JP2008086790A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably array a loading device at a mounting position in a game machine which is detachably provided with the loading device for loading game balls stored on a ball receiving tray. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has an upper tray unit 15 having an upper tray for storing game balls and further, a loading unit 16 for loading the game balls stored on the upper tray. The requirement for starting a game is that the loading unit 16 should be loaded with a prescribed number of game balls. The upper tray unit 15 and the loading unit 16 are mounted on a door block 4 making up the front part of the game machine. In this case, the loading unit 16 can be detachably mounted on the door block 4 and the door block 4 is provided with an operation bar 213 to be engaged with the loading unit 16. A put-out block arrayed behind the door block 4 can be fixed when the operation bar 213 is placed at the fixed position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,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 game machine includes a take-in device, and the game balls stored in the ball tray flow down to the take-in device. For example, a take-in passage is provided in the housing of the take-in device, and a ball stopper member that is driven by a drive mechanism such as an electric actuator to block or allow passage of the take-in passage is provided. A sensor for detecting a passing game ball is provided on the downstream side of the ball stopper member, and whether or not the predetermined number of game balls have been taken in based on the detection result of the sensor. Is determined.

In a game hall or the like in which this gaming machine is installed, various parts and devices including a take-in device are maintained and replaced. Therefore, the capture device is detachably provided. In such a case, after the maintenance or the like, the take-in device is not sufficiently attached and may be disposed at a position deviated from the original attachment position. In this case, the ball of the game ball is clogged at the entrance portion of the take-in passage, which may hinder the game ball.
JP 2001-112922 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a take-in device for detaching a take-in game ball stored in a ball tray can be reliably arranged at an attachment position. To do.

  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 is provided in the front portion of the gaming machine and stores game balls;
A take-in device (take-in unit 16) for taking in a game ball flowing out from the ball outlet (opening 164) of the ball receiving tray,
The take-in device is detachable with respect to the attachment portion (take-in unit accommodating portion 141), and it is possible to take in the game ball from the ball outlet by being arranged at the attachment position in the attachment portion.
In a gaming machine in which the start of a game is allowed when a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device,
Moving means (operation bar 213) capable of moving within a range including a specific position;
A stationary portion (boss 304) that is provided in the capture device and places the moving means at the specific position in a state where the capture device is disposed at the attachment position;
A gaming machine structure (payout block 6) that is retracted or removed when the take-in device is attached or detached;
A gaming machine comprising: a fixing restricting means (operation knob 213a, insertion hole 657) that disables fixing of the gaming machine structure when the moving means is in a non-specific position that is not the specific position.

  In the gaming machine of the means 1, when the game balls stored in the ball tray flow out from the ball outlet of the ball tray toward the take-in device and a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device. The start of the game is allowed. The take-in device can be attached to and detached from the attachment portion, and is removed as necessary for maintenance and the like. When attaching and detaching the take-in device, it is necessary to retract or remove the gaming machine component.

  In this configuration, moving means and fixing restricting means are provided. The moving means is placed at a specific position by the stationary portion of the take-in device when the take-in device is arranged at an attachment position where the game ball can be taken in. The fixing restricting means enables the gaming machine component to be fixed only when the moving means is at a specific position. Thereby, in order to fix the gaming machine component after maintenance of the take-in device, it is necessary to securely place the take-in device at the attachment position, and the take-in device can be securely attached.

  Note that “the start of the game is allowed” means, for example, a pattern display device (reel device 503) that variably displays a pattern and a start operation means (start lever 33) for starting variable display of the pattern. In the configuration provided, it means that the operation of the starting operation means is validated.

  Further, although the attachment target of the “game machine component” is not limited by this means, the attachment target may be an attachment body provided with an attachment portion of the take-in device. In such a configuration, the gaming machine structure is fixed so that it can be retracted or removed from the attachment body and the take-in device cannot be attached or detached. Then, the take-in device can be attached or detached by retracting or removing the game machine component from the attachment body. In addition, the attachment target may be a gaming machine front body constituting a gaming machine front portion. In such a configuration, the gaming machine structure is fixed so that it can be retracted or removed from the gaming machine front body and the take-in device cannot be attached or detached. Then, the take-in device can be attached and detached by retracting or removing the gaming machine structure from the gaming machine front body.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the “game machine component” has a physique that is obstructive when the take-in device is attached or detached. Furthermore, it is preferable to have such a physique and a function relating to a game such as paying out a game ball. This is because the possibility of forgetting to attach the gaming machine component is prevented, and the effect of the configuration of the means 1 is reliably exhibited.

  Further, “fixing the gaming machine component” means a state in which the gaming machine component cannot be retracted or removed unless the fixation is released.

  Further, “impossible to fix” means that an attempt to fix the gaming machine component is obstructed by the fixing restricting means.

Mean 2. In means 1, the moving means is movable within a range including the specific position by rotating or sliding.
Further, the moving means is rotated in a predetermined direction or slid in a predetermined direction so that the moving means hits the stationary portion and the rotation or slide movement is restricted at the specific position. .

  According to the means 2, the moving means can move within the range including the specific position by rotating or sliding. And when the taking-in apparatus is arrange | positioned in an attachment position, rotation in the predetermined direction of a moving means or the sliding movement of a predetermined direction hits the stationary part of the taking-in apparatus, and is controlled in a specific position. That is, when the moving means is rotated in a predetermined direction or slid in a predetermined direction, the movement in the predetermined direction is naturally restricted at the specific position by the stationary portion. Therefore, when the take-in device is disposed at the attachment position, the moving means can be easily moved to the specific position.

Means 3. In means 2, the take-in device is detachable by sliding in a specific direction with respect to the attachment portion, and further movement of the attachment position in the attachment direction of the take-in device is restricted. Set to position,
Furthermore, the stationary part is provided on the removal side end surface of the capture device,
A gaming machine characterized in that the moving means is configured to rotate or slide along the removal side end surface of the take-in device arranged at the attachment position.

  According to the means 3, when the take-in device is maintained, the take-in device is attached and detached by sliding the take-in device in a specific direction with respect to the mounting portion. And the position where the further movement to the attachment direction of the said taking-in apparatus is controlled is an attachment position. In this case, the stationary portion is provided on the removal-side end surface of the capture device, and the moving means includes a specific position by rotating or sliding along the removal-side end surface of the capture device in the attachment position. It is possible to move within the range. Therefore, if the take-in device is not accurately placed at the mounting position and is placed at a position deviated from the mounting position in the removal direction, the moving means is taken in even if the moving means is moved to a specific position. It hits a position other than the stationary part in the apparatus and cannot be moved. Therefore, the take-in device can be securely attached.

Means 4. In any one of the means 1 to 3, the fixing restricting means includes a convex portion (operation knob 213a) formed on one of the moving means and the gaming machine component, and a concave portion (insertion hole 657) formed on the other. And consisting of
The projection is inserted into the recess only when the moving means is at the specific position, and the gaming machine component can be brought close to its fixable position, and the gaming machine component can be fixed. To play.

  In the means 4, the game machine component can be fixed by inserting the convex portion into the concave portion. According to this configuration, the fixing restricting means can be provided with a simple configuration.

  The “concave portion” includes not only a bottomed insertion hole but also a through hole.

  Means 5. In the means 4, the moving means is an operation bar (operation bar 213) that can be manually operated, and an operation knob (operation knob 213a) provided at a tip of the operation bar is the convex portion. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 5, when the take-in device is attached or detached, it can be moved within the range including the specific position by manually operating the operation bar. Thereby, the operation | work at the time of the maintenance of a taking-in apparatus etc. can be performed easily. Further, an operation knob that is held by the operator when operating the operation bar is a convex portion that is inserted into the concave portion. That is, the operation knob can be shared as a convex portion, and the configuration can be simplified.

Means 6. In means 4 or means 5, the gaming machine component is attached to a gaming machine front body (door block 4) constituting the gaming machine front part,
A lock part (a metal fitting part 134) provided on one of the gaming machine front body and the gaming machine component, and a lock receiving part (locking piece 674) provided on the other side for receiving the lock part. A lock mechanism (locking device 120) for fixing the gaming machine component to the gaming machine front body;
When the moving means is in the non-specific position and the convex portion is not inserted into the concave portion, the lock portion is received by the lock receiving portion due to the fact that the gaming machine component cannot be brought close to the fixable position. The gaming machine is characterized in that the positional relationship between the lock portion and the lock receiving portion is set so that the gaming machine component cannot be fixed to the gaming machine front body.

  According to the means 6, the lock mechanism for fixing the gaming machine constituent body to the gaming machine front body is provided, and the gaming machine constituent body with respect to the gaming machine front body by receiving the lock portion by the lock receiving section. Is fixed. On the other hand, by releasing both locks, the gaming machine component can be retracted or removed from the gaming machine front body. In this configuration, if the moving means is in the non-specific position and the convex portion is not inserted into the concave portion, the gaming machine component cannot be brought close to the fixable position. Accordingly, even if an attempt is made to fix the gaming machine structure to the front side of the gaming machine, the locking portion is not received by the lock receiving portion, and it is impossible to lock both. Thereby, when a moving means exists in a non-specific position, fixation of the game machine structure with respect to a game machine front body can be made impossible.

Mean 7 In any one of the means 1 to 6, a fixing means (a boss 304, an insertion hole 304a, a screw 149) for fixing the take-in device to the mounting portion is provided, and the stationary portion constitutes the fixing means,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the moving means is engaged with the fixing means when the moving means is at the specific position.

  According to the means 7, the take-in device is fixed to the mounting portion by the fixing means. This prevents the take-in device from shifting from the mounting position in the process of playing the game. In this case, since the moving means is engaged with the fixing means when in the specific position, the moving means is stably held at the specific position when the take-in device is disposed at the attachment position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the moving means from being switched to a non-specific position against the operator's intention when attempting to fix the gaming machine structure, and the fixing work can be facilitated.

Means 8. In any one of the means 1 to 6, the take-in device is detachable by sliding in a specific direction with respect to the attachment portion, and the stationary portion is provided on the removal-side end surface of the take-in device,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the moving means regulates movement of the take-in device in a removal direction when the moving means is at the specific position.

  According to the means 8, at the time of maintenance of the take-in device, the take-in device is attached / detached by sliding the take-in device in a specific direction with respect to the mounting portion. In this case, when the moving means is at the specific position, the moving means restricts the movement of the capture device in the removal direction. Thereby, in the normal time when maintenance etc. are not performed, it is possible to prevent the take-in device from being slid in the removal direction and shifted from the attachment position in the process of playing the game.

  Means 9. In the means 7 or 8, the movement means moves to an allowable position allowing passage of the game ball at the ball outlet in conjunction with movement to the specific position, and in conjunction with movement to the non-specific position. The game machine is characterized by further comprising passage blocking means (movable portion 212) that moves to a blocking position for blocking the passage of the game ball at the ball outlet.

  According to the means 9, the passage blocking means for blocking the passage of the game ball at the ball outlet provided in the ball tray is provided. The passage blocking means moves to the allowable position in conjunction with the movement of the moving means to the specific position, and moves to the blocking position in conjunction with the movement to the non-specific position. With this configuration, even if the take-in device is removed for maintenance or the like in a situation where game balls are stored in the ball tray, the game balls stored in the ball tray flow out from the ball outlet and enter the game machine. It is possible to prevent scattering. With the configuration of the above means 7 or 8, it is necessary to move the moving means to a non-specific position in order to remove the take-in device. This is because that. Therefore, the work becomes smooth during maintenance of the capture device.

  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 10. A gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the moving means and the passage blocking means are provided as a unit.

  According to the means 10, the moving means and the passage blocking means that are interlocked with each other can be attached together, so that the assembling work at the time of manufacturing the gaming machine can be simplified. In addition, when an abnormality occurs with respect to the interlocking between the moving means and the passage preventing means, both of them can be removed together, so that the work at the time of maintenance can be simplified.

  Means 11. In any one of the means 8 to 10, the gaming machine is characterized in that, when the gaming machine structure is fixed, the fixing means prevents the moving means from moving to the non-specific position.

  In the process of playing a game, an external force is applied to the moving means, and the moving means at the specific position may be switched to the non-specific position. As a case where this external force is applied, for example, a case where vibration associated with the operation of the capture device is transmitted to the moving means can be considered. In this case, if the moving means moves to a non-specific position, in the configuration provided with the means 8, the take-in device slides in the removal direction and shifts from the attachment position in spite of the game. Inconveniences such as this may occur. On the other hand, according to the means 11, it is possible to prevent the moving means from being switched to the non-specific position by the fixing restricting means, and it is possible to prevent the above inconvenience. That is, according to the configuration including the present means and the means 8, the fixing restricting means not only functions to securely attach the take-in device to the attachment position, but also during normal times when maintenance or the like is not performed. It also has a function of preventing the moving means from moving to a non-specific position.

  Further, in the configuration provided with the means 9, the passage preventing means does not move during the normal time when maintenance or the like is not performed as the moving restricting means is prevented from moving to the non-specific position by the fixing restricting means. Is prevented from moving to. Therefore, in the configuration in which the passage blocking means is provided, it is possible to prevent the passage blocking means from moving to the blocking position in the process of playing a game and preventing the game ball from being taken in. In such a case, the fixing restricting means not only fulfills the function of securely attaching the take-in device to the attaching position, but also the passage preventing means moves to the preventing position during normal times when maintenance or the like is not performed. It also has a function to prevent

Means 12. In any one of means 1 to means 11, a payout device (payout device 618) for paying out game balls to the ball tray when a predetermined condition is satisfied is provided,
The gaming machine structure is a payout unit (payout block 6) in which the payout device is attached to a base body (back cover member 601).

