JP2007117129A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reducing the influence of a load due to the pushing force against a ball stop member provided inside a fetch device even when a game ball stored in a ball tray is pushed in a game ball flow-down direction, in the game machine provided with the fetch device for fetching the game ball stored in the ball tray. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a tray block and the tray block is provided with an upper tray 151 and the fetch devices 301-303 or the like. The game balls stored in the upper tray 151 flow down to the fetch devices 301-303. Then, when starting each game time, the prescribed number of game balls are fetched by the fetch devices 301-303. In this case, a step part 391 is formed between the guide paths 171-173 of the upper tray 151 and the entrance paths 305-307 of the fetch devices 301-303. Also, a cover member 175 for straightening the game balls passing through both paths is attached to the upper tray 151. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As a kind of gaming machine, it has a reel device with a plurality of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, and it starts rotating the reel device (variable display of symbols) with the start operation by the player and also with the stop operation by the player 2. Description of the Related Art A slot machine (cylinder game machine) that stops the rotation of a reel device is known. In the slot machine, medals are used as game media, and when the stop symbol of the reel device displayed on a predetermined active line matches a predetermined small role formation symbol, a predetermined number of medals corresponding to each formed combination. Will be paid out. In addition, when the stop symbol of the reel device is a specific symbol, a predetermined game (special game state) that is advantageous to the player, such as a big bonus game, occurs.

  In recent years, a ball-use spinning machine that can play a game similar to the slot machine using a game ball used in a pachinko machine instead of a medal has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such a gaming machine, rotation of the reel device (variable display of symbols on the display device) is started by performing a starting operation after a predetermined number of game balls are taken in. Then, when the stop symbol of the reel device matches the small role formation symbol, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out corresponding to the respective combination combination. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, the game ball can be handled as a common game medium with the pachinko machine in a gaming hall such as a pachinko hall and the gaming characteristics of the slot machine can be maintained. In addition, in this case, the problems such as the burden on the equipment due to the separate handling of medals and game balls and restrictions on the location of the game machine, which are often seen in current game halls where pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed, are solved. In addition, there is an advantage that flexibility such as installing the game machine on the island of the pachinko machine is generated.

  The above-mentioned ball-carrying gaming machine includes a take-in device for taking in game balls, and the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray (upper plate) flow down to the take-in device. A game ball passage is provided in the housing of the take-in device, and a ball stopper member is provided for receiving the game ball passing through the game ball passage and preventing or allowing passage of the game ball passage. . For example, in a configuration in which a gate member is provided as the ball stopper member, the passage of the game ball in the game ball passage is blocked or allowed by part of the gate member appearing and retracting in the game ball passage. A sensor for detecting a passing game ball is provided on the downstream side of the gate member, and it is determined whether the predetermined number of game balls have been taken in based on the detection result of the sensor. The

In such a configuration, when the game balls are sufficiently stored in the ball tray, the game balls reach the gate member protruding into the game ball passage due to the continuous game balls. In this case, for example, when a game ball stored in the ball tray is pushed in by the hand of a player or the like in the downward direction of the game ball, the load caused by the pushed force is applied to the gate member via the connected game ball. Communicated. And when the said load is extremely large, there exists a possibility that a gate member may be damaged. In addition, the gate member malfunctions, which may cause inconvenience such as the game ball being taken in even though the player has not started the take-in operation.
JP 2004-81449 A

  The present invention provides a gaming machine equipped with a take-in device that takes in game balls stored in a ball tray, even if the game ball stored in the ball tray is pushed down in the game ball flow direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the influence of a load caused by a pushing force into a ball stopper member.

  Hereinafter, effective means for solving the above-described problems will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. A ball tray (upper plate 151) that opens upward and stores a plurality of game balls is provided at the front of the gaming machine,
The take-in game ball passage (inlet passages 305 to 307) into which the game balls flowing out from the ball tray are introduced, and the take-in game ball passage of the game balls by being driven by drive means (solenoid 325). A ball stopper member (take-in gate member 320) that blocks or allows passage, and a ball detector (sensor unit 370) that detects a game ball passing through the intake-side game ball passage on the downstream side of the ball stopper member. Including a capturing device (capturing devices 301 to 303),
A gaming machine that is allowed to start a game when a predetermined number of gaming balls are detected by the ball detecting means,
The ball tray side game ball passages (guide passages 171 to 173) for aligning the game balls flowing down to the ball outlet (opening 164) to the take-in device in the ball tray, and the intake side game ball passages, Provide the path of the game balls flowing through both passages to be stepped,
The upstream side extending in the direction intersecting the game ball flow down direction on the extension line of the previous path to each of the upstream path change position and the downstream path change position in the stepped portion. A gaming machine comprising a load absorbing portion (stepped portion 176a) and a downstream load absorbing portion (bottom B2).

  According to the means 1, the game balls stored in the ball tray are introduced into the take-in game ball passage of the take-in device through the ball tray-side game ball passage. In this case, since the game balls are aligned in the ball tray side game ball passage, the game balls are smoothly introduced into the take-in game ball passage. A ball stop member is provided in the take-in game ball passage, and when the ball stop member is driven by the driving means, passage of the game ball in the take-in game ball passage is blocked or allowed. Then, the game balls passing through the take-in game ball passage are detected by the ball detection means, and the start of the game is permitted by detecting a predetermined number of game balls by the ball detection means.

  In this configuration, the ball tray is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine and is opened upward. For example, a player or the like places his hand on the ball tray and places the game balls stored in the ball tray into the game balls. There is a risk of pushing down. And the load accompanying this pushing force is transmitted to a ball stop member via the game ball which continued toward the ball stop member. In particular, since the game balls are arranged in the ball tray side game ball passage, the load is easily transmitted to the downstream side. In this case, if an extremely large load is applied, the ball stopper member may be damaged or malfunction.

  On the other hand, the ball tray side game ball passage and the intake side game ball passage are provided so that the path of the game ball flowing through both passages is stepped, and in the stepped portion An upstream load absorber and a downstream load absorber are provided at the upstream path change position and the downstream path change position, respectively. Thereby, even if the said load is added, the top game ball hits each load absorption part with respect to each load absorption part, and load is absorbed in each load absorption part. In particular, the load transmitted to the game ball on the downstream side of the stepped portion is greatly reduced by providing the two load absorbing portions as in the present configuration. Therefore, the influence of the load on the ball stopper member can be reduced, and the occurrence of breakage or malfunction of the ball stopper member can be suppressed.

  Note that “providing the path to be stepped” means not only when the ball tray side game ball path and the intake side game ball path are shifted in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction. Including.

  Mean 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein each of the load absorbing portions extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the previous game ball flow-down direction.

  According to the means 2, the drag force when the load is absorbed by each load absorber acts in the opposite direction to the game ball flow direction so far. Thereby, the load transmitted to the game ball on the downstream side of each load absorbing portion is reliably reduced, and the load absorption in each load absorbing portion can be made more effective.

Means 3. The ball tray side game ball passage extends obliquely downward toward the ball outlet, and further, the upstream side portion (inlet passages 305 to 307) of the ball stop member in the take-in game ball passage serves as the ball stop member. In the configuration extending obliquely downward toward
By providing a step portion (step portion P) between the bottom portion of the ball tray side game ball passage and the bottom portion of the intake side game ball passage so that the bottom portion of the intake side game ball passage is low, The gaming machine according to means 1 or 2, wherein the path of the game ball flowing through the ball tray side game ball path and the take-in side game ball path is stepped.

  According to the means 3, the path of the game ball has a stepped shape by providing the stepped portion so that the bottom of the take-in game ball passage is at a low level, so that the game ball has a stepped shape. It flows down to its downstream side by its own weight. Therefore, in the configuration in which the path of the game ball flowing through the ball tray side game ball path and the take-in game ball path is stepped, it is possible to suppress the inhibition of the flow of the game ball.

  Moreover, in this structure, the bottom part of the taking-in game ball path will constitute a downstream load absorption part. Therefore, the momentum of the game ball heading from the ball receiving tray to the take-in device is always absorbed by the downstream load absorbing portion. Therefore, the influence of the load with respect to the ball stop member accompanying the flow of the game ball can be reduced.

  Means 4. In the means 3, the upstream load absorbing portion is provided at a position on the extension line of the upstream path from the position where the step is formed and at a position separated from the step portion by one game ball. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  According to the means 4, since the gap between the stepped portion and the upstream load absorbing portion is wider than one gaming ball, the gaming ball flowing down from the ball tray to the take-in device is usually the upstream load absorbing portion. It flows without hitting. That is, it does not always hit the upstream load absorbing portion but hits the upstream load absorbing portion when the game ball stored in the ball receiving tray is pushed. Therefore, in the configuration in which the upstream load absorbing portion is provided, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the flow of the game ball from the ball tray toward the take-in device.

  Means 5. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to means 4, wherein a step size of the stepped portion is about one gaming ball.

  According to the means 5, since the step size is about one game ball, when the game ball stored in the ball tray is pushed in, the game ball reliably hits the upstream load absorbing portion. For example, in the configuration where the step size is half of the game balls, there is a possibility that the leading game ball hits the game ball located on the downstream side with respect to the upstream load absorption portion and does not hit the upstream load absorption portion. It is. In addition, by setting the step size to approximately one game ball instead of the plurality of game balls, it is possible to prevent the passage length from the ball tray to the ball stopper member from becoming extremely long.

  In the configuration provided with the means 3, the “step size” means a height difference between the bottom of the ball receiving side game ball passage and the bottom of the take-in game ball passage.

  Means 6. In any one of the means 1 to 5, the upstream load absorbing portion is provided on a cover member (cover member 175) that conceals at least the ball outlet of the ball tray.

  As shown in the above means 1, by providing the upstream load absorbing portion and the downstream load absorbing portion, the load transmitted to the game ball on the downstream side of the stepped portion is greatly reduced. . In this case, a larger load is applied to the both load absorbing portions than to the upstream load absorbing portion. Therefore, if an extremely large load is applied to the game ball stored in the ball tray or a large load is repeatedly applied, the upstream load absorbing portion may be damaged. On the other hand, according to the means 6, since the upstream load absorbing portion is provided in the cover member separate from the ball tray and the take-in device, even if the upstream load absorbing portion is damaged, the cover member Just replace it.

  Mean 7 In the means 6, the gaming machine is characterized in that the cover member is a rectifying member that rectifies the flow of the game balls so that the game balls on the ball tray flow into the take-in device one by one.

  According to the means 7, the game balls on the ball receiving tray flow into the take-in device one by one by the rectifying member, so that the flow of the game balls to the take-in device becomes smooth. In this case, since the load absorbing portion is provided in the rectifying member, by providing it in the rectifying member, a function for rectifying the game ball and that when the game ball stored in the ball tray is pushed in A function for reducing the accompanying load can be simultaneously provided.

  Means 8. In any one of the means 1 to 7, the ball tray side game ball passage is narrowed toward the ball outlet so that the game balls on the ball tray flow into the take-in device one by one. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  According to the means 8, since the upstream side of the ball tray side game ball passage is wider than the downstream side, the game ball easily flows into the ball tray side game ball passage. On the other hand, the ball receiving side game ball passage is narrow toward the ball exit, and the game balls on the ball receiving plate flow into the intake device one by one. The flow becomes smooth. However, in this configuration, since the ball tray side game ball passage becomes narrower toward the downstream side, the load accompanying the force for pushing the game ball stored in the ball tray is concentrated on the downstream game ball. It becomes easy. And in connection with this, there exists a possibility that the load transmitted to a ball stop member may become large. On the other hand, since the upstream load absorption part and the downstream load absorption part are provided as shown in the means 1, the influence of the load on the ball stopper member can be reduced.

  In addition, in the structure provided with the said means 7, by making the vertical direction dimension of a ball | bowl tray side channel | path toward a ball | bowl exit small with a baffle member, a ball | bowl tray side game ball | bowl is made narrow toward a ball | bowl outlet. Can do.

  Means 9. In any one of the means 1 to 8, the game ball flow down direction of the upstream passage (inlet passages 305 to 307) upstream of the ball stopper member in the take-in game ball passage is the ball tray side game ball. A gaming machine characterized by being substantially the same as a game ball flow direction in a passage.

  According to the means 9, the game ball flow direction in the upstream passage is substantially the same as the game ball flow direction in the ball tray side game ball passage, so that when the game ball stored on the ball tray is pushed in The load transmitted to the ball stopper is increased. Further, even when the game ball stored on the ball tray is not pushed in, the load transmitted to the ball stopper member increases with the flow of the game ball. On the other hand, since the upstream load absorption part and the downstream load absorption part are provided as shown in the means 1, the influence of the load on the ball stopper member can be reduced.

  Means 10. In any one of the means 1 to 9, the ball stopper member is a gate member that partially protrudes and protrudes with respect to the take-in game ball passage, and the gate member is located outside the take-in game ball passage. A game machine characterized in that it is cantilevered by a support shaft (support shaft 321) provided on the machine.

  According to the means 10, since the ball stopper member is a gate member that is cantilevered by the support shaft, when a large load is applied to a part of the gate member protruding into the take-in game ball passage, Damage at the site, failure at the connecting portion between the gate member and the driving means, or malfunction of the gate member may occur. On the other hand, as shown in the means 1, since the upstream load absorbing portion and the downstream load absorbing portion are provided, the influence of the load on the gate member is reduced. The occurrence of inconvenience can be suppressed.

Means 11. In any one of the means 1 to 10, the path is stepped at a position close to the ball outlet on the downstream side of the ball outlet (opening 164) to the take-in device provided in the ball tray. In addition, the capture device is configured to be detachable from the attachment portion (opening 215),
A switching member (operation lever 243) that can be switched between a locked state in which the take-in device cannot be removed and an unlocked state in which the take-in device can be removed;
When the switching member is switched to the locked state, the ball is moved to an open position that allows a game ball to pass through the ball outlet (opening 164) to the take-in device provided in the ball tray, An open / close member (movable member 242) that moves to a closed position that disables passage of the game ball at the ball exit in conjunction with switching to the unlocked state;
The gaming machine, wherein the opening / closing member moves between the open position and the closed position at a stepped position on the path.

  In the gaming machine of means 11, the take-in device is detachable, and is removed as necessary for maintenance and the like. In this configuration, a switching member that disables removal of the take-in device is provided, and an opening / closing member that disables passage of the game ball at the ball outlet provided in the ball receiving tray is provided. The opening / closing member moves to the open position in conjunction with switching of the switching member to the locked state, and moves to the closed position in conjunction with switching to the unlocked state. With this configuration, in order to remove the take-in device, it is necessary to switch the switching member to the unlocked state, and when the switching is performed, the opening / closing member disables the passage of the game ball at the ball outlet. Therefore, even if the take-in device is removed during maintenance or the like, it is possible to prevent the game balls stored in the ball tray from flowing out of the ball outlet and being scattered inside the game machine.

  In addition, the opening / closing member moves between the open position and the closed position at a stepped shape in the path of the game ball flowing from the ball tray to the take-in device. With this configuration, the opening / closing member can be moved between the open position and the closed position using the stepped portion, and the ball outlet can be opened and closed smoothly.

  In addition, when removing the take-in device, a configuration is possible in which a shutter or the like is operated by a spring biasing force or gravity to close the ball outlet, but in such a configuration, about several pieces are just before the shutter is closed at the time of removal. There is a risk that game balls may flow out. On the other hand, according to the configuration of this means, since it is possible to simultaneously remove the take-in device and disable the outflow of game balls, it is possible to reliably prevent outflow of game balls.

Means 12. In the gaming machine that is detachable by sliding the take-in device in a predetermined direction with respect to the attachment portion,
With the changeover of the switching member, the contact portion protrudes and retracts with respect to the opening of the attachment portion, so that the contact portion contacts the removal side end surface of the capture device in the locked state and does not contact in the unlocked state. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein a holding plate portion 254) is provided on the switching member.

  According to the means 12, when the switching member is in the locked state, the abutting portion abuts on the removal side end surface of the capturing device. Therefore, in order to remove the take-in device, it is necessary to switch the switching member to the unlocked state. When the switching member is switched to the unlocked state, the opening / closing member moves to the closed position, so that it is possible to prevent the game balls stored in the ball tray from flowing out from the ball outlet when the take-in device is removed. .

  Means 13. In the means 11 or 12, the opening / closing member is disposed below the ball tray so as to overlap the bottom of the ball tray, and one end of the game machine protrudes and descends from the ball outlet.

  According to the means 13, the opening / closing member is disposed below the ball tray so as to overlap the bottom of the ball tray, and when switching between the open position and the closed position, one end appears and disappears with respect to the ball outlet. And slide along the bottom. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the space required to provide the opening / closing member. Moreover, since one end appears and disappears with respect to the ball exit, the movement distance when switching between the open position and the closed position can be shortened.

