JP2016172135A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine comprising a distribution device which can suppress an occurrence of situation in which a player becomes irritated when game balls do not enter a ball entry port as the player expects.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 includes: a game board 92 where a game area 922 including a prescribed flow-down area 922a flowing down game balls is formed; a distribution device 2 which game balls entering the prescribed flow-down area 922a always enter and which distributes the game balls entered into a plurality of exits at a prescribed rate; and a plurality of ball entry ports including a first ball entry port 924 and a second ball entry port 925 which game balls can enter. The distribution device 2 is provided with: a first exit (exit of a branch path 11) which can intrude an area where the distributed game balls can enter the first ball entry port 924; and a second exit (exit of a branch path 12) where the distributed game balls always enter the second ball entry port 925.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a sorting device that distributes a game ball that has entered a ball to a plurality of outlets at a predetermined ratio.

  A pachinko gaming machine is known that has a distribution device that distributes the game balls that have entered the ball to a plurality of outlets, thereby improving the game's taste (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2002-35267 A

  A typical pachinko gaming machine aims at one or a plurality of entrances provided in a gaming area in order to acquire a game ball (out). The game area is designed so that the percentage of game balls entering is a predetermined design value. However, due to various factors, the game ball may not enter the entrance as expected, and the player may become frustrated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine provided with a sorting device that can suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the player is frustrated without entering the entrance as the game ball thinks. To do.

  A gaming machine according to the invention of claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a game board in which a game area including a predetermined flow area where game balls flow down is formed, and a game that has entered the predetermined flow area. A distribution device that makes sure that a ball enters and distributes the entered game balls to a plurality of outlets at a predetermined ratio, and a first entrance and a second entrance that allow game balls to enter. A plurality of entrances, including a first exit that enters an area in which the distributed game balls can enter the first entrance. A second exit through which a game ball enters the second entrance is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, when the predetermined number of game balls enter, the distribution device always distributes one ball game ball to the second outlet. Features.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, an area where the game balls distributed to the first exit enter relatively enters the first entrance. It is characterized by including a region where it is easy to make a ball and a region where it is relatively difficult or impossible to enter the first entrance.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the gaming area includes a downstream area different from the predetermined downstream area, and a gaming state As described above, the first game in which the player receives a greater benefit when the game ball flows down the predetermined flow area than the game ball flows down the separate flow area. State and the player's benefit is greater if the game is played such that the game ball flows down the other flow area than the game ball flows down the predetermined flow area. A gaming state is set.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the distribution device is configured such that the game ball that has entered the first outlet is more than the second outlet. It is characterized in that it is set to be easily distributed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the game ball is placed in an area where the game balls distributed to the first outlet enter. There is a different entrance different from the first entrance and the second entrance where the ball is available, and a game ball enters the first entrance or the second entrance. The event that is executed when triggered by the above and the event that is executed when triggered by the game ball entering the different entrance are different.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game balls that have entered the distribution device are distributed to the respective outlets at a predetermined ratio, and the games distributed to the second outlet that is a part thereof. The ball must enter the second entrance. In other words, as long as the game ball enters the area where the distribution device is provided, the game ball enters the second entrance at a predetermined rate, so that the game ball enters the entrance It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the frequency decreases and the player becomes irritated.

  As in the second aspect of the invention, when a predetermined number of game balls enter the sorting device, if one ball game ball is always distributed to the second outlet, the ratio of one ball to the predetermined number Since the game ball will enter the second entrance, the frequency of entering the game ball to the entrance will be reduced, and the occurrence of annoying players will be suppressed. Is possible.

  As in the invention according to claim 3, the area where the game balls distributed to the first exit enter are relatively easy to enter the first entrance, and the first entrance is relatively By including an area where it is difficult or impossible to enter the game, the game machine's original preferences (this occurs when the game ball flows down in various ways and does not enter or enter the entrance It is possible to suppress a decrease in (interesting).

  As in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine in which a game area into which a game ball should enter is changed according to a game state.

  If the entered game balls are set to be more easily distributed to the first exit than the second exit as in the invention described in claim 5, excessive game balls enter the entrance. Thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when a ball enters the game, another game entrance that generates an event different from the first game entrance and the second game entrance enters from the first exit. Since the game ball is entered in the first entrance and the second entrance, the game ball is in a different entrance. By setting a difference (for example, a difference in profit received by a player) in an event that occurs when a player enters the game, it is possible to enhance the game's preference.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (members not related to the present invention are omitted). It is a front view of a distribution apparatus. It is a rear view of a distribution apparatus. First rotating member (first engaged portion), first compound gear, second compound gear and second rotating member (second engaged portion), and positions of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion It is the figure which showed the relationship typically, Comprising: Although (a) is the position of a 1st to-be-engaged part and a 1st engaging part, the position of a 2nd to-be-engaged part and a 2nd engaging part corresponds. (B) shows a state in which the positions of the first engaged portion and the first engaging portion match, and the second engaged portion and the second engaging portion. It shows a state where the positions match. It is the figure for demonstrating the effect | action (operation | movement) of a distribution apparatus ((a) is the figure seen from the front, (b) is the figure seen from the back), Comprising: Both engaging parts are both engaged parts. The state just before engaging is shown. It is the figure for demonstrating the effect | action (operation | movement) of a distribution apparatus ((a) is the figure seen from the front, (b) is the figure seen from the back), Comprising: Both engaging parts are both engaged parts. The engaged state is shown. It is the figure for demonstrating the effect | action (operation | movement) of a distribution apparatus ((a) is the figure seen from the front, (b) is the figure seen from the back), Comprising: It engaged with both to-be-engaged parts. Both engagement parts show a state where they are disengaged from the both engaged parts. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the operation (operation) of the sorting device (a diagram viewed from the front, (b) a diagram viewed from the rear), and after the state shown in FIG. This shows a state in which one game ball passes through the first branch path and the first rotating member is slightly rotated. FIGS. 8A and 8B are views for explaining the operation (operation) of the sorting device (a view from the front, and a view from the back as shown in FIG. 8). From the state shown in FIG. It shows a state where the rotating member is further rotated. The figure ((a) is the figure seen from the front, (b) is the figure seen from the back) for demonstrating the effect | action (operation | movement) of a distribution apparatus, Comprising: A 1st to-be-engaged part and 1st engagement Although the position of a part corresponds, the state to which the position of a 2nd to-be-engaged part and a 2nd engaging part does not correspond is shown. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of a leveling member, Comprising: The game ball which approached the common path shows the state which contacted the partition board. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of a leveling member, Comprising: A leveling member rotates with a game ball which contacted the division board, and a rotation control member rotates, and the gear part of a leveling member and the hook nail | claw of a rotation control member This shows a state in which the engagement is temporarily released. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of a leveling member, Comprising: After the state shown in FIG. 12, the state which the hook nail | claw of a rotation control member engaged with the gear part of the leveling member again is shown. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of a leveling member, Comprising: A leveling member rotates gradually, repeating engagement that the gear part of a leveling member and the hook nail | claw of a rotation control member are cancelled | released temporarily. It shows how to do. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of a leveling member, Comprising: The game ball which approached the common path shows the state after passing the location in which the leveling member was provided. It is a front view of a gaming machine according to a fifth modification (members not related to the present invention are omitted).

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the plane direction is a direction along (parallel to) the plane direction of the game board 92, and the front-rear direction is a direction orthogonal to the plane direction of the game board 92 (the player side is the front and the opposite side is the front side). In the following description, the vertical direction refers to the vertical direction in FIG. 1, and the width direction (horizontal direction) refers to the horizontal direction in FIG. The directions such as clockwise and counterclockwise are directions when viewed from the front (front).