  According to the means 12, the gaming machine construct is a payout unit. For example, when the attachment operation of the gaming machine component is forgotten due to an error after maintenance of the take-in device, the effect provided by the means 1 is lost. On the other hand, since the payout unit having the important function of the gaming machine, which is payout of the game ball, is the gaming machine component, it is possible to reduce the possibility of forgetting to attach the gaming machine component. Therefore, the effect provided with the configuration of the means 1 is reliably exhibited.

Means 13. In any one of the means 1 to 12, the take-in device includes a take-in passage (inlet passages 305 to 307, take-in passage 315) through which a game ball introduced from the ball tray flows down by its own weight, and a drive means ( A ball stop member (take-in gate member 320) that is blocked by or allowed to pass the game ball in the intake passage by being driven by a solenoid 325), and passes through the intake passage on the downstream side of the ball stop member. Ball detecting means (sensor unit 370) for detecting a game ball to be played,
A gaming machine characterized in that the game is allowed to start when the predetermined number of gaming balls are detected by the ball detecting means.

  According to the means 13, the game ball introduced from the ball tray into the take-in device flows down the take-in passage. Then, the game ball passes through the take-in passage by being driven by the driving means and the passage of the game ball in the take-in passage by the ball stopper member is released and the passage is allowed. The passing game ball is detected by the ball detecting means, and the start of the game is allowed by detecting a predetermined number of game balls. In this case, if the take-in device is not accurately arranged at the mounting position, there is a possibility that a ball clogging may occur at the entrance portion of the take-in passage. On the other hand, since the arrangement of the means 1 is provided and the take-in device is securely arranged at the mounting position, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be prevented.

  Means 14. In the means 13, a plurality of the intake passages are arranged in parallel.

  According to the means 14, since a plurality of take-in passages are arranged in parallel, the time required to take in a predetermined number of game balls can be shortened. Further, in the configuration in which a plurality of intake passages are arranged side by side in this manner, the number of communication locations between the intake passage and the ball outlet of the ball receiving tray increases accordingly, and it is necessary to accurately arrange the intake device at the mounting position. In this case, by providing the configuration of the means 1, it is possible to accurately arrange the capture device at the mounting position after maintenance of the capture device.

  Means 15. Any one of means 1 to means 14 includes a picture display device (reel device 503) for variably displaying a picture, and starting operation means for starting variable display of the picture on the picture display device on the front surface of the gaming machine ( A start lever 33) and stop operation means (stop switches 35 to 37) for stopping the variable display of the picture, and paying out the game ball according to the stop picture after the operation of the stop operation means. A gaming machine characterized by

  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.

  The “predetermined condition” in the means 12 may be a condition that “the stop picture after the operation of the stop operation means is a predetermined picture or a combination of predetermined pictures”.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to a revolving gaming machine using a gaming ball in which a game is played using a gaming ball as a gaming 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 has an outer frame 2 as a main body frame, and a gaming machine main part 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 metal for locking the metal fittings 125, 126) is provided.

  The gaming machine main part 3 includes a door block 4 that is a door body unit, a face changing block 5 that is a picture display unit, and a payout block 6 that is a payout unit for game balls. The door block 4 is provided with hinge metal fittings 8 at two upper and lower positions. The door metal block 4 (the main part 3 of the gaming machine) is externally connected by the hinge metal fitting 8 and the two upper and lower metal 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 part 3 is opened with the right side as the rotation tip when viewed from the front. In a state where the gaming machine main part 3 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the rear surface of the outer peripheral edge of the door block 4 comes into contact with the front surface of the outer frame 2.

  The surface changing block 5 is attached to the back side of the door block 4, and the payout block 6 is attached so as to cover the surface changing block 5 from the back side. The surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are rotatably supported by a part of the door block 4, and can be rotated integrally with the door block 4 with respect to the outer frame 2. In contrast, each has a structure that can be individually rotated.

  Here, the relative positional relationship and the operation state of each of the members constituting the gaming machine main part 3 will be briefly described. FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically showing the gaming machine main part 3, (a) is a view of the gaming machine main part 3 as seen from the back side, and (b) and (c) are the surface changing blocks 5 for the door block 4. It is a figure which shows the open | release operation | movement condition of the payout block 6.

  As shown in (a), an axis AX1 for opening the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 with respect to the door block 4 is set 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 5 and an axis for supporting the payout block 6. In this case, M11 and M12 shown in the figure are support means for supporting the surface changing block 5, and M21, M22 and M23 are support means for supporting the payout block 6. That is, the support means M11 and M12 for the surface changing block 5 are provided at the upper and lower positions so as to be coaxial, and the support means M21 to M23 for the payout block 6 are similarly provided at the upper and lower positions so as to be coaxial. The support means M11 and M12 are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the support means M21 and M22 for the payout block 6. In particular, the support means of the blocks 5 and 6 are all provided coaxially.

  With the above configuration, the operations (b) and (c) can be performed. In (b), the surface changing block 5 and the dispensing block 6 are integrally opened with respect to the door block 4. In (c), from the state of (b), the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are separated, and the surface changing block 5 is rotated forward.

(Description of door block 4)
Next, the door block 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the door block 4 as viewed from the rear, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are exploded perspective views of the main structure of the door block 4 from the front and 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. Both the front door body 11 and the inner frame 12 are formed of a synthetic resin material, and are joined by screwing at a plurality of locations from the back. However, in order to increase the rigidity of the door block 4, the inner frame 12 can be formed of a metal material (for example, formed by aluminum die casting).

  And the transparent panel 13 and the panel support member 14 are assembled | attached from the back side of the front door body 11 and the inner frame 12. As shown in FIG. Further, an upper plate unit 15 and a take-in unit 16 are mounted on the back side of the front door body 11 and the inner frame 12.

(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. A lower plate part is provided. Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the front door body 11 will be described with reference to enlarged perspective views (FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) showing the front door body 11 and the inner frame 12.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10 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. A transparent panel 13 (see FIG. 8) made of a flat transparent plate and having substantially the same shape as that of the viewing window 21 is fitted into the viewing window 21, and the inside of the viewing window 21 is formed through the transparent panel 13. Is visible. The viewing window 21 is provided in a substantially upper half region of the front surface portion of the front door body 11, and according to the viewing window 21 configured to be relatively large, an image using a large liquid crystal display device is displayed. In addition to being able to give a great impact to the player by the display effect, the visibility of the symbol of the reel device as the main display device of the gaming machine 1 is good.

  Here, the transparent panel 13 is attached to the front door body 11 from the back side and is fixed by the panel support member 14. Specifically, the panel support member 14 is configured as a frame having openings having the same shape as the viewing window 21 and the transparent panel 13, and fixed support portions having screw holes and the like in the respective left and right and upper and lower frame portions. 14a is formed. In such a case, with the inner frame 12 assembled to the front door body 11, the transparent panel 13 and the panel support member 14 are mounted from the back side, and screw fixing or the like is performed at the fixed support portion 14a. The member 14 is fixed. Thereby, the peripheral part surrounding the visual recognition window 21 of the front door body 11 and the panel support member 14 sandwich the peripheral portion of the transparent panel 13, and the mounting of the transparent panel 13 to the front door body 11 is completed.

  On the front side of the front door 11, an enclosure 23 is provided on the left and right side portions and the upper portion of the viewing window 21, and the enclosure portion 23 has a central lamp portion 24 and a pair of left and right side lamp portions 25. And a speaker unit 26 is provided at the upper right corner and the upper left corner 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. In addition, at the upper end portion of the front plate portion 31, the bed switch mounting plate portion protrudes rearward from the front plate portion 31 at a position toward the left side (generally between the start lever 33 and the left stop switch 35). 32 is formed, and a button-like bed switch 38 is attached to the attachment plate portion 32.

  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 503 described later, and start operation means operated to start rotation of each reel, that is, to start variable display of symbols. Constitute.

  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 can be stopped when each reel is rotated at a constant speed, and is pressed in this state. Further, while a stop operation is possible, a lamp (not shown) is turned on to notify that the stop operation is possible, and is turned off when the rotation of each reel is stopped.

  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 upper plate unit 15 is mounted on the front door body 11, and the width dimension in the left-right direction of the opening 41 is the left-right direction of the upper plate 151. The width dimension of the opening 41 is generally shorter than the width dimension of the upper plate 151 in the front-rear direction.

  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 198 of a discharge operation transmission device 154 to be described later.

  A horizontally long window portion 50 extending in the left-right direction is provided between the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 13) and the operation unit 30. The horizontally long window portion 50 is located on the back side of the visual recognition window 21 (transparent panel 13), and the length in the left-right direction is substantially the same as the length in the horizontal direction of the visual recognition window 21. Two small holes 51 and 52 are provided on the right side of the horizontally long window portion 50. The small holes 51 and 52 are holes for exposing operation switches 518 and 519, which will be described later, so that they can be pushed.

  In the front door body 11, arc-shaped recess portions 61 are provided on the left and right side portions of the horizontally elongated window portion 50 so as to recede to the back side as compared with the surrounding enclosure portion 23. In the portion 61, a locking member for locking and unlocking the gaming machine main portion 3 (door block 4) with respect to the outer frame 2 (specifically, a key cylinder 137 provided on the inner frame 12 described later) is forwardly provided. A key cylinder installation hole 62 for exposure is formed.

  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 that the design shape is continuous with the surrounding portion 23 and the concave portion 61, and is surrounded by the bulging portion 70. Thus, the lower tray 71 and the 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. 11, 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 housing portion 91 has a substantially prismatic shape, and when the transparent panel 13 is attached to the front door body 11, the panel support member 14 is mounted along the inner side surface of the lamp housing portion 91. Yes.

  A pair of left and right upper speakers 92 are provided at the upper position on the back side of the front door body 11. The upper speaker 92 is a sound source provided behind the speaker unit 26 provided on the front side of the front door body 11, and the sound of the upper speaker 92 is emitted from the speaker unit 26 to the front of the gaming machine.

  An upper plate accommodating portion 93 for accommodating the upper plate 151 of the upper plate unit 15 is provided below the horizontally long window portion 50 when viewed from the back side of the front door body 11. The upper plate accommodating portion 93 extends in the left-right direction, and is provided so as to communicate with the opening 41 (an opening region on the front surface side of the front door body 11) in front thereof.

(Description of inner frame 12)
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inner frame 12 has a rectangular shape that is similar to the front door body 11, and has a left frame portion 101, a right frame portion 102, and an 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. However, the left frame portion 101 is provided with shaft fittings 111 to 113, and the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are supported by the shaft fittings 111 to 113. It is formed relatively thick to increase the rigidity.

  Further, on the front side of the inner frame 12, a lamp substrate 107 mounted with lamps serving as a light source of the central lamp unit 24 is attached to the upper frame portion 103, and an audio lamp relay substrate 108 is attached to the rear side thereof. It has been.

  Here, in a state where the inner frame 12 is assembled to the front door body 11, the lamp substrate 107 is hidden behind the central lamp portion 24 of the front door body 11, but in this embodiment, in particular, a part of the upper side of the front door body 11. The lamp board 107 and the upper speaker 92 behind the lamp board 107 can be easily maintained. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the front portion of the front door body 11 is divided and configured in a range including the central lamp portion 24 and the speaker portion 26, with respect to the front door body 11 (door block 4). The separable part is the upper cover body 94. As a fixing means for fixing the upper cover body 94, a plurality of screwing portions 109 are provided on the front door body 11 and the inner frame 12, and screw fastening is performed from the rear of the inner frame 12. Actually, screwing portions 109 are provided at a total of five locations, one on the top and two on the left and right. Note that reference numeral 107 a in FIG. 12 is an insertion hole for fixing the upper cover body 94. It is also possible to use this insertion hole 107a as a screw tightening hole.

  In the upper cover body 94, a colored transparent or translucent panel is incorporated in the central lamp portion 24, and light emission from the lamp substrate 107 can be confirmed in front of the gaming machine through the panel. In addition, a large number of slits are formed in the speaker unit 26, and sound from the upper speaker 92 can be confirmed in front of the gaming machine through the slits.

  According to this configuration, the lamp substrate 107 and the upper speaker 92 can be exposed by removing the upper cover body 94. In this case, the lamps on the lamp substrate 107 and the upper speaker 92 can be repaired or replaced without the door block 4 being left open.

  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. At this time, the above-described upper speaker 92 is positioned in front of the hinge fitting 8, and the upper speaker 92 is provided on the front side. In such a configuration, since the upper cover body 94 can be removed in front, maintenance of the upper speaker 92 is facilitated. Also, since the left and right upper speakers 92 are provided at the corners, the lamp substrate 107 (central lamp portion 24) between them can be formed wide. Furthermore, since the left and right upper speakers 92 are respectively provided at the corners, the viewing window 21 can be enlarged, and the display area for symbols and the like can be expanded. When various displays are performed in a limited area, the above configuration is considered to be effective.

