting the side members 812L, 812R. Note that the left side configuration (side member 811L of base body side substrate member 811, side member 812L of base body side cover member 812, second movable body 800L, base body side drive mechanism 820L) and the right side configuration (side member 811R of base body side substrate member 811, side member 812R of base body side cover member 812, second movable body 800R, base body side drive mechanism 820R) are almost identical, so only the right side configuration will be described below.

As shown in Figures 38 and 39, the base body side drive mechanism 820R is mainly composed of a second performance motor 821 arranged on the back side of the side member 811R of the base body side base member 811, a first gear 822 arranged on the front side of the side member 811R and attached to the drive shaft of the second performance motor 821, a second gear 823 that meshes with the first gear 822 and is rotatably attached to the shaft portion of the side member 812R of the base body side cover member 812, and a third gear 824 that meshes with the second gear 823 and is rotatably attached to a recess in the side member 812R.

The second movable body 800R is mainly composed of a second movable body side base member 801, a second movable body side cover member 802 attached to the front side of the second movable body side base member 801, a decorative member 803 attached to the front side of the second movable body side cover member 802, a first arm 804 and a second arm 805 rotatably attached to the base body 810, and a second movable body side drive mechanism 850 for rotating the decorative member 803 relative to the second movable body side base member 801 and the second movable body side cover member 802.

The lower part of the second movable body side base member 801 is formed with an arc-shaped slit 801a that penetrates in the front-rear direction and extends concentrically with the shaft portion to which the fifth gear 852 described later is attached, and the upper part of the second movable body side base member 801 is formed with an arc-shaped groove portion 801b that is recessed toward the rear and extends concentrically with the recess 802a of the second movable body side cover member 802 described later. In addition, the upper front side of the second movable body side base member 801 has a second decorative LED board 840 having a plurality of second performance LEDs 840A (see Figure 38).

The upper front side of the second movable body side cover member 802 is formed with a recess 802a recessed toward the rear side and a slit 802b extending concentrically with the recess 802a on the outer diameter side of the recess 802a (see FIG. 38), and the slit 802b is aligned with the groove 801b of the second movable body side base member 801.

The upper rear side of the decorative member 803 is formed with a first shaft portion 803a protruding toward the rear side, and a second shaft portion 803b, which is smaller in diameter than the first shaft portion 803a and protruding toward the rear side to the side of the first shaft portion 803a, and the second shaft portion 803b is longer in the front-rear direction than the first shaft portion 803a (see FIG. 39). The first shaft portion 803a of the decorative member 803 is rotatably attached to the recess 802a of the second movable body side cover member 802, the second shaft portion 803b is inserted into the slit 802b of the second movable body side cover member 802 and can slide along the slit 802b, and the rear side end of the second shaft portion 803b is inserted into the groove portion 801b of the second movable body side base member 801 and can slide along the groove portion 801b.

The first arm 804 has an axis 804a protruding toward the rear side formed on the rear side of the upper end of the first arm 804 (see FIG. 39), and a recess 804b recessed toward the rear side formed on the front side of the lower end of the first arm 804 (see FIG. 38). The first arm 804 is disposed on the front side of the side member 812R of the base body side cover member 812, and the axis 804a is fixed to the third gear 824 of the base body side drive mechanism 820R via a through hole that penetrates the side member 812R in the front-rear direction, and is disposed on the rear side of the second movable body side substrate 801, and the recess 804b is rotatably attached to the lower end of the second movable body side substrate 801.

The second arm 805 has an axis 805a protruding toward the rear side formed on the rear side of the upper end of the second arm 805 (see FIG. 39), and a recess 805b recessed toward the rear side formed on the front side of the lower end of the second arm 805 (see FIG. 38). The second arm 805 is disposed on the front side of the side member 812R of the base body side cover member 812, with the axis 805a rotatably attached to the upper end of the side member 812R, and is disposed on the rear side of the second movable body side substrate 801, with the recess 805b rotatably attached to the lower end of the second movable body side substrate 801 using a removal prevention member 854.

The first arm 804 and the second arm 805 attached to the side member 812R of the base body side cover member 812 and the second movable body side base member 801 are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and the line segment between the shaft portion 804a of the first arm 804 and the shaft portion 805a of the second arm 805 and the line segment between the recess 804b of the first arm 804 and the recess 805b of the second arm 805 are approximately parallel to each other. In other words, the side member 812R, the second movable body side base member 801, the first arm 804, and the second arm 805 form a parallel link.

The second movable body side drive mechanism 850 is mainly composed of a fourth gear 851 arranged on the front side of the second movable body side base member 801 and fixed to the recess 804b of the first arm 804 via a through hole that penetrates the second movable body side base member 801 in the front-rear direction, a fifth gear 852 that meshes with the fourth gear 851 and is rotatably attached to the shaft portion of the second movable body side base member 801, a crank member 853 that connects the fifth gear 852 and the decorative member 803, a pull-out prevention member 854 arranged on the front side of the second movable body side base member 801 and fixed to the recess 805b of the second arm 805 via a through hole that penetrates the second movable body side base member 801 in the front-rear direction, and a coil spring 855 that connects the decorative member 803 and the second movable body side base member 801.

A fan-shaped groove 852a is formed on the rear side of the fifth gear 852, recessed toward the front side in the front-to-rear direction and extending concentrically with the fifth gear (see Figure 39).

The crank member 853 has a first shaft portion 853a (see FIG. 38) protruding from the front side and a second shaft portion 853b (see FIG. 39) protruding from the rear side at the lower end thereof, and a through hole 853c penetrating in the front-rear direction at the upper end thereof. The first shaft portion 853a of the crank member 853 is inserted into the groove portion 852a of the fifth gear 852 and is slidable along the groove portion 852a, the second shaft portion 853b of the crank member 853 is inserted into the slit 801a of the second movable body side base member 801 and is slidable along the slit 801a, and the through hole 853c of the crank member 853 is rotatably attached to the second shaft portion 803b of the decorative member 803.

The coil spring 855 is a tension spring, with its right end engaged with the shaft of the second movable body side base member 801 and its left end engaged with the shaft of the decorative member 803.

(Operation example of second rendering device 800)
Next, an example of the operation of the second performance device 800 will be described based on Fig. 40. Fig. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing (A) a state when the second movable body is at the origin position, (B) a state when the second movable body is in the middle of moving to the first performance position, (C) a state when the second movable body is at the first performance position, (D) a state when the second movable body is in the middle of moving to the second performance position, and (E) a state when the second movable body is at the second performance position. Note that Fig. 40 is partially simplified, such as omitting the illustration of the second movable body side cover member 802.

