JP2002035214A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reducing the shock by a coin dropped from an overflow gutter on a bottom surface of a storage box. SOLUTION: This game machine comprises a delivery device having a delivery storage part, the overflow gutter for guiding the flow of a game medium overflowed from the delivery storage part and dropping the game medium and the storage box for storing the game medium dropped from the overflow gutter. A holding part which is formed in a recessed chamber with a lower part thereof opened and held in pulling out/pushing in the storage box is provided on an outer part on the proximal side of the storage box. A back side part of an upper surface of the holding part out of an inner surface of the storage box is downwardly inclined toward the distal side to constitute a drop momentum damping surface for damping the drop momentum of the game medium dropping from the overflow gutter into the storage box.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a box-shaped storage box having an open top for receiving and storing game media dropped through an overflow gutter of a payout device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional gaming machine, in particular, a pachislot gaming machine, there are two methods for collecting inserted game media (coins). First, coins that have overflowed from a payout storage section of a hopper (payout device) that stores inserted coins are dropped into a storage box through an overflow gutter of the hopper, and the coins are stored in the storage box. There is a method in which a clerk of an amusement store collects coins in a storage box when the storage amount reaches a predetermined amount. in this case,
An overflow detection switch for detecting that the amount of coins stored in the storage box has reached a predetermined amount is provided, a predetermined notification is performed based on the detection by the overflow detection switch, and a clerk collects the coins in the storage box. The other is to provide an opening on the bottom of the body frame of the pachislot machine,
This is a technique in which coins overflowing from a hopper are flowed down below a pachislo gaming machine, and the flown-down coins are conveyed to a predetermined location of island facilities.

[0003]

However, in the case of performing the former method among the two methods of collecting coins, since the vertical position of the outlet of the overflow gutter is high, the coins falling therefrom are stored. There was a problem that the impact given to the bottom of the box was large. Furthermore, since the conventional storage box was simply formed in a box shape with an open top, when the storage box was pulled out to the near side in order to collect coins in the storage box, the storage box was used. In this case, it is necessary to grasp the upper edge of the drawer, and there is a problem that it is difficult to perform the pull-out operation. Moreover, when coins fall from the overflow gutter when grabbing the upper edge and pulling out the storage box,
There is a possibility that this coin will hit your hand and spill out of the storage box. In addition, when the distance from the outlet of the overflow gutter to the upper end of the storage box is large, coins may be spilled.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and at least the impact given to the bottom surface of the storage box by coins falling from the overflow gutter can be reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that solves the above problems.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body frame having a box shape with an open front surface, and at least a payout is provided inside the body frame. A payout storage unit for storing game media for
A payout device having an overflow gutter for guiding the game media overflowing from the payout storage portion and then dropping the same, and an upper opening for receiving and storing the game media dropped through the overflow gutter of the payout device. A storage box configured in a box-like shape, in the outer portion on the near side of the storage box, when the storage box is formed in the shape of a concave opening with a downward opening when pulling out or pushing in the storage box A grip portion for gripping is provided, of the inner surface of the storage box, a back side portion of an upper surface of the grip portion is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the back side, and the inside of the storage box is formed from the overflow gutter. The present invention is characterized in that a falling force attenuating surface is configured to attenuate the falling force of the game medium falling into the game medium. Here, the game medium is, for example, a coin or a game ball.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game medium falling from the overflow gutter into the storage box does not fall directly to the bottom surface of the storage box, but first comes into contact with the falling force damping surface to cause the falling force damping. Since the falling force is attenuated by the surface and falls to the bottom of the storage box, the impact of the game medium on the bottom of the storage box can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the storage box can be reduced, and the storage box can withstand long-term use. Also, since the storage box is provided with a recessed chamber-shaped grip portion on the front side which opens downward, when collecting the overflowing game media, it is necessary to grasp the grip portion and pull out the storage box to the front side. Well, this drawer work is easy to do. Similarly, when pushing the storage box, the pushing operation is easy. Moreover, since the grip portion is on the near side of the storage box, when the grip portion is gripped and the storage box is pulled out, even if the coin falls from the overflow gutter, the coin may hit the hand and spill out of the storage box. Absent. In addition, since the grip portion and the falling force damping surface have a front-to-back relationship, it can be said that the configuration is simple and rational.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, an interval between an upper end of the storage box and the overflow gutter is set to be smaller than a diameter of the game medium. I have.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the distance between the upper end of the storage box and the overflow gutter is set smaller than the diameter of the game medium, the game medium falling from the overflow gutter can be stored in the storage box. Hard to spill outside.