  In the left frame portion 101, shaft fittings 111, 112, and 113 are attached to the tip end portion of the rib 106 at three upper and lower portions at predetermined intervals. These shaft fittings 111 to 113 are fitting members for rotatably supporting the surface changing block 5 and the dispensing block 6. The shaft brackets 111 to 113 are all substantially U-shaped. The shaft bracket 111 has upper and lower bearing portions 111a and 111b, and the shaft bracket 112 has upper and lower bearing portions 112a and 112b. The metal fitting 113 is formed with bearing portions 113a and 113b in the vertical direction. A shaft hole is formed in each of the bearing portions 111a, 111b, 112a, 112b, 113a, and 113b of the shaft fittings 111 to 113, and all the shaft holes of the shaft fittings 111 to 113 are arranged on the same axis. It is being fixed to the rib 106 so that.

  In such a case, the lower bearing portion 111b of the shaft bracket 111 and the upper bearing portion 112a of the shaft bracket 112 correspond to a surface changing block support means for supporting the surface changing block 5, and the bearing on the upper side of the shaft bracket 111. The portion 111 a, the lower bearing portion 112 b of the shaft fitting 112, and the lower bearing portion 113 b of the shaft fitting 113 correspond to a dispensing block support means for supporting the dispensing block 6.

  Further, the right frame portion 102 is provided with a locking device 120 for holding the door block 4 and the payout block 6 in a locked state that cannot be opened. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a single structure of the locking device 120, and (a) and (b) of FIG. 14 are perspective views seen from two opposite directions.

  In FIG. 14, the locking device 120 has a long base frame 121 formed by bending a metal plate, and the base frame 121 is fixed to the back side of the right frame portion 102 to lock the base frame 121. The device 120 is attached and fixed to the inner frame 12. A first interlocking rod 122 is provided on one side of the base frame 121 (on the outer side of the inner frame 12) so as to overlap, and on the other side (on the inner side of the inner frame 12) Two interlocking rods 123 are also provided so as to overlap. The first interlocking rod 122 is formed with slit portions 122a at two upper and lower portions. By arranging a pin member 121a provided on the base frame 121 in the slit portion 122a, the length of the slit portion 122a is provided. Only the first interlocking rod 122 is movable in the vertical direction. The second interlocking rod 123 is formed with slit portions 123a at three locations in the upper and lower sides (however, only one slit portion 123a is shown because of the angle shown in the figure), and a base frame is formed in the slit portion 123a. By arranging the pin member 121b provided in 121, the second interlocking rod 123 can move in the vertical direction by the length of the slit portion 123a.

  In the base frame 121, a pair of upper and lower hook metal fittings 125, 126 having a hook shape are provided on the first interlocking rod 122 side. The intermediate portions of the metal fittings 125 and 126 are pivotally supported by the base frame 121, and the tip hook portion moves downward when the first interlocking rod 122 moves upward. Coil springs 127 and 128 each having one end coupled to the base frame 121 are attached to the base end portions (parts opposite to the front end hook portion) of the metal fittings 125 and 126, and by the biasing force of the coil springs 127 and 128, At the same time, the base end portions of the metal fittings 125 and 126 are pulled down, and at the same time, the first interlocking rod 122 is pulled down and held in the initial state shown in the drawing.

  The first interlocking rod 122 is provided with an extending plate portion 129 above the lower metal fitting 126. The extension plate portion 129 is provided so as to close the flange recess 126a directly above the flange recess 126a of the flange fitting 126, and in terms of the positional relationship with the flange receiving bracket provided on the outer frame 2. An extending plate portion 129 is provided at a position directly above the flange receiving metal fitting. In this case, when the door block 4 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the hook receiving metal fitting on the outer frame 2 side is in the hook recess 126 a of the hook metal fitting 126, and the extension plate portion 129 is outside. The downward movement of the first interlocking rod 122 is inhibited by hitting the rod receiving bracket on the frame 2 side.

  The second interlocking rod 123 is formed with a pair of upper and lower hook metal parts 133 and 134 having a hook shape. In addition, the base frame 121 is formed with a pair of upper and lower protruding protrusions 131 and 132 so as to protrude toward the second interlocking rod 123 and overlap the metal fittings 133 and 134 of the second interlocking rod 123. . A coil spring 135 is provided between the base frame 121 and the second interlocking rod 123 so that the second interlocking rod 123 is pulled upward by the biasing force of the coil spring 135 and is held in the initial state shown in the drawing. It has become.

  In this case, in the initial state shown in the figure, the bottom side edges of the flange recesses 133a, 134a of the metal fitting parts 133, 134 are substantially the same height as the upper edge parts of the protruding protrusions 131, 132, Only the distal end flanges of the portions 133 and 134 are in a state of protruding upward from the upper edge portions of the protruding protrusions 131 and 132. Therefore, for the purpose of illegally releasing the coupling of the metal fitting parts 133 and 134 with the mating member (specifically, the payout block 6), the metal fitting parts are hooked with hooks or wires on the metal depressions 133a and 134a. Even if it is going to pull down 133,134, it cannot be pulled down by the protruding protrusions 131,132. As a result, unauthorized opening of the payout block 6 described later is prevented.

  An extension plate portion 132 a is provided on the lower protruding projecting portion 132 above the lower metal fitting portion 134. The extension plate portion 132a is provided so as to close the flange recess portion 134a just above the flange recess portion 134a of the metal fitting portion 134, and the extension plate portion 132a allows the hook receiving member to be placed in the flange recess portion 134a. In a state where the hook receiving portion (specifically, the hook receiving portion on the payout block 6 side) is restrained, the hook receiving member is not easily detached.

  The base frame 121 is provided with a key cylinder 137 as an unlocking operation unit. The key cylinder 137 is provided so as to extend 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 key cylinder 137 may be configured to use Omlock (registered trademark) having a high function of preventing unauthorized unlocking.

  Next, the operation of the locking device 120 accompanying the rotation operation of the operation key will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the first interlocking rod 122 is moved upward by the rotation operation of the operation key, and accordingly, the metal fittings 125 and 126 are brought into the unlocked state. FIG. 16 also shows a state where the second interlocking rod 123 is moved downward by the rotation operation of the operation key, and the hook metal parts 133 and 134 are brought into the unlocked state accordingly.

  In FIG. 15, an operation key (not shown) is inserted into the key cylinder 137 and rotated in the clockwise direction. Then, the first claw 122 moves upward against the urging force of the coil springs 127 and 128 by the lower claw piece 137a that is interlocked with the rotation operation of the key cylinder 137, and accordingly, the metal fittings 125 and 126 The tip collar moves downward. In such a case, in the gaming machine 1, when the door block 4 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the hook metal 125, 126 and the hook receiving metal on the outer frame 2 side are locked (that is, locked). Thus, the door block 4 can be opened with respect to the outer frame 2. Thereafter, when the rotation operation of the operation key is released, the first interlocking rod 122 and the metal fittings 125, 126 are returned to the initial state by the urging force of the coil springs 127, 128.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 16, an operation key (not shown) is inserted into the key cylinder 137 and rotated counterclockwise. Then, the upper claw piece 137b interlocked with the turning operation of the key cylinder 137 moves the first interlocking rod 122 and the second interlocking rod 123 downward against the urging force of the coil spring 135, and accordingly, the metal fitting portion 133 and 134 move downward. In such a case, in the gaming machine 1, when the payout block 6 is closed with respect to the door block 4, the hook metal parts 133, 134 and the hook receiving part on the payout block 6 side are locked (that is, locked). ) Is canceled. Then, the payout block 6 can be opened with respect to the door block 4. Thereafter, when the rotation operation of the operation key is released, the second interlocking rod 123 returns to the initial state by the biasing force of the coil spring 135.

  When the door block 4 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the hook receiving metal fitting on the outer frame 2 side is in the hook recess 126 a of the metal fitting 126, and the hook receiving metal fitting on the outer frame 2 side. Accordingly, the downward movement of the first interlocking rod 122 is inhibited. As a result, the locked state (that is, the locked state) between the hook metal parts 133 and 134 and the hook receiving part on the payout block 6 side cannot be released.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the lower frame portion 104 is formed with an intake unit accommodating portion 141 for accommodating the intake unit 16. The take-in unit accommodating portion 141 is a unit holding portion that holds the take-in unit 16 so as to surround the back side (the front side in the case of the gaming machine 1) and the left and right sides. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, an upper plate unit 15 is disposed above the take-in unit accommodating portion 141. That is, the upper part of the take-in unit 16 is covered with the upper plate unit 15, and the attachment of the take-in unit 16 to the door block 4 is performed with respect to the rear opening portion partitioned by the upper plate unit 16 and the take-in unit accommodating portion 141. This is done by sliding it back and forth. The take-in unit 16 includes a boss 304, and a screw 149 is inserted through an insertion hole 304 a provided in the boss 304 and is fixed to the door block 4.

  A ball discharge chamber 142 for discharging game balls taken in by the take-in unit 16 is formed at the bottom of the take-in unit accommodating portion 141, and the game balls collected in the ball discharge chamber 142 are not shown. It is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine (such as island facilities in the gaming hall) through the discharge passage. Further, on the left side (left side when viewed from the back side) of the take-in unit accommodating portion 141, a game ball that is once guided to the take-in unit 16 and then discharged to the lower plate 71 (that is, returned to the player). A discharge passage 143 for allowing a game ball to pass therethrough is formed, and the game ball flowing into the discharge passage 143 has an opening 144 opened on the front side of the inner frame 12 and a lower pan discharge of the front door body 11. It is discharged to the lower plate 71 via the outlet 74. Further, a lower plate communication path 145 leading to the lower plate 71 is formed on the right side (right side when viewed from the back side) of the take-in unit accommodating portion 141, and the game balls flowing into the lower plate communication path 145 are Similarly to the game ball flowing into the discharge passage 143, the game ball is discharged to the lower plate 71 through the opening 144 of the inner frame 12 and the lower plate discharge port 74 of the front door body 11.

  The lower frame portion 104 is provided with a speaker 146. The speaker 146 is exposed forward from the speaker hole 75 of the front door body 11, and thereby the sound is emitted forward.

  On the back side of the inner frame 12, metal fittings 147 and 148 are provided as fixing means for fixing the payout block 6 attached to the back side of the door block 4 at the upper right corner and the side of the speaker 146. ing.

(Description of the upper plate unit 15)
Next, the upper plate unit 15 will be described. 17 is a perspective view of the upper plate unit 15, FIG. 18 is a plan view of the upper plate unit 15 ((a) is a plan view seen from above, (b) is a plan view seen from below), and FIG. 19 is an upper plate. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a unit 15. FIG.

  The upper plate unit 15 has an upper plate 151 having a function of temporarily storing game balls that are sequentially taken in during the game, and a cover member 152 that covers the vicinity of the ball outlet portion on the upper surface side of the upper plate 151. And a horizontally long thin plate-like upper cover plate 157 is attached so as to cover a part of the upper plate 151. A ball rental operating device 153, a discharge operation transmitting device 154, and a ball retaining device 155 are attached to the lower surface side of the upper plate 151.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, on the upper surface side of the upper plate unit 15, an area near half of the upper plate 151 is covered with the upper cover plate 157, and the upper cover plate 157 further reduces the cover member 152. Half covered. Further, as shown in FIG. 18 (b), on the lower surface side of the upper plate unit 15, the lending operation device 153 and the discharge operation transmitting device 154 are arranged so as to overlap each other. A ball retainer 155 is disposed on the rear side (lower side in the figure) of the operation device 153 and the discharge operation transmission device 154.

(Description of the upper plate 151)
Next, the configuration of the upper plate 151 will be described. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the upper plate 151, and FIG. 21 is a plan view of the upper plate 151. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a state where the ball rental operating device 153 is installed on the upper plate 151 and the cover member 152 is separated.

  The upper plate 151 constitutes a tray member for temporarily storing game balls lent out from the ball lending device of the island facility or game balls paid out from the payout device. The bottom plate portion 161 and its peripheral portion Is formed into a horizontally long bowl shape. 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. In the upper plate 151, the bottom plate 161 is generally lowered from the discharge port 163 toward the opening 164. When a game ball is discharged from the discharge port 163, the game ball is moved from the left side to the right side in FIG. It is designed to flow toward

  A concave portion 165 having a concave shape on the back side is formed in the front wall portion of the peripheral wall portion 162, and when the upper plate unit 15 is assembled to the front door body 11 by the concave portion 165, Interference between the switch mounting plate 32 and the upper plate 151 is avoided.

  Two partition portions 167 and 168 that protrude from the bottom plate portion 161 are provided at the most downstream portion of the upper plate 151, and the three guide passages 171, 172, and 173 are partitioned by the partition portions 167 and 168. Is formed. Each of these guide passages 171 to 173 is provided so as to communicate with the opening 164, and constitutes an alignment passage portion for aligning the game balls in each row.

  On the front side of the three rows of guide passages 171 to 173, a ball rental operating device installation unit 175 for installing the ball rental operating device 153 and the like is provided. The ball lending operation device installation portion 175 is formed with two left and right circular concave portions 176 and 177 and a rectangular window portion 178.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the rental ball operating device 153 includes an operating device substrate 181 and a base plate 182 for installing the operating device substrate 181. The operating device substrate 181 is installed on the base plate 182. As a result, a ball rental operating device 153 is configured.