As shown in Figure 40, the second movable body 800R has a second movable body side base member 801, a second movable body side cover member 802, and a decorative member 803 that can rotate from the origin position (see Figure 40(A)) to the first performance position (see Figure 40(C)), or from the origin position to the second performance position (see Figure 40(E)). In addition, when the second movable body 800R moves to the second performance position, the decorative member 803 can tilt toward the opposing second movable body 800L (see Figure 31(B)). The operation of the second movable body 800R will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 40(A), the second movable body 800R in the origin position has both the first arm 804 and the second arm 805 positioned in a substantially vertical direction, and the shaft portion 804a of the first arm 804 and the shaft portion 805a of the second arm 805 positioned above the recessed portion 804b of the first arm 804 and the recessed portion 805b of the second arm 805. As a result, the majority of the second movable body side base member 801 is disposed on the front side of the side member 812R.

The first shaft portion 853a of the crank member 853 is spaced apart from both circumferential ends of the groove portion 852a of the fifth gear 852. Similarly, the second shaft portion 853b of the crank member 853 abuts against the circumferential counterclockwise side end of the slit 801a of the second movable body side base member 801. The second shaft portion 803b of the decorative member 803 abuts against the circumferential clockwise side end of the groove portion 801b of the second movable body side base member 801.

In addition, the second movable body 800R is prevented from unintentionally tilting relative to the second movable body side base member 801 because the decorative member 803 is connected to the second movable body side base member 801 via the coil spring 855.

When the second performance motor 821 is rotated in the forward direction from a state in which the second movable body 800R is in the origin position, the first gear 822 rotates in the clockwise direction (first direction), the second gear 823 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (second direction), and the third gear 824 rotates in the clockwise direction.

The shaft 804a of the first arm 804 rotates clockwise in response to the rotation of the third gear 824, causing the end (other end) of the first arm 804 on the recess 804b side to move clockwise. The second movable body side base member 801 also moves clockwise in response to the movement of the end of the first arm 804 on the recess 804b side. Furthermore, the end of the second arm 805 on the recess 805b side moves clockwise in response to the movement of the second movable body side base member 801, and the shaft 805a of the second arm 805 rotates clockwise (see Figures 40 (B) and (C)).

In addition, since the second movable body side base member 801, the first arm 804, the second arm 805, and the side member 812R of the base body side cover member 812 form a parallel link, the second movable body side base member 801 and the second movable body side cover member 802 rotate clockwise while maintaining their orientation at the origin position and move to the first performance position (see Figure 40 (C)).

When the first arm 804 rotates clockwise around the shaft 804a, the recess 804b of the first arm 804 rotates clockwise relative to the second movable body side base member 801. The fourth gear 851 rotates clockwise and the fifth gear 852 rotates counterclockwise following the recess 804b of the first arm 804. In response to this, the groove 852a of the fifth gear 852 rotates counterclockwise relative to the first shaft 853a of the crank member 853. At this time, the groove 852a of the fifth gear 852 is configured so that the end on the clockwise side of the circumferential direction does not come into contact with the second shaft 853b of the crank member 853 until the rotation of the fifth gear 852 is stopped. As a result, the decorative member 803 rotates to the first performance position while maintaining its posture at the origin position.

The second movable body 800R, which has rotated to the first performance position, can be rotated back to the origin position in the reverse order of how it moved from the origin position to the first performance position by rotating the second performance motor 821 in the reverse direction.

When the second performance motor 821 is driven in reverse rotation from a state in which the second movable body 800R is in the origin position, the first gear 822 rotates counterclockwise, the second gear 823 rotates clockwise, and the third gear 824 rotates counterclockwise.

The shaft 804a of the first arm 804 rotates counterclockwise in response to the rotation of the third gear 824, causing the end of the first arm 804 on the recess 804b side to move counterclockwise. The second movable body side base member 801 also moves counterclockwise in response to the movement of the end of the first arm 804 on the recess 804b side. Furthermore, the end of the second arm 805 on the recess 805b side moves counterclockwise in response to the movement of the second movable body side base member 801, and the shaft 805a of the second arm 805 rotates counterclockwise (see Figures 40 (D) and (E)).

Similar to when the second performance motor 821 is rotated forward, the second movable body side base member 801 and the second movable body side cover member 802 rotate counterclockwise while maintaining their orientation at the origin position and move to the second performance position (see FIG. 40(E)). At this time, the second movable body side base member 801 and the second movable body side cover member 802 are located in a position close to the first performance position.

When the first arm 804 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 804a, the recess 804b of the first arm 804 rotates counterclockwise relative to the second movable body side base member 801. The fourth gear 851 rotates counterclockwise in response to the recess 804b of the first arm 804, and the fifth gear 852 rotates clockwise. In response to this, the groove portion 852a of the fifth gear 852 rotates clockwise relative to the first shaft portion 853a of the crank member 853, and the end portion on the counterclockwise circumferential side abuts against the second shaft portion 853b of the crank member 853 (see FIG. 40(D)).

After the end of the groove 852a of the fifth gear 852 on the counterclockwise side of the circumference abuts against the second shaft 853b of the crank member 853, as the fifth gear 852 continues to rotate in the clockwise direction, the first shaft 853a of the crank member 853 is pressed in the clockwise direction by the fifth gear 852, and the crank member 853 moves downward relative to the second movable body side base member 801. At this time, one end of the crank member 853 on the first shaft 853a and second shaft 853b side is guided by the second shaft 853b into the slit 801a of the second movable body side base member 801, and the other end of the crank member 853 on the through hole 853c side is guided by the second shaft 803b of the decorative member 803 inserted into the through hole 853c into the groove 801b of the second movable body side base member 801. That is, the decorative member 803 inserted through the through hole 853c is guided by the groove 801b of the second movable body side base member 801 and moved downward, so that the decorative member 803 rotates counterclockwise relative to the second movable body side base member 801 around the first shaft portion 803a of the decorative member 803 against the spring force of the coil spring 855 connected to the second movable body side base member 801. In this way, the decorative member 803 is moved to the second performance position with its upper end tilted toward the opposing second movable body 800L (see FIG. 40(E)).

The second movable body 800R that has been moved to the second performance position can be moved back to the origin position by rotating the second performance motor 821 in the forward direction in the reverse order of the movement from the origin position to the second performance position. At this time, the decorative member 803 is moved to the origin position by the restoring force of the coil spring 855.

Although not shown, a light-transmitting portion made of transparent resin is formed at the upper end of the decorative member 803, so that a light-emitting effect is performed by lighting up each of the second performance LEDs 840A of the second movable body 800R, causing the decorative member 803 to emit light.