Here, it is more desirable that the distance between the upper end portion of the storage box and the overflow gutter is set smaller than the thickness of the game medium (coin). It can be made hard to spill outside the box.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the storage box is provided on the bottom surface of the main body frame while an openable main body frame side opening portion is provided. Of the bottom surface, at a position corresponding to the main body frame side openable portion, an openable storage box side openable portion is provided,
When the storage box side openable portion and the main body frame side openable portion are both opened, the configuration is such that a game medium can flow down to the lower part of the main body frame via both openable portions. It is characterized by.

Here, the openable portion (the main frame side openable portion, the storage box side openable portion) is a portion that can select between a non-open state and an open state, along the periphery of the openable portion. A rupturable portion that can be ruptured is formed. Then, by breaking the breakable portion and hollowing out the openable portion, the openable portion can be opened. Specifically, the breakable portion is, for example, a portion in which a plurality of recesses or openings are formed at predetermined intervals, and the breakable portion forms a portion of the bottom surface (the bottom surface of the main body frame, the bottom surface of the storage box). The coupling force between the inner portion and the outer portion of the openable portion is set small. Therefore, by pressing the openable part,
The breakable portion is broken and the openable portion is hollowed out.

The openable portion is not limited to this. For example, the openable portion is detachably attached to the bottom surface (for example, by a fastening member) so as to cover the opening formed on the bottom surface. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the openable portion can be opened by removing the openable portion from the bottom surface. in this case,
By re-attaching the openable portion to the bottom surface later, the openable portion can be closed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the main body frame has a main frame side openable portion on the bottom surface, and the storage box has a storage box side openable portion corresponding to the main body frame side openable portion. Are provided, so that the storage box side openable portion and the main body frame side openable portion are both opened, so that the game medium can flow down to the lower part of the main body frame via both openable portions. And can be. That is, a method of storing coins that have overflowed from the payout storage section of the payout device and fallen from the overflow gutter in the storage box, and that the coins have flowed down below the main body frame, and the flown-down coins have been transferred to predetermined locations of the island facility. The method of transport can be arbitrarily selected.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the third aspect, the bottom surface of the storage box is inclined downward toward the storage box-side openable portion.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the bottom surface of the storage box is inclined downward toward the storage box-side openable portion, when the storage box-side openable portion is opened, the game medium is opened. Flows down to the opening side according to the inclination of the bottom surface, and then flows down through the opening. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game medium from staying in the storage box without flowing down below the opening.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the vertical position of the lower end of the inclined bottom surface of the storage box is made non-uniform so that the storage box flows down on the bottom surface.
It is characterized in that game media that is going to flow down to the storage box via the storage box-side openable portion that has been opened are prevented from being placed in a pot.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by setting the vertical position of the lower end of the inclined bottom surface of the storage box to be non-uniform, the game media flowing down on the bottom surface may be combined with each other. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game media from being clogged in the storage box side openable portion or the like as a result of the game media being put together in a pot. Therefore, for example, even when a large amount of game media flows into the storage box, it is possible to smoothly flow the game medium below the storage box through the storage box side opening-enabled portion.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, an upper edge of the storage box is provided for preventing game media from jumping out of the storage box. In addition, a scattering prevention member made of a flexible material is provided.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the game medium that jumps out of the storage box by jumping over the upper edge of the storage box by the scattering prevention member made of a flexible material.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a slot machine as a suitable example of the gaming machine according to the present invention, in particular, a pachislot gaming machine will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, a front frame 2 is pivotally mounted on one side of a machine frame (main frame) 1a of a main body 1 of the pachislo gaming machine 100, as shown in FIG. To
When the front frame 2 is closed, the front frame 2 is provided on the front surface of the main body 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front of the front frame 2,
Speaker units 3 and 3 for effecting a game by voice, an effect display window 4 through which an effect display device 4a for effecting a game by display can be seen, and reels 20a and 20b provided inside.
A reel display window 5 through which 20c can be seen, a coin insertion slot 6 for inserting coins, a credit number display portion 7 for displaying the number of coins to be credited, a payout number display portion 8 for displaying the number of coins to be paid out, a limit number of coins (For example, 3
Max bet button 9 for betting coins, 1 bet button 10 for betting coins one by one, a game progress display section 11 for displaying the progress of the game, and payout of credited coins. Coin return switch 12 for performing, start lever 13 for starting variable display game by starting rotation of reels 20a to 20c, and stop buttons 14a and 14 for stopping rotation of reels 20a, 20b and 20c, respectively.
b, 14c, a keyhole 15 into which a key for opening the front frame 2 is inserted, a decorative plate portion 16 constituting a lower region of the front surface of the front frame 2, and the like are further provided. Ashtray 17 and lower tray 1 for storing paid-out coins
8 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reels 20a to 20c and the reels 20a to 20c
Reel device 200 including a stepping motor (not shown) for rotating 0c, a hopper (payout device) 80 for storing coins and paying out coins to lower plate 18, and storing coins overflowing from hopper 80. A storage box 90, a board box 75 for accommodating a power supply board (not shown), a control device 70 for controlling a game, and the like are provided.