  Here, the ball lending operation device 153 performs the ball lending operation in a state where, for example, bills or cards are 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 card return operation and the effective frequency are confirmed. A ball lending button 183, a return button 184, and a frequency display unit 185 are integrally arranged in parallel on the operation device substrate 181. In this case, the ball lending button 183 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 184 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display portion 185 displays the remaining amount information of the card, the amount of money inserted, and the like.

  In a state where the ball rental operation device 153 is installed in the ball rental operation device installation unit 175, the frequency display unit 185 can be visually recognized from the window 178 of the ball rental operation device installation unit 175, as shown in FIG. FIG. 22 shows a state where push button members 186 and 187 each having a hemispherical shape are attached to the circular concave portions 176 and 177 of the ball lending operation device installation portion 175, and the push button members 186 and 187 are pushed. Accordingly, the ball lending button 183 and the return button 184 are indirectly pressed, and accordingly, the lending of game balls, the return of cards and the like are appropriately performed.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the cover member 152 includes a cover main body 188 and a lower cover body 189 that is assembled on the lower surface side of the cover main body 188. Both the cover main body 188 and the lower cover body 189 are formed of a transparent synthetic resin material. Circular holes 188a and 189a are formed in the cover main body 188 and the lower cover body 189, respectively. When the cover member 152 is attached to the upper plate 151 in a state where these two members are overlapped with each other, the holes 188a and 189a are provided. The push button members 186 and 187 are exposed through the. Thereby, the push operation of the push button members 186 and 187 is possible. Further, since the cover main body 188 and the lower cover body 189 are each formed of a transparent body, even if the cover member 152 is put on the frequency display portion 185, the frequency display and the like can be visually recognized. Reference numeral 190 denotes a fixing hook portion for fixing the cover member 152 to the upper plate 151.

  The cover member 152 is attached to the upper plate 151 so as to cover the opening 164, a part of each of the guide passages 171 to 173 and the rental ball operating device installation unit 175 from above, and at that time, the cover member 152 The guide passages 171 to 173 also function as passage height regulating members for regulating the dimension in the height direction to approximately one game ball. That is, by attaching the cover member 152 to the upper plate 151, one game ball is taken in each of the guide passages 171 to 173. At this time, since the cover member 152 is made of a transparent body, the lower game balls (game balls passing through the guide passages 171 to 173) are visible.

  The upper cover plate 157 is attached to the upper plate 151 as described above. In this case, according to the upper cover plate 157, an upper lid is provided on a part of the back side of the upper plate 151 (see FIG. 17 and the like). The covered portion of the upper plate 151 by the upper cover plate 157 corresponds to a portion where the upper plate 151 is hidden inside the door block 4 when the upper plate unit 15 is mounted on the door block 4. That is, in the state where the upper plate unit 15 is mounted on 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 in the front-rear direction of the upper plate 151. Since the dimension (B) is A <B (A and B are dimension comparisons at the same place in the left-right direction), a 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 upper cover plate 157 as described above, it is possible to suppress an illegal act caused by inserting a finger, an unauthorized tool, or the like into the gaming machine through the upper plate 151. In short, the upper cover plate 157 is a shielding member that shields between the upper plate 151 and the space inside the gaming machine (the inner region of the door block 4).

  The upper cover plate 157 is made of a transparent plate. Therefore, even if a part of the upper plate 151 is hidden by the upper cover plate 157, it is easy to confirm the inside of the upper plate 151 (including confirmation of dirt, damage, etc.).

(Description of discharge operation transmission device 154)
Next, the discharge operation transmission device 154 will be described. This discharge operation transmission device 154 is a ball removal operation device for operating a discharge gate member 340 of the take-in unit 16 described later to discharge the stored balls in the upper plate 151 to the lower plate 71, and its detailed configuration Are shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in the discharge operation transmission device 154, the case body 191 is provided with two shaft portions 192 and 193, and the shaft portions 192 and 193 have first link pieces 194 and 194, respectively. A second link piece 195 is rotatably supported. The first and second link pieces 194 and 195 are partially connected to each other, and the second link piece 195 rotates in conjunction with the first link piece 194. The first link piece 194 is provided with a tension spring 196, and the first link piece 194 is always biased in the same direction (counterclockwise direction in the figure) by the spring force of the tension spring 196. In addition, an operation lever 198 that is movable in the left-right direction is provided on the front side end surface of the case body 191, and a support column 198 a provided integrally with the operation lever 198 is provided on the first link piece 194. It is inserted through the hole 194a. Therefore, the first link piece 194 rotates around the shaft portion 192 as the operating lever 198 is slid.

  In the discharging operation transmission device 154 configured as described above, the first link piece 194 is a spring of the tension spring 196 when the player or the like slides the operation lever 198 to the left (P1 direction in FIG. 24). The second link piece 195 rotates counterclockwise (P3 direction in FIG. 24) while rotating in the clockwise direction (P2 direction in FIG. 24) against the force. Thereby, the rotation front-end | tip part of the 2nd link piece 195 moves to the back side (P4 direction of FIG. 24). When the operation lever 198 is released, the first link piece 194 is rotated counterclockwise by the spring force of the tension spring 196 and the second link piece 195 is rotated clockwise. To do. Thereby, the discharge operation transmission device 154 returns to the original state. By such an operation of the discharge operation transmission device 154, a discharge gate member 340 of the take-in unit 16 described later is operated, and game balls are discharged through the take-in unit 16 (actually, the game balls are discharged to the lower plate 71). ) Is to be performed.

(Description of the ball stopper device 155)
Next, the ball retainer 155 will be described. This ball stopper device 155 is a game ball fall prevention device for preventing a game ball from spilling down from the upper plate 151 when the take-in unit 16 installed below the upper plate 151 is removed. A detailed configuration will be described below. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the ball-clamping device 155, FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a single unit configuration of the ball-clamping device 155, and FIG. 27 is a rear view showing a state where the take-in unit 16 is mounted below and separated from the upper plate 151. It is a rear view shown from the side. In addition, as an operation state of the ball stopper device 155, FIG. 26 (a) corresponds to FIG. 27 (a), and FIG. 26 (b) corresponds to FIG. 27 (b).

  The ball retainer 155 includes a main body 211 fixed to the lower surface of the upper plate 151, a movable part 212 mounted on the main body 211 and capable of reciprocating in the left-right direction in FIG. And an operation bar 213 that is rotated to reciprocate in the direction. And this ball-clamping device 155 is assembled to the upper plate 151 so that the operation bar 213 is located behind the gaming machine.

  Three arms 214, 215, and 216 are formed on the movable portion 212 so as to be aligned in the same direction. Each of the arm portions 214 to 216 is bifurcated, and two rising portions 217, 218, and 219 are formed at the tip of the arm portions 214 to 216 so as to be bent upward (front side in FIG. 26). ing. The intervals between the arm portions 214 to 216 formed in the movable portion 212 are matched with the three guide passages 171 to 173 formed in the upper plate 151, and the standing portions 217 to 219 of the arm portions 214 to 216 are The upper plate 151 emerges from the opening 164 leading to the guide passages 171 to 173. Further, a groove portion 220 extending in the same direction as the operation bar 213 is formed on the lower surface side of the movable portion 212.

  The operation bar 213 is supported by the main body 211 in a state where the shaft 221 is accommodated in the groove 220. The operation bar 213 is rotatable about the shaft portion 221 as an axis, and the shaft portion 221 is formed with three pairs of protruding pieces 222a and 222b extending from the shaft center in the radial direction. The extending directions of the pair of protruding pieces 222a and 222b are substantially orthogonal to each other, and the combined length of the diameter of the shaft portion 221 and the length of the protruding piece 222a or the protruding piece 222b is the width of the groove portion 220 in the horizontal direction. It is almost the same. In this case, in the state of FIGS. 26A and 27A, the tip of one projection piece 222a hits the inner wall of the groove 220, and the operation bar 213 rotates to rotate the operation bar 213 as shown in FIGS. When the state shifts to the state (b), the tip of the other protrusion 222b comes into contact with the inner wall of the groove 220 (for convenience, the protrusions 222a and 222b are hatched in FIGS. 26 and 27). As a result, the movable portion 212 moves in the left-right direction. In FIG. 26, the amount of protrusion of the tip of each arm part 214 to 216 of the movable part 212 changes in (a) and (b) by the movement of the movable part 212 in the left-right direction. In (a), the tip protrusion amount = L1, whereas in (b), the tip protrusion amount = L2 (L1 <L2).

  The operation bar 213 is integrally formed with an operation knob 213a projecting to the rear side of the gaming machine at the tip thereof. The operation knob 213a is formed in a longitudinal shape, and the longitudinal direction changes as the operation bar 213 is rotated. The operation knob 213a has a substantially cruciform symmetrical shape, but the rotation range of the operation bar 213 is less than 180 °, so the longitudinal direction of the operation knob 213a is not the same direction. . When performing the rotation operation of the operation bar 213, the operation is performed by holding the operation knob 213a. The operation bar 213 is provided with a rotating plate piece 224 that is engaged with the take-in unit 16 attached to the door block 4 (specifically, the inner frame 12). The rotating plate piece 224 has a tongue shape extending from the shaft center of the shaft portion 221, and rotates integrally when the operation bar 213 is rotated. At the time of this rotation, the rotation plate piece 224 rotates along the back surface (end surface in the removal direction) of the take-in unit 16.

  The rotating plate piece 224 is integrally formed with an arcuate protrusion 224a on the back surface thereof. When the operation bar 213 is rotated in a direction in which the leading end protrusion amount of each of the arm portions 214 to 216 is L1 (that is, the direction in which the state shown in FIG. 26A is in the state), the leading end protrusion amount is L1. At the position, the inner surface of the protruding portion 224a comes into contact with the side surface of the boss 304 of the take-in unit 16. Thereby, the further rotation of the operation bar 213 in the direction is restricted. In this case, the boss 304 has a cylindrical shape, and the inner peripheral wall of the protrusion 224 a is formed along the side surface of the boss 304. Therefore, a wide contact range between the protruding portion 224a and the boss 304 is ensured, and the above-described rotation restriction is ensured. In addition, a through hole 224b is provided at the tip of the rotating plate piece 224, and the head of a screw 149 inserted into the insertion hole 304a of the boss 304 is immersed in the through hole 224b. Thereby, the rotating plate piece 224 is held at that position.

  On the other hand, the operation bar 213 is integrally formed with a stopper 213b. When the operation bar 213 is rotated in a direction in which the leading end protrusion amount of each of the arm portions 214 to 216 is L2 (that is, the direction in which the state shown in FIG. 26B is set), the leading end protrusion amount is L2. The stopper 213b is brought into contact with the main body portion 211 at the position. Thereby, the further rotation of the operation bar 213 in the direction is restricted.

  Here, the mutual relationship between the operation position of the operation bar 213 and the capture unit 16 will be described. When the operation bar 213 is in the position shown in FIG. 27A, the rotating plate piece 224 provided integrally with the operation bar 213 is held by the screw 149. On the other hand, when the operation bar 213 shifts to the position shown in FIG. 27B, the distal end portion of the rotating plate piece 224 moves to a position where it does not overlap the intake unit 16 in the front-rear direction. Thereby, the rotating plate piece 224 does not become an obstacle when the take-in unit 16 is removed, and the take-in unit 16 can be removed (the state where the take-in unit 16 is removed in FIG. 27B). Is shown).

  FIG. 28 shows the relationship between the operation state of the ball retainer 155 and the flow of the game ball. In FIG. 28, (a) shows a normal gaming state, and this state corresponds to the state of (a) of FIG. 26 and the state of (a) of FIG. Further, (b) and (c) show the removable state and the post-removed state of the take-in unit 16, which correspond to the states of FIG. 26 (b) and FIG. 27 (b). ing.

  In the state of FIG. 28 (a), as shown in FIG. 26 (a), the protruding amount of the tip of each arm part 214-216 of the movable part 212 is relatively small. The flow of game balls supplied from 173 is not blocked. Therefore, game balls are successively sent to the take-in unit 16 side.

  On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 28 (b), as shown in FIG. 26 (b), the protruding amount of the tip of each arm part 214 to 216 of the movable part 212 is relatively large. The flow of the game ball supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 is blocked by the tip portions (standing portions 217 to 219) of the arm portions 214 to 216. In this state, since the game ball is not sent to the take-in unit 16 side, as shown in (c), even if the take-in unit 16 is removed, the game ball in the upper plate 151 may fall. Is prevented.

(Description of capture unit 16)
The take-in unit 16 constitutes a take-in means for taking in a predetermined number of game balls based on an operation by the player. Each take-in unit 16 takes in a predetermined number of game balls. The (game) start condition is satisfied, and preparations for starting the game are made.

  29 is a perspective view of the capture unit 16 as viewed from the front side, FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the capture unit 16 as viewed from the rear side, and FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the capture unit 16. The take-in unit 16 is provided with three take-in devices 301, 302, and 303 so as to overlap each other, and the take-up unit 16 has a substantially cubic shape as a whole. In the following description, in FIG. 29, the capture device 301 located on the front side is referred to as “first capture device”, the capture device 302 located in the center is referred to as “second capture device”, and the capture device located on the back side. The device 303 is also referred to as a “third capture 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 16, and in the completed state as the door block 4, the game balls supplied from the upper plate 151 are first entered into the entrance passages 305 to 307. And then sequentially taken in a line. In the completed state, the inlet passages 305 to 307 are visible from above through an opening 164 (see FIG. 21) provided in the upper plate 151. A coupling case member 308 for coupling them is attached to the side surfaces of the respective capture devices 301 to 303. In the coupling case member 308, a take-in unit relay board 309 that collects the electrical wiring and the like in the take-in unit 16 at a time and can be electrically connected to the main control device or the like is accommodated.