  Means 14. In any one of the means 11 to 13, the switching member is an operation lever that can be manually operated from the back side of the gaming machine.

  According to the means 14, when the take-in device is removed, the switching member can be switched to the unlocked state by manually operating the operation lever from the back side of the gaming machine. Thereby, the operation | work at the time of the maintenance of a taking-in apparatus etc. can be performed easily.

Means 15. In any one of the means 11 to 14, the switching member has a shaft portion (shaft portion 251), and can be switched between the locked state and the unlocked state by rotating about the shaft portion. Yes,
A closed position push-out projection (protrusion) that abuts the opening / closing member on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion as the switching member rotates as much as possible in the unlocked state, and slides the opening / closing member to the closed position. A gaming machine provided with a piece 252a).

  According to the means 15, when the switching member rotates to the unlocked state, the closing position pushing projection comes into contact with the opening / closing member, so that the opening / closing member is pushed out and slides to the closed position. With this configuration, even if the opening / closing member tries to slide to the open position without being operated, the opening / closing member abuts on the closing position push-out projection, and the switching member is pivotal so that it slides. Even if a force in the moving direction is applied to the closed position push-out projection, the switching member is suppressed from switching to the locked state. Therefore, the open / close member is prevented from sliding to the open position even though the switching member is in the unlocked state, and the game ball stored in the ball tray is removed under the situation where the take-in device is removed. Outflow can be suppressed.

  Means 16. In the means 15, for the opening position pushing, the switching member abuts on the opening / closing member as the switching member rotates as much as possible in the locked state, and slides the opening / closing member to the opening position. A gaming machine provided with a protrusion (protrusion piece 252b).

  According to the means 16, when the switching member is rotated to the locked state, the opening position pushing projection comes into contact with the opening / closing member, so that the opening / closing member is pushed out and slides to the opening position. By adopting such a configuration, even if the opening / closing member tries to slide to the closed position without being operated, the opening / closing member abuts on the protrusion for pushing the open position, and the switching member is pivotal. Even if a force in the sliding direction is applied to the open position push-out projection, the switching member is suppressed from switching to the unlocked state. Therefore, it is suppressed that the opening / closing member slides to the closed position even though the switching member is in the locked state, and it is not necessary to remove the take-in device during the game or the like. It is possible to suppress the passage from being blocked.

  Means 17. In any one of the means 11 to 16, a gaming machine comprising an unlocked state holding means (a receiving part 254a, a protruding part 258) for holding the switching member in the unlocked state.

  According to the means 17, the switching member can be held in the unlocked state. As a result, the switching member in the unlocked state can be prevented from switching to the locked state against the intention of the operator who performs maintenance of the capture device, etc., and the capture device is detached It is possible to prevent the game balls stored in the ball tray from flowing out.

  As the unlocking state holding means, one of the protrusion or the receiving part for receiving the protrusion is provided on the switching member, and the other is provided at a position facing the switching member in the unlocked state in the gaming machine. Is desirable. Thereby, the operation | work for hold | maintaining a switching member in an unlocked state can be performed simply.

  Means 18. A gaming machine according to any one of means 11 to means 17, wherein a lock state holding means (holding portion 156a) for holding the switching member in the locked state is provided.

  According to the means 18, the switching member can be held in the locked state. As a result, it is possible to prevent the switching member in the locked state from switching to the unlocked state when it is not necessary to remove the capturing device such as during a game, and when it is not necessary to remove the capturing device. It is possible to prevent the passage of the game ball at the ball exit from being blocked.

  In addition, as a lock state holding means, one of the projection part or the receiving part for receiving the projection part is provided on the switching member, and the other is a position facing the switching member in the locked state in the gaming machine, or the lock in the take-in device. It is desirable to have a configuration that is provided at a position facing the switching member in a state. Thereby, the operation | work for hold | maintaining a switching member in a locked state can be performed simply.

  Means 19. In any one of the means 11 to 18, when the switching member is switched to the unlocked state, the opening / closing member reaches the closed position before the take-in device becomes removable. A gaming machine.

  According to the means 19, the game ball at the ball outlet is always prevented from passing before the take-in device can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the take-in device from being removed while the passage of the game ball at the ball exit is not blocked.

Means 20. In any one of the means 11 to 19, a plurality of the take-in devices are provided side by side, and the ball outlets are formed in the ball receiving tray so as to correspond to the respective take-in devices, thereby being stored in the ball receiving pan. A game ball that flows down to each of the capture devices,
A gaming machine characterized in that a plurality of the ball outlets are collectively opened and closed by the same opening and closing member.

  According to the means 20, since a plurality of capture devices are provided, a plurality of game balls can be processed simultaneously. Therefore, a plurality of game balls can be processed in a short time. In this case, since the plurality of ball outlets are collectively opened and closed by the same opening and closing member, the ball outlets can be opened and closed simultaneously. Further, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which an opening / closing member is provided for each ball outlet.

Means 21. In any one of the means 1 to 20, a pattern display device (reel device 503) that variably displays a pattern is provided,
Take-in start operation means (bet switch 38) operated to release passage prevention of the game ball passage by the ball stop member, and operation to start variable display of the picture on the picture display device on the front side of the gaming machine Start operation means (start lever 33) to be operated, and stop operation means (stop switches 35 to 37) operated to stop variable display of the same pattern,
A predetermined number of gaming balls are detected by the ball detecting means, and the variable display of the picture is started by operating the start operation means, and according to the stop picture after the operation of the stop operating means, A gaming machine characterized by paying out.

  The present invention is preferably applied to a gaming machine including a start operation means and a stop operation means that are actively operated by a player.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to a revolving gaming machine using a game ball, in which a game is played using a game ball as a game medium, will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The gaming machine in the present embodiment requires taking in a game ball (for example, a game ball similar to a pachinko machine: a pachinko ball) as a predetermined number of game media (game value) in the game, and a predetermined condition is satisfied A plurality of game balls, and in some cases, a large number of game balls are paid out. This game machine is supplied with game balls from the same game ball supply system as the pachinko machine in the game hall, etc., and this game is installed in the existing island facility (pachinko island) where the pachinko machine is installed. It is possible to install a machine.

  First, the outline of the external configuration and internal structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire gaming machine 1, FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing an internal open state of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. FIG. In the following description, unless otherwise noted, directions such as left, right, up and down are described with reference to the state viewed from the front of the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 as a main body frame, and a gaming machine main body portion 3 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be rotatable forward. The outer frame 2 is configured by connecting wooden plate members to four sides, and has a rectangular shape as a whole. When the gaming machine 1 is installed in the game hall, the outer frame 2 is attached and fixed to the island facility. The outer frame 2 can be made of a metal such as synthetic resin or aluminum. Although not shown in FIG. 3 or the like, the right side plate material among the four side plate materials constituting the outer frame 2 is provided with locking members (described in detail in FIGS. A hook receiving portion for locking the metal fittings 123 and 124) is provided.

  The gaming machine main unit 3 includes a door block 4 that is a door body unit, a tray block 5 that is a ball tray unit, a face changing block 6 that is a picture display unit, and a payout block 7 that is a game ball payout unit. It is configured. The door block 4 is provided with hinge fittings 8 at two upper and lower portions, and the door block 4 (the gaming machine main body 3) is externally connected by the hinge fitting 8 and the two upper and lower supporting fittings 9 on the outer frame 2 side. The frame 2 is supported so as to be rotatable. In this case, the rotation axis is provided on the left side when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front, and the gaming machine main body 3 is opened with the right side as the rotation tip when viewed from the front. When the gaming machine main body 3 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the rear surface of the outer peripheral edge of the door block 4 is in contact with the front surface of the outer frame 2.

  The saucer block 5 is detachably attached to the back side of the door block 4. Further, the surface changing block 6 is attached above the saucer block 5 on the back side of the door block 4, and a payout block 7 is attached so as to cover the surface changing block 6 from the back side. The surface changing block 6 and the dispensing block 7 are rotatably supported by a part of the door block 4, and the blocks 6 and 7 can rotate integrally with the door block 4 with respect to the outer frame 2. And has a structure that can be individually rotated with respect to the door block 4.

  When the gaming machine main body 3 is viewed from the back side, a payout block 7 and a tray block 5 are arranged on the back side of the door block 4 so as to be lined up and down.

  Here, the relative positional relationship and the operation state of each member constituting the gaming machine main body 3 will be briefly described. FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically showing the gaming machine main body 3, (a) is a view of the gaming machine main body 3 viewed from the back side, and (b) to (d) are the surface changing blocks 6 for the door block 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an opening operation status of the payout block 7.

  As shown in (a), an axis AX1 for opening the surface changing block 6 and the payout block 7 with respect to the door block 4 is provided on the right side (left side when viewed from the front). The axis AX1 serves as both an axis for supporting the surface changing block 6 and an axis for supporting the payout block 7. In this case, M1 and M2 shown in the figure are support means for supporting the surface changing block 6, and M3 and M4 are support means for supporting the dispensing block 7. That is, the support means M1 and M2 for the surface changing block 6 are coaxially provided in a pair of upper and lower sides. Further, the support means M3 and M4 for the payout block 7 are also provided in a pair of upper and lower sides so as to sandwich the support means M1 and M2, and are also coaxial with the support means M1 and M2.

  With the above configuration, the operations (b) to (d) can be performed. In (b), the chamfering block 6 and the payout block 7 are integrally opened with respect to the door block 4, and in (c), the payout block with respect to the chamfering block 6 from the state of (b). 7 is opened. Further, in (d), only the payout block 7 is opened from the state in which the surface changing block 6 is closed with respect to the door block 4.

(Description of door block 4)
Next, the door block 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7, FIG. 8 is a perspective view which isolate | separates the door block 4 and the saucer block 5, and shows them from the front and back. 9 and 10 are perspective views showing the front door body 11 and the inner frame 12 constituting the door block 4 separated from the front and the rear. In the following description of the door block 4, the above-described FIG. 1 and FIG.

  In the door block 4, the front door body 11 has substantially the same size (vertical dimension and horizontal dimension) as the outer frame 2, and an inner frame 12 is attached so as to overlap the back side. The inner frame 12 is formed by, for example, aluminum die casting, and has a role of reinforcing the front door body 11 and also has a role of supporting the surface changing block 6 and the payout block 7 described in detail later.

(Description of the front door 11)
The front door 11 stores a symbol visual recognition unit that enables visual recognition of a reel symbol, a liquid crystal symbol, and the like, which will be described later, an operation unit that is manually operated by a player when playing a game, and a game ball that is redundant in the upper plate part. The lower plate part is provided.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9 and the like, a visual recognition window 21 having a substantially trapezoidal shape as a symbol visual recognition portion is formed in the upper half portion of the front door body 11. The viewing window 21 is fitted with a transparent panel 22 made of a flat transparent plate, and the inside thereof can be visually recognized through the transparent panel 22. The transparent panel 22 has two panel parts (an upper panel part 22a and a lower panel part 22b) which are divided into a top and bottom and slightly bent, and the upper panel part 22a is provided in a substantially vertical direction. The portion 22b is provided so as to face slightly upward. The upper panel portion 22a covers the front surface of the liquid crystal display device described later, and a display image of the liquid crystal display device is visually recognized through the upper panel portion 22a. The lower panel portion 22b covers the front surface of the reel device described later, and the design of the reel device is visually recognized through the lower panel portion 22b.

  According to such a relatively large viewing window 21 (transparent panel 22), in addition to being able to give a great impact to the player by the display effect of the image using a large liquid crystal display device, The visibility of the symbol of the reel device as the main display device of the gaming machine 1 is good.

  On the peripheral edge of the front door 11, an enclosure 23 is provided so as to surround the visual recognition window 21 and project forward from the transparent panel 22. The enclosure portion 23 is provided with a central lamp portion 24 and a pair of left and right side lamp portions 25, and speaker portions 26 are provided at the upper right corner portion and the upper left corner portion of the front door body 11. During the game, the lamp units 24 and 25 and the speaker unit 26 perform a lamp effect, a sound effect, and the like according to the game situation each time. In other words, the player is notified of the formation of the winning combination by appropriately changing the light emission color and light emission pattern by the lamp units 24 and 25 or by appropriately changing the sound pattern by the speaker unit 26. Further, it is possible to perform error notification or the like using the lamp units 24 and 25 and the speaker unit 26.

  Incidentally, the viewing window 21 is provided in a range excluding the surrounding portion 23 (left and right side lamp portions 25) with respect to the left and right width of the front door body 11, and thus the viewing window 21 is wide on the left and right. ing. In addition, the visual recognition window 21 is wider than the lateral width of a reel device or a liquid crystal device described later.

  Below the viewing window 21 is provided an operation unit 30 provided with various operation members operated by the player. The operation unit 30 has a front plate portion 31 which is horizontally long and slightly arcuate as a whole. The front plate portion 31 is provided with a start lever 33 and a stop switch 35 including a triple button. , 36, 37 are provided. Further, a bet switch mounting plate portion 32 is formed at the upper end portion of the front plate portion 31 at a position toward the left side (generally between the start lever 33 and the left stop switch 35). A button-like bet switch 38 is attached to the front.

  The bet switch 38 allows the player to set a bet (the number of bets), and a predetermined number of game balls stored in the upper plate 151 are taken in by the pushing operation. In the present embodiment, a so-called MAX bet switch is provided as the bet switch 38, and game balls equivalent to 3 bets (for 15 balls) are taken in by an effective one-time pressing operation. The bet switch 38 constitutes an input command means for instructing input of a game ball as an investment value. In addition to the bet switch 38 as the MAX bet switch, a configuration in which a 1-bet switch or a 2-bet switch is provided may be used. By the way, the 1-bet switch is a bet switch for taking in a game ball equivalent to 1 bet (for 5 balls) by one push operation, and the 2-bet switch is equivalent to 2 bets by a single push operation (10 This is a bet switch for taking in game balls.

  The start lever 33 is an operation member for starting rotation of each reel (rotating body) of the reel device described later, and constitutes start operation means operated to start rotation of each reel, that is, to start variable display of symbols. To do.

  The stop switches 35 to 37 are provided so as to correspond to the reels to be stopped (left, middle and right three rows of reels), and are operated to stop each of the rotating reels individually. Configure the means. Each of the stop switches 35 to 37 is in a state where it can be stopped when each reel rotates at a constant speed, and a lamp (not shown) is lit and displayed during this state to notify that a stop operation is possible. When the reels stop rotating, they are turned off.

  A laterally long opening 41 having substantially the same length as the front plate 31 and opening upward is formed behind the operation unit 30. The opening 41 is an opening region for arranging the upper plate 151 when the tray block 5 is attached to the front door body 11, and the width dimension in the left-right direction of the opening 41 is the width in the left-right direction of the upper plate 151. The width dimension in the front-rear direction of the opening 41 is slightly shorter than the width dimension in the front-rear direction of the upper plate 151.

  A cutout 42 is formed in the lower right portion of the front plate 31 of the operation unit 30 when viewed from the front. The notch 42 is an installation space for installing an operation lever 188 of a discharge operation transmission device 180 described later.

  Between the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 22) and the operation unit 30, a long plate-like sub-panel unit 50 extending in the left-right direction is provided. The sub-panel unit 50 includes an information display unit 51 and a renting operation. A portion 52 is provided. The information display unit 51 includes an acquired ball number display unit 53 that displays the number of acquired balls when the small role is established, and a game number that displays, for example, the number of remaining games in a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. A display unit 54 is provided. Although these display parts 53 and 54 are comprised by the 7 segment display, it is naturally possible to substitute by a liquid crystal display etc. FIG.

  The ball lending operation unit 52 is, for example, a ball lending operation, a card or the like in a state where a bill or a card is inserted into a vertically long card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side (for example, the left side) of the gaming machine 1. The return operation and the effectiveness count are confirmed, and a ball lending button 56, a return button 57, and a frequency display section 58 are integrally provided in parallel. In this case, the ball lending button 56 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card (recording medium) or the like, and the lending ball is paid out as long as the remaining amount exists on the card or the like. . The return button 57 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 58 displays remaining amount information such as a card.

  In the front door body 11, arc-shaped recess portions 61 are provided on the left and right side portions of the information display portion 51 and the lending operation portion 52 so as to recede to the far side as compared with the surrounding enclosure portion 23. The recess 61 has a locking member for locking and unlocking the gaming machine main body 3 (door block 4) with respect to the outer frame 2 (in detail, a key provided on the inner frame 12 described later). A key cylinder installation hole 62 for exposing the cylinder 125) to the front is provided.