[overall structure]
First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped machine casing 90, and a front frame 91 is rotatably supported by the machine casing 90. The front frame 91 is provided with a transparent plate that allows the game board 92 to be viewed from the front side.

  The game board 92 is formed of a substantially square plywood and is detachably attached to the front frame 91. The game board 92 is provided with a strip-shaped guide rail 923 made of a thin metal plate for guiding a game ball launched by operating the launching device 94 to the game area 922 so as to have a substantially arc shape.

  A game area 922, which is an area on the front side of the game board 92, includes a first start winning opening 924 (corresponding to the first entry opening in the present invention) and a second start winning opening 925 (the second entry in the present invention). A third start winning opening 926 (corresponding to another entrance according to the present invention), a large winning opening 927, an out opening 928, and the like. As the display device 93, for example, a liquid crystal display device is used, and special symbols, normal symbols, and the like are displayed on the display screen (display unit) of the display device 93. The display screen of the display device 93 is visible through an opening 921 formed in the game board 92.

  In addition, the game area 922 is provided with a plurality of game nails as obstacles that change the flow-down mode of the game ball when the flow-down game ball collides. The game ball flowing down the game area 922 changes to various modes depending on the condition when it collides with the game nail.

  In such a gaming machine 1, a game ball is launched toward the game area 922 by operating the launching device 94 (handle). When a game ball flowing down the game area 922 wins a winning opening such as a start winning opening 924 to 926 or a big winning opening 927, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

  In the present embodiment, there is provided a sorting device 2 in which a game ball that has entered the left game area 922a (the left area of the display area 93 in the game area 922, which corresponds to the predetermined flow-down area in the present invention) always enters. It has been. The distribution apparatus 2 is configured to allow a game ball that has entered the common path 10 (passage through which game balls that have advanced into the apparatus pass) to pass through the first branch path 11 (the outlet of the first branch path 11 is the first outlet in the present invention). Or the second branch path 12 (the outlet of the second branch path 12 corresponds to the second outlet in the present invention). That is, the game balls that have entered the left game area 922a always enter the common path and are distributed to one of the branch paths. Any configuration may be used for guiding the game ball that has entered the left game area 922a to the common path.

[Configuration of sorting device]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the sorting apparatus 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In addition, the structure different from the distribution apparatus 2 demonstrated below may be sufficient as long as it can distribute the game ball which approached in the predetermined ratio.

  The sorting apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a sorting member 20, a first movable member 21, a second movable member 22, a first rotating member 23, a second rotating member 24, a regulating means 25, And a leveling member 26. These members are accommodated in the case 30. The case 30 is divided into a front region in which the common path 10, the first branch path 11, and the second branch path 12 are formed, and a rear region in which each member constituting the distribution device 2 is accommodated. Yes.

  The distribution member 20 is a member that comes into contact with the game balls that have flowed down the common path 10. A flat plate-like portion (hereinafter referred to as a game ball contact portion 201) in contact with the game ball is located at the boundary between the common path 10, the first branch path 11, and the second branch path 12. Specifically, the game ball contact portion 201 is formed so that the size in the width direction is larger than that of the common path 10, and in the normal state (the state where the game ball contact portion 201 is not inclined as will be described later), the plane direction is the vertical direction. Located so as to be orthogonal. In addition, the game ball contact portion 201 is formed with a guided projection that protrudes rearward from the rear end surface of the flat plate-like portion. Three guided projections projecting rearward from the center, left end, and right end in the width direction on the rear end surface of the flat plate-like portion (hereinafter, the middle one is the middle guided projection 201c and the left end is the left guided guide The protrusion 201l and the right end protrusion are referred to as a right guided protrusion 201r). Each guided projection is passed through each of the three guide grooves formed in the partition plate 31 that partitions the front region and the rear region (hereinafter, the central guide groove 311c and the center guide groove 311 are located on the left). What is to be performed is referred to as a left guide groove 311l, and what is to the right is referred to as a right guide groove 311r). Each guide groove is a through-hole that is long in the vertical direction. Among the guide grooves, the width of the middle guide groove 311c is slightly larger than the width of the middle guided protrusion 201c (a slight gap is generated between the two). On the other hand, the widths of the left guide groove 311l and the right guide groove 311r are considerably larger than the widths of the left guided protrusion 201l and the right guided protrusion 201r (a large gap is generated between them).

  Of the three guided projections, the middle guided projection 201c is inserted inside a shaft (hereinafter referred to as a connecting shaft 27) extending in the front-rear direction. Specifically, a middle guided protrusion 201 c is inserted inside a cylindrical portion 271 formed on the connecting shaft 27. The middle guided protrusion 201c can rotate inside the cylinder. A support portion 272 extending in the right direction is connected to the rear end of the connection shaft 27, and the support portion 272 is provided in a rear region of the case 30 (in the present embodiment, integrated with the case 30). (To be molded) is rotatably supported. The support portion 272 is formed with a first hook portion 273 on which one end of the distribution biasing member 202 that is a tension spring is hooked. The other end of the distribution biasing member 202 is hooked on a second hooking portion 321 formed on the support plate 32.

  The game ball contact portion 201 can be displaced in an inclined state so that the first branch path 11 side is lowered or the second branch path 12 side is lowered. As described above, the width of the middle guide groove 311c is slightly larger than the width of the middle guide protrusion, and the width of the left guide groove 311l and the right guide groove 311r is equal to the left guided protrusion 201l and the right guided protrusion 201r. Therefore, the game ball contact portion 201 can be inclined to one of the above-mentioned sides with respect to the position of the middle guided protrusion 201c passing through the middle guide groove 311c. When the game ball contact portion 201 is in a normal state (horizontal state), there is a gap through which the game ball can pass between the common path 10 and the first branch path 11 and between the common path 10 and the second branch path 12. not exist. In contrast, when the game ball contact portion 201 is inclined so that the first branch path 11 side is lowered (hereinafter, the state of the sorting member 20 (game ball contact portion 201) is referred to as a first state), the common path A gap through which a game ball can pass is formed between 10 and the first branch path 11. Similarly, when the game ball contact portion 201 is inclined so that the second branch path 12 side is lowered (hereinafter, the state of the sorting member 20 (game ball contact portion 201) is referred to as a second state), the common path 10 A gap through which a game ball can pass is formed between the first branch path 12 and the second branch path 12.

  When the game ball contact portion 201 is inclined as described above, the position of the middle guided protrusion 201c passing through the guide groove 311c is moved downward. The downward movement amount in the first state is the same as the downward movement amount in the second state. Since the intermediate guided protrusion 201c is rotatably inserted inside the connecting shaft 27, the support portion 272 connected to the connecting shaft 27 is supported by the support plate 32 when the intermediate guided protrusion 201c moves. Rotate around the point. When the support portion 272 is rotated, the distribution biasing member 202 is extended. That is, the distribution biasing member 202 returns the game ball contact portion 201 to the normal state (horizontal state) when the distribution member 20 (game ball contact portion 201) is in the first state or the second state. Energize in the direction.