(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 substantially the same configuration, the third capture device 303 is basically described as an example here. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the capture device 303, and FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view showing the capture device 303. 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 303 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, 312 transparent, it is possible to visually recognize game balls stored in the passage in addition to the game ball passage and the open / close gate mechanism inside the take-in device, without disconnecting the housings 311, 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 307 is formed. The bottom surface of the entrance passage 307 is slightly inclined downward toward the left side of FIG. The above-described boss 304 for fixing the take-in unit 16 to the door block 4 is integrally formed on the passage wall 314 of the second housing 312.

  The intake device 303 is provided with an intake passage 315 and a discharge passage 316 so as to be surrounded by the first housing 311 and the second housing 312 on the downstream side of the inlet passage 307. Similar to the entrance passage 307, the intake passage 315 and the discharge passage 316 have passage widths sufficient to allow the game balls to pass in a row. The intake passage 315 is provided continuously to the inlet passage 307 and is formed to bend 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 at the end of the game, the game balls remaining on the take-in device 303 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 307, 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 307 and the intake passage 315. The protruding portion 317 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the game ball passing through the inlet passage 307 and the intake passage 315 (in the inlet passage 307, the central portion in the vertical width 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 protrusion 317 (projecting dimension into the passage) is about 0.5 mm, so that the passage widths of the inlet passage 307 and the intake passage 315 are narrowed. That is, the entrance passage 307 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 307 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 in 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 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 has an output shaft 325a that moves in the expansion / contraction direction when energized. The solenoid 325 is disposed so that the output shaft 325a protrudes downward on the right side of the take-in gate member 320. The output shaft 325a of the solenoid 325 is provided with a coil spring 326 for holding the output shaft 325a in an extended state. The solenoid 325 is fixed to the first housing 311 by a solenoid cover 327.

  A guide 331 is attached to the tip of the solenoid output shaft 325a. 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 325a is held in an extended state by the urging force of the coil spring 326 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 325a moves in the contracting direction against the urging force of the coil spring 326. Accordingly, the take-in gate member 320 is turned through the guide 331 and the turning piece 332 (turned in the clockwise direction in FIG. 32), 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 325 a is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 326, and the claw portion 320 a 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, when the discharge gate member 340 is in the initial position, the discharge passage 316 of each of the capture devices 301 to 303 is closed by the wall plate portion of the discharge gate member 340, and the discharge of the game ball through the passage 316 is prevented. . Further, when the discharge gate member 340 moves in the longitudinal direction, 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 game balls passing through the passages 316 are opened. Discharge is allowed.

  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. 31 and the like, a cover member 351 is provided outside the third take-in device 303, and a coil spring 352 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.

  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 held at the initial position (position where the discharge passage 316 is closed) by the biasing force of the coil spring 352, and when a force is applied from the rod portion 348, the discharge gate member 340 resists the biasing force of the coil spring 352. 316 shifts to the open position.

  As shown in FIG. 29 and the like, the rod unit 348 protrudes on the first capture device 301 side in the capture unit 16 so that the rod portion 348 is pushed by the discharge operation transmission device 154 described above. It has become. As shown in FIG. 34 and the like, a protruding portion 355 extending in the longitudinal direction of the discharge gate member 340 is formed below the spring receiving portion 347 at one end portion of the discharge gate member 340. On the other hand, a discharge gate detection sensor 356 is provided on the cover member 351 provided on one end side of the discharge gate member 340. In this configuration, when the discharge gate member 340 is operated in accordance with the operation of the discharge operation transmission device 154, the operation state is sequentially detected by the discharge gate detection sensor 356. Details thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 35A shows an initial state before the rod portion 348 (discharge gate member 340) is pushed in, and FIG. 35B shows a state where the rod portion 348 (discharge gate member 340) is pushed.

  As shown in FIG. 35, a discharge operation transmission device 154 is provided on the side of the take-in unit 16 (the front side in this gaming machine 1), and the tip of the rod portion 348 is the second link of the discharge operation transmission device 154. Opposite the rotating tip of the piece 195. In this case, in FIG. 35A, since the discharge gate member 340 is in the initial position, the inlet of the discharge passage 316 is closed and the flow of the game ball into the discharge passage 316 is prevented. In this state, the protrusion 355 of the discharge gate member 340 does not protrude outward from the capture device 303, and the protrusion 355 is not detected by the discharge gate detection sensor 356.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 35B, the link pieces 194 and 195 are rotated by the operation of the operation lever 198 in the discharge operation transmission device 154, and the operation is transmitted to the rod portion 348. Thereby, the discharge gate member 340 moves to a position where the discharge passage 316 is opened, and the flow of the game ball into the discharge passage 316 is allowed. In this state, the protruding portion 355 of the discharge gate member 340 protrudes outward from the capture device 303, and accordingly, the protruding portion 355 is detected by the discharge gate detection sensor 356. 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.

  A detection signal from the discharge gate detection sensor 356 is output to a main controller 505 described later. In this case, the main controller 505 detects the open / close state of the discharge passage 316 based on the detection signal of the discharge gate detection sensor 356, and when the discharge passage 316 is in the open state, the game ball take-in operation (take-in) Processing such as prohibiting the operation of the insertion gate member 320 is performed. By prohibiting the taking-in operation of the game ball when the discharge passage 316 is opened, inconveniences such as an unstable take-in state of the game ball and a decrease in detection accuracy of the taken game ball are eliminated. .

  As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the take-in device 303 is provided with a sensor unit 370 that detects the passage of a game ball in the take-in passage 315. 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 303, and both ends of the sensor body 371 along the outer wall surfaces of the housings 311 and 312 toward the take-in passage 315. 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 are formed at the distal ends of the arm portions 372 and 373 at portions that are inside each other. In this case, two light emitting elements and two light receiving elements are accommodated in the arm portions 372 and 373, respectively, and each of these elements emits and receives light through the sensor detection hole 376. A pair of upper and lower through holes 378 are formed in the first and second housings 311 and 312. When the sensor unit 370 is assembled to each housing 311 and 312 in the housing joined state, each arm portion 372. , 373 are arranged such that the position of the sensor detection hole 376 provided at the front end portion of the housing 311 matches the position of the through hole 378 of each housing 311, 312.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the through hole 378 is provided in the intake passage 315 at a position slightly offset from the center inside the housing. The position of the through hole 378 is a game ball detection position by the sensor unit 370. In this case, in particular, the through hole 378 is provided at a position directly below the claw portion 320a formed at the distal end portion of the intake gate member 320 (a right offset position of the intake passage 315 in FIG. 32). A game ball is not detected by the sensor unit 370 unless the claw portion 320a of 320 moves to the immersive side. If it is assumed that the through hole 378 is provided on the opposite side of the intake passage 315 (the left offset position of the intake passage 315 in FIG. 32), the claw portion 320a of the intake gate member 320 is in the protruding position. In order to prevent erroneous detection of the game ball in the state (including erroneous detection of the game ball when discharging the game ball through the discharge passage 316), it is necessary to lower the position of the through hole 378 below the illustrated position. According to the above configuration of the gaming machine 1, the through hole 378 can be disposed in the vicinity of the claw portion 320 a 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. Thereby, the alignment precision of a light emitting element and a light receiving element can be raised, and the detection precision of a game ball can be made favorable. 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 with respect to the take-in unit 16, 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, a fraudulent device comprising two light emitters that blinks regardless of actual game ball take-in is attached to the take-in unit 16, and these light emitters are blinked in a predetermined order to play game balls. Make sure that the passage is falsely detected. 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 unit 16 are desirable.

  Each component of the intake device 303 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 307 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 in the limited area | region, As a result, size reduction (including thickness reduction) of the capture device 303 can be implement | achieved.

  In the main take-in unit 16 in which the take-in devices 301 to 303 having the above-described configuration are provided in triplicate, game balls are supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 of the upper plate 151 to the take-in devices 301 to 303, respectively. In accordance with the operation of the front bet switch 37, the respective take-in devices 301 to 303 take in the game balls. 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 198 on the front side of the gaming machine, and each take-off is performed. The game balls are discharged all at once by the insertion devices 301 to 303.

(Explanation of the replacement block 5)
Next, the surface changing block 5 will be described. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the surface changing block 5 as seen from the oblique front, FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the surface changing block 5 as seen from the oblique rear, and FIG. 38 is a front view of the surface changing block 5. 39 and 40 are exploded perspective views of the surface changing block 5. FIG.

  The main part of the surface changing block 5 is a synthetic resin front frame 501, a reel device 503 as a symbol display device, a liquid crystal display device 504 as an auxiliary effect device, and a main control unit that performs various main controls relating to the game. A control device 505, a display control device 506 for performing subordinate display control based on a command from the main control device 505, a pedestal base 507 for the main control device for mounting the main control device 505, and a display control device 506 And a display control device base base 508. In the present embodiment, the face change block 5 is configured to include all the main parts that determine the game content of the gaming machine 1, and this face change block is used when changing the model in a game hall or the like. The model can be changed by replacing 5 with the new model. That is, the surface changing block 5 is an exchange unit at the time of model change.

(Description of front frame 501)
Details of the front frame 501 will be described with reference to FIG. 41A is a perspective view of the front frame 501 viewed from the front, and FIG. 41B 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 portion of the front surface framed in a substantially trapezoidal shape has a shape and a size that substantially coincide with the viewing window 21 of the front door body 11. In this case, in a state where the surface changing block 5 is attached to the door block 4, almost the entire front frame 501 is visible from the viewing window 21 of the front door body 11.

  A display window 511 having a horizontally long rectangular shape is provided on the front surface of the front frame 501, and a display window 512 having a horizontally long rectangular shape is also provided above the display window 511. In the following description, the lower display window 511 is referred to as “lower display window 511”, and the upper display window 512 is referred to as “upper display window 512”. The lower display window 511 corresponds to a reel symbol display unit for displaying the reel symbol attached to the outer periphery of the reel device 503, and the upper display window 512 is a liquid crystal for displaying a display image by the liquid crystal display device 504. It corresponds to an image display unit.

  Each of the display windows 511 and 512 is provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction on the front surface portion of the front frame 501 and has substantially the same horizontal dimension (the height dimension is slightly larger in the upper display window 512). However, the size (absolute size) of each display window 511, 512, the relative size when comparing each display window 511, 512, and the shape of each display window 511, 512 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the upper display window 512 may be more horizontally long, or the upper display window 512 may be smaller than the lower display window 511. In the front portion of the front frame 501, the peripheral portions of the display windows 511 and 512 are substantially flat surfaces.

  A protruding portion 513 is provided on the peripheral edge of the lower display window 511 so as to protrude forward. When the reel device 503 is attached to the back side of the front frame 501, a part of the reel device 503 protrudes forward from the front surface portion (flat portion around the display window) of the front frame 501. The protruding portion of the reel device 503 is surrounded. In this case, the upper and lower overhang portions 513 can clearly divide the reel symbol range that is visible / invisible (or difficult to view) from the outside at the front protruding portion of the reel device 503. Further, according to the left and right overhang portions 513, it is possible to suppress the inside of the reel device 503 from being seen from the outside.

  In a state where the surface changing block 5 is mounted on the door block 4, the peripheral portion of the front frame 501 (A portion in FIG. 41) abuts on the panel support member 14 (see FIG. 7) of the door block 4. At this time, in the front frame 501, the peripheral portion (portion A in FIG. 41) and the other central portion are substantially flush. Therefore, a gap is formed between the central portion of the front frame 501 and the transparent panel 22 in the mounted state.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the front frame 501 is viewed through the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 13) of the door block 4, a wide area including the display windows 511 and 512 can be viewed. Therefore, if various information (model information, dividend table, etc.) and decorations related to the gaming machine 1 are given to the front area of the front frame 501, the various information and decorations can be played through the visual window 21 (transparent panel 13). Visible from the front of the machine. In this case, as described above, the portions other than the display windows 511 and 512 in the front surface portion of the front frame 501 are generally flat surfaces, and therefore it is possible to affix a seal or the like to which various information or the like is applied to the front region. .

  As shown in FIG. 38, an information display substrate 514 is provided on the right side of the lower display window 511 of the front frame 501. On this information display board 514, the number of acquired balls displayed when the small role is established, and the number of games for displaying, for example, the number of remaining games in a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus A display unit is provided. These display units are composed of a 7-segment display, but it is naturally possible to replace them with a liquid crystal display or the like.

  A lower panel portion 516 is provided below the lower display window 511 on the front side of the front frame 501. The lower panel portion 516 is a portion that is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the horizontally long window portion 50 provided in the front door body 11 in a state in which the surface changing block 5 is attached to the door block 4. Various information related to the gaming machine 1 (model information, payout table, etc.), decoration, and the like are given to the back side of the transparent panel that constitutes. It is also possible to attach a stamp or the like on the back side of the lower panel portion 516 (transparent panel). An illumination device 517 (see FIG. 38) made of a fluorescent tube, a cold cathode tube, or the like is provided on the back side of the lower panel portion 516, and the visibility of various information and the like is enhanced by illumination light of the illumination device. It has become.