In this way, the second performance device 800 can move the second movable bodies 800L, 800R from the origin position to the first performance position or the second performance position, and when moving them to the second performance position, the left and right decorative members 803, 803 can be tilted so that they face each other.

In this way, the operating mode when the second movable bodies 800L, 800R rotate from the origin position to the first performance position and the operating mode when they rotate from the origin position to the second performance position are the same rotational motion, although the rotation direction is different, and since the first performance position and the second performance position are close to each other, when they rotate to the first performance position, the decorative member 803 is in a first mode where it does not tilt, while when they rotate to the second performance position, the decorative member 803 is in a second mode where it tilts, providing an element of surprise to the player.

In addition, by being able to tilt only the decorative member 803, which is a part of the second movable body 800L, 800R, during the rotation to the second performance position, the body rotates in the same manner up to the middle when rotating to the first performance position and when rotating to the second performance position, creating a more unexpected effect.

In addition, by rotating one second performance motor 821 forward or backward, the second movable bodies 800L, 800R can be selectively rotated to either the first performance position or the second performance position, which makes it possible to omit the drive mechanism for the first performance position or the second performance position, thereby simplifying the configuration while diversifying the performance.

In addition, because the state of the second movable bodies 800L, 800R differs when rotated to the first performance position from when rotated to the second performance position, the performance control CPU 120 can execute a first performance pattern in which the second movable bodies 800L, 800R are rotated to the first performance position and a second performance pattern in which the second movable bodies 800L, 800R are rotated to the second performance position at different ratios depending on the display result of the variable display, thereby enabling diversification of the performance.

In addition, since the second performance device 800 is provided with base body side drive mechanisms 820L, 820R on the second movable bodies 800L, 800R, respectively, the performance control CPU 120 can select from a first performance pattern in which only the second movable body 800R is rotated to the first performance position, a second performance pattern in which only the second movable body 800R is rotated to the second performance position, a third performance pattern in which only the second movable body 800L is rotated to the first performance position, a fourth performance pattern in which only the second movable body 800L is rotated to the second performance position, Since the performance can be executed in any one of the following patterns: a fifth performance pattern in which both second movable bodies 800L and 800R are rotated to the first performance position; a sixth performance pattern in which the second movable body 800L is rotated to the first performance position and the second movable body 800R is rotated to the second performance position; a seventh performance pattern in which the second movable body 800L is rotated to the second performance position and the second movable body 800R is rotated to the first performance position; and an eighth performance pattern in which both second movable bodies 800L and 800R are rotated to the second performance position, it is possible to diversify the performance.

Furthermore, the presentation control CPU 120 can execute a presentation that, for example, heightens the possibility that the variable display result will be a jackpot by moving the second movable bodies 800L, 800R back and forth between the origin position and the first presentation position, between the origin position and the second presentation position, between the first presentation position and the second presentation position, etc.

The second performance device 800 can also light up the LEDs for each movable body on the second decorative LED board 840 attached to the second movable body side base member 801 of each of the second movable bodies 800L and 800R, thereby enabling a performance using light that passes through the translucent portion of the decorative member 803, thereby increasing the interest of the performance.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the second performance device 800 is exemplified as a form in which the decorative members 803 of the second movable bodies 800L, 800R tilt so as to face each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the decorative members 803 of the second movable bodies 800L, 800R may tilt in opposite directions or in the same direction. Also, they may rotate rather than tilt.

Movement body effects that move the second movable bodies 800L, 800R from the origin position to the effect position can be executed at various times, such as the timing of the progression to a super reach during the variable display period of the effect pattern (for example, the timing of FIG. 28(D)), the timing of the deciding effect (for example, the timing of FIG. 29(I)), or the timing before the variable display mode becomes a reach mode, as shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. It may also be executed outside the variable display period of the pattern (for example, during the execution period of a big win game state or a small win game state, or during a demo effect period). It may also be executed together with the first, second, and third actions of the effect body 302 of the push button 31, the movable body effect by the first movable body 501, etc.

(First Invention)
As described above, this embodiment includes the first invention shown below. That is, in a gaming machine that can change between an easy-entry state in which the movable member is retracted to open the large prize opening, making it easy for the gaming medium to enter the large prize opening, and a difficult-entry state in which the movable member is advanced to close the large prize opening, making it difficult for the gaming medium to enter the large prize opening, and that is equipped with a variable means (variable winning device) that allows the gaming medium to pass over the movable member in the difficult-entry state, for example, as described in JP 2017-184938 A, etc., includes a first variable means and a second variable means provided downstream of the first variable means, and the upper surface of the movable member of the downstream second variable means is formed with a plurality of guide surfaces that guide the gaming medium to pass over the movable member while meandering back and forth toward the left in the difficult-entry state, so that the degree of delay when the gaming medium passes over the movable member in the difficult-entry state is higher for the second variable means than for the first variable means. However, in a game machine having two variable means on the upstream side and the downstream side, it is necessary to optimize the degree of delay of the game medium in each of the first variable means on the upstream side and the second variable means on the downstream side. Therefore, in order to provide a game machine capable of optimizing the degree of delay of the game medium in each of the first variable means on the upstream side and the second variable means on the downstream side,
The gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to an advantageous state (e.g., a big win gaming state) that is advantageous to a player, a special state (e.g., a small win gaming state) that is different from the advantageous state, a first specific state (e.g., a high base state), and a second specific state (e.g., a KT state in which a small win is more likely to occur than in a normal state (low probability/non-KT state)) in which a gaming value (e.g., prize balls, etc.) is more likely to be awarded by the special state than in the first specific state,
a first variable means (e.g., a variable winning ball device 6B) that can change a state into an easy-entry state (e.g., a first state) in which a gaming medium (e.g., a gaming ball) can easily enter a first predetermined area (e.g., a second start winning port 701A) and a difficult-entry state (e.g., a second state) in which the gaming medium cannot easily enter;
a second variable means (e.g., special variable winning ball device 17) that is provided downstream of the first variable means and that can be changed between an easy-entry state (e.g., a first state) in which it is easy for the game medium to enter a second predetermined area (e.g., a special winning opening 703A) different from the first predetermined area and a difficult-entry state (e.g., a second state) in which it is difficult for the game medium to enter;
a first delay means (for example, regulation units 751, 752, 753 and regulation units 761, 762, 763 as the first delay means) for delaying the movement of the game medium when the game medium passes through the first variable means;
A second delay means (e.g., regulating units 771, 772, 773, 774 and regulating units 781, 782, 783 as the second delay means) for delaying the movement of the game medium when the game medium passes through the second variable means;
Equipped with
In response to being controlled to the special state, the second variable means is set to the easy-entry state (for example, the part where the CPU 103 controls to open the special winning port 703A when the display result is a small win display result. See FIG. 10B ).
In the first specific state, the first variable means is more likely to change to the easy-entry state than in the second specific state (for example, in the high base state, control (time-saving control) is executed to shorten the average special chart fluctuation time (period for fluctuating the special chart) compared to the normal state (time-saving state), and control (high opening control, high base control) is also executed to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole of the variable winning ball device 6B by improving the probability of a "normal chart hit" in the normal chart game compared to the normal state. See FIG. 10 (A)).
The degree of delay in the movement of the game medium caused by the first delay means is greater than the degree of delay in the movement of the game medium caused by the second delay means (for example, the degree of delay in the movement of the game ball caused by the regulating units 751, 752, 753, 761, 762, and 763 constituting the first delay means is greater than the degree of delay in the movement of the game ball caused by the regulating units 771, 772, 773, 774, 781, 782, and 783 constituting the second delay means. See FIG. 15).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is possible to optimize the degree of delay between the first variable means on the upstream side and the second variable means on the downstream side, thereby restricting the flow of gaming media downstream to the second variable means on the downstream side in the first specific state, while suppressing excessive inflow of gaming media into the second variable means in the second specific state.

The gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention,
A larger game value is awarded when a game medium enters the second predetermined area of the second variable means than when a game medium enters the first predetermined area of the first variable means (for example, 10 prize balls are awarded when a game ball enters the special winning opening 703A, and 1 prize ball is awarded when a game ball enters the second start winning opening 701A).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is possible to optimize the degree of delay according to the magnitude of the gaming value.

The gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect of the present invention,
A first game medium passage (e.g., a second passage portion 710B) for allowing the game medium to pass through the first variable means (e.g., a variable winning ball device 6B);
a second game medium passage (e.g., a fourth passage portion 710D) for allowing the game medium to pass through the second variable means;
Equipped with
The first delay means is composed of a plurality of first protrusions (e.g., regulating portions 751, 752, 753 and regulating portions 761, 762, 763) protruding from a side wall of the first game medium passage so that the game medium passes through in a serpentine manner,
The second delay means is composed of a plurality of second protrusions (e.g., regulating portions 771, 772, 773, 774 and regulating portions 781, 782, 783) protruding from a side wall of the second game medium passage so that the game medium passes through in a serpentine manner,
A passage width dimension (e.g., L1) of the first game medium passage is larger than a passage width dimension (e.g., L2) of the second game medium passage (L1>L2);
A protruding dimension (e.g., protruding dimension L5) of the first protruding portion from the side wall is larger than a protruding dimension (e.g., protruding dimension L6) of the second protruding portion from the side wall (L5>L6, see FIG. 12).
It is characterized by the following.
This feature makes it possible to improve space efficiency while optimizing the degree of delay.

The gaming machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects,
A first game medium passage (e.g., a second passage portion 710B) is provided for allowing the game medium to pass through the first variable means (e.g., a variable winning ball device 6B),
The first delay means includes a special protrusion (e.g., a regulating portion 761) that protrudes from a side wall of the first game medium passage (e.g., the back surface of the front wall portion 731A) and that can guide the game medium toward the upstream side by contacting the game medium passing through the first game medium passage (see FIG. 14A).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the degree of delay of the game medium passing through the first game medium passage can be further increased, and also, the accidental entry of the game medium that has come into contact with another member and been repelled can be suppressed.

The gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention,
a special variable means (e.g., special variable winning ball device 7) that is provided upstream of the first variable means (e.g., variable winning ball device 6B) and that can change a special area (e.g., large winning opening 702A) different from the first predetermined area and the second predetermined area between an easy-entry state (e.g., first state) in which the game medium can easily enter and a difficult-entry state (e.g., second state) in which the game medium cannot easily enter;
In response to being controlled to the advantageous state, the special variable means is more likely to change to the easy-entry state (for example, a portion where the CPU 103 controls to open the big prize opening 702A when the display result is a big win display result. See FIG. 9(B)).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the time it takes for the gaming medium to reach the third variable means is shortened, thereby making it possible to shorten the control of the advantageous state.

The gaming machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
the first variable means (e.g., variable winning ball device 6B) and the second variable means (e.g., special variable winning ball device 17), and a passage forming unit (e.g., first passage forming unit 700A) for forming a first game medium passage (e.g., second passage section 710B) that guides a game medium so that it can enter the first specified area of the first variable means, and a second game medium passage (e.g., fourth passage section 710D) that guides a game medium so that it can enter the first specified area of the second variable means;
The passage forming unit includes:
a front wall (for example, a front wall portion 731A) disposed in front of the first game medium passage and the second game medium passage and a rear wall (for example, a rear wall portion 721A) disposed in rear of the first game medium passage and the second game medium passage,
The rear wall is provided with a light diffusion portion (e.g., light diffusion portion 790) for concealing a wiring member (e.g., wiring member C20) routed behind the rear wall (see FIGS. 17 and 18).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, in a limited space, the wiring member can be routed behind the rear wall without being hidden by a seal or the like, and deterioration of the design can be suppressed. Also, the visibility of the game medium can be ensured on the front wall, while the space efficiency on the rear wall can be improved.

The gaming machine of the seventh aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention,
The passage forming unit (e.g., the first passage forming unit 700A) includes a light emitting means (e.g., a winning unit LED 201) capable of emitting light along the rear wall (e.g., the rear wall portion 721A),
The light diffusion section can emit light from the light emitting means forward (see FIG. 17(B)).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is not necessary to place the light emitting means behind the rear wall, so that it is possible to improve space efficiency while achieving an optimal light emitting effect.

The gaming machine according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the sixth or seventh aspect of the present invention,
The passage forming unit (for example, the first passage forming unit 700A)
A third predetermined area (e.g., the winning ball device 6C (second start winning hole)) different from the first predetermined area (e.g., the second start winning hole 701A) and the second predetermined area (e.g., the special winning hole 703A),
A detection means (e.g., a second start switch 22C) capable of detecting a game medium that has entered the third predetermined area;
Equipped with
The wiring members (e.g., wiring member C5) from the detection means and other wiring members (e.g., wiring members C1 to C4, C6 to C7) are bound to each other on the rear side of the rear wall (see FIG. 18).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, a unit in which a plurality of regions are arranged can be realized, and wiring space can be consolidated.