  The first movable member 21 is a member that is moved by a game ball that passes through the first branch path 11. The 1st movable member 21 has the 1st contact projection part 211 located in the 1st branch path 11 in the edge part of one side. The first contact protrusion 211 is passed through a first arc groove 312 formed in the partition plate 31. The first arc groove 312 is an arc-shaped groove formed along the first branch path 11. The first movable member 21 is rotatably supported with respect to the partition plate 31 at the other side end. When the first movable member 21 rotates around the place supported by the partition plate 31, the first contact protrusion 211 moves in the first branch path 11 along the first arc groove 312. That is, when the game ball passes through the first branch path 11 with the first movable member 21 located at the original position, the first contact protrusion 211 is pushed by the game ball and the first movable member 21 is moved to a predetermined amount. Rotates clockwise (refers to the direction of rotation when viewed from the front). The first movable member 21 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (referred to as a rotation direction when viewed from the front) (original position direction) by a first movable biasing member 212 that is a torsion coil spring. It is energized. Therefore, the first movable member 21 is rotated by a predetermined amount clockwise by the game ball passing through the first branch path 11, and the contact between the game ball and the first contact protrusion 211 is eliminated (the game ball is in the first branch path). 11), the first movable biasing member 212 rotates counterclockwise and returns to the original position.

  The first movable member 21 is formed with a connecting protrusion 213 and a first movable protrusion 214. The connection protrusion 213 enters the elongated hole 281 formed in the connection member 28. The connecting member 28 is rotatably supported with respect to the partition plate 31. The rotation center of the connecting member 28 is the same as that of the first rotating member 23 described later in detail. A pressing member 282 that is a sharp and elongated member is rotatably connected to the rear surface of the connecting member 28. The pressing member 282 is biased counterclockwise by the pressing biasing member 283 (in a direction in which the tip is pressed against the first rotating member 23 described later in detail). When the first movable member 21 rotates clockwise, the connecting protrusion 213 presses the inner wall surface of the long hole 281 of the connecting member 28, and the connecting member 28 rotates clockwise. The pressing member 282 also moves together with the connecting member 28. The first movable protrusion 214 is formed in a “U” shape of a second restricting portion 252, which will be described in detail later, when the first movable member 21 is rotated clockwise by the passage of the game ball on the first branch path 11. The right inner wall surface of the portion 2523 formed.

  The second movable member 22 is a member that is moved by a game ball that passes through the second branch path 12. The second movable member 22 has a second contact protrusion 221 located in the second branch path 12 at one end. The second contact protrusion 221 is passed through a second arc groove 313 formed in the partition plate 31. The second arc groove 313 is an arc-shaped groove formed along the second branch path 12. The second movable member 22 is rotatably supported with respect to the partition plate 31 at the other side end. When the second movable member 22 rotates around the portion supported by the partition plate 31, the second contact protrusion 221 moves in the second branch path 12 along the second arc groove 313. That is, when the game ball passes through the second branch path 12 with the second movable member 22 positioned at the original position, the second contact protrusion 221 is pushed by the game ball and the second movable member 22 is moved to a predetermined amount. Rotates counterclockwise. The second movable member 22 is urged in a clockwise rotation direction (original position direction) by a second movable urging member 222 that is a torsion coil spring. Therefore, the second movable member 22 is rotated by a predetermined amount counterclockwise by the game ball passing through the second branch path 12, and the contact between the game ball and the second contact protrusion 221 is eliminated (the game ball is divided into the second branch). After passing through the path 12, the second movable urging member 222 rotates clockwise and returns to the original position.

  A second movable protrusion 223 is formed on the second movable member 22. When the second movable member 22 rotates counterclockwise due to the passage of the game ball on the second branch path 12, the second movable protrusion 223 has a "U" shape of a second restricting portion 252 described later in detail. The left inner wall surface of the formed portion 2523 is contacted.

  The first rotating member 23 is a disk-shaped member that is rotatably supported with respect to the partition plate 31. A first engaged portion 231 and a ratchet portion 232 are formed on the first rotating member 23. In the present embodiment, the first engaged portion 231 is a concave portion that is formed on the outer side of the first rotating member 23 and is recessed inward in the radial direction. The position of the recess is set in consideration of the reduction ratio with the second rotating member 24, which will be described in detail later, and the position of the second engaged portion 241. In the present embodiment, one first engaged portion 231 is formed on the first rotating member 23.

  The first rotating member 23 is formed with an edge protruding forward along the circumferential direction. A ratchet portion 232 is formed inside the edge portion. The ratchet portion 232 is a portion where an engagement groove 233 is formed which is a recess recessed in a V-shaped cross section along the circumferential direction. The engaging grooves 233 are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In the first rotating member 23 of the present embodiment, 20 engagement grooves 233 are formed at equal intervals. The front end of the pressing member 282 is fitted in the engaging groove 233. Further, in the present embodiment, the distal end of the locking portion 284 connected to the first rotating member 23 is fitted into the engagement groove 233 different from the engagement groove 233 into which the distal end of the pressing member 282 is fitted. Yes. The locking portion 284 is biased toward the ratchet portion 232 (engagement groove 233) by the locking portion biasing member 285.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a drive side gear portion 234 is formed on the rear side of the first rotating member 23. The output gear portion meshes with the large diameter tooth portion of the first compound gear 291. The large-diameter tooth portion of the first compound gear 292 meshes with the small-diameter tooth portion of the first compound gear 291. The driven gear portion formed on the second rotating member 24 meshes with the small diameter tooth portion of the first compound gear 292. That is, when the first rotating member 23 rotates, the power is transmitted to the second rotating member 24 at a predetermined reduction ratio via the first compound gear 291 and the first compound gear 292 (gear train). In the present embodiment, the reduction ratio (1:10) is set so that the second rotating member 24 rotates 1/10 (36 degrees) when the first rotating member 23 makes one rotation.

  Thus, the 2nd rotation member 24 to which rotation of the 1st rotation member 23 is transmitted via a gear train is a member in which the 2nd to-be-engaged part 241 dented toward a diameter direction inner side was formed. In the present embodiment, five second engaged portions 241 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the angle difference (interval) between a certain second engaged portion 241 (the center) and the second engaged portion 241 (the center) adjacent thereto is 72 degrees. The second rotating member 24 is provided such that the upper left periphery thereof overlaps with the upper left periphery of the first rotating member 23 in the front-rear direction. The reduction ratio of the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 24 is as described above. When the first rotating member 23 rotates twice, the second rotating member 24 rotates 72 degrees. The second engaged member 231 formed on the first rotating member 23 and the second formed on the second rotating member 24 each time the second rotating member 24 rotates 72 degrees while rotating twice (720 degrees). The positions of the engaged portions 241 are made to coincide (overlap in the front-rear direction). In the present embodiment, the position of the first engaged portion 231 and the position of the second engaged portion 241 are changed every time the first rotating member 23 rotates twice and the second rotating member 24 rotates 72 degrees. However, every time the first rotating member 23 rotates twice and the second rotating member 24 rotates 72 degrees, the first engagement of the restricting means 25 (first restricting portion 251) described later in detail. It suffices that both the portion 2511 and the second engagement portion 2512 can be engaged with the first engaged portion 231 and the second engaged portion 241.