  The illumination device 517 provided on the back side of the lower panel portion 516 can irradiate light below the surface change block 5. In this case, in the state where the surface changing block 5 is mounted on the door block 4, the lighting device 517 is positioned above the upper cover plate 157 provided on the upper plate 151 (see FIGS. 7 and 17). ). Therefore, when the illumination device 517 emits illumination light, the light is applied to the rear region of the upper plate 151 through the upper cover plate 157. As a result, the rear area of the upper plate 151 is brightly illuminated, and the game balls existing in the area can be easily confirmed.

  A pair of upper and lower operation switches 518 and 519 are provided on the right side of the lower panel portion 516. The operation switches 518 and 519 are, for example, push button type switch members used for the operation of the information menu. By pressing the operation switches 518 and 519, the number of jackpots, the total number of games, the probability of jackpot occurrence, the number of balls played (throwing Various information such as the difference between the number of game balls and the number of payout game balls) is appropriately displayed on the liquid crystal display device 504 or the like. The information menu includes a description of a special game in the gaming machine 1 and the like.

  On the other hand, on the back side of the front frame 501, a length for attaching the reel device 503 to the opening edge between the upper and lower display windows 511 and 512 and the lower opening edge of the lower display window 511, respectively. Scale-shaped reel mounting brackets 521 and 522 are provided.

  A support metal fitting 524 is attached to the right side portion of the front frame 501 on the back side. The support metal fitting 524 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 525 and 526. The support shafts 525 and 526 of the support fitting 524 constitute support means for rotatably supporting the surface changing block 5 on the door block 4. The support shafts 525 and 526 are provided on the door block 4. The shaft fittings 111 and 112 are inserted into the shaft holes (see FIG. 11 and the like) of the bearing portions 111b and 112a. The bearing portions 111b and 112a on the door block 4 side and the support shafts 525 and 526 on the surface changing block 5 correspond to the “support means M11 and M12 for the surface changing block 5” shown in FIG.

  Similarly, a pedestal base mounting means for mounting a pedestal base 507 for the main controller is provided on the left side of the front frame 501 on the left side. In this case, the main controller pedestal base 507 (main controller 505) is vertically mounted on the left side of the rear surface of the front frame 501, and serves as a pedestal base mounting means. A substantially U-shaped support fitting 527 for supporting the lower end portion of 507 and a fastener 528 for supporting the upper end portion of the main control device 505 are provided.

  Further, on the back side of the front frame 501, coupling hook members 531 and 532 for coupling with the payout block 6 attached to the back side of the surface changing block 5 are provided at the upper left corner and the lower left corner. Yes. The coupling hook members 531 and 532 are provided on the rotational tip side opposite to the rotational axis of the main surface changing block 5, and the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are operated by being operated to the coupling position. The combined state of is maintained. Further, when the coupling hook members 531 and 532 are operated to the coupling release position, the coupling of the chamfering block 5 and the payout block 6 is released, and the chamfering block 5 can be rotated so as to be separated from the payout block 6. It is supposed to be.

(Description of reel device 503)
FIG. 42 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 front frame 501, and the reel device 503 is supported and fixed to the reel mounting brackets 521 and 522 provided on the front frame 501. The reel device 503 is mounted on the back side of the front frame 501 by fixing the portions 545 and 546 with screws or the like.

  The upper support fixing portion 545 has a shape having protrusions 545a at both left and right end portions. Both the protrusions 545a are formed by cutting out the central portion of the support fixing portion 545, and the liquid crystal display device 504 is attached to and detached from the front frame 501 by reducing the height of the central portion. Interference at the time can be avoided.

  On the upper part of the case member 540, a reel relay board 548 is provided for electrical connection between the reel device 503 and a control system such as the main controller 505.

  Since the configuration of each of the reels 541 to 543 is well known, detailed illustration is omitted here, and 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 controller 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 (the front case 562 and the back case 563) for housing the main control board 561. It is configured. The front case 562 and the back case 563 are formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the main control board 561 inside thereof can be visually recognized by the transparent front case 562 and the back case 563.

  The main controller pedestal base 507 is a pedestal member on which the main controller 505 is slidably mounted in one direction. In this embodiment, the main controller 505 is slid upward with respect to the pedestal base 507. The main controller 505 can be detached from the pedestal base 507.

  Near the lower corner portion of the main controller base base 507, a supported portion 507a that is rotatably supported by a support fitting 527 provided on the front frame 501 is provided. In this case, when the supported portion 507a is supported by the support fitting 527, the main controller base base 507 (main control device 505) can be rotated with respect to the front frame 501 with the supported portion 507a as a fulcrum ( In other words, it can tilt backward).

  The front case 562, the back case 563, and the main controller base base 507 are provided with sealing portions f1, f2, and f3 (so-called caulking portions) as sealing means for connecting these members. The sealing parts f1 to f3 are capable of opening the case member due to breakage and the like, and the member that has been broken remains as the opening history after opening, so the opening fact can be confirmed by the opening history It has become. Thereby, in the case where the case member is illegally opened, for example, it is possible to find an illegal act by checking the sealing portions f1 to f3.

  On the other hand, 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 front case 572 and a back case 573) for housing the display control board 571. It consists of and. The front case 572 and the back case 573 are formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the display control board 571 inside thereof can be visually recognized by the transparent front case 572 and the back case 573. The back case 573 is provided with a triangular leg 573a. The display control device 506 is attached to the back surface of the front frame 501 while being fixed on the display control device base 508. At this time, the display control device 506 is attached in an inclined state by the leg portion 573a provided in the back case 573. An external terminal board 575 is attached to the display control device base 508.

  In the above configuration, the electronic component mounting surface of the main control board 561 is arranged to face outward in the main control device 505, and the electronic component mounting surface of the display control board 571 in the display control device 506 is obliquely upward on the rear side. It is arranged to face. Such an arrangement facilitates fraud confirmation with respect to the main control board 561 and the display control board 571.

  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 reshuffling block 5)
The completed state of the surface changing block 5 will be described again with reference to FIGS. As the face change block 5, a reel device 503 is attached to the back side of the front frame 501, 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 via a base base 507.

  The entire panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 581 can be visually recognized from the upper display window 512 of the front frame 501 on the front side of the face change block 5. In addition, a part of each reel 541 to 543 of the reel device 503 can be seen from the lower display window 511 of the front frame 501. 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 511. Yes.

(Description of payout block 6)
Next, the payout block 6 will be described. 43 and 44 are perspective views of the dispensing block 6, FIG. 45 is a rear view of the dispensing block 6, FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing the dispensing device 618 and the like separated from the dispensing block 6, and FIG. FIG. 48 is a rear view showing a state in which the control devices are removed from the payout block 6. FIG. 49 is an enlarged rear view showing a part of the payout block 6, and FIG. 50 is a side view of the door block 4 and the payout block 6. In FIG. 48, the game ball passage formed in the payout block 6 is indicated by a dotted line.

  The payout block 6 includes a back cover member 601 integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, a payout mechanism 602 for paying out game balls, a payout control device 603 that controls payout control, and a power supply voltage generated from an external power supply. It has a power supply device 604 that supplies various control devices and actuators, and is configured by integrating them.

  The back cover member 601 includes a base portion 611 having a substantially flat shape, and a protective cover portion 612 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding rearward (rearward of the gaming machine 1). The protective cover portion 612 has a shape in which the left and right surfaces and the upper and lower surfaces and the rear surface are closed, and is large enough to accommodate at least the reel device 503, the main control device 505, and the display control device 506 of the surface changing block 5. Have Although illustration is omitted, a large number of air holes can be provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 604. The base portion 611 and the protective cover portion 612 may be integrally formed as described above, or may be formed separately and integrated with screws or the like.

  The payout mechanism 602 is attached to the base portion 611 of the back cover member 601 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 612. That is, as the payout mechanism 602, a tank 615 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back cover member 601, and the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 615. Below the tank 615, for example, tank rails 616 that have four rows (four strips) of ball paths in the front-rear direction and are gently inclined toward the downstream side are connected. The tank rail 616 extends in the vertical direction downstream of the tank rail 616. Case rails 617 are connected.

  A payout device 618 for paying out game balls is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 617. As shown in FIG. 48, the payout device 618 includes a payout motor 619 and a payout gate member 620 driven by the payout motor 619, and the payout motor 619 is driven by a control signal from the payout control device 603. Then, with the driving of the payout motor 619, the payout gate member 620 moves to the passage opening position. Thereby, the required number of game balls are paid out as appropriate.

  The payout device 618 has a game ball discharge function for discharging game balls staying on the case rail 617 or the like to the outside in addition to a game ball payout function performed in accordance with winnings during a game. When the game ball is discharged, the passage switching lever 621 is switched from the payout execution position to the discharge execution position, and the payout motor 619 is driven to discharge the game ball to the outside.

  As with the tank rail 616, the case rails 617 are provided in four rows in the front-rear direction, and the payout devices 618 are provided in four rows accordingly. In this case, as shown in FIG. 46, the base plate 611 of the back cover member 601 is provided with a metal plate 625 in an overlapping manner, and two metal boss members so as to stand on the metal plate 625. 626 is provided. In FIG. 44, reference numeral 627 denotes a metal plate for fixing the base end portion of the boss member 626. That is, the base end of the boss member 626 is firmly fixed by the two front and back metal plates 625 and 627. Then, with the boss member 626 inserted, four rows of payout devices 618 are fixed together.

  On the downstream side of the payout device 618, a passage forming member 630 for forming four rows of game ball passages is also provided. The passage forming member 630 has a payout passage 631 and a discharge passage 632 therein, and the game balls are paid out to the upper plate 151 and the like by passing through the payout passage 631. In addition, the game ball is discharged outside by passing through the discharge passage 632. The passage forming member 630 is fixed by two support members 633 provided on the metal plate 625.

  The passage forming member 630 is provided with a payout relay board 635 that relays a payout command signal from the payout control device 603 to the payout device 618. Although not shown, a tank ball absence sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball supplied from the tank 615 or the tank rail 616 is provided upstream of the case rail 617. Also, the payout device 618 is provided with a payout rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the payout motor 619 and a payout count switch that counts the number of game balls to be paid out.

  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.

  A game ball distribution unit 640 for distributing game balls flowing down from the payout mechanism 602 is provided on the downstream side of the passage forming member 630 in the base unit 611. As shown in FIG. 46, the game ball distribution unit 640 is provided with three passage openings 641, 642, 643, of which the passage opening 641 communicates with the upper plate 151, and the passage opening 642 has The passage opening 643 communicates with the lower plate 71 and is configured to communicate with a game ball discharge unit connected to the outside of the gaming machine.

  Here, the game ball passage on the downstream side of the game ball distributor 640 will be described with reference to FIG. In the back cover member 601, an upper plate guide passage 651 communicating with the passage opening 641 of the game ball distribution portion 640 is provided below the protective cover portion 612. The upper plate guide passage 651 is open on the front side of the back cover member 601, and when the dispensing block 6 is mounted on the door block 4, the front-side opening of the upper plate guide passage 651 is disposed on the upper plate unit 15. It is configured to communicate with the outlet 163 (see FIG. 7 and the like).

  The back cover member 601 has a lower plate guide passage 652 communicating with the passage opening 642 of the game ball distribution unit 640 and an external discharge passage 653 communicating with the passage opening 643 of the game ball distribution unit 640 in parallel. Is provided. The lower plate guide passage 652 is opened to the front side of the back cover member 601, and when the dispensing block 6 is attached to the door block 4, the front side opening of the lower plate guide passage 652 is connected to the lower plate of the inner frame 12. It is the structure which communicates with the channel | path 145 (refer FIG. 7 etc.). In addition, the code | symbol 655 in a figure is a lower tray full tank switch for detecting when the lower ball | bowl 71 becomes full and the game ball overflows to the upstream side.

  In this case, the game balls that have flowed down the payout passage 631 of the passage forming member 630 basically flow into the passage opening 641 as they are, and then are discharged to the upper plate 151 through the upper plate guide passage 651. However, when the game balls that have become surplus as the upper plate 151 becomes full are overflowing through the upper plate guide passage 651, the excess game balls flow into the passage opening 642, and then the lower plate guide passage It is discharged to the lower plate 71 through 652. The game balls that have flowed down the discharge passage 632 of the passage forming member 630 are discharged to the outside of the gaming machine (island facility of the game hall) through the external discharge passage 653.

  A support fitting 661 is attached to the left end portion of the back cover member 601 when viewed from the inner surface side (front side). The support metal fitting 661 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 662 and 663. A support fitting 665 having a support shaft 666 is attached below the support fitting 661. The support shafts 662, 663, 666 of these support fittings 661, 665 constitute support means for rotatably supporting the payout block 6 on the door block 4, and these support shafts 662, 663, 666. Is inserted into the shaft holes (see FIG. 7 and the like) of the bearing portions 111a, 112b, and 113b of the shaft fittings 111, 112, and 113 provided in the door block 4. The bearing portions 111a, 112b, 113b on the door block 4 side and the support shafts 662, 663, 666 on the payout block 6 side correspond to the “support means M21 to M23 for the payout block 6” shown in FIG.