  As can be seen in FIG. 1 and the like, the left and right recesses 61 are located immediately above the upper plate 151. Therefore, even if a game ball is lent to the upper plate 151 via a ball rental nozzle (so-called elephant nose) extending from the ball rental unit in the game hall, the interference between the ball rental nozzle and the front door body 11 Can be avoided. Therefore, it is a useful configuration even considering the installation situation in the game hall.

  Further, in the front door body 11, a bulging portion 70 is formed below the operation portion 30 so as to be continuous with the surrounding portion 23 and the concave portion 61, and is surrounded by the bulging portion 70. A lower tray 71 and an ashtray 72 are formed. A lower dish discharge port 74 and a speaker hole 75 are formed in the back wall portion 73 surrounded by the bulging portion 70. When the game ball is fully stored in the upper plate 151 or its upstream passage and the game ball is paid out from the payout device, or for the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 When the ball removal operation is performed, the game ball is discharged to the lower plate 71 through the lower plate discharge port 74.

  An opening is formed in the bottom of the lower plate 71, and an opening / closing plate 76 is provided in the opening. In addition, a ball punching operation piece 77 for a lower dish is provided at a substantially central portion of the bulging portion 70. The ball removal operation piece 77 is an operation piece for discharging the game balls stored in the lower plate 71 to a ball storage box (a so-called dollar box) placed below the lower plate 71, from the normal position shown in the figure. By operating leftward, the opening / closing plate 76 slides to the open position, and the game balls in the lower plate 71 are discharged. In addition, lower plate lamp portions 78 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower plate 71 in the bulging portion 70.

  As shown in FIG. 10, as a configuration on the back side of the front door body 11, lamp accommodation portions 91 that accommodate the side lamp portions 25 are provided on both the left and right sides of the viewing window 21. The lamp accommodating portion 91 has a substantially prismatic shape, and a panel support plate material 92 for supporting the transparent panel 22 from the rear is attached to the inner side surface thereof.

  Relatedly, the procedure for mounting the transparent panel 22 will be described here. A panel receiving groove 93 having a width corresponding to the panel thickness is formed at the lower edge of the viewing window 21, and the transparent panel 22 is inserted into the panel receiving groove 93 from the rear of the front door body 11, The upper end portion is brought into contact with the back surface portion of the front door body 11. In this state, the left and right panel support plates 92 are attached with screws or the like. Thereby, attachment to the front door body 11 of the transparent panel 22 is completed.

  On the back side of the front door body 11, a projecting plate 98 is provided below the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 22) so as to project rearward from the rear edge of the opening 41.

(Description of inner frame 12)
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inner frame 12 has a rectangular shape similar to the front door body 11, and the left frame portion 101, the right frame portion 102, and the upper frame portion 103 having substantially the same narrow width. And a lower frame portion 104 wider than them. A portion surrounded by each of the frame portions 101 to 104 is a central opening portion 105, and the central opening portion 105 is formed on the back side of the inner frame 12 within a range excluding a part of the upper edge portion of the lower frame portion 104. A rib 106 having a constant height is formed so as to surround it. Further, in the inner frame 12, a return portion 107 that is bent forward at a right angle is formed at the outer peripheral edge portion. When the inner frame 12 is assembled to the front door body 11, the return portion 107 overlaps the inside of the outer edge of the front door body 11, thereby forming a space between the front door body 11 and the inner frame 12. Is done. A lamp device or the like is arranged using this space.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 has a configuration in which the rotation axis is provided on the left side when viewed from the front, and the hinge bracket 8 is attached to the upper frame portion 103 and the lower frame portion 104 at two upper and lower positions. It has been.

  In addition, a pair of upper and lower shaft brackets 110 and 111 are attached to the left frame portion 101 at a predetermined interval so as to extend rearward from the tip portion of the rib 106. The shaft brackets 110 and 111 are bracket members for rotatably supporting the surface changing block 6 and the payout block 7. The shaft brackets 110 and 111 are both substantially U-shaped, and the shaft bracket 110 has upper and lower bearing portions 110a and 110b, and the shaft bracket 111 has upper and lower bearing portions 111a and 111b. A shaft hole is formed in each of the bearing portions 110a, 110b, 111a, 111b of the shaft brackets 110, 111, and the shaft brackets 110, 111 are ribs so that all the shaft holes are arranged on the same axis. 106 is fixed.

  In this case, the lower bearing portion 110b of the shaft bracket 110 and the upper bearing portion 111a of the shaft bracket 111 correspond to a surface changing block support means for supporting the surface changing block 6, and the upper bearing of the shaft bracket 110 is supported. The portion 110 a and the lower bearing portion 111 b of the shaft fitting 111 correspond to a payout block support means for supporting the payout block 7.

  Further, the right frame portion 102 is provided with a locking device for holding the door block 4 in an unlocked locked state. That is, a base frame 121 extending in the up-down direction is fixed to the back side of the right frame portion 102, and a long shape assembled to the base frame 121 so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the base frame 121. The interlocking rod 122 is provided. The interlocking rod 122 is provided with a pair of upper and lower hook metal fittings 123 and 124 having a hook shape. The intermediate parts of the metal fittings 123 and 124 are pivotally supported on the base frame 121 side, and the distal end hook part moves downward when the interlocking bar 122 moves upward.

  The base frame 121 is provided with a key cylinder 125 as an unlocking operation unit. The key cylinder 125 is provided in a direction extending in the front-rear direction. When the inner frame 12 is assembled to the front door body 11, the front surface of the cylinder (the side where the key insertion hole is installed) is provided on the front door body 11. It will be exposed from the installation hole 62. The locking mechanism including the interlocking rod 122, the key cylinder 125, and an operation key (not shown) inserted into the key cylinder 125 and rotated in a predetermined direction constitute a locking device of the gaming machine 1. The key cylinder 125 may be configured to use Omlock (registered trademark) having a high function of preventing unauthorized unlocking.

  In such a case, when the operation key is rotated clockwise with the operation key inserted into the key cylinder 125, the interlocking rod 122 moves upward (when viewed from the back of the door, the rotating portion of the key cylinder 125 is opposite). To turn clockwise). As a result, when the front hooks of the hooks 123 and 124 of the interlocking hook 122 move downward and the door block 4 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the hooks 123 and 124 and the hooks on the outer frame 2 side. The locked state (that is, the locked state) with the receiving portion is released. The door block 4 can be opened with respect to the outer frame 2.

  The lower frame portion 104 is provided with a communication port 131 that communicates with a lower tray discharge port 74 provided in the front door body 11 and a speaker 132 that is exposed forward from the speaker hole 75. In addition, the lower frame portion 104 is provided with protruding column portions 133 and 134 protruding rearward.

  Fixing means for fixing the tray block 5 and the dispensing block 7 attached to the back side of the door block 4 are provided at a plurality of locations on the back side of the inner frame 12. That is, a total of five metal fittings (metal fittings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d, 136e) are provided as fixing means for the saucer block 5. Further, as a fixing means for the payout block 7, a total of four metal fittings (metal fittings 137a, 137b, 137c, 137d) are provided.

  The inner frame 12 is attached and fixed to the front door body 11 using a fastener such as a screw. The state is shown in FIG. In this case, a space portion extending in the left-right direction is formed between the protruding plate 98 provided on the back side of the front door body 11 and the upper end portion of the lower frame portion 104 of the inner frame 12. An upper plate 151 of the receiving block 5 is incorporated.

(Description of saucer block 5)
Next, the tray block 5 will be described. 11 is a front view of the saucer block 5, FIG. 12 is a plan view of the saucer block 5, FIG. 13 is a rear view of the saucer block 5, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are exploded perspective views of the saucer block 5 (FIG. 14 is viewed from the front). FIG. 15 is a view from the rear).

  The saucer block 5 includes an upper plate 151 having a function of temporarily storing game balls that are sequentially taken in, and a ball path forming body having a function of distributing game balls supplied from a payout device or the like to the upper plate or the lower plate. 152 and a take-in unit 153 having a game ball take-in function, and in addition, a payout control unit 155 having a power supply device 156 and a payout control device 157 as an electrical configuration. Yes.

(Description of the upper plate 151)
The upper plate 151 constitutes a plate member for temporarily storing game balls lent out from the ball lending device of the island facility and game balls paid out from the payout device. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the upper plate 151 and members provided therewith, and FIG. 17 is a plan view of the upper plate 151.

  The upper plate 151 is formed in a horizontally long bowl shape, and includes a bottom plate portion 161 and a peripheral wall portion 162 surrounding the peripheral edge portion. A game ball storage area is formed by being surrounded by the bottom plate portion 161 and the peripheral wall portion 162. A discharge port 163 is provided in a wall portion on the back side of the peripheral wall portion 162 at a position on the left side when viewed from the front. In addition, the bottom plate portion 161 is provided with an opening 164 at a position on the right side when viewed from the front.

  The bottom plate portion 161 is generally configured to be lowered from the discharge port 163 toward the opening 164 (from the left side to the right side in FIG. 17). Specifically, the bottom plate portion 161 is formed in two stages in the front-rear direction, and the rear region is formed in two steps in the left-right direction. In this case, in the bottom plate portion 161, the front region (R1 region in FIG. 17) is the highest, and then the left side of the rear region (R2 region in FIG. 17) is high, and the right side of the rear region (R3 in FIG. 17). Area) is the lowest. Therefore, the game ball discharged from the discharge port 163 flows downstream along the route R2 region → R1 region → R3 region (or along the route R2 region → R3 region).

  In the bottom plate portion 161, a ridge guide portion 165 is formed in the front region (R1 region), and the game ball that has flowed into the front region (R1 region) hits the ridge guide portion 165 to reach the R3 region. Guided.

  Two partition portions 167 and 168 are provided in the most downstream portion (R3 region) of the upper plate 151, and three rows of guide passages 171, 172, and 173 are formed by being partitioned by the partition portions 167 and 168. Has been. Each of these guide passages 171 to 173 is provided so as to communicate with the opening 164, and constitutes an alignment passage portion that aligns the game balls in each row.

  A cover member 175 is attached to the upper plate 151 so as to cover the opening 164 and a part of each of the guide passages 171 to 173 from above. By attaching the cover member 175, the distance between the bottom plate portion 161 of the upper plate 151 and the bottom portion 176 of the cover member 175 becomes approximately one game ball. Thus, the height dimension of each guide passage 171 to 173 is generally limited to one game ball, and one game ball is taken in each guide passage 171 to 173. In such a case, the bottom 176 of the cover member 175 is inclined upward toward the upstream end. Accordingly, the guide passages 171 to 173 are narrowed toward the opening 164. For the cross-sectional shape of the cover member 175, refer to FIG. The cover member 175 is formed of a transparent material so that the presence / absence of a game ball below the cover member 175 can be visually recognized.

  A concave portion 179 is formed in the front wall portion of the peripheral wall portion 162, and the concave portion 179 causes interference between the bed switch mounting plate portion 32 and the upper plate 151 when the tray block 5 is assembled to the door block 4. Is to be avoided.

  Further, a discharge operation transmission device 180 for discharging a stored ball in the upper plate 151 to the lower plate 71 by operating a discharge gate member 340 of the take-in unit 153 described later is attached to the bottom of the upper plate 151. Here, the configuration of the discharge operation transmission device 180 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

(Description of discharge operation transmission device 180)
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the discharge operation transmission device 180, the case body 181 is provided with two shaft portions 182 and 183, and the shaft portions 182 and 183 have first link pieces 184 and 184, respectively. The second link piece 185 is rotatably supported. The first and second link pieces 184 and 185 are partially connected to each other, and the second link piece 185 rotates in conjunction with the first link piece 184. The first link piece 184 is provided with a tension spring 186, and the first link piece 184 is always urged in the same direction (counterclockwise direction in the drawing) by the spring force of the tension spring 186. In addition, an operation lever 188 that is movable in the left-right direction is provided on the front end surface of the case body 181, and a support column part 188 a that is provided integrally with the operation lever 188 is provided on the first link piece 184. It is inserted through the hole 184a. Therefore, the first link piece 184 rotates around the shaft portion 182 as the operating lever 188 is slid.

  In the discharging operation transmission device 180 configured as described above, the operation lever 188 is slid to the left (P1 direction in FIG. 19) from the illustrated position by a player or the like, so that the first link piece 184 is a spring of the tension spring 186. The second link piece 185 rotates counterclockwise (P3 direction in FIG. 19) while rotating in the clockwise direction (P2 direction in FIG. 19) against the force. Thereby, the rotation front-end | tip part of the 2nd link piece 185 moves to the back side (P4 direction of FIG. 19). When the operation lever 188 is released, the first link piece 184 is rotated counterclockwise by the spring force of the tension spring 186 and the second link piece 185 is rotated clockwise. To do. Thereby, the discharge operation transmission device 180 returns to the original state. By such an operation of the discharge operation transmission device 180, a discharge gate member 340 of the take-in unit 153, which will be described later, is operated, and game balls are discharged via the take-in unit 153 (actually, the game balls are discharged to the lower plate 71). ) Is to be performed.

(Description of the ball passage forming body 152)
Next, the ball path forming body 152 will be described. 20 and 21 are exploded perspective views showing the ball passage forming body 152 and members provided therewith.

  On the back side of the ball passage forming body 152, a lower tray discharge passage 201 for discharging the game ball to the lower tray 71, and an external discharge passage for discharging the game ball to the outside of the gaming machine (island facility of the game hall). 202 are formed in parallel. The lower tray discharge passage 201 communicates with a discharge port 203 provided on the front side of the ball passage forming body 152, and the game balls flowing down the lower plate discharge passage 201 are discharged to the lower plate 71 through the discharge port 203. Will be. In addition, a discharge passage 204 that communicates with the discharge port 163 of the upper plate 151 is formed in the vicinity of the most upstream portion of the lower plate discharge passage 201 and the external discharge passage 202.

  A passage cover member 206 is attached to the rear side of the ball passage forming body 152 so as to block the lower dish discharge passage 201 and the external discharge passage 202, and a game ball is provided at the most upstream portion of each of the passages 201 and 202. A game ball distribution member 210 for distributing the game ball to any one of the lower tray discharge passage 201, the external discharge passage 202, and the discharge passage 204 is attached. The game ball distribution member 210 is provided with three passages 211, 212, and 213, and when the game ball distribution member 210 is attached to the ball passage formation body 152, the passage 211 is connected to the lower dish discharge passage 201. The passage 212 communicates with the external discharge passage 202, and the passage 213 communicates with the discharge passage 204.

  A substantially square-shaped opening 215 for accommodating the take-in unit 153 is formed in the ball passage forming body 152 at a position ahead of the most downstream portion of the lower dish discharge passage 201. Below the opening 215, a ball discharge chamber 216 is formed to be discharged after the game ball is taken in by the take-in unit 153. The ball discharge chamber 216 communicates with the external guide passage 217, and the game ball discharged into the ball discharge chamber 216 is further discharged to the outside of the game ball (the island facility of the game hall) through the external guide passage 217. In addition, a discharge guide passage 218 for guiding a game ball discharged in accordance with a discharge operation by the player (a lever operation of the discharge operation transmission device 180) to the discharge port 203 is formed on the side of the ball discharge chamber 216. ing.

  A ball stopper 240 is provided on the front side of the ball passage forming body 152 so as to overlap the bottom surface of the upper plate 151. The ball-clamping device 240 is around the opening 215 for accommodating the take-in unit 153 and is located near the guide passages 171 to 173 formed in the upper plate 151. FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a single structure of the ball-clamping device 240, and FIG. 23 is a rear view showing the state where the ball-clamping device 240 is mounted on the ball path forming body 152 from the rear side. In addition, as an operation state of the ball retainer 240, FIG. 22 (a) corresponds to FIG. 23 (a), and FIG. 22 (b) corresponds to FIG. 23 (b).

  The ball retainer 240 includes a base member 241 fixed to the ball passage forming body 152, a movable member 242 mounted on the base member 241 and capable of reciprocating in the left-right direction in FIG. 22, and the movable member 242 in the left-right direction. And an operation lever 243 that is rotated so as to reciprocate. These members are all made of synthetic resin. And this ball stopper 240 is assembled | attached to the ball channel | path formation body 152 so that the operation lever 243 may become a back side.

  Three arm portions 244, 245, and 246 are formed on the movable member 242 so as to be aligned in the same direction. Each of the arm portions 244 to 246 is bifurcated, and two standing portions 247, 248, and 249 are formed at the tip of the arm portions 247, 248, and 249 so as to be bent upward (front side in FIG. 22). ing. The intervals between the arm portions 244 to 246 formed on the movable member 242 match the three guide passages 171 to 173 formed on the upper plate 151, and the openings 164 leading to the respective guide passages 171 to 173 are used to Upright portions 247 to 249 of the arm portions 244 to 246 appear. As described above, the movable member 242 overlaps the bottom surface of the upper plate 151 as the ball stopper 240 is disposed so as to overlap the bottom surface of the upper plate 151.