  The restriction means 25 includes a first restriction part 251 and a second restriction part 252. The first restricting portion 251 is a member that is rotatably supported with respect to the second restricting portion 252, and includes a first engaging portion 2511, a second engaging portion 2512, and a regulated protrusion 2513. The first engagement portion 2511 and the second engagement portion 2512 are protrusions that are divided into two forks in the front-rear direction. In the first engagement portion 2511, the front-rear direction position of the tip portion thereof coincides with the portion where the first engaged portion 231 in the first rotating member 23 is formed. In the second engaging portion 2512, the front-rear direction position of the tip portion thereof coincides with the portion of the second rotating member 24 where the second engaged portion 241 is formed. The first restricting portion 251 is first engaged by a restricting biasing member 253 that is a torsion coil spring provided outside a portion (shaft-shaped portion) that is rotatably supported with respect to the second restricting portion 252. The portion 2511 and the second engaging portion 2512 are biased in a direction approaching the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 24. In the present embodiment, the first engagement portion 2511 and the second engagement portion 2512 overlap in the front-rear direction.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first rotation member 23 formed on the first rotation member 23 each time the first rotation member 23 rotates twice (720 degrees) and the second rotation member 24 rotates 72 degrees. The positions of the engaging portion 231 and the second engaged portion 241 formed on the second rotating member 24 coincide (overlapping in the front-rear direction). Thus, when the position of the 1st to-be-engaged part 231 and the 2nd to-be-engaged part 241 corresponds, the 1st engaging part 2511 is the 1st to-be-engaged part 231, and the 2nd engaging part 2512 is the 2nd It becomes possible to engage with the engaged portion 241. When the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 24 are located at other positions, at least one of the engaging portions cannot engage with the corresponding engaged portion. That is, since the first restricting portion 251 is biased in the direction approaching the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 24 by the restricting biasing member 253, the first engaged portion 231 and the second engaged portion are engaged. When the positions of the portions 241 do not match, both engaging portions of the first restricting portion 251 (the restricting means 25) are located at a first position relatively far from the center of the first rotating member 23 or the second rotating member 24. To do. On the other hand, when the positions of the first engaged portion 231 and the second engaged portion 241 coincide, both the engaging portions of the first restricting portion 251 (the restricting means 25) and the both engaged portions are engaged. However, both the engaging portions are in a second position relatively close to the center of the first rotating member 23 or the second rotating member 24. For example, when the first rotating member 23 is rotated once (360 degrees) from a position where both engaged portions can engage with both engaged portions and the positions of the both engaged portions coincide with each other. The second engaged portion 241 is not in a position where the second engaging portion 2512 can be engaged. Therefore, the 1st control part 251 (control means 25) exists in the state located in the 1st position.

  The regulated protrusion 2513 is formed on the first regulating portion 251 opposite to the side where the first engaging portion 2511 and the second engaging portion 2512 are formed (the first engaging portion 2511 and the second engaging portion on one side of the rotation center). The joint portion 2512 is formed, and the regulated protrusion 2513 is formed on the other side. The tip of the regulated protrusion 2513 can come into contact with the restricting protrusion of the second restricting portion 252.

  The second restricting portion 252 has a portion 2523 formed in a “U” shape and a flat plate-like portion extending in the front-rear direction orthogonal to the portion 2523 formed in the “U” shape. A regulation protrusion protruding upward is rotatably supported on the flat plate-like portion. Two restricting protrusions are supported on the right and left sides of the flat plate-like portion, and the width thereof is slightly smaller than the interval between the right guided protrusion 201r and the left guided protrusion 201l of the sorting member 20. Further, the right-side restricting protrusion (hereinafter referred to as the right restricting protrusion 2521) is longer to the rear than the left-side restricting protrusion (hereinafter referred to as the left restricting protrusion 2522). Thereby, the right restricting protrusion 2521 can come into contact with the restricted protrusion 2513 of the first restricting portion 251.

  The second restricting portion 252 is connected to the support plate 32 so as to be slidable in the width direction. Further, the right restricting protrusion 2521 of the second restricting portion 252 is biased in a direction approaching the first restricting portion 251 by the restricting biasing member 253. That is, since the first restricting portion 251 and the second restricting portion 252 are biased toward each other by the restricting biasing member 253, the regulated protrusion 2513 and the right restricting protrusion 2521 are pressed against each other. In contact. The pressing force is balanced because both are due to the action of the regulating urging member 253. When the first movable member 21 rotates clockwise, the first movable protrusion 214 comes into contact with the right inner wall surface of the portion 2523 formed in the “U” shape. Thereby, the 2nd control part 252 slides to the right direction. When the second movable member 22 rotates clockwise, the second movable protrusion 223 comes into contact with the right inner wall surface of the portion 2523 formed in the “U” shape. Thereby, the 2nd control part 252 slides to the left direction.

  The leveling member 26 is such that the game balls that have entered the common path 10 are directed one by one to the distribution member 20 (game ball contact portion 201), and the game balls that have previously entered the common path 10 are the distribution members 20. This is a member for making the interval (time) until the game ball that has entered the common path 10 later reaches the sorting member 20 after reaching the predetermined path becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined interval. As will be described in detail later, the game balls that have entered the common path 10 are distributed to the first branch path 11 or the second branch path 12 by the distribution device 2, but the game balls are continuously distributed. When heading for the member 20, the game ball that entered the common path 10 before entering the common path 10 before the distribution of the game balls (before the sorting member 20 returned to the original position) was entered later. This is because the game balls are directed to the distribution member 20, and therefore the game balls that have entered the common path 10 after that cannot be accurately distributed.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, the leveling member 26 is a member that is rotatably supported with respect to a support shaft provided along the width direction, and is equally spaced in the rotation direction (circumferential direction). And a plurality of partition plates 261 provided on the both sides, and gear portions 262 provided on both sides of the partition plate 261 in the width direction. In the present embodiment, a rotation restricting member 263 is provided behind the leveling member 26. The rotation regulating member 263 is a member that is rotatably supported with respect to a support shaft provided along the width direction. A hooking claw 2631 protruding forward is formed on the upper side, and a weight is provided on the lower side. 2632 is fixed. The hooking claw 2631 is engaged with the gear portion 262 of the leveling member 26.

  The leveling member 26 is configured such that any one of the plurality of partition plates 261 is necessarily located in the common path 10. Therefore, when a game ball enters the common path 10, it comes into contact with the partition plate 261 located in the common path 10 (see FIG. 11). The leveling member 26 is rotated by the weight of the game ball. When the leveling member 26 rotates, the hooking claw 2631 engaged with the gear portion 262 is once removed. That is, the rotation restricting member 263 rotates (turns) so that the upper end thereof is directed rearward (see FIG. 12). When the rotation restricting member 263 rotates in this way, the position of the center of gravity of the rotation restricting member 263 including the weight 2632 changes, and the rotation restricting member 263 rotates (turns) so that its upper end is directed forward. That is, the hooking claw 2631 is engaged with the gear portion 262 again, and the rotation of the leveling member 26 is stopped (see FIG. 13). That is, the leveling member 26 is rotated by the game ball that has entered the common path 10, but its rotation is immediately regulated by the rotation regulating member 263. This continues to be repeated (see FIG. 14), and finally the game ball passes through the location where the leveling member 26 is provided in the common path 10 (see FIG. 15). Thus, since the leveling member 26 that rotates while being regulated by the rotation regulating member 263 is provided, even if the game ball enters the common path 10 in succession, the game ball that has entered first and the subsequent The interval with the game ball that has entered is equal to or greater than a predetermined interval. Note that the interval until the game ball that has entered first is distributed to the first branch path 11 or the second branch path 12 by the distribution device 2 and the distribution device 2 (the distribution member 20) returns to the original position. It is set to be equal to or greater than the interval.

  Although the operation (action) of the sorting apparatus 2 having such a configuration partially overlaps with the above description, it will be described in detail below.