The control device 70 includes a hopper 80
Paying out coins, rotating the reels 20a to 20c by the reel device 200, and effect display device 4.
The display operation is controlled by a and other display units.

The hopper 80 has a payout storage unit 81 for storing coins to be paid out (including coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 6), and a coin that overflows from the payout storage unit 81 is guided down. An overflow gutter 82 for dropping into the box 90;
And a coin payout exit 83 for paying out coins to the lower plate 18 from the coin. If the number of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 6 is larger than the number of coins to be paid out to the lower plate 18, the number of coins in the payout storage unit 81 increases, but the number of coins in the payout storage unit 81 increases. When the amount exceeds the predetermined amount, the coins in the payout storage unit 81 overflow into the storage box 90 via the overflow gutter 82.

The pachislot gaming machine 100 is schematically configured as described above, and is designed to play a game as described below.

First, the start lever 13 is operated while a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 6 or a bet is made by operating the max bet button 9 or the 1-bet button 10. Then, the reel device 200
The stepping motor drives the reels 20a to 20c to rotate, thereby performing a variable display game in which a plurality of symbols attached to the reels 20a to 20c move in the reel display window 5. Then, the stop buttons 14a to 14
By operating c, the rotation drive of the reels 20a to 20c is stopped, respectively, and three symbols are stopped and displayed on the reel display unit 5 for each of the reels 20a to 20c.
As described above, as a result of the predetermined game being performed based on the insertion of the coin into the coin insertion slot 6, the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the preset effective display line on the reel display unit 5 , The presence or absence of coin payout is determined. In addition, in particular, when the symbol stopped and displayed on the reel display unit 5 as a result of the variable display game becomes a specific display result (for example, 7, 7, 7, or the like) on the display line, the special game state is set. When it is generated, a predetermined game value (for example, a state where a large number of coins can be acquired) can be given. In a normal game or a special game state, when coins are paid out, a predetermined number of coins are credited or paid out from the hopper 80 to the lower plate 18.

Next, the structure of the main part according to the present invention will be described.

First, as shown in FIGS.
In order to receive and store coins that have dropped through the overflow gutter 82 of the hopper 80, the reference numeral 0 is roughly configured, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape with an open top.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outer side of the storage box 90 is formed in a concave shape with a downward opening to hold the storage box 90 when the storage box 90 is pulled out or pushed in. A grip 91 is provided. Further, the lower end position of the grip portion 91 is, for example, located at substantially the center between the upper end and the lower end of the storage box 90 so as to facilitate the work of gripping the grip portion 91 and pulling out or pushing in the storage box 90. I have.

The inner surface of the storage box 90 has a grip 9
The back side of the upper surface 91a of the first unit 91 is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the back side, and forms a falling force attenuating surface 93 that attenuates the falling force of coins falling from the overflow gutter 82 into the storage box 90. ing. That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, the storage box 90 has such a size and shape that the falling force attenuating surface 93 is located substantially below the overflow gutter 82 and can be accommodated in the machine frame 1a. With, and
Thus, it is housed in the machine frame 1a.