  The operation lever 243 has a shaft portion 251 supported by the base member 241 and can be rotated within an angle range of approximately 90 degrees. Projection pieces 252a and 252b extending radially at an angle of 90 degrees from the shaft center are formed on the shaft portion 251, and the protrusion pieces 252a and 252b are accommodated in a gap 253 formed in the movable member 242. Yes. Refer to FIG. 24 for the cross-sectional shapes of the protruding pieces 252a and 252b. The width in the left-right direction of the gap 253 is a dimension that is approximately the sum of the diameter of the shaft portion 251 and the length of the protruding piece 252a or 252b. In this case, in the state of FIG. 23A, the tip of one projection piece 252b hits the inner wall of the gap 253, and when the operation lever 243 is turned to move to the state of FIG. The tip of 252a will hit the inner wall of the gap 253. Thereby, the movable member 242 slides in the left-right direction. In FIG. 22, due to the sliding movement of the movable member 242 in the left-right direction, the tip protrusion amounts of the arm portions 244 to 246 of the movable member 242 are different between (a) and (b). In (a), the tip protrusion amount = L1, whereas in (b), the tip protrusion amount = L2 (L1 <L2).

  Here, as described above, the projecting pieces 252a and 252b are in contact with the inner wall of the gap 253 in the state of (a) and (b) of FIG. In this abutting state, the extending direction of the projecting pieces 252 a and 252 b is substantially orthogonal to the inner wall of the gap 253. Thereby, the sliding movement of the movable member 242 in a state where the operation lever 243 is not operated is prevented.

  The operation lever 243 is integrally formed with a hold plate portion 254 for holding the take-in unit 153 attached to the opening 215 of the ball passage forming body 152 in the attached state. The hold plate portion 254 has a tongue shape extending from the axial center of the shaft portion 251. When the operation lever 243 is turned, the hold plate portion 254 is moved to the position shown in FIGS. Are operated at the positions shown in FIG. In this case, the rear surface of the ball passage forming body 152 is formed with a rotation allowable recess 152a recessed inward over a predetermined range, and the operation lever 243 rotates through the rotation allowable recess 152a. Done. In addition, a protrusion 258 is formed in the rotation allowable recess 152a, and a receiving portion 254a is formed on the back surface of the hold plate 254 correspondingly. When the hold plate portion 254 is in the position shown in FIG. 23B, the projection portion 258 is held in contact with the receiving portion 254a, so that the position of the hold plate portion 254 shown in FIG. Is restricted (see FIG. 22B). However, since the hold plate portion 254 is made of synthetic resin, the hold plate portion 254 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 23A by operating the operation lever 243 with a predetermined force or more. Note that the operation lever 243 and the hold plate portion 254 are not integrally provided, and may be provided separately.

  Here, the mutual relationship between the operation position of the operation lever 243 and the take-in unit 153 will be described. When the operation lever 243 is in the state shown in FIG. 23A, the rotating tip of the hold plate portion 254 provided integrally with the operation lever 243 is in contact with the back surface of the capture unit 153. This is the take-in unit holding position (locked state). In this state, the take-in unit 153 is held in a state where it is mounted on the ball passage forming body 152, and the take-in unit 153 cannot be removed. On the other hand, when the operation lever 243 shifts to the state shown in FIG. 23B, the state in which the rotation tip of the hold plate 254 hits the back surface of the take-in unit 153 is released. This is the take-in unit removal position (unlocked state). Thereby, the take-in unit 153 can be removed (a state where the take-in unit 153 is removed is shown in FIG. 23B).

  In this case, as described above, the operation lever 243 is held in the unlocked state by the engagement between the protrusion 258 provided in the rotation allowable recess 257 and the receiving portion 254a provided in the hold plate 254. Can do. On the other hand, a configuration for holding the operation lever 243 in a locked state is also provided. Specifically, as will be described later, a power supply device 156 is disposed on the back side of the ball fastening device 240, and protrudes toward the ball fastening device 240 at a position facing the operation lever 243 of the power supply device 156. A holding portion 156a is formed (see FIG. 14). The holding portion 156a has a shape in which the distal end portion (the distal end portion on the power supply device 156 side) of the operation lever 243 can enter. However, the shape is set so as to be able to enter only when the operation lever 243 is in the locked state. Therefore, the operation lever 243 is held in the locked state, and the operation lever 243 cannot be rotated to the unlocked state unless the power supply device 156 is removed.

  FIG. 24 shows the relationship between the operation state of the ball stopper 240 and the flow of the game ball. In FIG. 24, (a) shows a normal gaming state, and this state corresponds to (a) of FIG. 23 and (a) of FIG. Moreover, (b) and (c) show the detachable state of the take-in unit 153 and the state after detachment, and the state corresponds to (b) of FIG. 23 and (b) of FIG. .

  In the state of FIG. 24 (a), as shown in FIG. 22 (a), the protruding amount of the tip of each arm portion 244 to 246 of the movable member 242 is relatively small. The flow of the game ball supplied from 173 is not blocked (that is, the movable member 242 is in the open position). Therefore, game balls are successively sent to the take-in unit 153 side.

  On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 24B, as shown in FIG. 22B, the protruding amounts of the tips of the arm portions 244 to 246 of the movable member 242 are relatively large. The flow of the game ball supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 is blocked by the tip portions (standing portions 247 to 249) of the arm portions 244 to 246 (that is, the movable member 242 is in the closed position). In this state, since the game ball is not sent to the take-in unit 153 side, as shown in (c), even if the take-in unit 153 is removed, the game ball in the upper plate 151 may fall. Is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, on the back side of the ball passage forming body 152, mounting fixing means (locking members 261a, 261b, 261c, 261d, 261e) are provided at a plurality of locations. That is, the locking members 261a to 261e are provided at a total of five locations corresponding to the metal fittings 136a to 136e (see FIG. 10) of the inner frame 12, and are locking pieces that are respectively engaged with the metal fittings 136a to 136e. It is comprised. In this case, the receiving block 5 is attached and fixed to the door block 4 by setting the locking pieces of the lock members 261a to 261e to the locked state with respect to the metal fittings 136a to 136e, and the locked state is released. The saucer block 5 can be removed from the door block 4.

  On the front side of the ball passage forming body 152, column support portions 263 and 264 for receiving the protruding column portions 133 and 134 provided on the inner frame 12 are formed. Further, a horizontally long thin plate-like sheet plate 265 is attached to the upper part of the ball passage forming body 152. The sheet plate 265 is attached to the upper part of the ball passage forming body 152 in a state where the upper plate 151 is mounted on the ball passage forming body 152.

  According to the sheet plate 265, an upper lid is provided on a part of the back side of the upper plate 151 (see FIG. 7 and the like). The covered portion of the upper plate 151 by the sheet plate 265 corresponds to a portion where the upper plate 151 is hidden inside the door block 4 in a state where the receiving block 5 is attached to the door block 4. That is, in the state where the saucer block 5 is attached to the door block 4, the width dimension (A) in the front-rear direction of the opening 41 provided in the door block 4 (front door body 11) and the width dimension in the front-rear direction of the upper plate 151 ( B) and A <B (A and B are dimensional comparisons in the same place in the left-right direction), so that part of the back side of the upper plate 151 is immersed inside the door block 4. In this case, if the portion of the upper plate 151 that has entered the inside of the door block 4 remains open upward, fingers or unauthorized tools placed from the front side of the upper plate 151 to the back side will open upward on the back side of the upper plate 151. There is a concern that it will be inserted into the gaming machine through the part and illegal activities will be performed inside the gaming machine. In this regard, by providing the sheet plate 265 as described above, it is possible to suppress an illegal act by inserting a finger, an unauthorized tool, or the like into the gaming machine through the upper plate 151. In short, the sheet plate 265 is a shielding member that shields between the upper plate 151 and the space inside the gaming machine (the inner region of the front door body 11).

  Note that the sheet plate 265 is formed of a transparent plate. Therefore, even if a part of the upper plate 151 is hidden by the sheet plate 265, it is easy to confirm the inside of the upper plate 151 (including confirmation of dirt, damage, etc.).

(Description of capture unit 153)
The take-in unit 153 constitutes take-in means for taking in a predetermined number of game balls based on an operation by the player, and each time a game is taken in by taking in a predetermined number of game balls by the take-in unit 153. The (game) start condition is satisfied, and preparations for starting the game are made.

  25 is a perspective view of the capture unit 153 as viewed from the front side, FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the capture unit 153 as viewed from the rear side, and FIGS. 27 and 28 are exploded perspective views of the capture unit 153. . The take-in unit 153 is provided with three take-in devices 301, 302, 303 so as to overlap each other, and the take-in unit 153 has a substantially cubic shape as a whole (in the following description, in FIG. The capture device 301 located on the front side is the “first capture device”, the capture device 302 located on the center is the “second capture device”, and the capture device 303 located on the far side is the “third capture device”. Also referred to as a device).

  On the upper surface of each of the capture devices 301 to 303, inlet passages 305, 306, and 307 are formed in three rows so as to be opened upward and exposed to the outside. These entrance passages 305 to 307 constitute a game ball entrance portion in the take-in unit 153, and the game balls supplied from the upper plate 151 are first guided to the entrance passages 305 to 307 and then lined up in a row. It is taken in sequentially in the state. In the completed state, the inlet passages 305 to 307 are visible from above through an opening 164 (see FIG. 17) provided in the upper plate 151. A coupling plate 308 for coupling the respective capture devices 301 to 303 is attached to the side surface of the capture unit 153.

(Description of capture devices 301-303)
Next, the configuration of each of the capture devices 301 to 303 will be described. However, since each of the capture devices 301 to 303 has a substantially similar configuration, the first capture device 301 is basically described as an example here. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the capture device 301, and FIGS. 30 and 31 are exploded perspective views of the capture device 301. FIG. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the vertical and horizontal directions are described in the state shown in FIG.

  The take-in device 301 includes a pair of front and back housing members 311 and 312 made of a synthetic resin molded product. These two housings 311 and 312 are connected by screws or the like to form a substantially square box-shaped housing, and a game ball passage to be described later is formed in the internal space, and an opening / closing gate for opening and closing the passage The mechanism is accommodated. Each housing 311, 312 is molded from a black resin material containing carbon. For convenience of explanation, the housing member 311 is also referred to as a “first housing”, and the housing member 312 is also referred to as a “second housing”.

  Incidentally, each housing 311 and 312 may be formed of a transparent resin material. By making each housing 311 and 312 transparent, it is possible to visually recognize game balls stored in the passage in addition to a game ball passage and an open / close gate mechanism inside the take-in device without disconnecting the housings 311 and 312. Will be able to.

  Passage walls 313 and 314 are respectively formed on the upper surface portions of the first housing 311 and the second housing 312, and the housings 311 and 312 are coupled to each other so that the passage walls 313 and 314 are opposed to each other. An inlet passage 305 is formed. The bottom surface of the inlet passage 305 is slightly inclined downward toward the left side of FIG.

  The passage wall 313 on the first housing 311 side is formed with an arc-shaped recess 313a, while the passage wall 314 on the second housing 312 side is formed with a triangular mountain-shaped projection 314a at a position facing the recess 313a. Is formed. The recess 313a and the projection 314a of each of the passage walls 313 and 314 constitute a rectifying unit for adjusting the flow of the game ball to a constant level. When the game ball that flows downstream through the inlet passage 305 reaches the flow straightening portion, it first collides with the projection 314a and then collides with the inner wall of the recess 313a to change the flow direction (the course). Thus, by changing the direction of the flow of the game ball in the flow straightening portion (the recessed portion 313a and the projection 314a) of the inlet passage 305, the momentum of the flow of the game ball is reduced, and the subsequent flow speed is reduced. Therefore, detection errors at the time of game ball detection described later after passing through the rectifying unit are reduced. In addition, when a large number of game balls are connected in a daisy chain and taken into the take-in device 301, when passing through the rectifying unit, a space can be created between adjacent game balls due to a speed difference. There is no problem of erroneous detection as a game ball. In other words, the presence of the rectifying unit ensures the detection of the game ball after the passage.

  The intake device 301 is provided with an intake passage 315 and a discharge passage 316 on the downstream side of the inlet passage 305 so as to be surrounded by the first housing 311 and the second housing 312. Similar to the entrance passage 305, the intake passage 315 and the discharge passage 316 have passage widths sufficient to allow the game balls to pass through in a row. The intake passage 315 is provided continuously to the inlet passage 305 and is formed so as to be bent in the vertical direction in the middle thereof. When a predetermined game start operation is performed by the player, a predetermined number of game balls, which are conditions for starting each game, are taken in through the take-in passage 315. Further, the discharge passage 316 is provided so as to be branched from the bent portion (corner portion) of the intake passage 315 from the intake passage 315. At the time of payment accompanying the end of the game, the game balls remaining on the take-in device 301 and the upper plate 151 are returned to the player through the discharge passage 316 (ie, the upper plate 151 and the like are removed). )

  The first housing 311 and the second housing 312 have different thickness dimensions, and most of the inlet passage 305, the intake passage 315, and the discharge passage 316 are formed on the first housing 311 side. It has come to be. As a result, the path where the game balls actually come into contact with each other is a part deviated from the boundary part (joint part) between the housings 311 and 312, and the flow of the game ball is obstructed by dust, dust, etc. accumulated in the boundary part. Inconvenience is to be avoided.

  The first and second housings 311 and 312 are provided with a straight protrusion 317 along the inlet passage 305 and the intake passage 315. The protruding portion 317 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the game ball passing through the entrance passage 305 and the intake passage 315 (in the entrance passage 305, the central portion in the height direction, the intake portion). In the passage 315, it is provided in the central portion in the left-right width direction. The height of the protruding portion 317 (projecting dimension to the inside of the passage) is about 0.5 mm, whereby the passage widths of the inlet passage 305 and the intake passage 315 are narrowed. That is, the entrance passage 305 and the intake passage 315 basically have a passage width of about 12 mm, but the provision of the protrusion 317 narrows the substantial passage width to about 11.5 mm. Thereby, the clearance gap (play) between the inner wall of the entrance passage 305 and the intake passage 315 and the game ball can be reduced, and the game ball flows down in a stable state. In particular, in the take-in passage 315, game ball detection, which will be described later, is performed, so that detection errors can be reduced. However, the protrusion 317 may be configured to be provided only on one of the first and second housings 311 and 312. Installation of the protrusion 317 in the rectifying unit is arbitrary.

  A take-in gate member 320 is provided on the side of the take-in passage 315 in the housing internal space so as to follow the vertical direction portion of the take-in passage 315. The take-in gate member 320 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 321, and the claw portion 320 a provided at the distal end portion of the take-in gate member 320 is taken in by turning about the support shaft 321. Invade with respect to the passage 315. At this time, a passage notch 322 is formed in the passage wall of the take-in passage 315, and the claw portion 320 a of the take-in gate member 320 goes in and out through the passage notch 322. When the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 protrudes from the take-in passage 315, the game ball is prevented from passing through the take-in passage 315. Further, when the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 is immersed in the take-in passage 315, the game ball is allowed to pass through the take-in passage 315.

  In such a case, since the protruding and retracting position of the claw portion 320a of the intake gate member 320 is a position immediately downstream of the corner portion in the intake passage 315, in other words, the passage notch portion 322 is immediately downstream of the corner portion in the intake passage 315. Therefore, in the state where the claw portion 320a of the intake gate member 320 protrudes into the passage (passage prevention state), the game ball flowing to the corner portion of the intake passage 315 is in the intake passage 315. It has a configuration that does not flow into the vertical part.

  A solenoid 325 is disposed in the housing internal space as a drive source for the take-in gate member 320. The solenoid 325 includes a main body 326 and an output shaft 327 as main components. When the main body 326 is energized, the output shaft 327 moves in the expansion / contraction direction. The solenoid 325 is disposed on the right side of the take-in gate member 320 so that the output shaft 327 protrudes downward. The solenoid 325 is provided with a coil spring 328 for holding the output shaft 327 in an extended state. The solenoid 325 is fixed to the first housing 311 by a solenoid cover 329.

  A guide 331 is attached to the tip of the solenoid output shaft 327. A part of the rotating piece 332 is engaged with the guide 331, and the other part of the rotating piece 332 is drivingly connected to the rear end portion of the take-in gate member 320. Reference numeral 333 is a support shaft that is provided substantially at the center of the rotating piece 332 and rotatably supports the rotating piece 332.