(Description of Modifications and Applications of the First Invention)
In addition, in the above embodiment, in one game ball passage 710, a first delay means corresponding to the variable winning ball device 6B provided upstream, and a second delay means corresponding to the special variable winning ball device 17 provided downstream of the variable winning ball device 6B are provided, and in the configuration in which the degree of delay between the upstream variable winning ball device 6B and the downstream special variable winning ball device 17 is made different, these two variable winning ball devices 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17, and the corresponding first delay means and second delay means are integrated into one winning unit 700, so that there is less variation in the degree of delay between the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 17 compared to when each variable winning ball device and delay means are provided individually on the game board 2, making it easier to achieve optimization.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the regulating units 751, 752, 753 and the regulating units 761, 762, 763 as the first delay means are provided not only in the area of the second passage section 710B corresponding to the start winning opening door 701B that can open and close the second start winning opening 701A, but also in the area upstream of the start winning opening door 701B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the regulating units 751, 752, 753 and the regulating units 761, 762, 763 as the first delay means only need to be provided in the area corresponding to at least the start winning opening door 701B.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the restricting units 771, 772, 773, 774 and the restricting units 781, 782, 783 as the second delay means are provided not only in the area corresponding to the special winning opening door 703B that can open and close the special winning opening 703A in the fourth passage section 710D, but also in the area upstream of the special winning opening door 703B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the restricting units 771, 772, 773, 774 and the restricting units 781, 782, 783 as the second delay means only need to be provided in the area corresponding to at least the special winning opening door 703B.

In addition, in the above embodiment, as the first delay means for delaying the movement of the game ball when it passes through the variable winning ball device 6B and the second delay means for delaying the movement of the game ball when it passes through the special variable winning ball device 17, a form was exemplified in which regulating portions 751, 752, 753, 761, 762, 763 and regulating portions 771, 772, 773, 774, 781, 782, 783 are protruded from the front wall portion 731A and the rear wall portion 721A of the game ball passage 710 so as to be able to come into contact with the game ball, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is possible to delay the movement of the game ball as it passes through the variable winning ball device, the delay means may be, for example, a concave or convex guide surface formed on the top surface of the start winning door 701B or the special winning door 703B, or on the bottom surface of the passage upstream of the start winning door 701B or the special winning door 703B, a sloping surface that can guide the game ball forward and backward, a step that the game ball can climb up, or the like, a delay means provided on the upper wall of the game ball passage 710, or a regulating means that can enter and leave the game ball passage 710 at regular intervals.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the inclination angle of the upper surface of the start winning entrance door 701B relative to the horizontal plane and the inclination angle of the upper surface of the special winning entrance door 703B relative to the horizontal plane are approximately the same, but the present invention is not limited to this. By making the inclination angle of the upper surface of the special winning entrance door 703B relative to the horizontal plane larger than the inclination angle of the upper surface of the start winning entrance door 701B relative to the horizontal plane, the moving speed of the game ball when it passes over the upper surface of the start winning entrance door 701B may be made slower than the moving speed of the game ball when it passes over the upper surface of the special winning entrance door 703B. In addition, the shape, size, position, number, etc. of the above-mentioned regulating portion can be changed in various ways.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a first delay means for delaying the moving speed of the game ball when it passes through the variable winning ball device 6B and a second delay means for delaying the moving speed of the game ball when it passes through the special variable winning ball device 17 are provided, and the second passage section 710B and the fourth passage section 710D are configured so that the moving speed of the game ball when it passes through the variable winning ball device 6B (the upper surface of the starting winning opening door 701B) is slower than the moving speed of the game ball when it passes through the special variable winning ball device 17 (the upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as at least the first delay means is provided, the second delay means does not have to be provided.

In addition, the moving speed of the game ball when it passes through the variable winning ball device 6B (the upper surface of the start winning door 701B) or the special variable winning ball device 17 (the upper surface of the special winning door 703B) is not simply the speed at which the game ball flows down the upper surface of a movable member such as the start winning door 701B or the special winning door 703B, but the passing time required for the game ball to move from the upstream side to the downstream side of the start winning door 701B or the special winning door 703B. For example, the flow speed of the game ball flowing down the upper surface of the start winning door 701B is the same as the flow speed of the game ball flowing down the upper surface of the special winning door 703B. This includes devices in which, even if the flow speed is faster than that of the special variable winning ball device 17, the distance or time that the variable winning ball device 6B meanders back and forth, or the flow distance from the upstream end to the downstream end, is longer than that of the special variable winning ball device 17 (for example, the length of the game ball flowing downstream at the start winning ball door 701B is longer than the length of the game ball flowing downstream at the special winning ball door 703B. The start winning ball door 701B is larger than the special winning ball door 703B.) so that the moving speed of the game ball when it passes through the variable winning ball device 6B is slower than that of the special variable winning ball device 17.

In addition, the moving speed may be reduced by a first delay means or the like upstream of the start winning opening door 701B, so that the moving speed of the game ball when passing through the variable winning ball device 6B is slower than that of the special variable winning ball device 17. In other words, the first delay means and the second delay means are not necessarily provided in an area corresponding to the variable winning ball device 6B (upper surface of the start winning opening door 701B) or the special variable winning ball device 17 (upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B), but may be provided upstream, etc., not corresponding to the variable winning ball device 6B (upper surface of the start winning opening door 701B) or the special variable winning ball device 17 (upper surface of the special winning opening door 703B).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the starting winning door 701B of the variable winning ball device 6B is provided upstream and at an upper position relative to the special winning door 703B of the special variable winning ball device 17 via the third passage portion 710C that faces in the vertical direction, that is, a step is formed between the starting winning door 701B and the special winning door 703B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the starting winning door 701B and the special winning door 703B may be arranged on an inclined surface without a step.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a special variable winning ball device 7 is provided upstream of the variable winning ball device 6B as a special variable means that can be changed between an easy-entry state (e.g., a first state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the large winning opening 702A and a difficult-entry state (e.g., a second state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the special variable winning ball device 7 may be provided downstream of the variable winning ball device 6B.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of a form in which a winning ball device 6C constituting a second starting winning port is provided separately from the variable winning ball device 6B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the winning ball device 6C (second starting winning port) does not necessarily have to be provided separately from the variable winning ball device 6B.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the special variable winning ball device 7 is in the first state by being controlled to the jackpot game state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the special variable winning ball device 17 may be in the first state by being controlled to the jackpot game state. Furthermore, in this case, if the jackpot type is controllable to multiple types of jackpots including a first jackpot and a second jackpot with more rounds than the first jackpot, the special variable winning ball device 17 may be in the first state when controlled to the first jackpot, and the special variable winning ball device 7 may be in the first state when controlled to the second jackpot. Alternatively, the special variable winning ball device 7 may be in the first state when controlled to the first jackpot, and the special variable winning ball device 17 may be in the first state when controlled to the second jackpot.