The vertical position of the falling force attenuating surface 93 is set between the upper and lower ends of the storage box 90, specifically, for example, slightly above the center between the upper and lower ends of the storage box 90. In this case, the effect of attenuating the falling force of the coin by the falling force attenuating surface 93 is obtained as much as possible (for this purpose, it is desirable that the vertical position of the falling force attenuating surface 93 be located substantially at the center between the upper end and the lower end of the storage box 90). On the other hand, it is desired that most of the coins falling from the overflow gutter 82 come into contact with the falling force damping surface 93 (for this purpose, it is desirable that the vertical position of the falling force damping surface 93 be higher than the upper end of the storage box 90). That's why.

Further, of the inner surface on the front side of the storage box 90, surfaces 94 and 95 above and below the dropping force attenuation surface 93 are also provided.
Each of the surfaces 94 and 95 has a slope (a steep slope toward the back side), and the surfaces 94 and 95 can provide a considerable effect of damping the falling force of the coin.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the interval t1 between the upper end of the storage box 90 and the overflow gutter 82 is
The diameter is set smaller than the diameter t2 of the coin, so that the coin falling from the overflow gutter 82 is hardly spilled out of the storage box 90. Note that the interval t1
Is more desirably set smaller than the thickness of the coin. In this way, the coin can be made more difficult to spill out of the storage box 90.

As shown in FIG. 4, a storage box-side openable portion 96a that can be opened is formed, for example, in an oval shape at the center of the bottom surface 96 of the storage box 90, for example. On the other hand, a portion of the bottom surface 106 of the machine frame 1a, which is directly below the storage box-side openable portion 96a when the storage box 90 is arranged at a predetermined position in the machine frame 1a, is openable. It is a unit 101. Here, the openable portion 96
Reference numerals a and 101 denote portions that can be selected between a non-opened state and an open state. Breakable portions 97 and 102 are formed along the periphery of the openable portions 96a and 101, respectively. Then, the breakable portions 97, 102
Is broken and the openable portions 96a and 101 are hollowed out, so that the openable portions 96a and 101 can be opened. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, for example, the breakable portion 97 is formed by forming a plurality of recesses 97a,.
It is configured as a ring as a whole. Here, the depression 97
are formed on the lower side surface of the bottom surface 96, so that the coins are not trapped in the recesses 97a,. On the other hand, specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, for example, the breakable portion 102 is provided on the bottom surface 1 of the machine frame 1a.
By forming a plurality of openings 102a,... At predetermined intervals in 06, the entirety is formed in an annular perforated shape. By these breakable parts 97, 102, the bottom 96,
Of the 106, the coupling force between the inner and outer portions of the openable portions 96a and 101 is set to be small. Therefore, by applying a force to the openable portions 96a and 101 by pressing the openable portions 96a and 101, for example,
The breakable parts 97 and 102 are broken and the openable part 96 is opened.
a, 101 can be hollowed out. Note that, in FIG. 4B, reference numerals of openings 97a,..., 102a,.

FIGS. 5 and 6B show the storage box-side openable portion 96a and the body frame-side openable portion 101 having the above-described structures, so that the bottom surface 96 of the storage box 90 and the machine are opened. A state is shown in which openings 98 and 103 are formed on the bottom surface 106 of the frame 1a, respectively. In this state, these openings 9
Since coins can flow down to the island facility side below the machine frame 1a via 8, 103, the coins are conveyed to a predetermined location by a conveyance means such as a conveyor of the island facility to collect the coins. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 8, the inclined bottom surface of the storage box 90, that is, the inclined surfaces 96b to 9 which are the remaining portions of the bottom surface 96 from which the storage box side openable portion 96a is removed.
The vertical position of the lower end of 6e is set to be non-uniform. That is, specifically, for example, the inclined surfaces 96c facing each other
And the vertical position of the lower end of the inclined surface 96e is set to be different. This is because after flowing down the inclined surfaces 96c and 96e, the coins C, which are going to flow down to the lower part of the storage box 90 through the opening 98 (opened storage box side openable part 97),
C (FIG. 8) to prevent the pots from matching each other,
As a result, the coin is not jammed in the opening 98.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a scattering prevention member 99 for preventing coins from jumping out of the storage box 90 may be provided at the upper edge of the storage box 90. The scattering prevention member 99 is made of, for example, a flexible material having elasticity and flexibility (for example, polypropylene or the like), and when a coin that has bounced off the bottom surface 96 of the storage box 90 or the like tries to fly out of the storage box 90, Put the coin in the storage box 90
It will be turned back in. The scattering prevention member 99 is, for example, a thick sheet in which peaks and valleys are alternately formed in the horizontal direction. The scattering prevention member 99 is, for example,
The storage box 90 is provided annularly along the upper edge.
However, the scattering prevention member 99 is used to move the storage box 90 to the machine frame 1.
a, the overflow gutter 8
It is desirable not to provide it in the portion where 2 is located.