  According to this configuration, when the solenoid 325 is not energized, the output shaft 327 is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 328 as shown, and the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 is taken in the take-in passage. It is in a state of protruding into 315. Thereby, the intake passage 315 is closed. On the other hand, when the solenoid 325 is energized, the output shaft 327 moves in the contracting direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 328. Therefore, the take-in gate member 320 is turned through the guide 331 and the turning piece 332 (turned in the clockwise direction in FIG. 29), and the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 is outside the take-in passage 315. Retracted. Thereby, the intake passage 315 is opened. When the energization of the solenoid 325 is stopped, the output shaft 327 is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 328, and the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 returns to the state in which it protrudes into the take-in passage 315.

  On the other hand, through holes 337 and 338 are respectively provided at the inlet positions of the discharge passage 316 in the first and second housings 311 and 312, and the discharge gates pass through the through holes 337 and 338 in the front-rear direction. A member 340 is provided. The discharge gate member 340 is not provided individually to the capture devices 301 to 303 but is provided in common to all the capture devices 301 to 303. Depending on the operating state of the discharge gate member 340, each In the take-in devices 301 to 303, the discharge (ball removal) of the game balls is allowed or prevented at the same time.

  Here, details of the discharge gate member 340 will be described with reference to FIG. The discharge gate member 340 has a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and substantially square openings 341, 342, 343 are formed at three locations. These openings 341 to 343 respectively correspond to the discharge passages 316 provided in the respective intake devices 301 to 303, and are provided at regular intervals. The openings 341 to 343 constitute a part of the discharge passage 316. In this case, when the discharge gate member 340 moves in the longitudinal direction (the front-rear direction of the take-in unit 153), the discharge passage 316 is closed or opened. That is, in the operation explanatory diagram of FIG. 33, when the discharge gate member 340 is in the position shown in (a), the discharge passages 316 of the respective intake devices 301 to 303 are closed by the wall plate portion of the discharge gate member 340. The discharge of the game ball through the passage 316 is prevented. Further, when the discharge gate member 340 moves to the position shown in (b), the discharge passages 316 of the intake devices 301 to 303 are simultaneously opened by the openings 341 to 343 of the discharge gate member 340, and the passage through the passage 316. Game balls are allowed to be discharged.

  Ball guide protrusions 344, 345, and 346 are formed below the openings 341 to 343, respectively. The upper surfaces of the ball guide protrusions 344 to 346 are continuously provided at the same angle as the upper surfaces of the bottoms of the openings 341 to 343, and the angle matches the inclination angle of the inlet portion of the discharge passage 316. . Accordingly, when the game ball flows into the discharge passage 316 through the openings 341 to 343, the game ball passes while rolling on the ball guide protrusions 344 to 346, and the game ball flows into the discharge passage 316. Will be performed smoothly.

  A spring receiving portion 347 is formed at one end of the discharge gate member 340, and a rod portion 348 is formed at the other end. In this case, as shown in FIG. 27 and the like, a cover member 351 is provided in the third take-in device 303, and a coil spring 252 is incorporated between the cover member 351 and the spring receiving portion 347 of the discharge gate member 340. Reference numeral 353 denotes a spring accommodating portion for accommodating the coil spring 352. Reference numeral 354 is a relay board that collects the electrical wiring and the like in the take-in unit 153 in a lump and can be electrically connected to the main controller and the like.

  The discharge gate member 340 is always urged in one direction by the urging force of the coil spring 352. At this time, the discharge gate member 340 is actually held in the state shown in FIG. 33A by the biasing force of the coil spring 352, and when the force is applied from the rod portion 348, the discharge gate member 340 becomes the biasing force of the coil spring 352. Accordingly, the state shifts to the state shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 25 and the like, a rod portion 348 protrudes on the first capture device 301 side in the capture unit 153. The tip of the rod portion 348 comes into contact with the second link piece 185 (see FIG. 18) of the discharge operation transmission device 180 described above, and the operation lever 188 is operated in the discharge operation transmission device 180. When the link pieces 184 and 185 are moved accordingly, the movement is transmitted to the rod portion 348. Thereby, the discharge gate member 340 operates.

  At one end of the discharge gate member 340, a projection 355 extending in the longitudinal direction of the discharge gate member 340 is formed below the spring receiving portion 347. A discharge gate detection sensor 356 is provided on the cover member 351 provided on one end side of the discharge gate member 340 (see FIG. 27). In this case, in the state where the discharge gate member 340 is always urged in one direction by the urging force of the coil spring 352 as described above, the protrusion 355 is not detected by the discharge gate detection sensor 356. On the other hand, the discharge gate member 340 moves against the urging force of the coil spring 352, so that the protrusion 355 is detected by the discharge gate detection sensor 356. That is, the discharge gate detection sensor 356 constitutes a discharge operation detection means for detecting the operation state (operation position) of the discharge gate member 340.

  Further, the first take-in device 301 is provided with a sensor unit 370 that detects the passage of a game ball in the take-in passage 315. The configuration of the sensor unit 370 will be described with reference to FIGS. This sensor unit 370 constitutes a game ball counting means for counting the number of game balls passing through the take-in passage 315, and includes a known optical sensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

  The sensor unit 370 has a substantially U-shape and is assembled so as to straddle the first and second housings 311 and 312. Specifically, the sensor unit 370 includes a sensor body 371 extending in the thickness direction of the take-in device 301, and from both ends of the sensor body 371 toward the take-in passage 315 along the outer wall surfaces of the housings 311 and 312. And extending arm portions 372 and 373. A sensor circuit board (not shown) is accommodated in the sensor body 371, and a connector hole 371a for exposing a connector terminal 374 provided on the sensor circuit board to the outside is provided on the back surface of the sensor body 371. Is formed.

  A light emitting element is accommodated in one of the arm portions 372 and 373, and a light receiving element is accommodated in the other. In addition, a pair of upper and lower sensor detection holes 376 and 377 are formed at the inner portions of the distal ends of the arm portions 372 and 373. In this case, two light emitting elements and two light receiving elements are accommodated in the arm portions 372 and 373, and these elements emit and receive light through the sensor detection holes 376 and 377.

  Fitting grooves 378 and 379 for installing the arm portions 372 and 373 of the sensor unit 370 are formed on the outer wall surfaces of the first and second housings 311 and 312. The fitting grooves 378 and 379 are formed with a pair of upper and lower through holes 378a and 379a. The through holes 378a and 379a are arranged to face each other in a state where the first and second housings 311 and 312 are joined. When the sensor unit 370 is assembled to each of the housings 311 and 312 in the housing joined state, the sensor unit 370 is fitted so that the arm portions 372 and 373 are fitted in the corresponding fitting grooves 378 and 379, respectively. It is assembled to the housings 311 and 312. In this state, the positions of the sensor detection holes 376 and 377 provided at the distal ends of the arm portions 372 and 373 and the positions of the through holes 378a and 379a provided in the fitting grooves 378 and 379 of the housings 311 and 312 are determined. They are aligned and placed so that they face each other.

  As shown in FIG. 29, in the housing, the through hole 378a is provided at a position slightly offset from the center in the intake passage 315 (not shown, but the through hole 379a is also the same). The position of the through hole 378a (379a) is a game ball detection position by the sensor unit 370. In this case, in particular, the through hole 378a (379a) is provided at a position directly below the claw portion 320a formed at the distal end portion of the intake gate member 320 (the right offset position of the intake passage 315 in FIG. 29). A game ball is not detected by the sensor unit 370 unless the claw portion 320a of the gate member 320 moves to the immersive side. Assuming that the through-hole 378a (379a) is provided on the opposite side of the intake passage 315 (the left offset position of the intake passage 315 in FIG. 29), the claw portion 320a of the intake gate member 320 is in the protruding position. In order to prevent erroneous detection of a game ball in a state in which it is located (including erroneous detection of a game ball when discharging a game ball through the discharge passage 316), it is necessary to lower the position of the through hole 378a (379a) below the illustrated position. However, according to the above-described configuration of the gaming machine 1, the through hole 378a (379a) can be disposed in the vicinity of the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320. Therefore, it is possible to quickly detect a game ball that flows down due to the opening of the intake gate member 320.

  When a game ball is taken in with the take-in gate member 320 opened, in the upper and lower sensor elements (light emitting element + light receiving element) in the sensor unit 370, the game ball is first detected by the upstream sensor element, Thereafter, the game ball is detected by the sensor element on the downstream side. Detection signals from these sensor elements are sequentially output to a main controller 505 described later that manages the taking-in of game balls. In this case, main controller 505 determines whether or not a game ball has been normally taken in based on a game ball detection signal from each sensor element. Specifically, it is determined that the game ball has been normally taken in only when the game ball is detected in the order of the upstream sensor element → the downstream sensor element within a predetermined specified time. The

  If the required time from the detection of the game ball by the upstream sensor element to the detection of the game ball by the downstream sensor element is longer than the specified time, or contrary to normal, the downstream sensor element → the upstream sensor When the game balls are detected in the order of the elements, it is regarded as abnormal, the fact is notified, and the subsequent games are stopped. Therefore, for example, by attaching a string or the like to a game ball or other dummy object to be moved up and down, it is possible to prevent cheating as if a plurality of game balls were taken in.

  As described above, in the sensor unit 370, one of the arm portions 372 and 373 is a light emitting portion and the other is a light receiving portion, and the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are provided integrally. Accordingly, the alignment accuracy between the light emitting element and the light receiving element can be increased, and the detection accuracy of the gaming machine can be improved. In addition, a sensor circuit board is provided in the sensor main body 371 that connects the arm parts 372 and 373, and the connector terminal 374 provided on the sensor circuit board enables electrical connection to an external board. In addition, the signal lines connected to the light receiving element can be integrated and integrated, and the wiring can be easily connected to the external substrate.

  Further, a downstream side intake sensor 380 is provided at the most downstream portion of the intake passage 315 for detecting the game ball that has passed through the intake gate member 320 by the sensor unit 370 and then detecting the game ball again. ing. This downstream side intake sensor 380 is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects the passage of the game ball by the change of the magnetic field accompanying the passage of the game ball. That is, the plate-shaped sensor main body 381 is provided with a through hole 381a, and the sensor main body 381 detects a change in magnetic field when a game ball passes through the through hole 381a and outputs it as an electrical signal. The through hole 381 a has a substantially perfect circle shape, and its diameter substantially matches the width dimension of the intake passage 315. A connector terminal 382 is provided on the sensor main body 381.

  Similar to the detection signal of the sensor unit 370, the detection signal from the downstream intake sensor 380 is output to the main controller 505 described later. In this case, the main controller 505 detects the current game ball uptake detection result (result of uptake determination by the sensor unit 370) based on the detection signal of the sensor unit 370 and the detection signal of the downstream uptake sensor 380. Is determined to be legitimate, i.e., not fraudulent. Specifically, the ball game ball count number by the sensor unit 370 (for example, the game ball count number by the detection result of one sensor element) is compared with the game ball count number by the downstream side intake sensor 380, and each count When the numbers match, it is determined that the detection result of the current game ball uptake (result of the uptake determination by the sensor unit 370) is normal. On the other hand, when the count numbers do not match, it is determined that the detection result of the current game ball capture (the result of the capture determination by the sensor unit 370) is not a regular one but is due to an illegal act. .

  As a fraudulent act on the capture device 301, it is conceivable to attach a fraudulent device that emits light so as to cause the sensor unit 370 to erroneously detect the passage of a game ball. For example, an illegal device comprising two light emitters that blinks regardless of the actual game ball take-in is attached to the take-in device 301, and the game balls pass by flashing these light emitters in a predetermined order. Is misdetected. When such an illegal act is performed, it is difficult to avoid erroneous detection of the game ball due to the illegal act only by the detection of the game ball by the sensor unit 370. In this regard, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of a game ball due to fraudulent action by fraud confirmation based on the detection signal of the downstream intake sensor 380 as described above.

  Since two sensor devices (sensor unit 370 and downstream side intake sensor 380) having different detection methods are provided in the intake passage 315, it is difficult to erroneously detect a game ball in any of the sensor devices. It will be something. Therefore, countermeasures against fraud in the capture device 301 are desirable.

  Each component of the intake device 301 described above (excluding the discharge gate member 340, the intake gate member 320, the gate drive mechanism including the solenoid 325, the sensor unit 370, etc.) is a corner between the inlet passage 305 and the intake passage 315. It is arranged in a concentrated manner in the inner region of the part. Thereby, each structural member can be efficiently arrange | positioned within the limited area | region, As a result, size reduction (including thickness reduction) of the capture device 301 is realizable.

  Next, referring to FIG. 34, an actual game ball take-in operation by the first take-in device 301 will be described. 34A shows an initial state, FIG. 34B shows a game ball taking-in state, and FIG. 34C shows a game ball discharging state. In the actual game, game balls successively enter the entrance passage 305, but only five game balls are shown in FIGS. 34 (a) to 34 (c).

  In the initial state shown in FIG. 34A, the solenoid 325 is not energized, and the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 projects into the take-in passage 315. Further, since the discharge gate member 340 is in a non-operating state, the inlet of the discharge passage 316 is closed by the discharge gate member 340. That is, the intake passage 315 and the discharge passage 316 are closed by the intake gate member 320 and the discharge gate member 340, thereby preventing the passage of the game ball. In this case, of the game balls that have entered the take-in device 301, the top game ball is held in a state where it hits both the take-in gate member 320 and the discharge gate member 340.

  In the state where the game ball is taken in as shown in FIG. 34B, the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 is retracted from the take-in passage 315 when the solenoid 325 is energized. Thereby, the passage of the game ball in the take-in passage 315 is permitted, and the game ball is taken in sequentially. When the game ball is taken in, the game ball that has entered the take-in passage 315 from the entrance passage 305 collides with the discharge gate member 340 in the passage closed state, and the momentum of the flow is reduced due to the collision. It flows to the downstream side of the entrance passage 315. At this time, the front and rear game balls flow down in a state of being separated from each other in the intake passage 315, and the passage of the game balls is reliably detected by the sensor unit 370. When the sensor unit 370 detects the passage of a predetermined number of game balls, the energization to the solenoid 325 is stopped, and the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 protrudes into the take-in passage 315. The passage of the game ball in the passage 315 is blocked. By taking in the game balls with the above configuration, the time required for taking in a predetermined number of game balls (take-in time) depends on the falling speed of the game balls, and the take-in time is shortened. Can do.

  Further, in the game ball discharge state shown in FIG. 34 (c), the discharge gate member 340 is operated by the discharge operation by the player (actually the operation lever 188 of the discharge operation transmission device 180), and the passage is opened. (However, at this time, the solenoid 325 is in a non-energized state). Thereby, the passage of the game ball in the discharge passage 316 is allowed, and the game ball is discharged (ball removal). When the game ball is discharged, the entrance portion of the vertical portion of the intake passage 315 is closed by the claw portion 320a of the intake gate member 320 and the ball guide protrusion 344 of the discharge gate member 340, and these claw portions 320a. The game ball passes over the ball guide protrusion 344. At this time, the game ball flows smoothly and the game ball is suitably discharged.

  In the take-in unit 153 in which the take-up devices having the above-described configuration are provided in a triple manner, game balls are supplied to the take-in devices 301 to 303 from the guide passages 171 to 173 of the upper plate 151, respectively, In accordance with operation 37, each of the capture devices 301 to 303 captures a game ball. Specifically, for example, when 15 (maximum bet) game balls are taken in, the take-in gate member 320 is simultaneously operated to the open position in all the take-in devices 301 to 303, and the take-in of game balls is performed all at once. To begin. At this time, each of the take-in devices 301 to 303 takes in five game balls.

  However, if any of the three capture devices 301 to 303 is not filled with a game ball, or if any of the capture devices does not operate normally due to a malfunction of the solenoid 325, etc. The game balls are taken in by the remaining take-in devices that can perform normal take-in operations. For example, when the first take-in device 301 is not filled with a game ball or when the solenoid 325 of the take-in device 301 is out of order, the take-in devices other than the first take-in device 301 (second, second, 15 game balls are taken in by the 3 take-in devices 302 and 303).

  On the other hand, when the game balls remaining on the take-in devices 301 to 303 and the upper plate 151 are discharged to the lower plate 71, the discharge gate member 340 is operated in accordance with the operation of the operation lever 188 on the front side of the gaming machine, and each take-off device 340 is operated. The game balls are discharged all at once by the insertion devices 301 to 303.