(Second Invention)
This embodiment also includes the second invention described below. That is, in gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and slot machines, which are gaming machines equipped with an operation unit that can be operated by a player, there are gaming machines equipped with a non-electric variable means in which an operating member is rotated by the weight of a gaming ball that has entered a predetermined operating port, thereby changing from a first state to a second state, as described in, for example, JP 2017-189184 A. However, although it is possible to execute a performance in which a movable body rotates in response to a player's operation, there is a problem that the interest is not sufficient just from the rotational movement of the movable body. Therefore, with the aim of providing a gaming machine that can increase the interest by the movement of the movable body,
The gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of playing a game,
A movable body (e.g., a performance body 302 of a push button 31) capable of a first movement in a first direction (e.g., a sliding movement in a left-right direction), a second movement in a second direction different from the first direction (e.g., a vertical rotation movement), and a third movement different from the first movement and the second movement (e.g., a reciprocating movement in three dimensional directions of up-down, front-back, left-right, etc.);
A motion detection means (e.g., a push sensor 35B) capable of detecting a motion of a player;
Equipped with
In response to the player's action, at least two or more of the first action, the second action, and the third action by the movable body can be performed in a combined manner, and vibration can be generated (for example, a portion in which a plurality of actions are performed in a combined manner in the push button 31, such as a second action (vertical rotation) of the rotating body 380 and a third action (vibration) of the operating body 350 by the vibration motor 312, based on the player's operation (action) being detected by the push sensor 35B when the operating body 350 of the push button 31 is pressed by the player to move (displace) from an operation non-detection position to an operation detection position; see FIGS. 27 and 28).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, when the player makes a movement, the movable body makes a plurality of movements and generates vibrations, thereby increasing the interest.

The gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention,
The movable body (e.g., the performance body 302 of the push button 31) has a light emitting means (e.g., a performance LED 313),
The presenter is provided with a performance execution means capable of executing a light-emitting performance in which the light from the light-emitting means moves in a direction different from the second direction (for example, when the performance control CPU 120 controls the rotation parts 381L, 381R of the rotor 380 to rotate vertically, the performance LEDs 313 are sequentially turned on in a clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction as viewed from the front, that is, in a horizontal rotation direction different from the vertical rotation direction which is the second direction, thereby executing a light-emitting performance in which the semi-spherical fixed cover 362 which emits the light of the performance LEDs 313 outward appears to be rotating. See Figs. 27(C) and (D)).
It is characterized by the following.
This feature can enhance the dramatic effect.

The gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention,
the second motion is a rotational motion;
The performance execution means is capable of executing the light-emitting performance during the execution of the second action (for example, when the rotating parts 381L, 381R of the rotating body 380 are rotating vertically, the performance control CPU 120 controls the multiple performance LEDs 313 to be sequentially turned on in a clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction as viewed from the front, that is, in a horizontal rotation direction different from the vertical rotation direction which is the second direction, thereby executing a light-emitting performance in which the semi-spherical fixed cover 362 which emits light of the performance LEDs 313 outward appears to be rotating. See Figs. 27(C) and (D)).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the second action can be emphasized, and the dramatic effect can be further enhanced.

The gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the second or third aspect of the present invention,
The movable body (e.g., the performance body 302 of the push button 31) is
a fixed portion (e.g., a fixed body 360) supported by a base portion (e.g., a base body 301);
a rotating portion (e.g., a rotating body 380) that is rotatably supported around the fixed portion via a rotation drive member (e.g., a driven gear 323, movable rings 382L and 382R, a connecting shaft 386, etc.) relative to the base portion;
having
The fixing portion is
A first fixing portion (for example, a substrate portion 363A or a hemispherical portion 362A) on which the light emitting means is provided;
a second fixing portion (e.g., a wiring cover portion 363B or shaft portions 362L and 362R) that is inserted through the inside of the rotation drive member from the first fixing portion and supported on the base portion;
having
The second fixing portion is capable of routing a wiring member (e.g., wiring member C20) from the light emitting means to the outside of the fixing portion (see FIGS. 23 and 26).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the wiring members from the light emitting means can be routed to the outside of the fixed portion with space efficiency.

The gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
The fixing part (e.g., the fixing body 360) is composed of a light-emitting base member (e.g., the fixed base 361) and a light-emitting cover member (e.g., the fixed cover 362) that can transmit light from the light-emitting means (e.g., the performance LED 313),
A light diffusion portion (e.g., a light diffusion portion 368) is provided at a position corresponding to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the light-emitting cover member (see FIG. 26).
It is characterized by the following.
This feature makes it possible to improve space efficiency while preventing a decrease in design.

The gaming machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
The movable body (e.g., the performance body 302 of the push button 31) is
The display device has a fixed portion (e.g., a fixed body 360) supported by a base portion (e.g., a base body 301) and provided with the light-emitting means (e.g., a performance LED 313),
The fixing portion has a light-emitting cover member (e.g., a fixing cover 362) that covers the light-emitting means so as to be capable of transmitting light from the light-emitting means,
The light-emitting cover member is provided with a light diffusion portion (e.g., light diffusion portion 368) (see FIG. 26).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the light emitted from the light emitting means can be diffused in an appropriate manner, thereby improving the design.

The gaming machine according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
The movable body (e.g., the performance body 302 of the push button 31) is
A displacement unit (e.g., an operation body 350) that is displaceable with respect to a base unit (e.g., a base body 301) in response to an operation;
A support portion (e.g., support shafts 340A to 340C erected on the inclined base portion 301B) that supports the displacement portion so as to be displaceable relative to the base portion;
a rotating portion (e.g., a rotating body 380) rotatably supported on the base portion separately from the displacement portion;
having
The support portion is disposed at a position where it does not overlap with the rotating portion (for example, the support shafts 340A to 340C are disposed below the rotating body 380, and are disposed at a position where they do not overlap or intersect with the rotating body 380. See FIG. 24).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is possible to suitably absorb the impact caused by the operation on the displacement portion.

The gaming machine according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to seventh aspects,
The movable body (e.g., the performance body 302 of the push button 31) is
A displacement unit (e.g., an operation body 350) that is displaceable with respect to a base unit (e.g., a base body 301) in response to an operation;
A support portion (e.g., an inclined base portion 301B) that supports the displacement portion so as to be displaceable relative to the base portion;
a rotating portion (e.g., a rotating body 380) rotatably supported on the base portion separately from the displacement portion;
having
The displacement portion is provided so as not to come into contact with the rotating portion when displaced (for example, the operation cover 352 that can be operated by the player is provided so as not to come into contact with other members such as the support portions 301L, 301R in both the operation non-detection position and the operation detection position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, in both the operation non-detection position and the operation detection position, a gap S is formed between the support portions 301L, 301R and the cutout portions 352L, 352R of the operation cover 352, so that there is no contact).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the rotating portion from being damaged by an impact caused by an operation on the displacement portion.