  On the inner surface side of the back cover member 601, metal locking pieces 671, 672 that are locked by two coupling hook members 531, 532 provided on the surface changing block 5 at the upper and lower portions of the protective cover portion 612. Is attached. By operating the coupling hook members 531 and 532 of the surface changing block 5 to the locking position in a state where the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are overlapped, the blocks 5 and 6 are connected to each other. , 532 are operated to the unlocking position so that both blocks 5 and 6 can be separated.

  In this case, the operation of the coupling hook members 531 and 532 can be performed only on the front side of the back cover member 601 of the dispensing block 6, and if the front side of the dispensing block 6 is not opened, the engagement of the coupling hook members 531 and 532 is possible. Stop release operation is impossible. In other words, in a state where the integrated body of the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 is attached to the door block 4 (the state shown in FIG. 3), the coupling hook members 531 and 532 are hidden inside, and the coupling hook members 531 and 532 The opening operation of the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 by manual operation is impossible.

  Similarly, on the inner surface side of the back cover member 601, the locking device 120 provided on the door block 4 is provided on the opposite side of the support fitting 661 and above and below the protective cover portion 612. Metal locking pieces 673 and 674 to be locked to the metal fittings 133 and 134 are attached. In a state where the dispensing block 6 is closed with respect to the door block 4, the locking pieces 673 and 674 are locked by the metal fittings 133 and 134 of the locking device 120, and the dispensing block 6 cannot be opened. When the metal fittings 133 and 134 are moved to the unlocking position in accordance with the unlocking operation by the operation key, the locking of the locking pieces 673 and 674 is released, and the payout block 6 can be opened.

  In particular, the protective cover portion 612 is provided with shielding covers 675 and 676 so as to surround the locking pieces 673 and 674. The shielding covers 675 and 676 have a box shape opened only in the front, and a finger, a tool, or the like cannot be inserted from the rear. Therefore, when the dispensing block 6 is closed with respect to the door block 4 (the state shown in FIG. 3), the locking state of the locking device 120 (the locked state between the metal fittings 133 and 134 and the locking pieces 673 and 674) is obtained. Is not released illegally, and an illegal deterrent effect is obtained.

  In addition, the back cover member 601 is provided with lock members 678 and 679 for fixing the payout block 6 in a state of being attached to the door block 4. The lock members 678 and 679 are provided at positions corresponding to the metal fittings 147 and 148 (see FIG. 11) of the inner frame 12, and have locking pieces to be engaged with the metal fittings 147 and 148, respectively. ing. In this case, the payout block 6 is fixed to the door block 4 by bringing the locking pieces of the lock members 678 and 679 into the locked state with respect to the metal fittings 147 and 148. Further, after the locking by the locking device 120 is released, the payout block 6 can be removed from the door block 4 by releasing the locking state of the lock members 678 and 679.

  Here, when the payout block 6 is attached to the door block 4, the back and the periphery of the take-in unit 16 provided in the door block 4 are surrounded by the payout block 6 (see FIG. 3). In this case, the base portion 611 of the back cover member 601 is provided with an insertion hole 657 that matches the shape of the operation knob 213a of the operation bar 213. Specifically, the insertion hole 657 has a shape that allows the operation knob 213a to be inserted only when the operation bar 213 is in a position (specific position) where rotation of the operation bar 213 in the predetermined direction is restricted by the boss 304 of the capture unit 16. The inner peripheral wall of the insertion hole 657 is formed along the outer peripheral wall of the operation knob 213a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 49A, when the operation bar 213 is at a specific position, the operation knob 213a is inserted into the insertion hole 657. At this time, a predetermined play is provided between the operation knob 213a and the insertion hole 657 so that the operation knob 213a can be smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 657. Note that the position of the operation bar 213 within the play range corresponds to a specific position.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 49 (b), when the operation bar 213 is in a non-specific position, the operation knob 213 a is inserted into the insertion hole 657 even if the dispensing block 6 is fixed to the door block 4. Instead, the base portion 611 contacts the tip portion of the wall portion 611 a that forms the insertion hole 657. In this case, as shown in FIG. 50, an interval (X1) from the flange recess 134a of the metal fitting 134 to the tip of the operation bar 213, and an interval (X2) from the locking piece 674 to the tip of the insertion hole 657 The relationship is X1> X2. Therefore, when the operation bar 213 is in the non-specific position, the hook recess 134 a of the hook metal part 134 does not reach the position of the locking piece 674, and the payout block 6 cannot be fixed to the door block 4.

(Description of payout control device 603 and power supply device 604)
Next, the dispensing control device 603 and the power supply device 604 attached to the back side of the back cover member 601 will be described based on FIG.

  The payout control device 603 includes a payout control board 681 on which electronic components such as a CPU and a memory are mounted, and a board box 682 that accommodates the payout control board 681, similarly to the main control device 505. The substrate box 682 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the dispensing control substrate 681 inside the substrate box 682 can be visually recognized by the transparent substrate box 682. The board box 682 is provided with a sealing part 683 (so-called caulking part) as sealing means for connecting the front and back side case members constituting the box 682. The sealing part 683 allows the substrate box 682 to be opened by breaking or the like, and since the member that has been broken remains as the opening history after opening, the opening history can be confirmed by the opening history. It has become. Thereby, in the case where the substrate box 682 is illegally opened, an illegal act can be found by checking the sealing part 683.

  The board box 682 of the payout control device 603 is provided with fixtures 684 and 685 made of Nylatch (registered trademark) or the like, and on the other hand, on the base portion 611 of the back cover member 601 to which the payout control device 603 is attached. Are provided with attached holes 686 and 687 (see FIG. 47). In this case, the payout control device 603 is arranged at a predetermined mounting position, and the fixtures 684 and 685 are set in a fixed operation state with respect to the attached hole portions 686 and 687, whereby the payout control device 603 for the back cover member 601 is set. Installation is complete.

  On the other hand, the power supply device 604 includes a power supply board 691 and a board box 692 that houses the power supply board 691. The board box 692 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the power board 691 inside the board box 692 can be visually recognized by the transparent board box 692. The power supply device 604 includes a power switch 694 for starting the gaming machine 1, a reset switch 695 for resetting various states of the gaming machine 1, and a hall manager and the like for adjusting the payout of the game balls to be paid out. A setting key switch 696 is provided. This gaming machine 10 has a backup function for various data, and maintains the state at the time of power failure even in the event of a power failure, and returns to the state at the time of power failure upon recovery from power failure (recovery) It can be done. In this case, for example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure, such as when the game hall is closed, the state before shutting down is stored and retained. However, if the power switch 694 is turned on while pressing the reset switch 695, the backup data is reset. It has come to be. Further, when the reset switch 695 is pressed while the power switch 694 is turned on, the error state is reset. Further, the setting state of the gaming machine 1 is changed in multiple stages by operating the setting key switch 696 by operating the setting key by a hall manager or the like. At this time, for example, the setting is changed in six stages from “setting 1” to “setting 6”, and the winning probability is changed along with the setting change. The power supply device 604 is fixed to the base portion 611 of the back cover member 601 with screws or the like.

  In addition, the base portion 611 of the back cover member 601 is provided with a ball lending unit connection board 698 that manages payout of game balls lent out from the ball lending unit.

(Explanation of replacement work of the surface changing unit 5)
As described above, the replacement block 5 is a replaceable unit. Here, the replacement operation of the replacement block 5 at the time of model change in the game hall will be described.

  First, a predetermined operation key is inserted into the key cylinder 137 of the locking device 120 and rotated in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction) to release the locked state of the door block 4 with respect to the outer frame 2. Then, the door block 4 is opened to the front side. At this time, the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are integrally operated together with the door block 4. This is the state shown in FIG.

  Next, similarly, the operation key is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (counterclockwise direction) to release the locked state of the dispensing block 6 with respect to the door block 4. Further, the lock members 678 and 679 provided on the back cover member 601 of the payout block 6 are operated to be unlocked with a finger or the like. Thereby, the integrated body of the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 can be rotated (opening operation is possible) with respect to the door block 4, and the integrated body of the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 is rotated backward. Further, when the coupling hook members 531 and 532 provided on the surface changing block 5 are operated to the coupling release position and the surface changing block 5 is rotated forward, 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 5 is removed from the door block 4 so as to be lifted upward. At this time, the support shafts 525 and 526 provided on the surface changing block 5 side are pulled out from the bearing portions 111 b and 112 a of the shaft fittings 111 and 112 provided on the door block 4 side, and the surface changing block 5 is removed from the door block 4. To be separated.

  Thereafter, the new surface changing block 5 is mounted in the reverse operation procedure from that for removal. That is, a new surface changing block 5 is attached to the door block 4 and electrical wiring or the like is appropriately connected. Then, the coupling hook members 531 and 532 are operated to the coupling position in a state where the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are overlapped, and then the integrated body of the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 is turned to the door block 4 side. Move them so that they overlap. At this time, the payout block 6 is locked to the door block 4. Thereafter, the lock members 678 and 679 of the payout block 6 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 work of the gaming machine 1 is completed.

  When exchanging the surface changing block 5, no special tools or the like are required except for unlocking the door block 4 with an operation key, and the exchanging operation is facilitated.

  Here, the removal operation of the upper cover body 94 provided on the front side of the door block 4 will be described with reference to the unlocking operation of the locking device 120.

  First, an operation key is inserted into the key cylinder 137 of the locking device 120 and rotated in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction) to release the locked state of the door block 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 (this is referred to as “first unlocking operation”). ”). Then, the door block 4, the surface changing block 5, and the payout block 6 are integrally opened with respect to the outer frame 2, and the state shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. At this time, it is possible to remove the upper cover body 94 from the door block 4 by removing the screw fastening of the screwing portion 109 (see FIG. 3). After the upper cover body 94 is removed, the lamp substrate 107 and the upper speaker 92 are removed. Maintenance is performed. It is not necessary to leave the door block 4 or the like in an open state at the time of this maintenance or the like, and the work can be performed with the door block 4 or the like closed.

  By the way, during maintenance of the reel device 503 or the like, or during inspection of the main control device 505 or the like, the door block 4, the surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are opened and then the door is moved by rotating the operation key. The locked state of the payout block 6 with respect to the block 4 is released (this corresponds to the “second unlocking operation”). Further, the locking members 678 and 679 and the coupling hook members 531 and 532 are operated to release the coupling, thereby separating the surface changing block 5 and the dispensing block 6 (state shown in FIG. 4). In this state, maintenance of the reel device 503 or the like, inspection of the main control device 505 or the like is performed.

  When the maintenance of the lamp substrate 107 and the upper speaker 92 is performed as described above, unlike the maintenance of the reel device 503 and the inspection of the main control device 505, the second unlocking operation and the subsequent surface changing block 5 are performed. And the separation block 6 need not be separated, and the workability such as maintenance is improved.

(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. 51, each electrical component is divided into a door block 4, a surface changing block 5, and a payout block 6. In addition, a supply line of power supplied from the power supply device 604 is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  In FIG. 51, the main control device 505, the display control device 506, and the payout control device 603 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 5, the main controller 505 is connected to the reel device 503 and the external terminal plate 575 via the reel relay substrate 548, and the display control device 506 via the sub relay substrate 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 575 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 575, the game situation (number of games, number of games, etc.) is changed to the hall. 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 (corresponding to the audio lamp relay board 108).

  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 part 3 (door block 4) was open | released with respect to the outer frame 2, This door switch detection signal is input to the main controller 505 via the reel relay board 548.

  In the main controller 505, a part of the RAM is provided with a backup area in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 604 and data can be retained (backup) even after the gaming machine 1 is powered off. 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 payout block 6 is provided with a payout block relay board 702, and the main control device 505 of the surface changing block 5, the payout control device 603 of the main payout block 6, and the pick-up block 6 are connected via the payout block relay board 702. Plug-in unit 16 is connected. In addition, the main controller 505 of the surface changing block 5 and the door block relay board 704 of the door block 4 are connected via a payout 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 payout 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 control device 505, the main control device 505 outputs an acquisition control signal to the acquisition unit 16 via the payout 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 16 is driven, and game balls are taken in sequentially. Detection signals from the game ball take-in detection sensors (sensor unit 370 and downstream take-in sensor 380) at the time of taking in the game balls are also input to the main controller 505 via the payout 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 device 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 payout number via the payout block relay board 702. To 603. As a result, the payout control device 603 drives the payout device 618 (the payout motor 619) to pay out the game ball.

  In the payout control device 603, a part of the RAM retains data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 604 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 603 is connected to a ball rental unit that manages the information display board 514 provided on the front frame 501 of the face change block 5 and the payout of game balls lent out from the ball rental unit. A substrate 698 and the like are connected.

  The power supply device 604 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches, motors, etc., + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, and the like. + 5V power and backup power are supplied to the main controller 505, the payout controller 603, 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 16. 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 up to 4 symbols from the operation timing of the stop switches 35 to 37 so that the combination of the stop symbols in which the small combination 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 618.