  Here, when a large number of game balls are stored in the upper plate 151 when both the intake gate member 320 and the discharge gate member 340 of each of the intake devices 301 to 303 are closed, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the game balls are connected from the upper plate 151 to the positions of both gate members 320 and 340. In this case, when the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is pushed down by the hand of a player or the like in the downward direction of the game ball, the take-in gate member 320 and There is a risk of being transmitted to the discharge gate member 340. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the load transmitted to both gate members 320 and 340 is reduced. Therefore, the configuration will be described below. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the flow of game balls from the upper plate 151 to the take-in devices 301 to 303 when the game balls stored in the upper plate 151 are pushed in the downward direction of the game balls.

  As shown in FIGS. 35 and 24, the game ball flow down direction of the guide passages 171 to 173 of the upper plate 151 and the game ball flow down direction of the inlet passages 305 to 307 of the intake devices 301 to 303 are substantially the same. Yes. The bottom portion B1 of the guide passages 171 to 173 is flush with the upper surfaces of the standing portions 247 to 249 of the movable member 242, and the tip portions of the arm portions 244 to 246 of the movable member 242 form a stepped portion P. The bottom B2 of 307 is lower than the bottom B1 of the guide passages 171 to 173 by about one game ball. Thereby, the path of the game ball from the guide passages 171 to 173 to the entrance passages 305 to 307 is stepped.

  In addition, as described above, the upper plate 151 is configured to regulate the size in the height direction of each guide passage 171 to 173 to approximately one game ball and rectify the game ball flowing to the take-in devices 301 to 303. A cover member 175 is provided. On the bottom 176 of the cover member 175, a step 176 a is formed that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the game ball flow direction of the guide passages 171 to 173. The stepped portion 176a is a position where the path of the game ball is stepped, and is on the extended line of the path of the game ball in the guide passages 171 to 173. In addition, while the distance between the stepped portion 176a and the movable member 242 is S, the diameter of the game ball is R (S> R).

  With the above configuration, even if the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is pushed by the hand of a player or the like in the downward direction of the game ball, the game ball YB1 at the head of the step portion 176a is stepped. It hits part 176a. Thereby, the load accompanying the pushing force is absorbed by the step portion 176a. Further, the load accompanying the pushing force is transmitted to the game ball YB2 on the downstream side of the game ball YB1, but the transmitted load is absorbed at the bottom B2 of the inlet passages 305 to 307. Therefore, the load applied to the intake gate member 320 and the discharge gate member 340 in the closed state can be reduced. That is, the stepped portion 176a constitutes an upstream load absorbing portion that absorbs a load on the upstream side, and the bottom portion B2 of the inlet passages 305 to 307 constitutes a downstream load absorbing portion that absorbs the load on the downstream side. Also, as described above, since S> R, the game balls stored in the upper plate 151 are not pushed into the flow direction of the game balls, and at normal times, the game is entered into the entrance passages 305 to 307 without colliding with the stepped portion 176a. The ball flows down. Note that the distance between the game ball YB2 and the stepped portion P is equal to or less than half of the game balls. Therefore, the game ball YB1 is prevented from entering between the game ball YB2 and the stepped portion P, and when the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is pushed in the downward direction of the game ball, the game ball YB1 is It will hit the stepped portion 176a.

  For example, in the configuration in which the load absorbing portion is not provided as described above, the load accompanying the pushing force is transmitted to both the gate members 320 and 340 with almost no reduction. In such a case, the load is distributed to both the gate members 320 and 340. And if the said load is extremely large, regarding the discharge gate member 340, there exists a possibility that a dent may arise in the collision position of a game ball. As described above, when a game ball is taken in, the trajectory of the game ball flowing through the take-in passage 315 is made constant by colliding with the discharge gate member 340, and the sensor unit 370 ensures the passage of the game ball. Is configured to be detected. On the other hand, when the dent is generated in the discharge gate member 340, the behavior of the game ball flowing through the intake passage 315 is disturbed, and the detection of the game ball by the sensor unit 370 may be inaccurate. Further, depending on the magnitude of the load, the discharge gate member 340 may be broken or broken.

  On the other hand, regarding the take-in gate member 320, there is a possibility that breakage such as a crack may occur in the claw portion 320a to the take-in passage 315. Further, since the take-in gate member 320 is cantilevered by the support shaft 321, when a large load is applied, the take-in gate member 320 is further rotated downward from the closed position, and the game ball is taken in the take-in passage. There is a risk of passing through 315. Further, the connection between the take-in gate member 320 and the rotating piece 332 may be disconnected. On the other hand, since the load transmitted to both the gate members 320 and 340 is reduced, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suppressed.

  In addition, the bottom B2 of the inlet passages 305 to 307 functions as a downstream load absorbing portion, so that the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is not pushed down in the game ball flow direction but at a normal time. The momentum associated with the flow of the game ball is absorbed at the bottom B2. Therefore, the load transmitted to the intake gate member 320 is reduced even during normal times. In this way, by reducing the load transmitted to the intake gate member 320, it is possible to play the game of the intake passage 315 only by causing the leading end portion (claw portion 320a) of the intake gate member 320 to protrude into the intake passage 315. The passage of the sphere can be blocked. With such a configuration, the operation range of the take-in gate member 320 is narrowed, and when a predetermined number of game balls are detected by the sensor unit 370, the game balls immediately pass through the take-in passage 315. Can be blocked.

(Description of payout control unit 155)
Next, the payout control unit 155 will be described. FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the payout control unit 155. The completed state as the payout control unit 155 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 36 and the like, the payout control unit 155 is configured by arranging a power supply device 156 and a payout control device 157 side by side and connecting these devices 156 and 157 with a connector 401.

  Specifically, the power supply device 156 includes a power supply board (not shown) and a board box 402 that accommodates the power supply board. The substrate box 402 is formed of a synthetic resin material, and in particular, is a transparent box so that the inside (power supply substrate) can be visually recognized. A slit-shaped notch is formed at the corners of the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate box 402. The notch forms a flexible plate portion 403, and a projection 404 is formed on the flexible plate portion 403. However, FIG. 36 shows only the upper flexible plate portion and the protrusion. Thereby, the flexible plate part 403 and the protrusion 404 are bent and deformed by the action of a force from above (or below).

  The payout control device 157 includes a payout control board (not shown) and a board box 405 that houses the payout control board. The board box 405 is formed of a synthetic resin material, and in particular is a transparent box so that the inside (payout control board) can be visually recognized. Slit-like notches are formed at the corners of the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate box 405, and a flexible plate portion 406 is formed by the notches, and a projection 407 is formed on the flexible plate portion 406. However, FIG. 36 shows only the upper flexible plate portion and the protrusion. Thereby, the flexible plate part 403 and the protrusion 407 are bent and deformed by the action of a force from above (or below). In each of the board boxes 402 and 405 of the power supply device 156 and the payout control device 157, their height dimension (vertical dimension) and thickness dimension (front-rear dimension) are the same.

  The connector 401 is substantially U-shaped, and includes an intermediate plate portion 401a, an upper plate portion 401b, and a lower plate portion 401c. The middle plate portion 401a has substantially the same length (vertical size) as the height of the substrate boxes 402 and 405 of the power supply device 156 and the payout control device 157, and the upper plate portion 401b and the lower plate portion 401c. Has the same length dimension (dimension in the front-rear direction) as the thickness dimension of the substrate boxes 402 and 405. Two holes 408 and 409 are formed in each of the upper plate portion 401b and the lower plate portion 401c.

  By engaging the projections 404 and 407 provided on the substrate boxes 402 and 405 of the power supply device 156 and the dispensing control device 157 with the holes 408 and 409 of the connection tool 401, the power supply device 156 and A payout control device 157 is connected. In a state where the power supply device 156 and the dispensing control device 157 are connected, the substrates in the devices 156 and 157 are all directed in the same direction (the rear side as the tray block 5). In this state, the power supply device 156 and the payout control device 157 are arranged with a predetermined gap therebetween. Then, as shown in FIG. 15 and the like, the payout control unit 155 is configured such that the back surface side of the power supply device 156 and the payout control device 157 (the middle plate portion 401a side of the connector 401) faces the ball path forming body 152. Is attached to the ball passage forming body 152.

(Description of operation as the saucer block 5)
FIG. 7 (overall perspective view), FIG. 17 (plan view of the upper plate 151), FIG. 22 (perspective view of the ball passage forming body 152), and FIG. 29 (configuration sectional view of the take-in device 301) ) And the like.

  In the tray block 5 configured as described above, in a state where a large number of game balls are stored in the upper plate 151, the game balls are aligned in a row in the guide passages 171 to 173 which are the most downstream portions of the upper plate 151. In this aligned state, they are guided to the inlet passages 305 to 307 of the intake devices 301 to 303 corresponding to the respective guide passages 171 to 173. At this time, a transparent cover member 175 is attached to a part of each of the guide passages 171 to 173 and above the entrance passages 305 to 307, and the game balls flow down through the respective guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307. Is easily visible.

  At the time of taking in the game balls in each of the take-in devices 301 to 303 of the take-in unit 153, the take-in gate member 320 of each of the take-in devices 301 to 303 is opened and game balls are sequentially taken in through the take-in passage 315. . The taken game balls flow in the order of the ball discharge chamber 216 provided in the ball passage forming body 152 → the external guide passage 217 and are discharged to the outside (the island facility of the game hall). Further, when the game ball is discharged (when the ball is removed) by operating the discharge gate member 340, the game ball flows in the order of the discharge passage 316 → the discharge guide passage 218 → the discharge port 203 of each of the intake devices 301 to 303. Thus, it is discharged to the lower plate 71.

  On the other hand, when a game ball is supplied to the game ball distribution member 210 from a payout device or the like, which will be described later, the game balls are distributed by the respective paths 211 to 213 provided in the distribution path 210 so that the game balls are placed in the upper plate 151 and the lower plate discharge channel. 201 and the external discharge passage 202.

(Description of the face change block 6)
Next, the surface changing block 6 will be described. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the surface replacement block 6 as viewed from diagonally forward, FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the surface replacement block 6 as viewed from diagonally rear, and FIG. 39 is a front view of the surface replacement block 6. 40 and 41 are exploded perspective views of the surface changing block 6. FIG.

  The face change block 6 is mainly composed of a front frame 501 made of synthetic resin, a metal base plate 502 attached to the back side of the front frame 501, a reel device 503 as a symbol display device, and an auxiliary effect device. As a liquid crystal display device 504, a main control device 505 that performs various main controls relating to games, and a display control device 506 that performs subordinate display control based on commands from the main control device 505. In this case, the face change block 6 is configured to include all the main parts that determine the game contents of the gaming machine 1, and if the model change is performed in a game hall or the like, the face change block 6 is displayed. The model can be switched by replacing the model with a new model. That is, the surface changing block 6 is an exchange unit when the model is changed.

(Description of front frame 501)
Details of the front frame 501 will be described with reference to FIG. 42A is a perspective view of the front frame 501 viewed from the front, and FIG. 42B is a perspective view of the front frame 501 viewed from the rear.

  The front frame 501 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the front, and a window frame 512 is formed in a three-dimensional manner so as to protrude forward from a flange 511 provided at the peripheral edge. The window frame portion 512 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front, and has a shape and a size that substantially match the viewing window 21 of the front door body 11.

  Further, the front portion of the window frame portion 512 is provided with two upper and lower openings each having a horizontally long rectangular shape, which are an upper display window 513 and a lower display window 514, respectively. Each of the display windows 513 and 514 is provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction on the front surface of the window frame portion 512, and the lower display window 514 is formed to be larger when compared with each other. The upper display window 513 corresponds to a liquid crystal image display unit for displaying a display image by the liquid crystal display device 504, and the lower display window 514 is a reel for displaying reel symbols attached to the outer periphery of the reel device 503. It corresponds to the symbol display section.

  The front surface of the window frame portion 512 (that is, the portion other than the display windows 513 and 514) is generally a flat surface. However, when the peripheral portion of the upper display window 513 and the peripheral portion of the lower display window 514 are compared in the window frame portion 512, their installation angles are different, and the peripheral portion of the upper display window 513 is provided in a substantially vertical direction. On the other hand, the peripheral portion of the lower display window 514 is provided so as to face slightly upward. The front angle of the window frame 512 is in accordance with the transparent panel 22 provided in the viewing window 21 of the front door body 11. Therefore, assuming that the surface changing block 6 is mounted on the door block 4, the peripheral portion of the upper display window 513 is provided in a substantially vertical direction like the upper panel surface 22 a of the transparent panel 22, and the lower display window 514. As with the lower panel surface 22b of the transparent panel 22, the peripheral portion is provided so as to face slightly upward.

  In a state where the surface changing block 6 is mounted on the door block 4, the flange portion 511 of the front frame 501 contacts the panel support plate material 92 (see FIG. 8) of the door block 4. At this time, however, the length of the front frame 501 from the flange portion 511 to the front surface of the window frame portion 512 (the width in the front-rear direction) is compared with the length in the front-rear direction of the panel support plate material 92. It has become. Accordingly, in the mounted state, a gap is formed between the front surface of the window frame portion 512 and the transparent panel 22.

  Since the window frame portion 512 and the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 22) on the door block 4 side have substantially the same size, the window frame portion 512 and the viewing window 21 on the door block 4 side (ie, other than the display windows 513 and 514) If various information and decorations related to the gaming machine 1 are given, the various information and decorations can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine through the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 22). In this case, since the front area F of the window frame portion 512 is a substantially flat surface as described above, a seal or the like can be attached to the front area.

(Description of base plate 502)
Next, details of the base plate 502 will be described with reference to FIG. 43A is a perspective view of the base plate 502 viewed from the front, and FIG. 43B is a perspective view of the base plate 502 viewed from the rear.

  The base plate 502 has substantially the same size as the front frame 501, and the base plate 502 has two upper and lower openings (upper opening 521, lower opening 522) each having a rectangular shape. Is formed. Among these, the upper opening 521 is an opening for mounting the liquid crystal display device 504, and the lower opening 522 is an opening for mounting the reel device 503. The base plate 502 is attached to the front frame 501 at the side portions of the openings 521 and 522. The openings 521 and 522 are provided corresponding to the display windows 513 and 514 of the front frame 501, respectively, and are slightly larger than the display windows 513 and 514.

  On the back side of the base plate 502, the opening edge between the upper and lower openings 521 and 522 and the lower opening edge of the lower opening 522 are respectively long for supporting the reel device 503. Shaped reel support members 525 and 526 are provided. The upper reel support member 525 is provided with holes 525a and 525b at two locations on the left and right. The lower reel support member 526 is provided with holes 526a and 526b at two positions on the left and right sides, and a return portion 527 for placing a support fixing portion 546 of a case member 540 described later.

  On the back side of the base plate 502, prismatic column portions 531 and 532 are attached to the left and right edges, respectively. Among them, a support fitting 533 is attached to the right column portion 531 when viewed from the back side. The support fitting 533 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 534a and 534b. The support shafts 534a and 534b of the support fitting 533 constitute support means for rotatably supporting the surface changing block 6 on the door block 4, and the support shafts 534a and 534b are provided on the door block 4. The shaft fittings 110 and 111 are inserted into the shaft holes (see FIG. 8 and the like) of the bearing portions 110b and 111a. The bearing portions 110b and 111a on the door block 4 side and the support shafts 534a and 534b on the surface changing block 6 side correspond to the “support means M1 and M2 for the surface changing block 6” shown in FIG.

  A metal plate 535 is attached to the left column 532 as viewed from the back side, and the metal plate 535 is provided with a pair of upper and lower flanges 536a and 536b. The flanges 536 a and 536 b function as a fixing means for fixing the payout block 7 to the surface changing block 6.

  An external terminal plate 537 is attached between the upper opening 521 and the column portion 531 on the back side of the base plate 502.

(Description of reel device 503)
FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the reel device 503. The reel device 503 includes a metal case member 540 and three reels 541, 542, and 543 on the left, middle, and right that are accommodated in the case member 540. The case member 540 has three reels 541 to 543 rotatably accommodated therein, and a part of the reels 541 to 543 appears forward. In the case member 540, a support fixing portion 545 formed by bending upward is provided at the front end portion of the upper surface portion, and a support fixing portion 546 formed by bending downward is provided at the front end portion of the lower surface portion. It has been. These support fixing portions 545 and 546 constitute attachment means for attaching the reel device 503 to the base plate 502.

  The support fixing portions 545 and 546 are provided with holes 545a, 545b, 546a, and 546b at two positions on the left and right sides, respectively. The fixing and fixing of the reel device 503 to the base plate 502 is performed with the holes 545a, 545b, and 546a. , 546b are screwed into the upper and lower reel support members 525, 526 (holes 525a, 525b, 526a, 526b) of the base plate 502.