  The game balls that have entered the common path 10 from the start winning opening 924 are set to be directed to the distribution device 2 (the distribution member 20) at a predetermined interval or more by the leveling member 26 (and the rotation restriction member 263). Is done.

  The distribution device 2 distributes the game balls that have passed through the location where the leveling member 26 (partition plate 261) is located in the common path 10 to either the first branch path 11 or the second branch path 12. As will be described below, the distribution device 2 according to the present embodiment has a ratio of 1 in 40 times (39: 1), although most of the game balls that have entered the common path 10 pass through the first branch path 11. ), The game ball is set so as to pass through the second branch path 12. Note that, in such a distribution mechanism, for example, a game ball that has entered the common path 10 from the start winning opening 924 is distributed to the first branch path 11 and to the second branch path 12. It is possible to use the game in such a manner that the profit (expected value of the winning game) obtained by the player when the jackpot is set to be different.

  A game ball that has entered the common path 10 falls on the game ball contact portion 201. During normal times (except when the game balls are distributed to the second branch path 12), the second restricting portion 252 is located on the left side (see FIGS. 5 and 7 to 10). Therefore, the left restricting protrusion 2522 of the second restricting portion 252 is positioned immediately below the left guided protrusion 201l of the game ball contact portion 201. On the other hand, the right restricting protrusion 2521 of the second restricting portion 252 is not located immediately below the right guided protrusion 201r of the game ball contact portion 201. Therefore, when the game ball falls on the game ball contact portion 201, the game ball contact portion 201 is in the first state inclined so that the first branch path 11 side is lowered (the game ball is operated by the action of the left regulation protrusion 2522). The contact portion 201 is not inclined so as to lower the second branch path 12 side). Thereby, the common path 10 and the first branch path 11 are connected, and the game ball flows down in the first branch path 11.

  The game ball flowing down in the first branch path 11 contacts the first contact protrusion 211 of the first movable member 21 located in the first branch path 11. As a result, the first contact protrusion 211 is pushed down so as to slide in the first arc groove 312. Thereby, the 1st movable member 21 rotates clockwise. When the first movable member 21 rotates clockwise, the connecting protrusion 213 of the first movable member 21 pushes the inner wall surface of the long hole 281 of the connecting member 28, and the connecting member 28 rotates clockwise (right side). The pressing member 282 also moves together with the connecting member 28. The front end of the pressing member 282 is fitted in the engaging groove 233 of the first rotating member 23. When the pressing member 282 moves to the right side, the wall surface of the engaging groove 233 is pressed by the pressing member 282, so that the first rotating member 23 rotates clockwise. Since the pressing member 282 is pressed against the wall surface on which the engaging groove 233 is formed by the pressing urging member 283, the first rotating member 23 is rotated by the pressing member 282 that moves to the right.

  When the game ball passes through the place where the first contact protrusion 211 is provided in the first branch path 11, the first contact protrusion 211 returns to the original position (upper end) by the action of the urging member 202 for sorting. As the first contact protrusion 211 (first movable member 21) returns to the original position, the connecting member 28 rotated clockwise (right side) returns to the original position (rotates counterclockwise (left side)). Along with this connecting member 28, the pressing member 282 also moves to the left. Since the pressing member 282 moves to the left side after the first rotating member 23 rotates by a predetermined amount, the front end of the pressing member 282 is an engagement groove that was fitted before the first rotating member 23 rotated by the predetermined amount. The engagement groove 233 is adjacent to the engagement groove 233 (one engagement groove 233 on the rear side when the rotation direction of the first rotation member 23 is the front). Further, in the present embodiment, when the first rotating member 23 rotates, the locking portion 284 is displaced inward against the biasing force of the locking portion biasing member 285 and is disengaged from the engagement groove 233. When the first rotating member 23 rotates by a predetermined amount, the engaging portion 284 is fitted into the engaging groove 233 adjacent to the engaging groove 233 that was caught before rotating, so that the game ball is first branched. The first rotating member 23 is prevented from rotating without passing through the path 11. Thus, every time the game ball passes through the first branch path 11, the first rotating member 23 rotates by a predetermined amount (18 degrees in the present embodiment). When the first rotating member 23 rotates by a predetermined amount, power is transmitted to the second rotating member 24 via the first compound gear 291 and the first compound gear 292, and the second rotating member 24 is 1 / of the first rotating member 23. It is rotated by 10 angles (1.8 degrees in this embodiment).

  In addition, when the first contact protrusion 211 is pushed down by the game ball passing through the first branch path 11, the first movable protrusion 214 of the portion 2523 formed in the “U” shape of the second restricting portion 252. The second regulating portion 252 slides in the right direction by contacting the right inner wall surface. When the second restricting portion 252 slides in the right direction, the right restricting protrusion 2521 of the second restricting portion 252 and the restricted protrusion 2513 of the first restricting portion 251 are separated. The first restricting portion 251 is biased in a direction in which the first engaging portion 2511 and the second engaging portion 2512 approach the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 24 by the restricting biasing member 253. When the restriction protrusion of the second restriction portion 252 moves to the right side, the restriction by the restriction protrusion is released, and the second protrusion 252 attempts to rotate in the biased direction. However, when the position of the first engaged portion 231 and the position of the second engaged portion 241 do not match, at least one of the engaging portions cannot engage with the engaged portion. Therefore, the first restricting portion 251 cannot rotate in the biased direction. That is, the first restricting portion 251 does not rotate, and the second restricting portion 252 that is slid rightward by the action of the restricting biasing member 253 returns to the original position, and the right restricting protrusion 2521 of the second restricting portion 252 The regulated protrusion 2513 of the one regulating portion 251 comes into contact again. When a game ball enters the common path 10 in this state, the game ball passes through the first branch path 11.

  In contrast, when the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 24 rotate, the first rotating member 23 rotates twice (rotates 720 degrees) and the second rotating member 24 rotates 72 degrees. The position of the first engaged portion 231 and the position of the second engaged portion 241 coincide. Specifically, when the game ball passes through the first branch path 11 in the state shown in FIG. 5, the positions of both engaged portions coincide as shown in FIG. At this time, the first contact protrusion 211 is pushed down by the game ball passing through the first branch path 11, and the first movable protrusion 214 of the portion 2523 formed in the “U” shape of the second restricting portion 252. When the second regulating portion 252 slides to the right and the right regulating projection 2521 of the second regulating portion 252 is separated from the regulated projection 2513 of the first regulating portion 251, the regulating biasing member 253 is brought into contact with the right inner wall surface. Due to the urging force, both engaging portions engage with both engaged portions. In other words, the first restricting portion 251 rotates in a direction in which the restricted protrusion 2513 approaches the right restricting protrusion 2521 of the second restricting portion 252 (which is slid rightward by the passage of the game ball on the first branch path 11). Rotates clockwise), and the regulated protrusion 2513 and the right regulating protrusion 2521 come into contact with each other. Since both the first restricting portion 251 and the second restricting portion 252 are urged by the restricting urging member 253, the state where the regulated protrusion 2513 and the right restricting protrusion 2521 are in contact with each other is maintained.