In the present invention, since the above-mentioned essential parts are provided, the following functions and effects can be obtained.

When coins fall from the overflow gutter 82 of the hopper 80 into the storage box 90, first, the interval t1 between the upper end of the storage box 90 and the overflow gutter 82 is determined as follows.
Since the diameter is set smaller than the diameter of the coin, the coin is unlikely to spill out of the storage box 90.

The coins falling into the storage box 90 are:
First, the falling force attenuating surface 93 hits the falling force attenuating surface 93.
After the falling force is attenuated by the lower surface 96 of the storage box 90,
To fall. Even if a coin falling into the storage box 90 comes off the falling force damping surface 93, the falling force damping surface 9
The inclined surfaces 94 and 95 located above and below the third member 3, respectively, make it possible to obtain a considerable effect of damping the falling force of the coin. Therefore, in any case, the impact given to the bottom surface 96 is smaller than when the coin falls directly to the bottom surface 96 of the storage box 90. Therefore, the possibility that the storage box 90 is damaged can be reduced, and the storage box 90
It will be able to withstand long-term use.

Here, since the falling force attenuating surface 93 is inclined downward toward the inner side (that is, the center side of the storage box 90), the coins that have fallen on the falling force attenuating surface 93 will fall. Without remaining on the damping surface 93,
The coin whose falling force is attenuated by the falling force attenuating surface 93 is dropped onto the falling force attenuating surface 9 according to the inclination of the falling force attenuating surface 93.
3 can be dropped onto the bottom surface 96.

Further, a holding portion 9 is provided on the near side of the storage box 90.
1, it is easy to pull out the storage box 90 when collecting the overflowed coins. Similarly, when the storage box 90 is pushed in, the work is easily performed. In addition, since the grip 91 is provided on the front side of the storage box 90, when the storage box 90 is pulled out by gripping the grip 91.
Even if a coin falls from the overflow gutter 82,
The coin does not hit the hand and spill out of the storage box 90. In addition, since the grip portion 91 and the falling force attenuating surface 93 have a front-to-back relationship, it can be said that the configuration is simple and rational.

The body frame side openable portion 101 is provided on the bottom surface 106 of the machine frame 1a, and the storage box side openable portion 96a is provided on the bottom surface 96 of the storage box 90.
By opening both the openable portions 96a and 101 together, the machine frame 1 is opened via the openable portions 96a and 101.
It is possible to adopt a configuration in which coins can flow down below a. That is,
The coins overflowing from the hopper 80 are stored in the storage box 9
The method of storing the coins in the space 0 and the method of flowing the coins down the machine frame 1a and transporting the flown coins to a predetermined location of the island facility can be arbitrarily selected.

Moreover, the inclined surfaces 96b-96 of the storage box 90
e is inclined downward toward the storage box side openable portion 96a, so that the storage box side openable portion 96a is opened and the opening 9 is opened.
8 is formed, the coins are inclined surfaces 96b to 96b.
After flowing down to the opening 98 side according to the inclination of e, the opening 9
Downstream through 8. Therefore, the coin is stored in the storage box 9
The stagnation on the bottom surface 96 of the zero can be prevented.

The inclined surfaces 96b-96 of the storage box 90
Since the vertical position of the lower end of e is uneven, after flowing down on the inclined surfaces 96b to 96e, coins which are going to flow down to the lower part of the storage box 90 via the opening 98 are clogged in the opening 98. Can be prevented. Therefore, even when a large amount of coins flow into the storage box 90, the coins can flow down the storage box 90 through the opening 98 smoothly.