(Description of Modifications and Applications of the Second Invention)
In the above embodiment, an example has been given of a form in which the first action (slide action) of the rotating body 380 is completed and the second action (vertical rotation) is executed before the push button 31 is operated by the player, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if at least two or more of the first action (slide action) and second action (vertical rotation) of the rotating body 380 and the third action (vibration) of the operating body 350 by the vibration motor 312 are executed in combination depending on the operation of the push button 31 by the player.

For example, until the push button 31 is operated by the player, it is in a non-operating state as shown in FIG. 28(C), and depending on the operation of the push button 31 by the player, the first operation (slide operation) and second operation (vertical rotation) of the rotating body 380, and the third operation (vibration) of the operating body 350 by the vibration motor 312 may all be executed in combination. Also, depending on the operation of the push button 31 by the player, the first and second operations may be executed, or the first and third operations may be executed, or the second and third operations may be executed.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first action (slide action) of the rotating body 380 is completed and the second action (vertical rotation) is performed before the player operates the push button 31, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the third action (vibration) may be performed before the player operates the push button 31.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of the first, second, and third actions of the presentation body 302 of the push button 31 being executed while the variable display of the Super Reach is being executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first, second, and third actions of the presentation body 302 may be executed while a variable display other than the Super Reach is being executed, or the first, second, and third actions of the presentation body 302 may be executed outside the variable display period of the pattern (for example, during the execution period of a big win game state or a small win game state, or during a demo display period, etc.).

In addition, in the above embodiment, a first action in a first direction is a sliding action in the left-right direction, a second action in a second direction different from the first direction is a vertical rotation action, and a third action different from the first and second actions is a reciprocating action in three dimensional directions of up-down, front-back, and left-right, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the action modes and directions of the first, second, and third actions can be changed in various ways.

In the above embodiment, the embodiment has been described with reference to an example of a movable body capable of a first action in a first direction, a second action in a second direction different from the first direction, and a third action different from the first and second actions in response to the player's actions, in which the presentation body 302 of the push button 31 that can be operated by the player is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any movable body capable of a first action in a first direction, a second action in a second direction different from the first direction, and a third action different from the first and second actions in response to the player's actions may be used, for example, a movable body provided on the game board 2 side such as the first presentation device 500 or the second presentation device 800, or a movable body provided on the frame side of the pachinko game machine 1 such as the glass door frame 50.

(Third Invention)
This embodiment also includes the third invention described below. That is, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko game machine or a slot machine, which is equipped with a plurality of operable performance parts, and which is equipped with a performance device in which each performance part moves from a predetermined position to a specific position and can be recognized as a single performance movable body by each performance part located at the specific position, there are, for example, those described in JP 2014-188048 A and JP 2017-47257 A, etc., which have, as the plurality of performance parts, a first performance part driven by a first drive part and a plurality of second performance parts driven by a second drive part separate from the first drive part. However, since the plurality of performance parts are operated by separate drive parts, there is a problem that the number of parts and the number of wirings increase, and manufacturing costs increase. Therefore, with the aim of providing a gaming machine that can enhance the performance effect while suppressing manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts and the number of wirings,
The gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention has the following features:
A gaming machine (e.g., a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of playing a game,
A first performance unit capable of moving in a first direction between a first predetermined position and a first specific position (for example, a first performance unit 510 capable of moving linearly in the vertical direction between a first origin position and a first performance position);
a plurality of second performance units capable of moving in a second direction different from the first direction between a second predetermined position and a second specific position (e.g., second performance units 520L, 520R capable of rotating in the up, down, left and right directions between a second origin position and the second performance position, third performance units 530L, 530R capable of rotating in the up, down, left and right directions between a third origin position and the third performance position, and fourth performance units 540L, 540R capable of rotating in the up, down, left and right directions between a fourth origin position and the fourth performance position);
Equipped with
The first performance unit arranged at the first predetermined position and the plurality of second performance units arranged at the second predetermined position can be recognized as one performance movable body (e.g., the first movable body 501),
A drive unit (e.g., a first drive mechanism 560, a first performance motor 560L, 560R) that operates the first performance unit between the first predetermined position and the first specific position,
The second performance parts are connected to the first performance part and can move in the second direction in response to the movement of the first performance part in the first direction by the drive part (for example, the second performance parts (second performance parts 520L, 520R, third performance parts 530L, 530R and fourth performance parts 540L, 540R) are connected to the first performance part 510 via link members (such as axes or arms), and are capable of rotating in a second direction (left/right, up/down) different from the first direction (up/down) by transmitting the power of the first drive mechanism 560 via the link members in response to the movement of the first performance part 510 driven by the first drive mechanism 560 in the first direction (up/down). See FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the number of parts and wiring required to drive multiple second performance sections can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while improving the performance effect.

The gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention,
The plurality of second performance parts (e.g., second performance parts 520L, 520R, third performance parts 530L, 530R, fourth performance parts 540L, 540R) are connected to the first performance part (e.g., first performance part 510) via link members (e.g., connecting member 523, first shaft parts 541c, 542c of fourth performance parts 540L, 540R, first arm body 564, second arm 565, fourth performance parts 540L, 540R), and are operated by transmitting the power of the drive parts (e.g., first drive mechanism 560, first performance motors 560L, 560R) from the first performance part via the link members (see FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the power of the drive unit can be preferably transmitted to multiple second performance units.

The gaming machine of the third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect of the present invention,
The first performance unit (e.g., the first performance unit 510) has a light emitting means (e.g., an LED board 514),
A power transmission member (e.g., a first arm body 564) is provided for transmitting the power of the drive unit (e.g., a first drive mechanism 560, a first performance motor 560L, 560R) to the first performance unit,
The power transmission member has a wiring cover (e.g., a wiring cover member 567) for protecting a wiring member (e.g., a wiring member 509) for electrically connecting the light emitting means and an electrical component (e.g., a performance control board 12) provided outside the first performance unit,
The wiring cover is disposed at a connection portion (e.g., connection portion 570) between the first performance portion and the power transmission member so as to restrict movement of the wiring member in the vicinity of the connection portion (see FIG. 35).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the wiring member from being pinched near the connection portion and breaking of the wiring.