  As described above, when the second restricting portion 252 is slid and positioned on the right side, the right restricting protrusion 2521 of the second restricting portion 252 is located immediately below the right guided protrusion 201r of the game ball contact portion 201. Yes. On the other hand, the left restricting protrusion 2522 of the second restricting portion 252 is not located immediately below the left guided protrusion 201l of the game ball contact portion 201 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, when a game ball enters the common path 10 in this state and the game ball falls on the game ball contact portion 201, the game ball contact portion 201 is inclined so that the second branch path 12 side is lowered. (The action of the right regulating protrusion 2521 does not incline so that the first branch path 11 side of the game ball contact portion 201 is lowered). Thereby, the common path 10 and the second branch path 12 are connected, and the game ball flows down in the second branch path 12. That is, the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 24 are gradually rotated by the game balls passing through the first branch path 11, at a rate of once every 40 times the game balls enter the common path 10. A game ball that has entered the common path 10 after the position of the first engaged portion 231 and the position of the second engaged portion 241 coincide with each other, It will be guided to the second branch path 12 by the distribution device 2.

  When the game ball is guided to the second branch path 12, the second contact protrusion 221 is pushed down by the game ball passing through the second branch path 12. As a result, the second movable protrusion 223 comes into contact with the left inner wall surface of the portion 2523 formed in a “U” shape of the second restricting portion 252, and the second restricting portion 252 slides to the left. When the second restricting portion 252 slides leftward, the right restricting protrusion 2521 of the second restricting portion 252 pushes the restricted protrusion 2513 of the first restricting portion 251 leftward. Thereby, the 1st control part 251 rotated counterclockwise, and was engaging with the 1st engagement part 2511 and the 2nd to-be-engaged part 241 which were engaged with the 1st to-be-engaged part 231. The second engaging portion 2512 is disengaged from each engaged portion (both engaging portions move radially outward) (see FIG. 7).

  After the game ball is guided to the second branch path 12, the game ball that has entered the common path 10 is guided to the first branch path 11. The second restricting portion 252 slides to the left by the game ball that has passed through the second branch path 12, and the left restricting projection 2522 of the second restricting portion 252 is positioned directly below the left guided protrusion 201l of the game ball contact portion 201. This is because the right restricting protrusion 2521 of the second restricting portion 252 is not located immediately below the right guided protrusion 201r of the game ball contact portion 201. Then, the first contact protrusion 211 is pushed down by the game ball passing through the first branch path 11, the first rotating member 23 rotates by a predetermined amount (18 degrees), and the second rotating member 24 rotates by a predetermined amount (1. 8 degrees) (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

  As described above, when the game ball is guided to the second branch path 12, the second contact protrusion 221 is pushed down by the game ball passing through the second branch path 12, and the second restricting portion 252 slides to the left. At the same time, the engagement between both engaging portions and both engaged portions is released. That is, by sliding the second restricting portion 252 in the left direction, the next game ball is guided to the first branch path 11 and the engagement between both engaging portions and both engaged portions is canceled. Thus, the rotation of the second rotating member 24 is prevented from being hindered by the first restricting portion 251.

  After 39 game balls are guided to the first branch path 11 after the game balls are guided to the second branch path 12, the position of the first engaged part 231 and the second engaged part 241 again. The positions match and the 40th game ball is guided to the second branch path 12. In the middle of this (when 20 game balls are guided to the first branch path 11), the first engaged portion 231 is located inside the first engaging portion 2511. Since the second engaged portion 241 is not located inside the engaging portion 2512, both of the engaged portions cannot engage with the engaged portion (see FIG. 10). That is, even when this state occurs, the game ball is guided to the first branch path 11. In this manner, the sorting device 2 according to the present embodiment sorts the game balls that have entered the common path 10 according to “first branch path: second branch path = 39: 1”. As described above, the present embodiment uses two rotating members, the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 24, so that the game ball is “first branch path: second branch path = 39: 1”. Sorting at an extreme rate is possible. Moreover, since the two rotating members are arranged in the depth direction, the sorting device 2 itself has a shape having a width in the depth direction, and the sorting device 2 is installed in a stable state. Is possible.

[Specific game content]
As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the three start winning ports 924 to 926 are provided. In the present embodiment, a jackpot lottery is performed when a game ball wins (wins) at the start winning opening. The jackpot probability and the like can be set as appropriate. When a lottery is won, the big prize opening 927 is frequently opened, and the player can acquire many game balls (out).

  In the present embodiment, a first start winning opening 924 and a third starting winning opening 926 are provided in a region where a game ball that has exited from the exit of the first branch path 11 of the sorting device 2 enters. That is, the game ball that has exited from the exit of the first branch path 11 may win the first start winning opening 924 and the third starting winning opening 926. However, the game ball that has exited from the exit of the first branch path 11 does not necessarily win a winning opening such as the first starting winning opening 924 or the third starting winning opening 926. In the area where game balls that have exited from the exit of the first branch path 11 enter, members such as game nails that change the flow-down mode of the game balls are provided, and many game balls are placed in any winning opening. Is also discharged from the out port 928 without winning.

  In the present embodiment, a nail portion 95 composed of a plurality of game nails arranged toward the first start winning opening 924 is provided in a region where a game ball exiting from the exit of the first branch path 11 enters. It has been. The nail portion 95 is formed with a gap 951 through which one or a plurality of game balls can pass. The area above the nail portion 95 is an area where the game ball is likely to win the first start winning opening 924 (first area 961), and the area below the nail portion 95 is where the game ball is first. It is an area (second area 962) in which it is difficult to win or cannot win the start winning opening 924. When the game ball that has exited from the exit of the first branch path 11 does not enter the area above the road nail part 95 or falls from the area above the road nail part 95 to the area below through the gap 951 It is difficult or impossible for the game ball to win the first start winning opening 924.

  In the present embodiment, an opening / closing member 926a (so-called electric chew) that opens and closes the entrance of the third start winning prize opening 926 is provided. When the opening / closing member 926a is in the closed position, it is impossible for the game ball to win the third start winning opening 926, and the opening / closing member 926a is in the open position to win the game ball into the third starting winning opening 926. Is possible. An upstream winning gate 926b (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “gate 926b”) is provided on the upstream side of the third start winning opening 926, and a game ball that has exited from the exit of the first branch path 11 passes through the gate 926b. A lottery is performed as to whether or not the opening / closing member 926a is in the open position with the passage. In the present embodiment, during the normal gaming state, the probability of winning the lottery is set to be extremely low (relatively low). On the other hand, the probability of winning the lottery is set to be extremely high (relatively high) during the time-saving game state different from the normal game state. Therefore, during the time-saving gaming state, the opening / closing member 926a is frequently located at the open position, and it becomes easier for the game ball to win the third start winning opening 926.

  On the other hand, a second start winning opening 925 is provided in the immediate vicinity of the outlet of the second branch path 12 of the distribution device 2. In the present embodiment, a path is provided between the outlet of the second branch path 12 and the inlet of the second start winning opening 925 in a direction different from the direction in which the game ball is positioned at the second starting winning opening 925. Not. Therefore, the game ball that has exited from the exit of the second branch path 12 will surely win the second start winning opening 925.

  In the present embodiment, the details of the jackpot lottery executed when the game ball wins at the first start winning opening 924 and the game ball wins at the second start winning opening 925 are executed as a trigger. The specific contents of the jackpot lottery to be played are the same. That is, for the player, the value of the event that is executed when the game ball is won at the first start winning port 924 and the event that is executed when the game ball is won at the second start winning port 925 The value of is the same. On the other hand, the specific contents of the jackpot lottery executed when the game ball is won at the third start winning port 926 are as follows. The game ball is won at the first start winning port 924 and the second start winning port 925. This is different from the specific contents of the jackpot lottery executed on the occasion.