  As can be confirmed in FIG. 38 and the like, a reel relay substrate 548 for electrical connection between the reel device 503 and a control system such as the main control device 505 is installed on the case member 540. Further, on the lower part of the case member 540, protrusions 549 that are contact portions with the floor or the like when the surface changing block 6 is placed on the floor or the like are provided at two places on the left and right.

  The configuration of each of the reels 541 to 543 is well known, and although detailed illustration is omitted here, the configuration will be briefly described. Each of the reels 541 to 543 includes a cylindrical skeleton member that forms a cylindrical cage, and a belt-like belt wound around the outer periphery thereof. On the outer peripheral surface of the belt, a number of symbols as identification information are printed at equal intervals (for example, 21 symbols). A stepping motor as a drive source is provided at the center of each of the reels 541 to 543, and the reels 541 to 543 are driven to rotate individually, that is, independently, by driving the stepping motor. The reel device 503 is provided with a reel index sensor (rotational position detection sensor) for detecting the rotational position of each of the reels 541 to 543 as another configuration. Further, a backlight (rear light emitting means) made of a fluorescent lamp or the like is provided on the inner peripheral side of each reel 541 to 543, and each symbol attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel is brighter than the rear by this backlight. Illuminated. By the light emission of the backlight, it is possible to improve the visibility of each symbol attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel and to diversify the auxiliary effects in the game.

(Description of main controller 505, etc.)
Next, the configuration of the main controller 505, the display controller 506, etc. will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main control device 505 includes a main control board 561 on which electronic components such as a CPU and a memory are mounted, and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case member (a case base 562 and a case cover 563) for housing the main control board 561. It is configured. The case base 562 and the case cover 563 are formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the main control board 561 inside the case base 562 and the case cover 563 is visible. On the case base 562, attachment portions 564 and 565 for attaching the main control device 505 to the base plate 502 are formed at two places in the upper and lower parts of the figure.

  The case base 562 and the case cover 563 are provided with a sealing portion (so-called caulking portion) (not shown) as sealing means for connecting these members. The seal part allows the case member to be opened by breaking, etc., and the member that has been broken remains as the opening history after opening, so the opening history can be confirmed by the opening history Yes. Thereby, in the case where the case member is unlawfully opened, for example, it is possible to find an unauthorized act by confirming the seal portion.

  The display control device 506 includes a display control board 571 on which electronic components such as a CPU and a memory are mounted, and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case member (a case base 572 and a case cover 573) for housing the display control board 571. It is configured. The case base 572 and the case cover 573 are formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the display control board 571 inside the case base 572 and the case cover 573 is visible. On the case base 572, attachment portions 574 and 575 for attaching the display control device 506 to the base plate 502 are formed at two places on the left and right in the drawing.

  The liquid crystal display device 504 includes a liquid crystal panel 581 and a liquid crystal driver 582 that drives the liquid crystal panel 581.

(Explanation of completed state as changeable block 6)
The completed state of the surface changing block 6 will be described again with reference to FIGS. As the face change block 6, a reel device 503 is attached from the back to the integrated front frame 501 and base plate 502, and a liquid crystal display device 504 is attached above the reel device 503. A main control device 505 is attached to the side of the reel device 503, and a display control device 506 is attached above the reel device 503.

  In the face change block 6, the entire panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 581 can be visually recognized from the upper display window 513 of the front frame 501. Further, from the lower display window 514 of the front frame 501, a part of each of the reels 541 to 543 of the reel device 503 can be visually recognized. At this time, out of many symbols (21 in this embodiment) attached to the outer circumference of each of the reels 541 to 543, three symbols for each reel can be visually recognized through the lower display window 514. Yes.

(Description of payout block 7)
Next, the payout block 7 will be described. FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the payout block 7, and FIG. 46 is a rear view of the payout block 7.

  The payout block 7 is configured by integrating a back cover member 601 integrally formed of a synthetic resin material and a payout mechanism 602 for paying out game balls. The back cover member 601 includes a substantially flat base portion 603 and a protective cover portion 604 that protrudes rearward (backward of the gaming machine 1) and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 604 has a shape in which the left and right and upper and lower surfaces and the back surface are closed, and has a size sufficient to accommodate at least the reel device 503 of the surface changing block 6. Although illustration is omitted, a large number of ventilation holes are provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 604.

  The payout mechanism 602 is attached to the base portion 603 of the back cover member 601 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 604. That is, a tank 605 that opens upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back cover member 601, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 605. Below the tank 605, for example, a tank rail 606 that has two rows (two rows) of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. The tank rail 606 extends in the vertical direction downstream of the tank rail 606. Case rail 607 is connected.

  The payout device 608 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 607, and the payout motor 609 is driven by a control signal from the payout control device 157 provided in the tray block 5 so that a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately. The game balls paid out from the payout device 608 are supplied to the upper plate 151 through a payout passage (not shown) or the like. Although illustration is omitted, a tank ball absence sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball supplied from the tank 605 or the tank rail 606 is provided upstream of the case rail 607. Also, the payout device 608 is provided with a payout rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the payout motor 609 and a payout count switch that counts the number of game balls to be paid out.

  The payout mechanism 602 is provided with a payout relay board 611 that relays a payout command signal from the payout control device 157 to the payout device 608. In addition, the payout mechanism 602 is provided with a power switch board (not shown) for taking in the main power from the outside.

  Both the tank and the passage members in the dispensing mechanism 602 are formed of a conductive synthetic resin material such as a conductive polycarbonate resin, and are grounded at a part thereof. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the noise by charging of a game ball is suppressed.

  The back cover member 601 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 621a and 621b at the right end when viewed from the back side. The support shafts 621 a and 621 b constitute support means for rotatably supporting the payout block 7 on the door block 4. The support shafts 621 a and 621 b are provided on the door block 4. , 111 are inserted into shaft holes (see FIG. 8 and the like) of the bearing portions 110a, 111b. The bearing portions 110a and 111b on the door block 4 side and the support shafts 621a and 621b on the payout block 7 side correspond to the “support means M3 and M4 for the payout block 7” shown in FIG.

  In addition, the back cover member 601 is provided with mounting fixing means (lock members 625a and 625b) for fixing the payout block 7 to the surface changing block 6 at a plurality of locations. Mounting fixing means (locking members 627a, 627b, 627c, 627d) for fixing in a state of being mounted on are provided at a plurality of locations.

  That is, a total of two lock members 625a and 625b for the surface changing block 6 are provided at positions corresponding to the flange portions 536a and 536b (see FIG. 38) of the metal plate 535 provided in the surface changing block 6, respectively. It has the latching piece latched by the collar parts 536a and 536b. In this case, the payout block 7 is attached and fixed to the surface changing block 6 by releasing the locking state by setting the locking pieces of the lock members 625a and 625b to the locking state with respect to the flange portions 536a and 536b. Thus, the payout block 7 can be removed from the surface changing block 6.

  Further, the lock members 627a to 627d for the door block 4 are provided at a total of four positions at positions corresponding to the metal fittings 137a to 137d (see FIG. 8) of the front door body 11 (door block 4). It has the latching piece latched by 137a-137d, and is comprised. In this case, by setting the locking pieces of the lock members 627a to 627d to the locked state with respect to the metal fittings 137a to 137d, the payout block 7 is attached and fixed to the door block 4, and the locked state is released. The payout block 7 can be removed from the door block 4.

(Description of replacement work of the surface changing unit 6)
As described above, the replacement block 6 is a replaceable unit. Here, the replacement operation of the replacement block 6 at the time of model change in the game hall will be described.

  First, the locked state of the door block 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 is released using a prescribed operation key, and the door block 4 is opened to the front side. At this time, the face changing block 6 and the payout block 7 are integrally operated together with the door block 4. This is the state shown in FIG. After that, the surface changing block 6 and the payout block 7 can be rotated with respect to the door block 4 by operating the lock members 627a to 627d provided on the back cover member 601 of the payout block 7 in an unlocked state with a finger or the like. Further, by operating the lock members 625a and 625b in an unlocked state with a finger or the like, the payout block 7 can be rotated (can be opened) with respect to the surface changing block 6. When the surface changing block 6 and the payout block 7 are rotated in this state, the state shown in FIG. 4 is obtained. In this state, electrical wiring between the blocks is removed as appropriate.

  Then, in the state of FIG. 4, the surface changing block 6 is removed from the door block 4 so as to be lifted upward. At this time, the support shafts 534a and 534b provided on the surface changing block 6 side are pulled out from the bearing portions 110b and 111a of the shaft fittings 110 and 111 provided on the door block 4 side, and the surface changing block 6 is removed from the door block 4. To be separated.

  Thereafter, the new surface changing block 6 is mounted in the reverse operation procedure from that for removal. That is, a new surface changing block 6 is attached to the door block 4 and connection such as electric wiring is appropriately executed. Then, the lock members 625a and 625b are operated to the locked state with a finger or the like in a state where the surface changing block 6 and the payout block 7 are overlapped. In addition, the integrated body of the surface changing block 6 and the payout block 7 is overlapped on the door block 4, and in this state, the lock members 627a to 627d are operated to be locked with a finger or the like. Finally, when the door block 4 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the replacement of the gaming machine 1 is completed.

  When exchanging the surface changing block 6 described above, no special tool or the like is required except for unlocking the door block 4 with an operation key, and the exchanging operation is facilitated.

(Explanation of electrical configuration)
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 47, each electrical component is divided into a door block 4, a saucer block 5, a surface changing block 6, and a payout block 7. In addition, a supply line of power supplied from the power supply device 156 is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  In FIG. 47, the main control device 505, the display control device 506, and the payout control device 157 are all configured by a logical operation device having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and the CPU of each control device is a ROM. Various controls relating to the game are executed based on a calculation program stored in advance. Each of these control devices is connected via a signal line, a relay board, and the like, and in the game, the game progresses by exchanging commands and the like between the control devices.

  Specifically, in the surface changing block 6, the reel device 503 and the external terminal plate 537 are connected to the main controller 505 via the reel relay board 548, and the display controller 506 is connected via the sub relay board 701. It is connected. In the reel device 503, the rotation of each reel 541 to 543 is controlled based on a command from the main control device 505. The external terminal board 537 is a relay device connected to a hall management device (so-called hall computer) installed in a game hall or the like. Through this external terminal board 537, the game situation (the number of games, the number of hits, etc.) is changed. Output to the management device. The display control device 506 receives various commands related to the auxiliary effects of each game from the main control device 505, and performs the auxiliary effects by the liquid crystal display device 504 according to the commands, and the door upper relay board provided in the door block 4 The driving of speakers and lamps is controlled via 703.

  Although description by illustration etc. was abbreviate | omitted, this game machine 1 is provided with the door switch for detecting that the game machine main body 3 (door block 4) was open | released with respect to the outer frame 2, and this The door switch detection signal is input to the main controller 505 via the reel relay board 548.

  In main controller 505, a backup area in which a backup voltage is supplied from power supply device 156 and data can be retained (backed up) even after power-off of game machine 1 is provided in a part of the RAM. ing. Therefore, when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the various data at the time of power shut-off are stored and retained in the RAM backup area, and the gaming machine 1 at the next power-on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation). Can be restored to the state before the power was shut off.

  In addition, the saucer block 5 is provided with a saucer block relay board 702, and the main controller 505 of the surface changing block 6 and the payout controller 157 of the saucer block 5 and the take-out block 702 are connected via the saucer block relay board 702. Is connected to the control unit 153. In addition, the main controller 505 of the surface changing block 6 and the door block relay board 704 of the door block 4 are connected via a tray block relay board 702.

  In this case, when various operation members (the bet switch 38, the start lever 33, and the stop switches 35 to 37) of the door block 4 are operated by the player, the operation is detected by the operation detection unit built in these operation members. Each operation detection signal is input to the main controller 505 via the door block relay board 704 and the saucer block relay board 702. For example, when an operation detection signal associated with the operation of the bet switch 38 is input to the main controller 505, the main controller 505 outputs an acquisition control signal to the acquisition unit 153 via the tray block relay board 702. By this take-in control signal, the solenoid 325 in each take-in device 301 to 303 of the take-in unit 153 is driven, and game balls are taken in sequentially. The detection signal of the game ball take-in detection sensor (sensor unit 370, downstream take-in sensor 380) at the time of taking in the game ball is also input to the main controller 505 via the saucer block relay board 702.

  In addition, a stop symbol (three upper and lower symbols visible from the visual window 21 of the door block 4 and a combination of the symbols) of each reel of the reel device 503 is a predetermined game ball paying combination (small role symbol, bonus symbol). If it matches, the main control unit 505 sets the number of game balls to be paid out according to each winning combination, and issues a payout control signal corresponding to the number of payouts via the tray block relay board 702. To 157. As a result, the payout control device 157 drives the payout device 608 (the payout motor 609) to pay out the game ball.

  In the payout control device 157, a part of the RAM retains data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 156 even after the game machine 1 is turned off, like the RAM of the main control device 505. There is a backup area that can be used. Therefore, when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the various data at the time of power shut-off are stored and retained in the RAM backup area, and the gaming machine 1 at the next power-on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation). Can be restored to the state before the power was shut off.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 157 manages the information display board for managing the display contents of the information display unit 51 provided in the door block 4 and the payout of game balls lent out from the ball lending unit. A ball rental unit connection board or the like is connected.

  The power supply device 156 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches and motors, + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. + 5V power and backup power are supplied to the main controller 505, the payout controller 157, and the like.

(Outline explanation of the game)
Next, an outline of the game performed by the player for the gaming machine 1 configured as described above will be briefly described.

  At the start of the game, when the player presses the bet switch 38 in a situation where there are enough game balls on the upper plate 151, the game balls are taken in by the take-in devices 301 to 303 of the take-in unit 153. Done. When the start lever 33 is operated after a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls corresponding to the number of bets has been taken in, the reels 541 to 543 of the reel device 503 are simultaneously or in a predetermined order. Start spinning. When the start lever 33 is operated, the main control unit 505 performs an internal lottery regarding a small role, replay (replay), bonus game, and the like. When the reels 541 to 543 are rotated, the symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof are visually recognized in such a manner as to move from top to bottom through the viewing window 21.

  Thereafter, when the player operates the stop switches 35 to 37 in an arbitrary order, the rotation of the corresponding reels 541 to 543 is stopped in accordance with the operation timing of each of the stop switches 35 to 37. At this time, when the reels 541 to 543 are stopped, pull-in stop control for stopping a predetermined symbol at a specific position is appropriately performed. For example, when a small combination is established by an internal lottery, the stop symbols can be slid for a maximum of 4 symbols from the operation timing of the stop switches 35 to 37 so that the combination of the stop symbols is established. (Stop symbol sliding is performed). Incidentally, after the start of the rotation of the reels 541 to 543, when the specified time elapses without the stop switches 35 to 37 being operated, the rotation of the reels 541 to 543 is stopped at that time.

  When the reels 541 to 543 are stopped (when the symbols are stopped), when the stopped symbols and the combinations thereof match the small role symbols and bonus symbols, the number of game balls corresponding to the winning combination at that time is paid out. In this case, the game ball is paid out to the upper plate 151 by driving the payout device 608.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  The path of the game ball from the guide passages 171 to 173 formed in the upper plate 151 to the entrance passages 305 to 307 of the take-in devices 301 to 303 is provided in a step shape. The bottom 176 of the cover member 175 is provided with a stepped portion 176a as an upstream load absorbing portion, and the bottom B2 of the inlet passages 305 to 307 functions as a downstream load absorbing portion. Therefore, even if a player or the like manually pushes the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 in the downward direction of the game ball, the load due to the pushing force is absorbed by the step portion 176a and the bottom portion B2 of the entrance passages 305 to 307. Thus, the load transmitted to the intake gate member 320 and the discharge gate member 340 of the intake devices 301 to 303 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of damage or the like in both gate members 320 and 340 due to the load.

  Note that the guide passages 171 to 173 are narrow toward the opening 164. Thereby, in the structure where the game balls on the upper plate 151 easily flow into the guide passages 171 to 173, the game balls can be flowed into the entrance passages 305 to 307 one by one. However, when the guide passages 171 to 173 are narrow toward the opening 164 as in such a configuration, the load associated with the force for pushing the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is increased by the guide passages 171 to 173. It becomes easy to concentrate on the game ball on the downstream side. As a result, the load transmitted to both gate members 320 and 340 may increase. On the other hand, as described above, the load is absorbed at the stepped portion 176a and the bottom portion B2 of the inlet passages 305 to 307, so that the influence of the load on both the gate members 320 and 340 can be reduced.