In addition, the upper edge portion of the storage box 90 is provided with a scattering prevention member 99 made of a flexible material for preventing coins from jumping out of the storage box 90. With 99, it is possible to prevent a coin that jumps out of the storage box 90 by jumping over the upper edge of the storage box 90.

Further, the present embodiment has a configuration as described below.

First, as shown in FIG.
An overflow detecting means 40 capable of detecting an overflow state in which the number of coins in the storage box 90 reaches a predetermined amount or more is provided on the inner wall surface on the back side of “a”. The overflow detecting means 40 includes an attachment base 43 attached to the machine frame 1 a, conductive probes 41, 41 electrically connected to the coins stored in the storage box 90, and these conductive probes. There is provided a signal line 42 for transmitting a detection signal to a notifying means (not shown) outside the pachislot gaming machine 100 when the terminals 41, 41 are turned on. Among them, the conductive probes 41 are disposed so as to protrude forward from the inner wall surface.

On the other hand, in the side wall on the back side of the storage box 90, the conductive probes 41, 41 of the overflow detecting means 40 are penetrated toward the inside of the storage box 90.
92 are formed. Therefore, the storage box 90 is inserted into the conductive probes 41, 41 of the overflow detection means 40 so that the through holes 92, 92 of the storage box 90 are externally inserted, and the storage box 90 is positioned at a predetermined position in the machine frame 1a. By disposing, as shown in FIG. 3B, the conductive probes 41,
41 can be made to protrude into the storage box 90. In this state, when the conductive coins are stored to a predetermined depth in the storage box 90, the conductive probes 41, 41 are brought into a conductive state, and a detection signal of an overflow state is output to an external notification means. Then, a predetermined notification is made by the notification means.

Here, as described above, when the storage box side openable portion 96a and the main body frame side openable portion 101 are opened and coins flow down to the island facility side below the machine frame 1a, etc. The overflow detection means 40 is not required, but removing the overflow detection means 40 is troublesome. However, if the overflow detecting means 40 is still attached, the conductive probes 41, 41 may be hurt by being touched, or an overflow state detection signal is output and an unnecessary notification is made for some reason. There are cases.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 7, at least the conductive probes 41 and
By providing the cover member 50 covering 1), conduction between the conductive probes 41 can be prevented.

That is, in short, the pachislot gaming machine 100
Is provided with an overflow detecting means 40 which is provided so as to protrude from the rear side surface of the machine frame 1a toward the front side and is capable of detecting an overflow state in which the coins in the storage box 90 reach a predetermined amount or more. A cover member 50 that covers a detection section (conductive probes 41, 41) of the overflow detection means 40 can be detachably attached. The cover member 50 is made of, for example, a non-conductive resin or the like.

When the cover member 50 is attached, it is possible to prevent the coins from abutting on the conductive probes 41, 41 to prevent the conductive probes 41, 41 from being erroneously conducted, and to prevent the coin from being hand-held. Conductive probe 4
The hands can be protected because they can be prevented from hitting the first and the first.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the cover member 50 includes cover portions 51, 51 for covering the conductive probes 41, 41 and a cover base for the overflow detecting means 40. And fixing hooks 52 and 52 for fixing the fixing hooks 43 to the base 43. This fixed hook 52,
The base end side of 52 is elastically deformable. On the other hand,
Locked portions 44, 44 to which the fixed hooks 52, 52 are locked are formed in the mounting base 43 of the overflow detecting means 40.

Then, the cover parts 51, 5 of the cover member 50
1 while covering the conductive probes 41, 41 with the fixing hooks 52, 52 and the through holes 92, 9 of the storage box 90.
2 to the fixed hooks 52, 52
Of the cover member 5 by locking the
0 is fixed to the mounting base 43 of the overflow detecting means 40, and the storage box 90 is fixed to the machine frame 1a. Conversely, the fixed hooks 52, 52 and the locked portions 44,
When the engagement state with the cover member 44 is released and the cover member 50 is pulled out to the near side, the cover member 50 can be easily removed.

That is, in short, the mounting portion (fixing hooks 52, 52) of the cover member 50 is fixed to the overflow detecting means 40 through the opening (through hole portion 92) provided on the side wall of the storage box 90. By doing so, the cover member 50 is fixed to the overflow detection means 40, and the storage box 90 is fixed to the machine frame 1a.