The gaming machine of the third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention,
The plurality of second performance units include
An upper first movable part and an upper second movable part (e.g., second performance parts 520L and 520R),
A lower first movable part arranged below the upper first movable part and a lower second movable part arranged below the upper second movable part (for example, a third performance part 530L, 530R and a fourth performance part 540L, 540R located on the lower left and right sides of the second performance parts 520L, 520R, respectively),
having
The upper first movable part and the upper second movable part can be brought into contact with and separated from each other by being driven in the second direction in response to the operation of the first performance part in the first direction by the drive part (e.g., first drive mechanism 560, first performance motors 560L, 560R) (e.g., parts that can be moved into and separated from each other so as to be positioned at a second performance position where the second performance parts 520L, 520R abut and combine at the center when the first performance part 510 moves to the performance position; see FIG. 36 ).
The lower first movable part and the lower second movable part can be brought into contact with and separated from each other by being driven in the second direction in response to the movement of the first performance part in the first direction by the drive part (for example, when the first performance part 510 moves to a performance position, the parts can be moved into and separated from each other so as to be located at the second and third performance positions where the third performance parts 530L, 530R and the fourth performance parts 540L, 540R come into contact with or are adjacent to each other at the center and combine together. See FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, a single movable body for performance is formed by combining multiple performance parts, thereby improving the design.

The gaming machine of the third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
The lower first movable part and the lower second movable part (e.g., the third performance part 530L, 530R) are attracted to each other by a magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet 534) at the second predetermined position (e.g., the third performance position) (see FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
This feature can improve the design at a given position.

The gaming machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5) is provided,
At least a portion of the first performance unit (e.g., the first performance unit 510) is superimposed on the front side of the display means at the first predetermined position (e.g., the first performance position);
The second performance section (e.g., the second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R, the fourth performance section 540L, 540R) is at least partially overlapped in front of the display means at the second predetermined position (e.g., the second to fourth performance positions),
The first performance section arranged at the first predetermined position and the second performance section arranged at the second predetermined position at least partially overlap each other in the front-rear direction (for example, a portion of the first performance section 510 arranged at the first performance position that partially overlaps the front side of the first performance section 510 arranged at the first performance position in the second to fourth performance positions. See FIG. 36).
It is characterized by the following.
This feature makes it possible to create powerful effects using movable objects at low cost.

(Explanation regarding modifications and applications of the third invention)
In the above embodiment, an example was given of a form in which a first performance unit 510 capable of moving in a first direction (up and down) between a first origin position and a first performance position is used as the first performance unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the movement direction of the first performance unit is not limited to the above-mentioned up and down direction, but may also be a left-right direction or a front-back direction.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the second performance units 520L, 520R, the third performance units 530L, 530R and the fourth performance units 540L, 540R that can rotate in the second direction (left-right, up-down directions) are used as the multiple second performance units that can move in a second direction different from the first direction between the second to fourth origin positions and the second to fourth performance positions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the movement direction of the multiple second performance units is not limited to the above-mentioned up-down direction, but may be up-down or front-back as long as it is a direction different from the first direction. Furthermore, as long as at least a part of the movement direction of the second performance units includes a second direction different from the first direction, it may include a part of the first direction.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is given of a configuration in which three second performance units 520L, 520R, a third performance unit 530L, 530R, and a fourth performance unit 540L, 540R are applied as multiple second performance units, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may have only two second performance units, or may have four or more second performance units.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the movement of the first production section in the first direction is linear, and the movement of the second production section in the second direction is rotational, i.e., the operation modes of the first production section and the second production section are different. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as the movement directions are at least different, the operation modes may be the same, such as both the first production section and the second production section being capable of moving linearly or both being capable of rotating.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when the first performance section 510, the second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R and the fourth performance section 540L, 540R move to the first to fourth performance positions, the first performance section 510, the second performance section 520L, 520R, the third performance section 530L, 530R and the fourth performance section 540L, 540R combine to become recognizable as a single performance movable body, but the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple performance sections do not necessarily have to combine as long as the performance sections are recognizable as a single performance movable body by being close to each other, etc.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the second performance units 520L, 520R, the third performance units 530L, 530R and the fourth performance units 540L, 540R are illustrated as rotating in unison in response to the movement of the first performance unit 510, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one movable part of the multiple performance units operates in response to the movement of the first performance unit 510. Furthermore, the timing at which each performance unit starts operating in response to the movement of the first performance unit 510 may be simultaneous, or the timing at which each performance unit starts operating may be shifted forward or backward.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first performance unit 510, the second performance unit 520L, 520R, the third performance unit 530L, 530R, and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R are illustrated as operating in response to the operation of the first performance unit 510 when moving between the first to fourth origin positions and the first to fourth performance positions, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the second performance unit 520L, 520R, the third performance unit 530L, 530R, and the fourth performance unit 540L, 540R may operate in response to the operation of the first performance unit 510 only when moving forward from the first to fourth origin positions to the first to fourth performance positions, or only when moving backward from the first to fourth performance positions to the first to fourth origin positions.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, a pachinko game machine 1 is used as an example of a game machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to so-called sealed game machines in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed inside the game machine so that they can be circulated, and the number of loaned balls loaned in response to a loan request by a player and the number of prize balls awarded in response to winning are added, while the number of game balls used in the game is subtracted and stored. In these sealed game machines, scores or points are awarded to the player rather than game balls, and these awarded scores or points correspond to the game value.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine was applied as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention can also be applied to a slot machine in which, for example, a game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using gaming value, one game ends when a variable display result is derived from a variable display device that can variably display multiple types of identifiable patterns, and a prize can be won depending on the variable display result derived from the variable display device.

A gaming machine capable of playing a game is one that at least allows for playing a game, and is not limited to pachinko machines or slot machines, but may also be a general game machine.

1 Pachinko game machine 6C Winning ball device 6B Variable winning ball device 7 Special variable winning ball device 17 Special variable winning ball device 31 Push button 350 Operation body 380 Rotating body 500 First performance device 501 First movable body 510 First performance section 520L, 520R Second performance section 530L, 530R Third performance section 700 Winning unit 710 Game ball passage 751 to 753 Regulating section 761 to 763 Regulating section

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of executing variable display of specific identification information and capable of being controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
a movable body capable of a first movement in a first direction, a second movement in a second direction different from the first direction, and a third movement different from the first movement and the second movement;
A motion detection means capable of detecting a motion of a player;
A display means capable of displaying the specific identification information and special identification information having lower visibility than the specific identification information;
A light-transmitting cover part that is contactable by a player and covers the movable body;
Equipped with
a movable body that is capable of performing a combination of at least two of the first action, the second action, and the third action in response to an action of a player , and that generates vibration as the third action;
the display means is capable of displaying the special identification information when the movable body is performing the first motion, the second motion, and the third motion;
The first action and the second action by the movable body do not affect the cover portion to move the cover portion,
A gaming machine characterized by:

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