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

  When the take-in unit 16 for taking in game balls is housed in the take-in unit housing 141, the operation bar 213 whose rotation in a predetermined direction is restricted by the boss 304 of the take-in unit 16 and is placed at a specific position is displayed. Provided. Further, an insertion hole 657 through which the operation knob 213a of the operation bar 213 is inserted is provided in the dispensing block 6 that is rotated backward when the take-in unit 16 is attached and detached. The insertion hole 657 is formed so that the operation knob 213a is inserted only when the operation bar 213 is at a specific position. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the metal fitting part 134 and the locking piece 674 used when the dispensing block 6 is fixed to the door block 4 is determined in a state where the operation knob 213a is not inserted into the insertion hole 657. Set to disable locking. With the above configuration, in order to fix the dispensing block 6 after maintenance of the take-in unit 16, it is necessary to securely place the take-in unit 16 in the take-in unit accommodating portion 141. Installation can be performed reliably.

  If the take-in unit 16 is not securely attached, ball clogging or the like may occur in the inlet passages 305 to 307 of the take-in devices 301 to 303 constituting the take-in unit 16. On the other hand, as described above, since the attachment unit 16 can be reliably attached, occurrence of such inconvenience can be prevented.

  As described above, the specific position of the operation bar 213 is a position where the rotation in the predetermined direction is restricted by hitting the boss 304. That is, in a state where the take-in unit 16 is housed in the take-in unit housing portion 141, when the operation bar 213 is turned in a predetermined direction, the boss 304 is automatically turned in the predetermined direction to a specific position. Are regulated. Therefore, the operation bar 213 can be easily switched to a specific position when the capture unit 16 is accommodated in the capture unit accommodating portion 141.

  Further, the take-in unit 16 is attached and detached by sliding in the front-rear direction with respect to the take-in unit accommodating portion 141, and the operation bar 213 is attached to the removal side end surface of the take-in unit 16 accommodated in the take-in unit accommodating portion 141. Rotate along. Therefore, if the take-in unit 16 is not accurately accommodated in the take-in unit accommodating portion 141 and is disposed at a position shifted in the removal direction, the rotating plate can be moved even if the operation bar 213 is switched to a specific position. The piece 224 hits the side surface of the take-in unit 16 and cannot be switched. Therefore, the take-in unit 16 can be securely attached.

  The operation bar 213 is formed with the operation knob 213a as described above, and the operation bar 213 can be rotated by manually operating the operation knob 213a. Therefore, the operation | work at the time of the maintenance of the taking-in unit 16 can be performed easily. In this configuration, if the operation bar 213 is not in the specific position (that is, in the non-specific position), the operation knob 213a is not inserted into the insertion hole 657 and the payout block 6 cannot be fixed to the door block 4. That is, the operation knob 213a can be shared as a fixing restricting means for the payout block 6, and the structure can be simplified.

  The rotating plate piece 224 of the operation bar 213 is provided with a through hole 224b. When the operation bar 213 is at a specific position, the head of the screw 149 inserted into the insertion hole 304a of the boss 304 is a through hole. Immerse in 224b. Thereby, when the taking-in unit 16 is accommodated in the taking-in unit accommodating part 141, the operation bar 213 is hold | maintained in the stable state in the specific position. Therefore, it is prevented that the operation bar 213 is switched to the non-specific position against the operator's intention when trying to fix the payout block 6, and the fixing work is facilitated.

  A movable portion 212 is provided to block the flow of game balls supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 of the upper plate 151 in conjunction with the operation bar 213 being switched to a non-specific position. As a result, even if the take-in unit 16 is removed for maintenance or the like in a situation where game balls are stored in the upper plate 151, the game balls stored in the upper plate 151 flow out from the opening 164 of the upper plate 151. Thus, scattering inside the gaming machine 1 can be prevented. Therefore, the work becomes smooth during maintenance of the take-in unit 16 or the like.

  In a state where the operation knob 213a is inserted into the insertion hole 657, the outer wall of the operation knob 213a abuts against the inner wall of the insertion hole 657 even if the operation bar 213 attempts to switch to a non-specific position, and the switching is prevented. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the operation bar 213 in the process of playing a game, the operation bar 213 can be prevented from switching to a non-specific position. That is, the fixing restricting means of the payout block 6 including the operation knob 213a and the insertion hole 657 not only fulfills a function for ensuring the attachment of the intake unit 16 to the intake unit accommodating portion 141, but also performs maintenance. It also has a function of preventing the operation bar 213 from being switched to a non-specific position during normal times when no operation is performed. Note that a case where an external force is applied to the operation bar 213 may be a case where the vibration accompanying the driving of the solenoid 325 provided in the capture devices 301 to 303 is transmitted to the operation bar 213.

  Further, as the operation bar 213 is prevented from being switched to the non-specific position, the movable portion 212 is prevented from moving to the closed position during normal times when maintenance or the like is not performed. Therefore, in the configuration in which the movable portion 212 is provided, it is possible to prevent the movable portion 212 from moving to the closed position in the process of playing a game and preventing the game ball from being taken in. That is, in addition to the above functions, the fixing restricting means also has a function of preventing the movable portion 212 from moving to the closed position during normal times when maintenance or the like is not performed.

  The insertion hole 657 was formed in the base portion 611 of the dispensing block 6 provided with the dispensing device 618. In the gaming machine 1, the payout of the game ball is an important function, and therefore it is difficult to assume that the forgetting to attach the payout block 6 having the above function occurs due to an error after the maintenance of the take-in unit 16. In this circumstance, by providing the insertion block 657 in the dispensing block 6, it is always confirmed whether or not the take-in unit 16 is correctly accommodated in the take-in unit accommodating portion 141 after maintenance of the take-in unit 16. It can be carried out.

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

  (1) In the above embodiment, the operation bar 213 is provided with the operation knob 213a as a convex portion, and the payout block 6 covering the take-in unit 16 is provided with the insertion hole 657 as a concave portion, but this may be changed. . For example, it is good also as a structure which provides a recessed part in the operation bar 213, and provides a convex part in game machine structures, such as the payout block 6. FIG.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the operation bar 213 is provided so as to be rotatable about the shaft portion 221 as a rotation center. However, the operation bar 213 may be provided in a sliding manner.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the operation knob 213a of the operation bar 213 is a protrusion that is inserted into the insertion hole 657. However, the operation bar 213 is formed with a protrusion that is different from the operation knob 213a. It is good also as a structure inserted in the insertion hole 657. FIG. For example, a convex portion extending toward the back side of the gaming machine is formed on the rotating plate piece 224, and the insertion hole 657 is formed at a position facing the convex portion. In this configuration, it is needless to say that the length of the operation knob 213a needs to be smaller than that of the above embodiment so that the operation knob 213a does not contact the payout block 6.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the boss 304 is provided in the take-in unit 16, and the take-in unit 16 is screwed to the door block 4 through the insertion hole 304a formed in the boss 304. It is good also as a structure in which the means is not provided. However, also in this configuration, it is necessary to hold the take-in unit 16 in a stable state in the take-in unit accommodating portion 141. Accordingly, the rotary plate piece 224 of the operation bar 213 is formed larger than that in the above embodiment, and the take-in unit 16 is brought into contact with, for example, the removal-side end surface of the take-in unit 16. It is preferable to restrict movement in the removal direction.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the movable portion 212 that is interlocked with the operation of the operation bar 213 is provided. However, the movable portion 212 may not be provided. In this configuration, since the resistance (for example, frictional resistance) associated with the movement of the movable portion 212 does not occur when the operation bar 213 is rotated, the operation bar 213 is smoothly rotated. In this case, the operation bar 213 is configured to naturally rotate to a position in which the rotating plate piece 224 faces vertically downward by the weight of the rotating plate piece 224 in a state where the operation bar 213 is not manually operated. The moving plate piece 224 is set to a position other than the position in which the moving plate piece 224 faces vertically downward. As a result, the operation bar 213 is prevented from being in a specific position in a state where the take-in unit 16 is removed, and the inconvenience that the take-in unit 16 is not attached due to an operator's error after maintenance or the like is generated. Is prevented.

  (6) If an insertion hole 657 is provided in a gaming machine component that needs to be retracted or removed when the take-in unit 16 is attached or detached, the gaming machine component may not be the payout block 6. For example, in a configuration in which the back side of the take-in unit 16 is covered by a control device such as the payout control device 603, the insertion hole 657 may be formed in the substrate box of the control device. Since the control device has a relatively small physique, it is not necessary to provide the control device in a rotating manner like the dispensing block 6.

  (7) The shape of the operation knob 213a may be different from that of the above embodiment. However, the shape of the operation knob 213a is anisotropic with respect to the rotation direction of the operation bar 213 so that the operation knob 213a is inserted into the insertion hole 657 only when the operation bar 213 is at a specific position. It is necessary to set to have. In the above embodiment, the operation knob 213a has a symmetric shape, but may be formed to have an asymmetric shape. Thereby, even if the rotation range of the operation bar 213 is set to 180 ° or more, the operation knob 213a is not inserted into the insertion hole 657 when the operation bar 213 is rotated 180 ° with respect to the specific position. . The shape of the operation knob 213a in front view when the operation bar 213 is at a specific position does not match the shape of the operation knob 213a in front view when the operation bar 213 is rotated by 180 ° from the specific position. It is.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the insertion hole 657 penetrating in the front-rear direction is provided as a recess into which the operation knob 213a is inserted, but this may be changed. For example, a bottomed insertion hole may be provided as the recess. However, when the operation bar 213 is at a specific position, it is necessary to set the depth of the insertion hole so that the payout block 6 can be fixed to the door block 4.

  (9) The number of the capture devices 301 to 303 constituting the capture unit 16 is not limited to three, and may be two, four, five, or six or more, for example. Moreover, the structure provided with only one taking-in apparatus may be sufficient.

  (10) The operation bar 213 and the movable portion 212 may be interlocked using an electric actuator such as an electric solenoid. For example, when the operation bar 213 switches to the disengaged state, the movable part 212 moves to the closed position as the electric solenoid is excited and the plunger of the electric solenoid protrudes, and the operation bar 213 is engaged. When switching to a state, the structure which the movable part 212 moves to an open position with excitation of an electric solenoid being stopped and a plunger retracting can be considered.

  (11) The number of games balls inserted per bet (predetermined number), the maximum number of games inserted, the number of payouts, etc. of the game balls 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 the game machine main part and its opening / closing operation | movement. It is the perspective view which looked at the door block from back. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the main structures of a door block. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the main structures of a door block. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows a front door body and an inner frame. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows a front door body and an inner frame. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows an upper cover part in a door block. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows an intake unit in a door block. It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structure of a locking device. It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structure of a locking device. It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structure of a locking device. It is a perspective view of an upper plate unit. (A) is the top view seen from the upper part of the upper plate unit, (b) is the top view seen from the lower part of the upper plate unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of an upper plate unit. It is a perspective view of an upper plate. It is a top view of an upper plate. It is a perspective view which shows an upper plate and the cover member provided in this 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 of a ball stopper. It is a top view which shows the structure of a ball stopper. It is a rear view which shows the state with which the intake unit was mounted | worn under the upper plate, and the state isolate | separated from the back side. 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 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 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 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 reel apparatus. It is a perspective view of a payout block. It is a perspective view of a payout block. It is a rear view of a payout block. It is a perspective view which isolate | separates and shows a delivery apparatus etc. from a delivery block. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed control devices from the payout block. It is a rear view which shows the state which removed control devices from the payout block. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows a state in case an operation bar exists in a specific position, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows a state in case an operation bar exists in a non-specific position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a metal fitting part and a locking piece. 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 as a front body of a game machine, 5 ... Change-over block, 6 ... Dispensing block as game machine structure, 11 ... Front door body, 12 ... Inner frame, 16 ... Take-in unit, 21 ... visual window, 33 ... start lever as start operation means, 35-37 ... stop switch as stop operation means, 92 ... upper speaker, 94 ... upper cover body, 107 ... lamp substrate, 120 ... lock Locking device as a mechanism, 134... Bracket part as a lock part, 141... Take-in unit accommodating part as an attachment part, 149... Screw constituting a fixing means, 151. ,... 164... Opening as a ball outlet, 212. Movable part as opening and closing means, 213. Operation bar as moving means, 213 a. 221... Shaft portion, 224... Rotating plate piece as non-engaging piece, 301 to 303... Take-in device, 304... Boss as stationary portion, 304 a. 307 ... Inlet passage constituting the take-in passage, 315 ... take-in passage, 320 ... take-in gate member as ball stop member, 325 ... solenoid as drive means, 370 ... sensor unit as ball detection means, 501 ... front surface Frame, 503: Reel device as a picture display device, 504 ... Liquid crystal display device, 505 ... Main control device, 506 ... Display control device, 601 ... Back cover member as base body, 618 ... Dispensing device, 657 ... Fixing restricting means Through-holes, 674... Locking pieces as lock receiving portions.

Claims (1)

A ball tray that is provided in the front part of the gaming machine and stores game balls;
A take-in device for taking in game balls flowing out from the ball outlet of the ball receiving tray,
The take-in device is detachable with respect to the attachment portion, and it is possible to take in the game ball from the ball outlet by being arranged at the attachment position in the attachment portion.
In a gaming machine in which the start of a game is allowed when a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device,
A moving means capable of moving within a range including a specific position;
A gaming machine, comprising: a stationary portion that is provided in the capture device and places the moving means at the specific position in a state where the capture device is disposed at the attachment position.

Images