The present invention is not limited to the pachislot gaming machine 100 of this embodiment. For example, other pachislot gaming machines, pachislot gaming machines that play games using gaming balls instead of coins, and pachinko gaming machines It can also be applied to ball game machines such as arrange ball game machines and sparrow ball game machines. As an example of a configuration in which the vertical positions of the lower ends of the inclined surfaces 96b to 96e are not uniform, the opposed inclined surfaces 96c,
Although the vertical position of the lower end of 96e is different, the vertical position of the lower end of adjacent inclined surfaces 96b and 96c may be different, or the lower end of one inclined surface 96b may be inclined, for example. The vertical position of the lower end may be uneven. In addition, the embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0059]

According to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, since the falling force attenuating surface is provided, the impact of the gaming medium on the bottom of the storage box can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility that the storage box is damaged can be reduced, and the storage box can be used for a long time. Further, since the holding section is provided on the near side of the storage box, the storage box can be easily pulled out or pushed in. In addition, since the grip portion and the falling force damping surface have a front-to-back relationship, the configuration is simple and rational.

According to the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, the game medium falling from the overflow gutter is hardly spilled out of the storage box.

According to the gaming machine of the third aspect of the present invention, a method of storing coins in a storage box and a method of flowing coins down a main body frame and transporting the coins to a predetermined location of an island facility include: You can choose any.

According to the gaming machine of the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the game medium from staying in the storage box without flowing down below the opening.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, even when a large amount of game media flows into the storage box, the storage box can be smoothly opened via the storage box side openable portion. The game medium can flow downward.

According to the gaming machine of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the game medium from jumping out of the storage box by the scattering prevention member.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachislot gaming machine exemplified as a gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the pachislot gaming machine with a front frame opened.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing attachment of a storage box (when coins are stored in the storage box).

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing attachment of a storage box (when coins are stored in the storage box).

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the mounting of the storage box (in the case where coins are allowed to flow down to the island facility side by opening the main body frame side opening possible part and the storage box side opening possible part).

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a rupturable portion of the main frame side openable portion and the storage box side openable portion.

FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view showing a state where a cover member is attached to the overflow detecting means.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of coins when the vertical position of the bottom surface of the storage box is uneven.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the storage box provided with a scattering prevention member.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a Machine frame (body frame) 80 Hopper (discharge device) 81 Discharge storage section 82 Overflow gutter 90 Storage box 91 Gripping section 93 Falling force damping surface 96 Bottom surface of storage box 96a Storage box side openable section 96b, 96c, 96d, 96e Inclined surface (bottom surface of storage box) 99 Shatterproof member 106 Bottom surface of main frame 101 Openable portion on main frame side 100 Pachislot machine (game machine)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A main body frame having a box shape with an open front surface, wherein at least a payout storage portion for storing at least a payout game medium, and A payout device having an overflow gutter for guiding the overflowed game media after falling down, and a box shape having an upper opening to receive and store the game media dropped through the overflow gutter of the payout device. A storage box configured as described above, wherein the storage box is formed on the outer side on the front side in a concave shape with a downward opening, and is used for gripping when the storage box is pulled out or pushed in. A portion of the inner surface of the storage box, the back side of the upper surface of the grip portion is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the back, and falls from the overflow gutter into the storage box. Gaming machine characterized in that it constitutes a falling posture damping surface to dampen the dropping force of the game medium that. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an interval between an upper end of the storage box and the overflow gutter is set smaller than a diameter of the game medium. 3. A main body frame-side openable portion is provided on a bottom surface of the main body frame, and at a position corresponding to the main body frame-side openable portion on a bottom surface of the storage box. Also, a storage box side openable portion that can be opened is provided, and when the storage box side openable portion and the main body frame side openable portion are both opened, via both these openable portions, 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a game medium can flow down below the main body frame. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein a bottom surface of the storage box is inclined downward toward the storage box side openable portion. 5. The non-uniform vertical position of the lower end of the inclined bottom surface of the storage box, after flowing down on the bottom surface, the storage box is opened through the storage box side openable portion. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the game media that is going to flow downward are prevented from being put into a pot. 6. A scattering prevention member made of a flexible material is provided at an upper edge of said storage box to prevent game media from jumping out of said storage box. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.