  In this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same for all the lotteries, but the expected value of the number of game balls that can be obtained by the jackpot game (so-called expected ball) is different. Specifically, the game ball won in the third start prize opening 926, rather than the case where the big hit lottery was won in response to the game ball winning in the first start prize opening 924 or the second start prize opening 925. In the case of winning the jackpot lottery triggered by this, the expected number of game balls that can be obtained is higher. For example, in the jackpot lottery that was won by winning a game ball in the first start prize opening 924 or the second start prize opening 925, the “big hit big jackpot” was 30%, ”Is 70%, whereas the jackpot lottery that was won when the game ball won the third starting prize opening 926 was awarded 50% for“ Idetama Big Jackpot ” The “big hit” is set to be 50%. That is, the event that is executed when the game ball is won at the third start winning port 926 is executed when the game ball is won at the first start winning port 924 or the second start winning port 925. More valuable to the player than the event

  In other words, the value obtained based on the “event” here is, for example, the ratio of the probability variation state (high probability gaming state) or the time shortening gaming state in jackpot, the ratio of the number of rounds of jackpot gaming set in plural, This is a benefit that is advantageous to the player, such as the number of prize balls. Specifically, the value obtained based on the event executed when the game ball enters the first start prize opening 924 and the game ball entered at the second start prize opening 925 are executed as an opportunity. That the value obtained based on the event to be played is the same, the contents of the benefits advantageous to the above-mentioned player are the same (for example, the game was won when the game ball entered the first start winning opening 924 The ratio (probability) that the winning jackpot and the winning jackpot winning the game ball in the second start winning opening 925 are the 16-round probability fluctuation jackpot is the same (so-called jackpot allocation is the same), etc.) Means. In addition, a value obtained based on an event executed when a game ball has entered the first start prize opening 924 or the second start prize opening 925, and a game ball entered the third start prize opening 926 That the value obtained based on the event that is executed as a trigger is different means that the contents of the benefits advantageous to the above-mentioned player are different (for example, the game ball in the first start winning opening 924 or the second starting winning opening 925 The ratio (probability) that the jackpot won by the fact that the player entered the ball and the jackpot won by the game ball entering the third start winning opening 926 becomes a probability round jackpot of 16 rounds is different (probability) This means that the so-called jackpot allocation is different).

  The player will play for the purpose of winning the jackpot. The game flow is as follows. The player operates the launching device so that the game ball enters the game area 922a on the left side where the sorting device 2 is provided. A game ball that has entered the game area 922a on the left side enters the sorting apparatus 2. The game balls that have entered the distribution device 2 are distributed at a ratio of “first branch path: second branch path = 39: 1”. The game ball that has exited from the exit of the first branch path 11 flows down the area where the first start winning opening 924 and the third starting winning opening 926 are provided. In the normal gaming state, a big win lottery is executed mainly when a game ball wins a prize at the first start winning opening 924.

  In addition, the game balls that have entered the sorting apparatus 2 exit from the exit of the second branch path 12 at a rate of 1 in 40 balls. The game ball that has exited from the exit of the second branch path 12 wins the second start winning opening 925. In other words, even if all the game balls that have exited from the first branch path 11 do not win the first start winning opening 924 or the third start winning opening 926, the game balls are started at the rate of 1 out of 40 balls. Since the winning opening 925 is won, a lottery lottery is always executed at this rate (a certain frequency). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the player from getting frustrated by not being able to receive the jackpot lottery.

  In particular, depending on the type of gaming machine, the winning frequency of the game ball is normal even though the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is higher than the normal state (low probability gaming state) (so-called probability variation (probability variation) state). There is a game state that is not different from the state (so-called latent probability change state). In such a latent probability changing state, if the winning frequency of the game ball at the winning opening decreases, the player's frustration increases. In the present embodiment, a certain degree of winning frequency can be ensured by the distribution of the distribution device 2, so that it is possible to suppress such irritation.

  The proportion of distribution to the second branch path 12 that can be expected to win a reliable start winning opening can be increased or decreased as appropriate. However, it is desirable that the first branch path 11 is set to be more easily distributed than the second branch path 12, that is, “first branch path: second branch path = X: Y (X> Y)”. This is because if the proportion of game balls distributed to the second branch path 12 increases, the winning of game balls to the winning opening becomes excessive. In addition, it is the game ball that exits from the first branch path 11 that expresses the original fun of pachinko gaming machines, where the game area flows down in various ways and the game ball wins or does not win the prize opening. Therefore, it is not desirable to significantly reduce the number (ratio) of game balls that enter such a region because it leads to a decrease in game preference.

  During a time-saving game different from the normal gaming state, the opening / closing member 926a is frequently located at the open position, so that the game ball wins not only at the first start winning opening 924 but also at the third starting winning opening 926. . Therefore, the big win lottery is executed in response to the game ball winning in the third start winning opening 926. As described above, when winning a jackpot triggered by the winning of a game ball at the third start winning opening 926, the game ball won at the first start winning opening 924 or the second start winning opening 925 The expected number of game balls that can be obtained is higher than when winning a jackpot triggered by.

  Therefore, the player will play a game in the hope that the player will win a jackpot triggered by the winning of the game ball at the third start winning opening 926. However, in the present embodiment, the game ball wins the second start winning opening 925 at a rate of 1 for every 40 game balls that have entered the sorting apparatus 2. Therefore, if the winning / notifying determination result is notified in the order in which the game balls are won (holding is digested in the so-called winning order), the jackpot lottery triggered by the winning of the game balls in the second start winning opening 925 is made. Will occur. That is, since the opening / closing member 926a is frequently located at the open position and the game ball is likely to win the third start winning opening 926, the big hit triggered by the winning of the game ball at the third start winning opening 926 Even if the player wants to receive only the lottery, the game ball wins at the second start winning opening 925 at a predetermined rate. Therefore, the jackpot triggered by the game ball winning at the second start winning opening 925 A situation arises in which a lottery must be received. Thus, in this embodiment, there is a possibility that the game ball that has exited from the exit of the first branch path 11 will win, and the first start winning opening 924 and the second starting winning opening 925 have different expected output. By providing the three start winning holes 926, the game preference during the time-saving gaming state is enhanced.

  In summary, the second start winning port 925 where the game balls distributed to the second branch path 12 wins prevents the player from getting frustrated when the game balls stop winning in the winning port (ensure a certain level of winning frequency). To play a role. That is, it is determined that at least a part of the game balls that have been launched a predetermined number will enter the second start prize opening 925, and the remaining game balls may enter the first start prize opening 924. A game mode in which at least a predetermined number of game balls set to enter the second start winning opening 925 enter the winning opening. Is possible.

  In addition, since the game ball will always win the second start winning opening 925 at a predetermined rate, by creating a situation in which the player does not want to win the second start winning opening 925, the game's preference Can be greatly improved. In other words, one or a plurality of winning holes for which the game balls guided to the first branch path 11 may win, and a winning opening for the game balls guided to the second branch path 12 to win are provided. One or a plurality of events that are executed when the game ball is won at the winning entrance where the game ball guided to the road 12 wins may win the game ball guided to the first branch road 11 Execute a highly-oriented game by reducing the profits for the player (providing a game state that will be in such a state) than the event that is executed when the game ball wins at the winning opening of It becomes possible.

  For example, a high-probability gaming state that is relatively easy to win a big jackpot (so-called probability variation (probability change) state) and a low-probability gaming state that is relatively difficult to win a big jackpot (normal state) are set. In a gaming machine in which a change in gaming state occurs according to the type of game, during a high-probability gaming state, when the gaming ball is won at the winning opening where the gaming ball guided to the second branch path 12 wins Only after the winning jackpot has been won, the setting is likely to shift to a low-probability gaming state. In this way, the game ball that is quickly guided to the first branch path 11 wins one or a plurality of winning holes and wins a big win so that the game ball is not guided to the second branch path 12. It is possible to execute a highly interesting game in which a game is played while hoping for it.