  The stepped portion 176a and the bottom portion B2 extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the previous game ball flow direction (the stepped portion 176a and the bottom portion B2 face the opposite direction to the game ball flow direction on the upstream side thereof. Thus, the drag force when the load is absorbed at the stepped portion 176a and the bottom portion B2 acts in the opposite direction to the game ball flow direction so far. Thereby, the load transmitted to the game ball on the downstream side is reliably reduced, and the absorption of the load at the stepped portion 176a and the bottom portion B2 can be made more effective.

  By making the bottom B2 of the entrance passages 305 to 307 lower than the bottom B1 of the guide passages 171 to 173, the path of the game ball from the guide passages 171 to 173 to the entrance passages 305 to 307 is stepped. Thereby, the game ball flows down to the entrance passages 305 to 307 by its own weight. Therefore, in the configuration in which the path of the game ball passing through the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 is stepped, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the flow of the game ball.

  The distance between the upper step 176a and the lower step P was made larger than the diameter of the game ball. Thereby, the game ball flowing down from the upper plate 151 to the take-in devices 301 to 303 normally flows without hitting the stepped portion 176a. That is, it does not always hit the stepped portion 176a but hits the stepped portion 176a when a game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is pushed. Therefore, in the structure provided with the step portion 176a as the upstream load absorbing portion, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the flow of the game ball toward the take-in devices 301 to 303.

  Further, the step portion 176a as the upstream load absorbing portion is provided in the cover member 175 separate from the upper plate 151 and the capture devices 301 to 303. Accordingly, even if an extremely large load is applied to the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 or the upstream load absorbing portion is damaged due to repeated large loads, the cover member 175 is replaced. Just do it. In particular, when comparing the upstream load absorbing portion and the downstream load absorbing portion comprising the bottom B2, the distillation side load absorbing portion absorbs a larger load. Therefore, since the upstream load absorbing portion is more easily damaged than the downstream load absorbing portion, the upstream load absorbing portion is provided in the cover member 175 separate from the upper plate 151 and the capture devices 301 to 303. preferable.

  Further, since the cover member 175 has a function of rectifying the flow of the game balls so that one game ball is taken in each of the guide passages 171 to 173, the cover member 175 is provided to rectify the game balls. And the function for absorbing the load can be simultaneously provided.

  By making the bottom B2 of the entrance passages 305 to 307 lower by about one game ball than the bottom B1 of the guide passages 171 to 173, the path of the game ball passing through both passages is stepped. Thereby, when the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is pushed in, the game ball reliably hits the stepped portion 176a. For example, in the configuration in which the step size is half of the game balls, there is a possibility that the top game ball hits the game ball located on the downstream side of the step portion 176a and does not hit the step portion 176a. In addition, the passage length from the upper plate 151 to the take-in gate member 320 can be prevented from becoming extremely long by setting the step size to about one game ball instead of the plurality of game balls. it can.

  An operation lever 243 is provided that can be switched between a locked state in which the take-in unit 153 for taking in the game ball cannot be removed from the gaming machine 1 and an unlocked state in which the take-in unit can be removed. A movable member 242 that blocks the flow of game balls supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 of the upper plate 151 in association with switching to the unlocked state is provided. With this configuration, in order to remove the take-in unit 153, it is necessary to switch the operation lever 243 to the unlocked state, and if switched, the flow of the game ball is blocked. Therefore, even if the take-in unit 153 is removed during maintenance or the like, it is possible to prevent the game balls stored in the upper plate 151 from flowing out and scattering inside the game machine 1.

  Further, the movable member 242 constitutes a stepped portion P. With this configuration, the movable member 242 can be moved between the open position and the closed position using the stepped portion, and the ball outlet of the upper plate 151 can be smoothly opened and closed. it can.

  In addition, although the shutter etc. operate | move by the urging | biasing force of a spring or gravity by removing the taking-in unit 153, the structure which blocks | prevents the flow of the game ball supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 is also considered, There is a risk that several will leak. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the release of the take-in unit 153 is disabled and the outflow of game balls is performed simultaneously, so that several outflows also occur. There is no.

  When the operation lever 243 is in the locked state, the hold plate portion 254 is configured to contact the back surface of the take-in unit 153. Therefore, in order to remove the take-in unit 153, it is necessary to switch the operation lever 243 to the unlocked state, and it is possible to prevent the game balls stored in the upper plate 151 from flowing out when removed. The operation lever 243 can be manually operated from the back side of the gaming machine 1. Thereby, the operation | work at the time of the maintenance of the taking-in unit 153 etc. can be performed easily.

  When the movable member 242 is disposed below the upper plate 151 so as to overlap the bottom plate portion 161 of the upper plate 151, and when the movable member 242 is switched between the open position and the closed position, one end (the standing portions 247 to 249) has a ball outlet. It slides along the bottom plate part 161 so as to appear and disappear with respect to the (opening part 164). With such a configuration, the space required for providing the movable member 242 can be reduced. Moreover, since one end appears and disappears with respect to the ball exit, the movement distance when switching between the open position and the closed position can be shortened. Further, the movable member 242 is configured to switch from the open position to the closed position by sliding along the flow direction of the game ball flowing down from the upper plate 151 to the take-in unit 153, thereby closing the movable member 242. The force required when switching to the position can be reduced.

  The operation lever 243 is provided with a protrusion 252a as a closed position push-out protrusion and a protrusion 252b as an open position push-out protrusion on the shaft 251. Since 252a and 252b contact the movable member 242, the movable member 242 is pushed out and slides to the closed position or the open position. With such a configuration, even when the movable member 242 is slid from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position without the operation lever 243 being operated, the movable member 242 can be the protrusion piece 252a or the protrusion piece. Further, since the operation lever 243 is pivotable, the operation lever 243 is prevented from switching to the locked state or the unlocked state even when a force in the sliding direction is applied to the projecting pieces 252a and 252b. The By preventing the sliding movement from the closed position to the open position, it is possible to prevent the game balls stored in the upper plate 151 from flowing out under the situation where the take-in unit 153 is removed. In addition, by preventing the slide movement from the open position to the closed position, the flow of the game ball supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 is blocked when it is not necessary to remove the take-in unit 153 during a game or the like. Can be prevented.

  The operation lever 243 can be held in an unlocked state by the protrusion 258 formed in the rotation-permissible recess 257 of the ball passage forming body 152 and the receiving portion 254a formed in the hold plate 254. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation lever 243 in the unlocked state from being switched to the locked state against the intention of the operator who performs maintenance of the take-in unit 153, and the take-in unit 153 is removed. Under such circumstances, it is possible to prevent the game balls stored in the upper plate 151 from flowing out.

  The operation lever 243 can be held in a locked state by a holding portion 156a formed in the power supply device 156. As a result, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 243 in the locked state from switching to the unlocked state when it is not necessary to remove the capture unit 153 such as during a game, and it is not necessary to remove the capture unit 153. Sometimes, it is possible to prevent the flow of the game balls supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 from being blocked.

  By adopting a configuration in which a plurality of taking-in devices 301 to 303 are provided as the taking-in unit 153, it is possible to shorten the time required for taking in game balls for each game time. In the gaming machine 1, the reels 541 to 543 are allowed to rotate on condition that a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls have been taken in. It will be a typical interruption time. And if the forced interruption time of this game becomes long, it may become a factor that gives the player a feeling of boredom, and further, the number of games per game unit (game progress speed) decreases. There is a risk that. On the other hand, with this configuration, this forced interruption time can be shortened. In this case, by providing the same movable member 242 with the upright portions 247 to 249 corresponding to the number of the capture devices 301 to 303 integrally, the game balls from the upper plate 151 to the capture unit 153 are integrated. The flow can be blocked together. Further, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which a movable member is provided corresponding to each of the capture devices 301, 302, and 303.

  In addition to the embodiment described above, for example, the following may be implemented.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 extend obliquely downward, but both passages may extend in the vertical direction. Even in this configuration, the guide passage and the entrance passage are provided so that the path of the game ball flowing through both passages is stepped, and further provided with an upstream load absorbing portion and a downstream load absorbing portion, Even if the game ball stored in 151 is pushed in, the load accompanying the pushing force can be absorbed, and the load transmitted to the gate members 320 and 340 can be reduced.

  (2) Although the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 are shifted in the vertical direction in the above embodiment, they may be shifted in the horizontal direction. Even in this configuration, by providing the upstream load absorbing portion and the downstream load absorbing portion, even if the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is pushed in, the load accompanying the pushing force can be absorbed. The load transmitted to the gate members 320 and 340 can be reduced.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the upstream load absorbing portion (stepped portion 176a) is provided in the cover member 175. However, the upstream load absorbing portion is provided in the upper plate 151 by changing the shape of the upper plate 151. May be. Moreover, you may provide an upstream load absorption part in the housings 311 and 312 of the taking-in apparatuses 301-303.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the take-in gate member 320 that partially appears and disappears in the take-in passage 315 is provided as a ball stop member, but this may be changed. For example, you may provide a rotary body as a ball stop member. Then, a stepping motor or the like is provided as a driving means, and when the driving means is driven, the rotating body rotates, and a game ball accommodated in a recess formed on the outer periphery of the rotating body passes through the intake passage 315. To do. Even in this configuration, when a game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is pushed in and a load associated with the pushing force is transmitted to the rotating body, the rotating body is damaged or the rotating body is connected to the driving means. There is a risk of damage to parts. On the other hand, by providing the upstream side load absorption part and the downstream side load absorption part, it is possible to absorb the load accompanying the pushing force and reduce the load transmitted to the rotating body.

  (5) The configuration of the interlocking mechanism of the operation lever 243 as the switching member and the movable member 242 as the opening / closing member may be different from the configuration in the above embodiment. For example, the switching member may be of a sliding movement type, the opening / closing member may be of a rotating type, and a rack and pinion may be used in order to interlock the two. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which uses both a switching member and an opening-and-closing member as a rotation type, and uses an interlocking gear in order to interlock both. Further, both the switching member and the opening / closing member may be slidable, and a rotating connection member may be used to interlock the two.

  (6) The switching member and the opening / closing member may be interlocked using an electric actuator such as an electric solenoid. For example, when the switching member switches to the unlocked state, when the electric solenoid is excited and the plunger of the electric solenoid protrudes, the opening / closing member moves to the closed position, and the switching member switches to the locked state A configuration is conceivable in which the opening / closing member moves to the open position as the excitation of the electric solenoid is stopped and the plunger is retracted.

  (7) Instead of providing the two protruding pieces 252a and 252b on the shaft portion 251 of the operation lever 243, only one protruding piece may be provided. In this case, the sliding movement of the movable member 242 via the protruding piece is either the movement to the open position or the movement to the closed position. Therefore, biasing means such as a spring is provided for the movable member 242, and the other of the movement to the open position and the movement to the closed position is performed by the biasing force of the biasing means.

  (8) The configuration for holding the operation lever 243 in the unlocked state may be different from the configuration in the above embodiment. For example, a magnet may be provided in each of the rotation allowable recess 257 of the ball passage forming body 152 and the hold plate portion 254 of the operation lever 243, and the operation lever 243 may be held in an unlocked state by the magnetic force of the magnet. .

  (9) The configuration for holding the operation lever 243 in the locked state may be different from the configuration in the above embodiment. For example, the operation lever 243 may be held in a locked state by screwing the hold plate portion 254 of the operation lever 243 to the take-in unit 153.

  (10) In the above embodiment, when the operation lever 243 is in the locked state, the hold plate portion 254 contacts the back surface of the take-in unit 153. However, this may be changed. For example, the lock state of the operation lever 243 may be set so that the hold plate portion 254 is in a position close to the back surface of the capture unit 153. Further, the hold plate portion 254 may be engaged with a part of the capture unit 153.

  (11) When the operating lever 243 is switched to the unlocked state, the movable member 242 may reach the closed position before the take-in unit 153 becomes removable. Specifically, the position of the hold plate portion 254 when the operation lever 243 is in the locked state is set lower than in the above embodiment. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the take-in unit 153 from being removed while the flow of the game balls supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 of the upper plate 151 is not blocked.

  (12) In the above embodiment, the three capture devices 301 to 303 are provided as the capture unit 153. However, one, two, four, or five or more capture devices are provided. It is good also as a structure currently provided.

  (13) The number of inserted gaming balls per ball (predetermined number), the maximum number of inserted balls, the number of payouts, etc. in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited to the above numerical values.

It is a perspective view showing the whole gaming machine in one embodiment. It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows the internal open state of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows the internal open state of a gaming machine. It is a rear view of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows typically the outline | summary of a game machine main body and its opening / closing operation | movement. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows a door block and a saucer block. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows a door block and a saucer block. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows the front door body and inner frame which comprise a door block. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows the front door body and inner frame which comprise a door block. It is a front view of a saucer block. It is a top view of a saucer block. It is a rear view of a saucer block. It is a disassembled perspective view of a saucer block. It is a disassembled perspective view of a saucer block. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an upper plate and the member provided accompanying it. It is a top view of an upper plate. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a discharge operation transmission apparatus. It is a top view which shows the structure of the discharge operation transmission apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the ball channel | path formation body and the member provided accompanying it. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the ball channel | path formation body and the member provided accompanying it. It is a top view which shows the structure of the single-piece | unit of a ball stopper. It is a figure which shows the state which mounted | wore the ball passage formation body with the ball stopper. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the operation state of a ball stopper and the flow of a game ball. It is a perspective view of an intake unit. It is a perspective view of an intake unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of an intake unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of an intake unit. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of a taking-in apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of a taking-in apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of a taking-in apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a discharge gate member. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of a discharge gate member. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a taking-in apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the motion of the game ball from the upper plate to the taking-in apparatus when a load is applied to the game ball stored in the upper plate. It is a disassembled perspective view of a payout control unit. It is a perspective view of a surface change block. It is a perspective view of a surface change block. It is a front view of a surface change block. It is a disassembled perspective view of a surface change block. It is a disassembled perspective view of a surface change block. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a front frame. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a base board. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a reel apparatus. It is a perspective view of a payout block. It is a rear view of a payout block. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the electrical structure of a game machine.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Outer frame, 4 ... Door block, 5 ... Receptacle block, 6 ... Reshuffling block, 7 ... Discharge block, 11 ... Front door body, 12 ... Inner frame, 21 ... Visual recognition window, 33 ... Start-up Start lever as operation means, 35-37 ... Stop switch as stop operation means, 38 ... Bet switch as take-in start operation means, 151 ... Upper plate as ball tray, 153 ... Take-in unit, 156 ... Power supply device 156a: Holding portion as a lock state holding means, 161 ... Bottom plate portion, 164 ... Opening portion as a ball outlet, 171 to 173 ... Guide passage as a ball tray side game ball passage, 175 ... Cover member, 176a ... Upstream side Stepped portion as load absorbing portion, 215... Opening as mounting portion, 240... Ball-clamping device, 242... Moving member as opening and closing member, 243. 251 ... Shaft portion, 252a ... Projection piece as a closed position push-out projection, 252b ... Projection piece as an open position push-out projection, 254 ... Hold plate portion as a contact portion, 254a ... Unlocked state holding means Receiving portion, 257... Rotation permitting recess, 258... Projecting portion constituting unlocking state holding means, 301 to 303... Taking-in device, 305 to 307. 312 ... Housing, 315 ... Take-in passage constituting the take-in game ball passage, 320 ... Take-in gate member as ball stop member, 321 ... Support shaft, 325 ... Solenoid as drive means, 340 ... Discharge gate member, 370... Sensor unit as ball detecting means 503. Reel device as picture display device 504. Liquid crystal display device 505... Main control device 506. , 601 ... back cover member, 602 ... dispensing mechanism, 604 ... protective cover section, 608 ... dispensing device, B2 ... bottom of the downstream load absorbing portion, P ... stepped portion.

Claims (1)

A ball tray that opens upward and stores a plurality of game balls is provided at the front of the gaming machine,
A take-in game ball passage into which a game ball flowing out from the ball receiving tray is introduced, and a ball stopper member that is driven by a driving means to prevent or allow the game ball to pass through the take-in game ball passage; A take-in device having a ball detecting means for detecting a game ball passing through the take-in game ball passage on the downstream side of the ball stop member;
A gaming machine that is allowed to start a game when a predetermined number of gaming balls are detected by the ball detecting means,
The ball tray side game ball passage for aligning the game balls flowing down to the ball outlet to the take-in device in the ball tray and the intake side game ball passage, and the path of the game balls flowing through both passages are stepped. So that
The upstream side extending in the direction intersecting the game ball flow down direction on the extension line of the previous path to each of the upstream path change position and the downstream path change position in the stepped portion. A gaming machine comprising a load absorbing portion and a downstream load absorbing portion.

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