[Modification]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications can be considered. In addition, you may apply the modified example shown below combining several things.

First Modified Example It has been described that the start winning ports 924 to 926 in the above embodiment are “mouths” into which game balls can enter, but “gates” through which game balls can pass It may be something like this. In other words, the entrance according to the present invention may be a “mouth” that is taken into the gaming machine as it is entered as long as the game ball can enter, or the game ball directly enters the game area 922. It may be like a “gate” that flows down.

Second Modified Example The sorting device 2 in the above-described embodiment always sorts the game balls to the second branch path 12 at a predetermined ratio of one ball to a predetermined number (the number of game balls entering the sorting device 2) The timing at which the game balls are distributed to the second branch path 12 is a constant cycle), but the ratio (probability) at which the game balls are distributed to the second branch path 12 is a predetermined ratio ( Probability), and the timing of distribution does not have to come at a fixed period. That is, you may use the distribution apparatus 2 which may distribute a game ball to the 2nd branch path 12 continuously. An example of such a sorter 2 is a device that includes lottery means and sorts game balls based on the lottery result of the lottery means. The use of such a distribution device 2 has the advantage that the timing at which a game ball wins the second start winning opening 925 is not constant and the fun of the game is increased. However, as in the above-described embodiment, when a predetermined number of game balls enter the sorting device 2, the configuration in which the game balls are always awarded to the second start prize opening 925 is more suitable for the start prize opening. It is excellent in that it is possible to ensure a certain percentage of game balls won.

Third Modification In the above embodiment, it has been described that the game balls distributed to the second branch path 12 are always configured to win the second start winning opening 925, but it is not necessarily configured to win. Also good. For example, the configuration may be such that when the game ball that has exited from the exit of the second branch path 12 changes irregularly, the second start winning opening 925 is not won. If the game balls distributed to the second branch path 12 are configured to win the second start winning opening 925 with a very high probability (probability close to 100%), the game ball will not win the winning opening, The effect of suppressing irritation is expressed.

-4th modification Although distribution device 2 in the above-mentioned embodiment explained that the game ball which entered entered the first branch way 11 (exit) or the second branch way 12 (exit), It is good also as what distributes to three or more branch paths (exit). It is possible to secure a certain winning frequency by providing a winning opening for a game ball that has exited from any one of a plurality of branch roads to win a prize at an extremely high probability.

-Fifth Modification The gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment has been described as playing in the game area 922a on the left side in any gaming state so that the game ball flows down, as shown in FIG. The game area 922, which is the area where the game ball can flow down, is the left game area 922a (corresponding to the predetermined flow-down area in the present invention) where the sorting device 2 is provided and the right side where the sorting device 2 is not provided. A gate 926b for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to open the opening / closing member 926a when a game ball passes through at least the right game area 922b. It is good also as a structure provided.

  In such a configuration, in the normal gaming state (the state where the probability of winning the lottery whether to open / close the opening / closing member 926a is low, which corresponds to the first gaming state in the present invention), the game area 922a on the left side is displayed. A player plays (so-called left-handed game) so that a game ball enters. The player receives a jackpot lottery when the game ball wins at the first start winning opening 924 or the second start winning opening 925. During such a normal game state, the opening / closing member 926a is not frequently positioned at the open position, so that the game ball rarely wins the third start winning opening 926.

  On the other hand, during the time-reduced game state different from the normal game state (a state in which the probability of winning the lottery of whether to open / close the opening / closing member 926a is high, which corresponds to the second game state in the present invention), A player plays a game so that a game ball enters the area 922b (performs a so-called right-handed game). As the game ball passes through the gate 926b provided in the game area 922b on the right side, the opening / closing member 926a is frequently located at the open position, so that the player can win the game ball at the third start winning opening 926. Receive a jackpot lottery as an opportunity. On the other hand, since the first start winning opening 924 and the second starting winning opening 925 are provided in the game area 922a on the left side, game balls are rarely won in the first start winning opening 924 and the second start winning opening 925. Absent.

  With this configuration, when a player plays a game so that the game ball enters the right game area 922b during the normal game state, the game ball wins the first start winning opening 924 or the second start winning opening 925. There is little to do, and since there is a low probability that the open / close member 926a will win the lottery located at the open position, the game ball will hardly win the third start winning opening 926. That is, it will be in the state which hardly receives a jackpot lottery. Therefore, during a normal gaming state, a player receives a game so that a game ball enters the left game area 922a than a game where a game ball enters the right game area 922b. The profit will be great.

  On the other hand, if the player plays a game so that the game ball enters the game area 922a on the left side during the time-reduced game state, the game ball may win the first start winning port 924 or the second start winning port 925. The game ball will not win the third start winning opening 926. During the time-reduced game state, when a player plays so that a game ball enters the game area 922b on the right side, the game ball frequently wins at the third start winning hole 926. A sphere is obtained. In other words, in the time-reduced gaming state, the player who plays so that the game ball enters the right game area 922b is more active than the player who plays the game ball so that the game ball enters the left game area 922a. The benefits will be great.

-6th modification Although the gaming machine 1 concerning the said embodiment demonstrated that it was the structure where all the game balls which approached into the game area 922a on the left side approached into the distribution apparatus 2, It is good also as a structure which can produce the game ball which flows down the game area 922 as it is without approaching. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring a certain percentage of game balls won at the start winning opening, all of the game balls that have entered the left game area 922a as in the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment. May be configured to enter the sorting apparatus 2.

1 gaming machine 2 distribution device 11 first branch path 12 second branch path 92 game board 922 game area 922a left game area 922b right game area 924 first start prize opening 925 second start prize opening 926 third start prize Opening 926a Opening / closing member 926b Normal winning gate 927 Large winning opening 95 Road nail portion 951 Clearance 961 First area 962 Second area

Claims (6)

A game board in which a game area including a predetermined flow area where game balls flow down is formed;
A sorting device that surely enters a game ball that has entered the predetermined flow-down area, and distributes the entered game ball to a plurality of outlets at a predetermined rate;
A plurality of entrances including a first entrance and a second entrance through which game balls can enter;
With
The distribution device includes a first exit that enters an area where the distributed game balls can enter the first entrance, and the distributed game balls must enter the second entrance. A gaming machine comprising a second exit for entering a ball.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, when a predetermined number of game balls enter, the distribution device always distributes one ball game ball to the second outlet.   The area where the game balls distributed to the first exit enter are relatively easy to enter the first entrance, and relatively difficult to enter the entrance or the entrance The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine includes an impossible area. The game area includes another flow area different from the predetermined flow area,
As a gaming state,
The first gaming state in which the player receives a greater benefit from playing the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow area than the game where the game ball flows down the separate flow area. ,
The second gaming state in which the player is more profitable to play so that the game ball flows down the other flow area than the game where the game ball flows down the predetermined flow area. ,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein is set.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sorting device is set such that a game ball that has entered the ball is more easily distributed to the first outlet than to the second outlet. 6. Gaming machine. In the area where the game balls distributed to the first exit enter, there are provided different entrances different from the first entrance and the second entrance where the game balls can enter. And
An event that is executed when a game ball enters the first entrance or the second entrance, and an event that is executed when a game ball enters the other entrance The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the events are different.

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